by Charity Pence
This Week's Verse: John 19:30 "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." (NKJV)
No matter how many times I read the story of Jesus' death on the cross, I cannot fully wrap my mind around what Jesus did for all of mankind. Jesus' physical walk here on Earth did not last long, but consider the agony He must have felt as He took that final walk. He carried His cross alone for as long as He could. And with each step, He knew what He would come to but kept walking. What love He must have held in His heart for humanity!
Despite all the miracles He performed and the lessons He taught, Jesus was hated by many. But He loved them all in return. "And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgatha, where they crucified Him." John 19:17, 18 (NKJV) By the time of Jesus' death, he'd been betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was a friend and disciple, and He was denied by Peter three times. He'd been beaten, spit on, had a crown of thorns forced into His head, but He loved each of His offenders. And before giving up His spirit, He made one simple request. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 (KJV)
Jesus' love was so great, it's inconceivable. But it's the truth; it's real. Celebrate that this weekend as you celebrate Easter.
Dear Jesus, thank You for dying upon the cross to save me from my sins. Thank You for loving me even when I haven't deserved it. I pray, Lord, that You will help me to take that love and spread it to Your children so that all will see Your glory. In Your name, Amen.
There's nothing wrong with egg hunting and eating chocolate bunnies, but make sure you take time to reflect on everything Jesus went through to give you everlasting life. We, as Christians, bear Jesus' name. So please honor Him today.
Power Verses:
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'" (NIV)
Mark 15:38, 39 "Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this Man was the Son of God!'" (NKJ)
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Friday, May 13, 2011
Not One...
By Mollie Thompson
Today’s Verse:
John 19: 36, "These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” (NIV)
Have you ever wondered what the big deal was about none of Jesus’ bones being broken when He died on the cross? Well, yes, there’s the prophecy in Exodus 12:46 that says none of the bones of the Passover lamb were to be broken. But have you ever wondered why? This sent me on a quest to find out why. I searched through reference books. I asked any pastor or person I thought might know. I even went to the Open Door and asked them. They told me to feel free to look through all the books they had, and let them know what I found. I couldn’t find anything. I kept seeking the Lord, only by now He would probably call it hounding.
One day my mind was wandering and I was following it. I remembered as a child riding down the road with my father in his pickup. We went by this house we passed often. It was always vacant and I never could figure out why. It looked perfectly good to me. So I finally asked my father about it. He told me the frame of the house was broken, and when that happens the house is condemned.
All of a sudden I got it! If any of the bones of Jesus’ body were broken he would have been condemned. But there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus – not for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. If any of his bones would have been broken there would have been a break in his blood flow. The blood is made in the marrow of the bones. We are made pure by the blood of the lamb. He is perfect in every way and never did that change.
Now get this. Think about a time when you felt embarrassed, ashamed, guilty, or just really low because of something you did that was wrong. Remember how heavy that weight pulls you down? Now multiply that by every time you felt that way or should have felt that way during your whole life. Now multiply that by all the people that have lived, are living, and have yet to live. Try imagining how heavy that would be. I can’t even begin to fathom it. Jesus took all that weight on himself AND HE DID NOT BREAK!!! Is that not amazing?!! (Yes, it is.)
Jesus took all the shame and pain and guilt and blame that I so justly deserved on himself just so I could be set free. It is for freedom we have been set free. And what must I do to get this grace? All I have to do is believe and receive him as a child would. All I have to do is believe he is the son of God and receive him as my Lord and Savior. Then it is my purpose to work out that salvation with fear and trembling, and to become all God created me to be. What a deal!
Father God, in the name of Jesus, please help us not make a mockery of the price you paid on the cross for us to be set free. Help us take advantage of all you bought and paid for us there.
Application: Are you feeling shame, guilt, despair? Jesus paid the price for us to be released from the weight of our sins. We have only to turn to him and ask forgiveness, believe that we have received it, and then to walk in that forgiveness. It is also ours to extend that forgiveness to others, but it’s kind of hard to do until we fully accept and receive it for ourselves first. That takes an incredible amount of humility to admit our guilt and shame to ourselves or to another.
I once took God through the Bible for a day and a half telling him just why I didn’t need to share any of my stuff with another person. When I paused, he seemed to be asking me if I was done. Being in a snotty state of mind, I answered him, “Yeah, for now.” Then James 5: 16 popped in my mind so I looked it up. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Erg!!!
