IT'S ON MY HEART


 Image result for CLIP ART SHOWING THE HEART


In my readings, I enter into 1 Thessalonians.  I find that death, heaven,  and Christ's return for His Christ followers were as much a mystery to the hearts of AD 51 believers as it is for us in 2017.  Paul gives his disclaimer to the readers of that age and to us.."Brothers, we do want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."  He commands us to "be alert and self-controlled."  

As you, I have experienced the earthly deaths of loved ones.  The holidays and special events, and especially the first year of a loved one's home-going, the heart is very responsive to the absence.  The absence is not silent! The impact of the loss is not meant to shatter our faith, but to build us into confidence and faith in our Lord.  Paul wanted us to encourage one another with the truth that this present life with all of its joys, sorrows, and death is not the END to life but really....from the moment of salvation, our ETERNAL LIFE began and will continue when we are with the Lord FOREVER.  Earthly death does not mean no life.  The living goes on in the heavenlies distant and removed from disease, pain, agony, abuse, and all evil. Safe and secure with our Lord.  

If our relationships are so very meaningful and loving this side of eternity, can you just imagine what the relationships will be like in heaven with perfect hearts and minds?! No competing, no comparing, and no desire to control or to impress!  I reckon it is imperative that we learn, being led of the Spirit of God, to navigate and have healthy successful relationships here because many that we have a tendency to "butt" heads with here just may enjoy heaven with us!  

Paul's concluding thought in chapter 5, "Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies (God's Word) with contempt.  Test everything.  Hold on to the good.  Avoid every kind of evil."  Our responses to living out of the Word of God can hinder the fire of the Spirit of God in us.  Be encouraged for He who has begun the grace of salvation in you will be faithful to complete it...in the heavenlies!  Rejoice!  Forever learning.  In process.  #IHAVETHREESONS. 

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