Posts Tagged ‘heaven’

Thanksgiving Day Thoughts

Monday, October 10th, 2011

A thankful heart is a big deal to God. If it matters so much to Him, then it ought to matter to us.

Colossians 3:15-17 says, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving, and our thoughts automatically turn to giving thanks for the abundance that God has given us throughout the past year. It’s easy to do so when the past year has brimmed with financial prosperity, strong relationships, and good health. It’s not so easy when the past 365 days have been wracked with sickness and loss. But according to these verses, God’s command to be thankful makes no differentiation.

Sometimes we express thanksgiving with a joyful heart; sometimes we do it through clenched teeth. Bottom line…we do it because God says so, not because we feel like it.  And God blesses obedience. He knows that giving thanks in everything (not necessarily for everything) changes our perspective.

What are you thankful for today? Take a few moments to ponder. Make a list. Here’s a starter, based on what I’m thankful for (in no particular order):

  • Vision to enjoy the beauty of nature
  • The ability to hear music and children’s giggles
  • Daily food
  • Clean water
  • Medical care available in our country
  • Physical mobility
  • A husband who is faithful to me
  • My children and their spouses
  • My grandchildren
  • The knowledge that God is with me as I grow older each year
  • Our home – a dry, safe, warm place
  • Friends who encourage and challenge me
  • Religious freedom
  • The Word of God
  • The joy/privilege of being in career ministry
  • Seeing answers to prayer
  • God’s financial provision
  • The promise of heaven

How does your list compare? I’d love to see it. And I’ve love to hear how giving thanks when you didn’t feel like it impacted your perspective.

May your day be filled with songs of thanks!

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Where is Hope Found?

Monday, June 13th, 2011

This week I’ll visit a childhood friend who’s in hospice after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. She underwent a bone marrow transplant this spring. On day 100, the doctors told her that the transplant won over the leukemia. That was the good news. The bad news was that another form of cancer—this one untreatable—had invaded her bone marrow. Her family met and discussed the options. Together they decided it was time for her to rest, and for them to spend as much time together as possible as her journey draws to a close.

When I learned of her situation, I felt an inexpressible sadness on her behalf. We’re the same age. Our kids are the same age, too. And we both have grandbabies. Frankly, I cannot fathom how she must feel saying goodbye to those she loves.

I spoke with her by phone last week. Though her voice was weak and her words somewhat slurred, she said, “I have peace.”

How can my girlfriend make this statement in the midst of such difficult circumstances? Because she knows God’s promises. Psalm 119:49,50 say, “Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.”

As my girlfriend prepares to take up residence in heaven, I imagine that the promise found in John 14:1-3 gives her great comfort:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am.”

I’m wrestling with my friend’s situation. When sadness overwhelms me, I turn to God’s promise of eternal life, and I find hope. His promise revives me and gives me comfort.

What promise gives you hope and revives you in the midst of trouble?

Photo courtesy: www.christianphotos.net

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My Secret to Inner Peace

Monday, May 30th, 2011

John 14:1 says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me.” Verse 27 says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

The command is clear—don’t let my heart be troubled or afraid. Okay. I get that. But how is that possible when the news is full of reports about floods and tornadoes and wild fires? Closer to home, how can I experience peace after learning that a lifelong friend is being moved into palliative care as her valiant fight with cancer draws to a close?

Last week was a tough one. A profound grief filled me upon hearing of my girlfriend’s situation. A physical heaviness settled into my chest and my tears flowed. I had three major speaking engagements, and I honestly wondered how I’d get through them without crying.

My friend and I are the same age. We attended the same Sunday school and mid-week girls’ club while growing up. We shared secrets. Laughed together. Graduated from high school together. I was maid of honor at her wedding. Now she’s saying goodbye to her husband, her kids, and her grandbabies while I’m free to linger here and enjoy mine. It feels unfair that our lives have taken such different paths. And why, though her husband has soaked his pillow with his tears while pleading for God to heal his best friend, has God said no?

I know what a troubled heart feels like. Thankfully I also know what it feels like for peace to overrule. How did I come to experience this peace in the midst of grief?

Here’s my secret: I’ve chosen to do what John 14:1 says—to actively trust God in this situation. He has promised eternal life to all who place their saving faith in Him. My friend did this as a child, therefore, she’s guaranteed a home in heaven. In a short time, she’ll take up residence there. Her suffering will end. And best of all, she’ll meet Jesus face to face.

If I allow my thoughts to linger on what seems to be unjust, and if I focus only on the pain that my friend and her family are experiencing right now, then my heart will indeed remain troubled. But Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me.” And so I choose to trust, even when I don’t like what’s happening.

