If you read my last post, you know that we lost my Dad last Thursday. He passed only 69 days after Mom.
It's only been 5 days, but it's been an interesting 5 days to say the least. I've had a few times of overwhelming grief and crying, and then I've had a some great times of laughter remembering some of the silly things that Pop did, that were almost his trademark. My Dad was one of a kind, no doubt about it, I've never known anyone like him and probably never will. Boy, was I ever blessed to have this man as my guiding light for so many of my formative years.
Mom and Dad at Dad's surprise 60th birthday party~
The grieving process is different for all of us. While I was sad for a brief time, now I am deliriously happy knowing that my Dad is home and joyous gain. He's healthy and whole again and has two brand new eyes. All of his aches and pains are gone. His numbness from his diabetic neuropathy is no where to be found. He's singing in the Heavenly Choir. His earthly shell is gone, but his soul is rejoicing in Heaven while he is sitting at the feet of Jesus!
Many of you may be thinking at this point, how in the world can she possibly be happy after her Dad passed away not even a week ago? There is one big reason for that, and that's all. I am happy and peaceful because I know exactly where my Dad is. I'm not worried about whether he was good enough or did enough nice things for other people, because that has nothing to do with where he spends eternity and where he is right now. Those are superficial things made up by legalistic man and our need to try to control our eternal destiny. I am not a religious person and my Dad did not have a religious bone in his body. Praise the Lord!
I know that my Dad knew Jesus Christ as his Savior and accepted Him and His gift of Salvation years ago. I know that he is with Jesus right now. That is one of God's promises. If you accept His son and His gift of Salvation, you will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. And that is where Dad is right now - there is absolutely NO doubt in my mind whatsoever.
God's Word is full of His Promises~ Pick up your Bible and read!
Where you spend eternity has nothing to do with how good you are, or how nice you are or how you treat other people, although those things are all Fruits of the Spirit, and you will receive them when you accept Jesus as your Savior. Once you are saved, Jesus changes your heart and your life forever.
The religions of the world force their members to follows many rules, teaching them that their salvation depends on them abiding by the rules set before them by their church. They might not go to Heaven, if they don't measure up by doing a thousand different things they are told to do. Hogwash I say!!!
Jesus is not about religion. Jesus wants to commune with you. God formed you in your mother's womb, and He wants to have an intimate and personal relationship with you. Psalm 139:14 says "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." He knows every hair on your head, every thought in your mind, every concern you ever had, past, present and future! Luke 12:7 says "Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Having a Relationship with Jesus Christ is NOT Religion!
You CAN'T earn your way into Heaven. Your soul was bought with a price. Your soul and eternal destiny were bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. He came to this earth to die for you and me and all of our sins. It's that simple. NOTHING you can do, can ever change that. NOTHING you can do, can ever better that, because it has NOTHING to do with you! It has everything to do with Jesus! Ephesians 2:8 tells us very clearly: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Are you listening? We are saved by God's Grace. It has nothing to do with you or anything you ever do or don't do. Aside from accepting Jesus and his gift of Salvation, there is nothing you can ever do to earn a place in Heaven. And really, when you think about it doesn't that make perfect sense? Why would any of us ever think we could do anything to improve upon God's perfect gift of his son, Jesus Christ and His plan of Salvation. Do we actually think we could ever do anything that could make that perfect gift of God's grace any better?
So, if you're looking for a Valentine this year, make Jesus Christ your Valentine! Invite Him into your life. Confess your sins, turn from your former life and He will give you a brand new life in Him. He will be your forever Valentine and He will never leave your side until you take your last breath to go home to be with Him in eternity. Now, that is Blessed Assurance! Matthew 28:20 says "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
It's only been 5 days, but it's been an interesting 5 days to say the least. I've had a few times of overwhelming grief and crying, and then I've had a some great times of laughter remembering some of the silly things that Pop did, that were almost his trademark. My Dad was one of a kind, no doubt about it, I've never known anyone like him and probably never will. Boy, was I ever blessed to have this man as my guiding light for so many of my formative years.