I continued on in counseling spilling my guts with stuff I had even hidden from myself. I must say I am much freer today than I’ve ever been. I also have much more understanding and grace towards others than I have ever had. Have I arrived yet? Is there such a thing this side of Heaven? All I can say is the joy I feel is more unspeakable and full of glory in Christ Jesus. I have more peace than I’ve ever had.
Power Verses (NIV):
John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
John 6: 29, “Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
John 8:11, “’Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Today’s Verse:
John 19: 36, "These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” (NIV)
Have you ever wondered what the big deal was about none of Jesus’ bones being broken when He died on the cross? Well, yes, there’s the prophecy in Exodus 12:46 that says none of the bones of the Passover lamb were to be broken. But have you ever wondered why? This sent me on a quest to find out why. I searched through reference books. I asked any pastor or person I thought might know. I even went to the Open Door and asked them. They told me to feel free to look through all the books they had, and let them know what I found. I couldn’t find anything. I kept seeking the Lord, only by now He would probably call it hounding.
One day my mind was wandering and I was following it. I remembered as a child riding down the road with my father in his pickup. We went by this house we passed often. It was always vacant and I never could figure out why. It looked perfectly good to me. So I finally asked my father about it. He told me the frame of the house was broken, and when that happens the house is condemned.
All of a sudden I got it! If any of the bones of Jesus’ body were broken he would have been condemned. But there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus – not for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. If any of his bones would have been broken there would have been a break in his blood flow. The blood is made in the marrow of the bones. We are made pure by the blood of the lamb. He is perfect in every way and never did that change.
Now get this. Think about a time when you felt embarrassed, ashamed, guilty, or just really low because of something you did that was wrong. Remember how heavy that weight pulls you down? Now multiply that by every time you felt that way or should have felt that way during your whole life. Now multiply that by all the people that have lived, are living, and have yet to live. Try imagining how heavy that would be. I can’t even begin to fathom it. Jesus took all that weight on himself AND HE DID NOT BREAK!!! Is that not amazing?!! (Yes, it is.)
Jesus took all the shame and pain and guilt and blame that I so justly deserved on himself just so I could be set free. It is for freedom we have been set free. And what must I do to get this grace? All I have to do is believe and receive him as a child would. All I have to do is believe he is the son of God and receive him as my Lord and Savior. Then it is my purpose to work out that salvation with fear and trembling, and to become all God created me to be. What a deal!
Father God, in the name of Jesus, please help us not make a mockery of the price you paid on the cross for us to be set free. Help us take advantage of all you bought and paid for us there.
Application: Are you feeling shame, guilt, despair? Jesus paid the price for us to be released from the weight of our sins. We have only to turn to him and ask forgiveness, believe that we have received it, and then to walk in that forgiveness. It is also ours to extend that forgiveness to others, but it’s kind of hard to do until we fully accept and receive it for ourselves first. That takes an incredible amount of humility to admit our guilt and shame to ourselves or to another.
I once took God through the Bible for a day and a half telling him just why I didn’t need to share any of my stuff with another person. When I paused, he seemed to be asking me if I was done. Being in a snotty state of mind, I answered him, “Yeah, for now.” Then James 5: 16 popped in my mind so I looked it up. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Erg!!!
I continued on in counseling spilling my guts with stuff I had even hidden from myself. I must say I am much freer today than I’ve ever been. I also have much more understanding and grace towards others than I have ever had. Have I arrived yet? Is there such a thing this side of Heaven? All I can say is the joy I feel is more unspeakable and full of glory in Christ Jesus. I have more peace than I’ve ever had.
Power Verses (NIV):
John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
John 6: 29, “Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
John 8:11, “’Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Friday, April 1, 2011
Shock and Awe
By Marsha Loftis
This Week’s Verse:
Hebrews 10:19-25, “So, friends, we can now-- without hesitation--walk right up to God, into the ‘Holy Place.’ Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice…Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (MSG)
Devotion:
"Shock and Awe"...If you’re like me when you hear those two words together you think of three things. George Bush, Iraq, and The War. The people of Iraq were supposed to be surprised that we were there and in fear and wonder of the power of our troops.
