There's a reason you and I encounter sharks at sea and sharks on land--our world does not run the way it was intended. This is a fallen planet inhabited by fallen beings...we're on our way to the Promised Land where we'll spend eternity with our King and Father. But today we're still in the wilderness, marching toward home.

It's good to remember that in God's perfect paradise, all are equally welcomed and equally loved.

There are 306 biblical verses which contain specific references to an angel or angels. 210 times a singular angel is mentioned; 96 times angels are found together. Surveying the Bible, here's the angelic ministry promised to us by the word of God. When you need such help and hope, claim one of these facts as your own.

When Ronald Reagan was running for Governor of California, a woman confronted him by his car one day and berated him severely. Finally she said, "I wouldn't vote for you if you were St. Peter." He smiled and replied, "No problem. If I were St. Peter, you wouldn't be living in my district." What do we know about "St. Peter's district"? We're all fascinated with the subject of heaven. We hope our loved ones who have died are there. We want to spend eternity there ourselves. So let's learn from God's word about his home.

As we continue the Lenten season's remembrance of Jesus' death and resurrection, let's think this week about what his sacrifice has done for us in eternity. Jesus promised the thief on the cross, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). What was "paradise" like for that convicted felon? What will it be like for you and me? Why does it all matter today?