The grieving process is different for all of us. While I was sad for a brief time, now I am deliriously happy knowing that my Dad is home and joyous gain. He's healthy and whole again and has two brand new eyes. All of his aches and pains are gone. His numbness from his diabetic neuropathy is no where to be found. He's singing in the Heavenly Choir. His earthly shell is gone, but his soul is rejoicing in Heaven while he is sitting at the feet of Jesus!
Many of you may be thinking at this point, how in the world can she possibly be happy after her Dad passed away not even a week ago? There is one big reason for that, and that's all. I am happy and peaceful because I know exactly where my Dad is. I'm not worried about whether he was good enough or did enough nice things for other people, because that has nothing to do with where he spends eternity and where he is right now. Those are superficial things made up by legalistic man and our need to try to control our eternal destiny. I am not a religious person and my Dad did not have a religious bone in his body. Praise the Lord!
I know that my Dad knew Jesus Christ as his Savior and accepted Him and His gift of Salvation years ago. I know that he is with Jesus right now. That is one of God's promises. If you accept His son and His gift of Salvation, you will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. And that is where Dad is right now - there is absolutely NO doubt in my mind whatsoever.
Where you spend eternity has nothing to do with how good you are, or how nice you are or how you treat other people, although those things are all Fruits of the Spirit, and you will receive them when you accept Jesus as your Savior. Once you are saved, Jesus changes your heart and your life forever.
The religions of the world force their members to follows many rules, teaching them that their salvation depends on them abiding by the rules set before them by their church. They might not go to Heaven, if they don't measure up by doing a thousand different things they are told to do. Hogwash I say!!!
What a terrible and frightening way that is to live your life! To have that lingering doubt hanging over you all the time? Am I good enough? Did I do enough, Did I give enough? It's like you are always performing for God. You are always trying to reach an ever higher expectation. The ladder keeps getting moved to a newer level and you can never the next rung. It's never good enough and it never will be. We are sinners, every single one of us and the only thing that saves us is the blood Jesus shed for us at Calvary.
The difference between religion and a relationship with Jesus are obvious~
Many religious folks think they have to go to church every week or they might not make it to their eternal home. They have to teach Sunday school or they might not make it. They have to give all all their energy and time to the church or God won't open the pearly gates for them. More and more and more and more. It never ends. I have to do this or I might not go to Heaven, I have to do that or I might not go to Heaven. I know I could never live in that fear every day. It would be exhausting.
I think a lot of people just don't get the difference between religion and having an personal, intimate relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ. But here it is in plain language, so everyone can understand.
You CAN'T earn your way into Heaven. Your soul was bought with a price. Your soul and eternal destiny were bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. He came to this earth to die for you and me and all of our sins. It's that simple. NOTHING you can do, can ever change that. NOTHING you can do, can ever better that, because it has NOTHING to do with you! It has everything to do with Jesus! Ephesians 2:8 tells us very clearly: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Are you listening? We are saved by God's Grace. It has nothing to do with you or anything you ever do or don't do. Aside from accepting Jesus and his gift of Salvation, there is nothing you can ever do to earn a place in Heaven. And really, when you think about it doesn't that make perfect sense? Why would any of us ever think we could do anything to improve upon God's perfect gift of his son, Jesus Christ and His plan of Salvation. Do we actually think we could ever do anything that could make that perfect gift of God's grace any better?
So, if you're looking for a Valentine this year, make Jesus Christ your Valentine! Invite Him into your life. Confess your sins, turn from your former life and He will give you a brand new life in Him. He will be your forever Valentine and He will never leave your side until you take your last breath to go home to be with Him in eternity. Now, that is Blessed Assurance! Matthew 28:20 says "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
My verses for today are above in red.
My prayer for today:
Dear Lord God Almighty:
Thank you Lord for this day. Thank you Lord for the life of my father. Thank you Lord that I know exactly where he is right now and have the Blessed Assurance that he is sitting at your feet right now. Lord, help others who do not know you to accept your amazing gift of eternity through your son Jesus Christ. Use me Lord as a vessel for you. Help me to be able to reach out to my family and friends so that they can see you and your love through me. Watch over everyone I love and give them your peace that surpasses all understanding.
In Jesus Name I pray
Amen and Amen
Does your website have a contact page? I'm having a tough time locating it but, I'd like
ReplyDeleteto send you an e-mail. I've got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
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