Lately, like after a Wednesday night class on Preparing My Heart for Easter, those words have a different meaning. Now when I think or hear them, I wonder about the ‘Shock and Awe’ that two women experienced over two thousand years ago! When upon arrival at the tomb, where they had buried the Lord, the stone had been rolled away! They were definitely surprised! When Mary saw the angels, I’m sure she knelt in fear and wonder of the things she saw. They knew he was the Messiah. We know he told them he would rise again. We know that Jesus told his followers that “where two or three are gathered together in his name He would be there.” I wonder why, then, were the two Mary’s so surprised when they saw Jesus? They were there for Him, gathered together to finish the burial process. Mary even told “the Gardener” that they had taken “her Master.” They knew He was returning to them…one day, yet they were still surprised when He showed up!
I don't ever want to take my relationship with Jesus for granted, but I certainly don't want to be surprised when I feel His presence. After all, I've asked Him to be with me in all things, all situations. Parenting, finances, social gatherings, work... Feeling God's presence is an awe-inspiring, beautiful thing. Something to forever be grateful and thankful for, but not something to be shocked by.
I was at a friend’s house for lunch the other day, and she said the blessing, in His name. I spoke of the gifts He has given us. We were there in the name of friendship, fellowship, and in His name. I know He was there with us! Blessing the time we spent together and the love shared between two friends in Christ. When we gather to pray for others, we don't have to wonder if He hears us, it's promised! When we gather to worship, He is there!
I don’t want to ever be in shock that Jesus is there with me. I want it to be commonplace, natural, “everydayish”… But I will always be in awe of Him and His goodness and mercy.
Father God, help me to know that You are always there with me and to never be surprised when you show up! I know that, one day, You will return to me just like you did to the two Mary’s. Help me to be ready to be awed by You! May we know the comfort of having You near us at all times. Thank you for sending Your Son so this relationship and fellowship with You becomes a way of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Talk to God. I know. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But how often do we really do it? Not some scripted, elaborate prayer, just talk to Him. He’s waiting and listening. Ask Him to accompany you everywhere you go. Lord, be with me at church so that I may not only be blessed, but that I may be a blessing to others. Lord, be with me when the kids come home from school so I don’t lose my temper when they have ruined the third pair of shoes this year. Lord, be with me when I go to work so I can be a bright, shining light for You instead of the pinlight I’ve been lately. Lord, be with me when my husband comes in and let me lift Him up and not tear him down so that he may lead our family in Your name. Lord, be with me at the store, so I don’t spend too much money on things I don’t need.
Be aware of His presence in your life and never be shocked when He shows up!
Power Verses:
Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” (NIV)
James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you…” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’” (NIV)
Acts 1:11, “Jesus has been taken into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go.”
Psalm 145:13, “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving to all he has made.”
Mark 14:62, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at he right hand of the Mighty one and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (NIV)
This Week’s Verse:
Hebrews 10:19-25, “So, friends, we can now-- without hesitation--walk right up to God, into the ‘Holy Place.’ Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice…Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (MSG)
Devotion:
"Shock and Awe"...If you’re like me when you hear those two words together you think of three things. George Bush, Iraq, and The War. The people of Iraq were supposed to be surprised that we were there and in fear and wonder of the power of our troops.
Lately, like after a Wednesday night class on Preparing My Heart for Easter, those words have a different meaning. Now when I think or hear them, I wonder about the ‘Shock and Awe’ that two women experienced over two thousand years ago! When upon arrival at the tomb, where they had buried the Lord, the stone had been rolled away! They were definitely surprised! When Mary saw the angels, I’m sure she knelt in fear and wonder of the things she saw. They knew he was the Messiah. We know he told them he would rise again. We know that Jesus told his followers that “where two or three are gathered together in his name He would be there.” I wonder why, then, were the two Mary’s so surprised when they saw Jesus? They were there for Him, gathered together to finish the burial process. Mary even told “the Gardener” that they had taken “her Master.” They knew He was returning to them…one day, yet they were still surprised when He showed up!
I don't ever want to take my relationship with Jesus for granted, but I certainly don't want to be surprised when I feel His presence. After all, I've asked Him to be with me in all things, all situations. Parenting, finances, social gatherings, work... Feeling God's presence is an awe-inspiring, beautiful thing. Something to forever be grateful and thankful for, but not something to be shocked by.
I was at a friend’s house for lunch the other day, and she said the blessing, in His name. I spoke of the gifts He has given us. We were there in the name of friendship, fellowship, and in His name. I know He was there with us! Blessing the time we spent together and the love shared between two friends in Christ. When we gather to pray for others, we don't have to wonder if He hears us, it's promised! When we gather to worship, He is there!
