The Apostle Paul understood that when death comes, and that time did come for him, that it was all about being with Jesus close, and it's a better life and adventure.
When you live for Christ you are not afraid to die simple as that. It's a promotion, it's a positive-conscious-existence not an unconscious oblivion, it's a relocation, it's a coronation -- it's a continuation of life and love and joy.. instead of a conclusion of life.
"For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain for I will be with Him in eternity" Philippians 1:21 amp
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” ― C.S. Lewis
We don't know the whys WHY ME, GOD?
Why not me? It happened to Jesus on a Cross and He wasn't a sinner like us. It's about who, not why? You know God might answer some questions while you are here -- I won't demand this of Him. He owes me zip.
Don't trade what you know for what you don't know. You know God has a plan for you, loves you and is always Sovereign. We need hope. God help listen a lot, weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn.. and rejoice with those who rejoice. Don't wanna just cry.. but want to cry out to You.
There's so much we can't really know at this point, but we know God loves us and has a plan for each one of us. We know He is sovereign.
We were told we'll find out more when reports come back regarding Nathan Michael.. in 3 to 4 months. The Dallas authorities don't even know at this point. We have deep, deep sorrow and seem to take turns weeping. You know how it hits you in waves when you don't expect it to because you see something or hear a song that he used to sing. God's grace is enough -- thank you for the prayers.
Liney and I are just taking it moment by moment and God will get us through this (I mean the passing of our second son, Nathan -- here's his memorial service) somehow.
Lord, help me become a good listener.. to You first. You, me, Liney, we are not above the pain, anguish and everyday struggles of life here, but listen.. there's hope, healing and restoration in Christ. We all need to keep reaching out to God, crying out to Him.. while staying willing to be changed by Him. He comforts deep deep deep. Solace for you. When you lose a child you are not a widow, widower (at least I am not), but you are crushed or heartbroken. We joined a club we never wanted to be in, but people who have lost a loved one seem to find each other. Give grace, love, mercy, ears.
Two locations for each of us (Heaven or Hell) and we each need to choose while here sucking air. Only two exits from here for the believer -- the Rapture or by death and we hope for the former, but want to bring other people with us so we share His Message in love.
What comforts us today? God's promises do.
"Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life]. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [as in fact He did], even so God [in this same way—by raising them from the dead] will bring with Him those [believers] who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For we say this to you by the Lord’s [own] word, that we who are still alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede [into His presence] those [believers] who have fallen asleep [in death]. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the [blast of the] trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died]." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 amp
Wanna number my days and make every moment count. Sure do. We don't know how long our life will last. Now listen to me.. do you know for sure that your sins are forgiven.. that you have eternal life? If not, let's resolve that right here and now.
God, please use us to reach prodigals -- we all need You Jesus. Don't wanna miss what you have planned.
"All our days are filled with sighing. Seventy years are given us! And some may even live to eighty. But even the best of these years are often empty and filled with pain; soon they disappear, and we are gone. Who can realize the terrors of your anger? Which of us can fear you as he should? Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should." Psalm 90:9-12 tlb
Are you busted, a wreck and broken. Talk about it some with the right people, pray over it too. He'' get you through this.
"A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick." Proverbs 17:22
I need that.