How about you? What do you do to find peace when your heart’s troubled?

Photo courtesy of www.christianphotos.net

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More Than Fire Insurance

Friday, November 26th, 2010

I’ve heard some people label salvation as “fire insurance.” They pray the sinner’s prayer, receive their spiritual ticket into heaven, and think that’s the end of the story. Nothing’s further from the truth.

Placing one’s trust in Jesus for salvation is only the beginning. It’s simply saying yes to accepting God’s free gift of eternal life. But then we need to do something with that gift—something more than setting it on a shelf to retrieve when death comes knocking. We need to explore, experience, and enjoy the gift.

1 Peter 2:2 refers to craving “pure spiritual milk so that we will grow into a full experience of salvation.” According to this verse, salvation is more than just the moment when we embrace forgiveness made possible through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Salvation is an experience that lasts a lifetime. And we determine how rich that experience will be.

What are some of the factors determining the outcome?

  • Whether or not we read and study God’s Word
  • Whether or not we obey God’s Word
  • Whether or not we spend time fellowshipping with other believers who are passionate about their relationship with Jesus
  • Whether or not we’re regularly sharing God’s love with those who don’t yet know Him

 

Without a doubt, there are more factors than these I’ve listed. The point is, salvation is more than a one-time deal snatching us from the fire. It’s an experience marked by spiritual growth. It’s a journey that leads us into an ever-deepening understanding of God’s character and purposes. It’s full. It’s sweet. And it’s one to be desired and pursued with all our hearts.

Personally, one of the things I appreciate most about my experience of salvation is discovering how God wants to speak to me through Scripture. I love, love, love meeting with Him early each morning to read His words and journal what He says. Granted, it takes discipline, but getting out of bed is no longer a hardship. Now it’s a joy, knowing that He’s waiting to meet with me on the loveseat, in the quiet of my little living room.

By what means are you growing into a full experience of salvation?

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Because You Prayed

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

I hope to have a heart-to-heart with God when I reach heaven because I have a few questions that need answers. Here’s one: What difference does prayer make if You rule over everything and have established purposes for our lives from before creation?

I wrestle with this question occasionally. How can my measly petitions change the outcome of a particular situation if God already knows its ending? Why does God tell me to pray without ceasing, to pour out my heart to Him, to bring all my requests to Him when He holds the script? This is a mystery to me. And yet, I know that prayer changes things.

King Hezekiah knew it, too. That’s why he continually sought God’s help. When an enemy king sent him a threatening letter, he didn’t waste time wringing his hands in worry. Rather, he spread the letter before the Lord and prayed. And God answered. Immediately afterwards, Isaiah sent a message to Hezekiah saying, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says, “Because you prayed about King Sennacherib of Assyria, the LORD has spoken this word against him…” (Isaiah 37:21). Then came a promise of the enemy’s defeat.

What might have happened if Hezekiah had tried to fight the enemy without God’s help? Or what might have transpired if he’d thrown up his hands in despair and waved the white flag of surrender? Or what if he’d succumbed to fear and gone into hiding? Only God knows. But this one thing we know – Hezekiah prayed, and his prayer played a role in history.

Because you prayed…three words that can change everything.

How do those three words apply to us today? Here’s an example….

Cancer claimed the life of a friend last Friday. She was only 47. She leaves behind a grieving husband and two young children. People prayed, and prayed, and prayed for her healing but their prayers appeared unanswered. At least through our limited perspective.

And yet, when I read her blog written as she processed thoughts of dying and preparing for eternity, I see God’s presence with her. I see how He carried her through months of treatment and failing health. I see how He helped her learn to trust Him implicitly and come to a place of rest. When she died on Friday morning, she left this world wearing a smile. How might the past three years have been different for her if people hadn’t prayed on her behalf? She might have died an angry, bitter woman.

Because you prayed…three words that can change everything. No matter what you’re facing today, know that prayer works. Give God the honor He’s due as Hezekiah did, and then bare your heart to Him. Share your concerns with Him. Tell Him what’s causing you pain or driving you mad. And trust Him to move on your behalf.  

How have you seen the truth behind these three words played out in your life?

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No More Tears

Friday, September 17th, 2010

This week I heard a sad story about a family whose 14-year-old boy is dying. He’s been hospitalized in a facility that’s 10 hours’ drive from his home. Sadly, the cost of his medical bills has surpassed insurance coverage and necessitated his father staying at home to work. As the end of the teen’s life draws near, his dad has raced across two states to be with him.

I can’t begin to imagine the pain in that parent’s heart. Thankfully God can, and He’s done something about it.

