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How to Know for Sure You’ll Live in Heaven

June 15, 2015 by

I’ve been going to way too many funerals lately. And terrifyingly the friends who’ve passed away are getting closer and closer to my age. I know, strange.

So I think about that subject more now than when I was say 20. Maybe has something to do with feeling like I’m on runaway skis heading for the trees and I can’t slow down.  And yes there is a story there but not today.

 

Photo Credit: Tony Fischer

Photo Credit: Tony Fischer

 

Anyway, I think most of us, when we’re quiet enough, think sometimes about what happens beyond this life. I mean I think you’d be crazy if you didn’t.

And I think we’d all like some sense of assurance about Heaven and if we’re going to live there.

Yet, we all deal with that issue in different ways don’t we?

Sometimes it’s easier to just fill life up so we never stop long enough to think about it. First thing in the morning check emails. Listen to the radio or podcasts while commuting. Busy at work all day. Immerse in TV at home. Non-stop weekends.

Yikes, no wonder we have more time saving devices today yet feel more stressed than any previous generation.
But I don’t think the gnawing ever completely goes away.

 

So what if we really could feel assured of Heaven? What difference would it make?

 

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Filed Under: Happiness, Heaven Tagged With: ,

How to Overcome Doubts to be Sure of Heaven

May 21, 2015 by

When I first entered into a relationship with God my life radically changed. It felt new, positive, uplifting. I looked forward to the adventure of this life and the one to come.

Yet, by the time I’d finished seminary it’d gone south. Sounds strange I know, but I was filled with doubts and worries. My spiritual life had become a nightmare.

 

Photo Credit: Tommy Clark

Photo Credit: Tommy Clark

 

One incident epitomizes this.

While having lunch with another student one afternoon, I asked him, “So do you believe a person can lose his salvation?”

“Absolutely,” he responded. “If he sins and hasn’t asked for forgiveness he would lose it.”

“Really,” I asked. “So let’s say I’m driving home after classes and a hot looking girl is walking down the sidewalk wearing a tight miniskirt and I have just the smallest lustful thought about her.”

I know you’re shocked thinking that could never possibly happen to someone in seminary.

“So I’m distracted, run a red light and get broadsided killing me instantly. Am I going to Heaven?”

“Nope.”

Yikes, no wonder I felt depressed and frankly couldn’t wait to graduate.

 

I felt trapped. I couldn’t go back to my old way of life and I was suffocating in the new.

 

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Filed Under: Happiness, Heaven Tagged With: ,

Seizing the Moment

April 16, 2015 by

Number 47 in the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” The miracles and promises of Jesus that show us the awesome blessings we can experience each day. I hope it encourages you!

 

When I first committed my life to God and entered into that incredible relationship it radically transformed my life. So much that I wanted to share my joy with those I cared about.

I had literally gone from darkness to light. From anxiety to peace, emptiness to fullness, loneliness to love. I thought everyone would rejoice in my new discovery.

Yet, I found resistance and excuses often.  Annoyingly, the same exact excuses I’d once used.

 

Photo Credit: Sandeepachetan

Photo Credit: Sandeepachetan

 

One friend said, “Well it sounds nice for you but it’s just not for me.”

Another said, “You know, maybe later. I’m just not done really living quite yet.”

Another asked, “Well, what about those people in Africa who haven’t heard of Jesus? I don’t think I could believe in a God who’d condemn them.”

I felt frustrated because what was so life changing to me was met by some with indifference or even criticism.

And I felt somehow responsible for the eternity of those who’d rejected what I said. That was a heavy load.

 

Frankly, I don’t want to be in charge of the universe, thank you very much.

 

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Filed Under: Abundance, Heaven Tagged With: ,

Looking Forward to the Best That’s Yet to Come

February 10, 2015 by

Number 29 in the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” Stories and promises of the awesome blessings God gives us each day. I hope it encourages you today!

 

Recently a long time friend sent out a group email with a poem about how fast life goes by. Not sure I’m really thankful for  that reminder.

 

Photo Credit: Peter Kurdulija

Photo Credit: Peter Kurdulija

 

When we were in high school life stretched out forever. Yet, now in the blink of an eye many of our friends are retired.

The endless days of raising kids somehow turned into having grand kids for many.

Most of us have lost parents and some siblings and friends.

And I stop and wonder sometimes, “Where did the time go? How did it go by so quickly?”

I find we all deal with it in a variety of ways.

Some speed up activities. If they just stay busy enough they avoid thinking about it.

Others seem to deny it hoping it’ll all go away, I guess.

 

Yet, for all of us when we lose another loved one we stand face to face with our own mortality and how brief this life really is.

 

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Filed Under: Happiness, Heaven Tagged With: ,

Sunday Music: “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe

August 3, 2014 by

A beautiful song.

One that brings tears to my eyes as I look forward to seeing again those I love who are waiting for me on the other side.

I hope it brings comfort to you on your Sunday.

 

Do you have a favorite music video?

 

Filed Under: Music Tagged With: ,