"Taking a Breath of Life"

"When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." (Psalms 73:16-17) Most commentators have 15-17 all grouped together; I guess it makes sense that way, but since when have I ever made sense? I have no doubt we have entered into the last days, so it is really just a matter of time before the Lord is coming back now; there really is not anymore that we can do to for this world to be ready, except maybe a few more people getting saved! I was thinking about the 144,000 Jews that spread the Gospel during the Tribulation, and was wondering where are they now, and if they yet believe that Jesus really was the Messiah. One thing I know for sure, they are not part of the Watchtower Tract Society, held up in the printing rooms, or handing out books in from of the Post Office. No, these will be very special Jews; twelve thousand from each of the twelve Tribes of Israel; and they are somehow all still virgins! Imagine that happening in this day and age. Not quite sure how, but God will awaken them all at once with His word. That is pretty much how it works, it is the Word of God that brings life and truth into the unbeliever; and it is the Word of God that makes us grow! If you are not in the Word, then you are in the world! It is really that simple! Dr. Chuck said something the other day about a reference to Revelation 8:6-13, and those that "dwell on the earth." His statement was something to the fact that those who "dwell on the earth" are those who are "The Earth Dwellers." In other words, they have the earth as their home, unlike we who have heaven as our home; they choose to make this earth their dwelling place. The point of what I am saying, is how God showed me this portion of Scripture playing out; and how this world can really suck the life right out of us; but how getting back to God, His Word, and His people, can cause us to start breathing in life again. When we put our hearts towards God, we begin to really see what truly matters, and we begin to see the abundant life that we have been given. Our abundant life is not based upon the properties of the world; it's not even based upon the properties of this life; it's based upon a New Life in Christ, a life that is eternal, and a life that is outside of this domain. It's a life that is bigger than you could ever dream of, and richer than you could ever imagine! Imagine the most splendid pictures you have ever seen of the universe, and you still have not scratched the surface! Eternal life is really really big...
"Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil -the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness towards us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7) NLT