“He has put eternity in their hearts” Ecclesiastes 3:11b
When my brother learned he had Lou Gehrig disease, (a terminal, progressive, motor neuron disease also known as A.L.S) his plans changed.
He and his wife, June, had planned to buy a house and start a business and we spent many evenings with them discussing the details of their plans and dreams. But God had another plan for their lives. And it was good!
After the medical tests confirmed Frank had A.L.S., the topic of our conversations changed. Frank had heaven on his mind. Of course, he was concerned about June’s well being and who would look after her when he was gone. But the Lord strengthened him in an amazing way. One of the ways was by giving him a vision of a huge angel (thirty stories tall) who would protect her.
We spent our evenings watching the Gaither’s . Many songs they sang were about heaven and heaven was on our minds.
During the last few years of Frank’s life, I read two significant books on heaven: one by Joni Eareckson and the other by C.S. Lewis. Both books helped broaden my heavenly perspective. We know and think so little about our future home.
Last week I received an email from Betty who felt that something was missing in her life. She loved the Lord and served Him wholeheartedly, but still, something was missing. She didn’t realize that she was missing home – heaven. Like all of us, she is on a journey. Earth is not our final destination – we are just passing through. We will never feel totally at home here, because heaven is our home.
I know that now, but when my mother died, I knew she was in heaven, but I wasn’t sure of where I would be spending eternity. How about you? Are you sure you will go to heaven when you die? If not, why don’t you write to me. I will share with you what I learned about being confident of my future destiny with God.
Frank was sure and was looking forward to heaven. You can be too.
Father, this world is not our home. We are on a journey to be with You. So often we forget. My desire and prayer is, Lord, that all the people who read this devotional will know with absolute certainty that when they die, they will be in heaven with You. Amen.
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission
God loves you so much that He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for your sins. After His resurrection and ascension into heaven, He sent His Spirit to live in our lives and empower us to live the abundant life. But we must personally ask Him into our lives to be our Lord and Savior. If you are sincere about asking Him into your life, why don’t you pray the suggested prayer below:
(Prayer is talking to God. God knows your heart and is not as concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.)
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.
It starts now. If you prayed this prayer, Jesus is in your life and your journey with him begins today.
FURTHER READING
My Search for Inner Peace – by Eva Reinhart
Where Do I Call Home? – A Refugee’s story. Helen Loewen’s story