Isaiah 25:6-8 says, “In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears.”

At the expense of sounding morose, the shadow of death is a fact of life. Sooner or later it impacts every single person on the face of this earth. And when it does, we experience a myriad of emotions – denial, grief, anger and the sense of being abandoned by a loved one. Sometimes we feel as though we’ve died inside and can’t imagine surviving without that friend or family member. And yet there’s hope.

True to His word, God has swallowed up death forever. Jesus has conquered death once for all. The enemy has been defeated! The promise of eternal life brings hope in the midst of sorrow to those who place their saving faith in Jesus Christ. God Himself has stooped down to meet us in our pain, and He gently wipes the tears from our cheeks.

As far as I know, the 14-year-old is a Jesus follower. His physical life will soon be over, but he’s about to see the promise of eternal life in heaven fulfilled. No more sickness. No more pain. No more wishing it was finally over. His tears will be forever gone as he dances at the feet of Jesus.

The teen will celebrate, and his family will mourn their loss. My heart aches for them, but this I know – God will wipe away their tears, too. He’ll send comfort in amazing ways through a phone call from a friend, through a song, through a spoken word. He’ll reach down and speak peace in the night when sleep fails. He’ll keep the memory of their son alive in their hearts. And someday He’ll orchestrate a family reunion that surpasses our wildest imagination.

“The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears.” What an amazing promise for those who love Him. How have you seen this prove true in your own life?

BTW, Marilyn Heavilin wrote a book titled Roses in December. She knows what losing a child is like — she’s experienced it three times. Her book is a wonderful resource for parents traveling that road. Check out her website: www.marilynheavilin.com.

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God is Doing Good Things in Romania – Part 1

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Our internet access disappeared on Tuesday, July 6, so I’ve been unable to post updates from camp. But today’s Sunday and I have wireless for a few minutes so here goes! I wrote this piece on Wednesday, July 7th. More to come! I cannot post a picture of this young man nor reveal his name for privacy reasons.

Today I witnessed a young man transform.

Yesterday he wouldn’t talk. He was obviously happy to be here but he communicated only by pointing at things or motioning with his hands. I began to see his personality emerge during the afternoon worship service. At first he only listened to the songs. Before long, he began clapping in perfect rhythm. That seemed like major progress but the best was yet to come.

Later, after yet another card game with Gene and me, he asked – in Romanian – “How are you?” I was amazed to hear him speak but even more surprised when he repeated the phrase in French, English and Spanish. Then he threw in another sentence: “What is your name?” Again he spoke in four languages. I threw in a couple of English phrases to see what he’d do with them, and he instantly repeated me like a parrot with perfect articulation. Then I asked him if he had brothers and sisters. He couldn’t understand me when I asked him in English, so I repeated my question using my limited French. He immediately knew what I said and answered. From communicating with him only in hand gestures to speaking simple phrases in four languages overnight nearly blew me away.

This young man placed his saving faith in Jesus today. After a prayer time, I made him a bracelet with five colored beads: black, red, white, green and gold. Each color represented a part of God’s plan for salvation. One of our career missionaries translated the meaning of each bead to him. The young fellow responded with a wide grin. Then he pointed at the sky, put his hands together to indicate prayer and put his hand over his heart. Later he touched the elastic bracelet band, motioned as though cutting it with scissors and then shook his head to indicate that he would never do such a thing. Imagine the party in heaven today!

This little guy – I say little because he was small in stature – is 20 years old. Only God knows the pain he’s endured in his lifetime. He’s new to our staff, having been referred to them a couple of weeks ago by someone acquainted with their ministry. They’ve not had opportunity to get to know him yet. He has major problems with his spine and nearly all his upper teeth have fallen out. He’s a gypsy, and that alone brings multiple struggles associated with alcoholism, discrimination and poverty.

On our first day of camp, the kids painted small wooden boxes. He was the first to paint his. When finished, he left it on the table and walked away. The next day I handed it to him and tried to explain that it was his to keep. After two unsuccessful attempts, I asked a Romanian to translate for me. The boy looked confused even when hearing the explanation in his own language. Suddenly his entire face lit up. He pointed at the box and then at himself as if to ask, “For me? This is for me?” The translator and I nodded. He broke into a huge toothless grin, clutched the box and took it to his room for safe keeping. That box cost $1.25 at the Dollar Store, but it might well have been a treasure box made of gold and inlaid with jewels.

