Another perspective on death
Death makes people uncomfortable.
We went to a memorial service Saturday. Very touching. Hearbreaking.
As often as death occurs, we never feel at home with it. Anyway, I don't. It is so final...so sudden..so mysterious.
In my previous blog I said I didn't like that lives are cut short. Yet, I said, there is life after death.
Yes, there is.
There is a place called heaven. I know there is, without a doubt. I used to think when we arrived there we would sit on clouds and play harps...forever. I thought - Boring! I couldn't imagine sitting on a cloud for eternity.
However, that was before I knew anything about heaven. God's Word describes it in the book of Revelation, the twenty-first chapter. Heaven is beautiful! It is marvelous! It is a city...with gates made of pearl and streets made of gold.It's foundation is laid in precious stones. Wow. There are millions of people there -angels singing and praising God! God's very presence lights it up. There will be no more night and no more sorrow, pain or suffering.
There are mansions there. I've got friends and family there. The more time marches on, the more people I know who are in heaven.
Imagine the huge reunion there will be over there.
I am reminded of times that were so wonderful I didn't want them to end. In heaven, wonderful times will be forever.
The best of times we have had here, will be even better, there.
There is everything to look forward to in heaven.
Who wouldn't want to go?
'One thing for certain...it is possible to know that's where we're going.
The Bible says, you must be born again in order to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).
It is true. It is what the Bible says.
'No one comes to the Father except through Me,'(John6:65) "He that believes in me hath everlasting life (John 6:47). However, just because we don't witness a person coming to the Father doesn't mean it hasn't happened.
One day my Uncle Pat was workinng in his yard and suffered a heart attack. While he waited for the ambulance, he faded in and out of consciousness. At one point he looked at my Aunt Mary and said, "It is so beautiful Momma. You should see it... it is so beautiful." Then he died.
This happened years ago, when I was a young Christian. I was certain you had to answer an altar call to be saved. You had to be in the right church and do the right things. My Uncle Pat wasn't a regular church goer. The church he belonged to didn't teach salvation. Yet, I know he is in heaven. I have no doubt.
God uses altar calls. I've prayed with many people who have gone forward during an altar call. Yes, it is important to be in a church where salvation is taught and God's Word is brought forth.
Yet, I know God reaches people where they are. There are people who give their hearts to Jesus, while watching a TV program. Jesse Duplatnis gave his life to Jesus watching Billy Graham. Others are alone, desparate when they call out to Him. I was one of the 'alone'.
A Catholic priest answered my questions about the meaning/ purpose of this life and asked if I had given my life to Jesus. When I said I hadn't, he said that was what I needed to do. I remember going home, a nineteen year old with a broken heart, lying on my bed and crying to Jesus. My prayer - 'Take my life Jesus and live in me. Change my life. I give it to You.' I felt a peace I had never known. My life has never been the same.
I know one thing....God is in the business of saving lives. He sent His Son Jesus and He paid the ultimate price by dying for our sins. God uses extreme measures to seek and save the lost (those without hope). He goes the extra mile to reach people, so they will experience eternal life.
Even to that last breath, I know He calls.
I believe right before death, many respond. Yes, I believe.
PS Why gamble and take the chance...Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He is the ticket to heaven - paid in full...eternity guaranteed!
Ah....for heavenly days!
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