Our career staff will get to know this fellow better over time and his personal story will slowly emerge. He is only one of tens of thousands of such young people. And we have the privilege of spending several concentrated days with 18 of them. These are young people of whom the world is not worthy. They face huge challenges but they do so with courage. They inspire me to do the same with problems that pale in comparison to theirs. To stand and sing praise and worship choruses with them for 30 or 40 minutes is to catch a glimpse of heaven. The guitarist from the worship team had to leave camp for a day due to his work schedule, so that meant singing acappella. No problem. Believers and non-believers alike raised the rafters.

These kids have won my heart. I wish I could take them all home with me.

NOTE: For this week, I’ll post everyday rather than just Monday, Wed. and Friday. Join me!

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Heaven — More Than Wishful Thinking

Friday, August 28th, 2009

My father-in-law’s death last month naturally caused sorrow because we’ll miss his presence in our lives. Despite the grief, however, I’ve experienced an undeniable peace and even a sense of celebration. This man, age 90, lived a good life and was ready to take up residence in heaven – a promise fulfilled because he’d placed his saving faith in Jesus Christ. Earthly pain and struggles are behind him, and without doubt, he’s now with his Savior.

His passing reminded me of my father’s death a year ago. As his body slowly shut down, he whispered precious words to my mother. They were words that brought comfort in our loss, words that brought hope, peace, and that same sense of celebration. “It’s so beautiful there,” he gasped. “I see Jesus.” (more…)

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Journal Entry for July 12

Monday, July 13th, 2009
Roma (gypsy) church in Lunik IX

Roma (gypsy) church in Lunik IX

We woke in Kosice, Slovakia this morning. Had breakfast with IM missionaries Brad and Karla Thiessen – enjoyed their company as always – and then Brad took us to Lunik IX. This is the name of the largest gypsy ghetto in Eastern Europe. We visited there in September 2007, when I had the privilege of interviewing the pastor for a Power for Living article.

Lunik IX is a collection of perhaps a half dozen Communist-era apartment blocks, housing approximately six or seven thousand people. Windows are smashed out, garbage is heaped anywhere anyone feels like throwing it. There isn’t a single playground toy to be seen. The ground is parched. And yet, there stands a little church. Surrounded by two chicken-wire fences to prevent vandalism, it invites those who are spiritually thirsty to come, drink, and be filled.

This morning a group of 35-40 believers met to worship. The pastor, himself a converted gypsy, is a songwriter who has recorded his music digitally. He pressed a button and the first song began. I wish you could have heard the congregation sing! And wow – do they have a sense of rhythm!

The pastor and his wife

The pastor and his wife

Each time I have an opportunity to worship with believers of other races and languages, I catch a wee glimpse of heaven. Someday people from every tongue and tribe and skin color will stand before God and worship Him in song. And for these brothers and sisters in the gypsy ghetto, and for the Romanian young adults infected with HIV/AIDS discrimination will no longer exist. They are the poor, crying out for justice on earth, questioning why God put them on earth if only to suffer. And yet someday, they will reign with Jesus in His heavenly kingdom. Surely they have a hope.

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Not a Cheapskate

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

“Cheapskate: a stingy, miserly person.”

If a cheapskate is a stingy person, then a cheapskate King David was not…especially when it came to spiritual matters.

The prophet Gad had told him to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (2 Samuel 24:18-24). So off he went, eager to obey. When David and his men arrived at the appointed site and told Araunah why he’d come, the Jebusite told him to use the threshing floor as he wished. Then he offered oxen for the offering, wooden yokes for the fire, and threshing tools. “I will give it all to you, and may the Lord your God accept your sacrifice,” said Araunah.

Most people would say, “Wow – thanks for the sweet deal!” But David wasn’t like most people. Rather than jumping at the opportunity to save a few shekels, he turned the freebie down. “No, I insist on buying it, for I cannot present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.” David then paid him 50 pieces of silver for the floor and the oxen.

I applaud David for his stance. It helps me understand that my relationship with God carries a personal cost, and I should be more than happy to pay it. After all, God was no cheapskate when He paid the price for my salvation with the life of His Son. Shame on me if I’m a cheapskate in how I live out that salvation.

Being a follower of Christ carries a cost. It might mean giving up a spare evening to invest time in the lives of hurting people. It may require dipping into a savings account to go on or to send someone on a short-term ministry trip. It might mean risking a reputation to publically defend a righteous cause, or be inconvenienced by practicing hospitality in the midst of a frantic schedule.

Being a Christ-follower means more than hoping for a free ride to heaven. It’s about recognizing and appreciating what our salvation cost God, and being willing to pay whatever cost is necessary to show our love to Him in return. May the term cheapskate never apply to us in spiritual matters, or otherwise.

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