I don’t want to ever be in shock that Jesus is there with me. I want it to be commonplace, natural, “everydayish”… But I will always be in awe of Him and His goodness and mercy.
Father God, help me to know that You are always there with me and to never be surprised when you show up! I know that, one day, You will return to me just like you did to the two Mary’s. Help me to be ready to be awed by You! May we know the comfort of having You near us at all times. Thank you for sending Your Son so this relationship and fellowship with You becomes a way of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Talk to God. I know. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But how often do we really do it? Not some scripted, elaborate prayer, just talk to Him. He’s waiting and listening. Ask Him to accompany you everywhere you go. Lord, be with me at church so that I may not only be blessed, but that I may be a blessing to others. Lord, be with me when the kids come home from school so I don’t lose my temper when they have ruined the third pair of shoes this year. Lord, be with me when I go to work so I can be a bright, shining light for You instead of the pinlight I’ve been lately. Lord, be with me when my husband comes in and let me lift Him up and not tear him down so that he may lead our family in Your name. Lord, be with me at the store, so I don’t spend too much money on things I don’t need.
Be aware of His presence in your life and never be shocked when He shows up!
Power Verses:
Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” (NIV)
James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you…” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’” (NIV)
Acts 1:11, “Jesus has been taken into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go.”
Psalm 145:13, “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving to all he has made.”
Mark 14:62, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at he right hand of the Mighty one and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (NIV)
**This is a reprint from a previous devotion ran in 2008. Thanks Marsha for sharing!**
Friday, August 1, 2008
O Jealous Heart
by Marsha Loftis
This Week's Verse: Psalm 18:2, "The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to Him for safety. He is my shield, my saving strength, my defender." (NCV)
Devotion:
I recently attended funeral services for a wonderful man. A man that will be missed terribly by his family and friends. I know, because although we were not that close, his life made an impact on my daughter, and about a thousand other people. I sat in the service, listening to the pastor speak of what a great man he was, a good husband and dad, and an exemplary grandfather. He promised that this was not "Goodbye," just "See ya later." He reassured the family, each one by name, that they would see their loved one again.
This was all overwhelming for me. There were so many people! So, much loss, loss of years and events and time and many, many tears shed. At one time or another, I tend to wonder if I am truly a Christian. This was one of those times, albeit a bad time, but there I was... thinking. I always think I could do more, know more, pray more, live more, be more thankful, more patient, more obedient, listen more... MORE, MORE, MORE! I was clearly only present in body, not in mind. Then I heard the pastor say, "...'cause there's Someone on the other side standing there, with outstretched arms, saying, 'Welcome home'."
There, sitting between the two most important people in my earthly life, I felt the tears begin to tumble. I wept. Oh, I was sad, I was feeling loss, thinking about what a great man he was, and thinking about what a horrible person I can be, but more than anything I cried because I was jealous! He got to go home and I didn't! He's being welcomed into Jesus' arms right now and I'm not! He's not feeing anymore pain and I still have to face.... tomorrow!
Now this was not me; this was not rational, not 'normal' for me at all! I'm scared of dying! I don't want to leave this place, this life, this child, my mom...! I'm not done here! There's too much left for me to do, to say, to teach, to fix, to create, to love... I'M NOT READY. But there I was, sitting between my precious daughter, and my beloved mother thinking, I wanna go home! Oh, I've heard it before, "This place is not your home, it's only temporary." But my earthly ties are strong... or should I say, were strong. I think this is the first time in my life I've felt like a "true Christian." Or a term I like a little better, "Christ follower." I know Jesus. I believe that He died for me. I believing He's coming back. But, NOW, I'm actually looking forward to it!
Although we were not close here on earth, I will see Big Bill again, for we are truly brother and sister in Christ. I get to tell him that he not only made an impact on others with his life, he did in his death as well. Had I not been at his funeral, I would probably still be living for the dot and not the line.
Father God, help me to not have a jealous heart for I know that You are with me. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will continue to guide me through this earthly life and will set my heart on course so that I may live for the eternal and not the temporal. Help me to know and to teach and to live as though this is not my home. I can't wait to see Your outstretched arms! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application:
I know it's hard to think of leaving loved ones behind, even harder to let them go. If there's anyone that you aren't sure that you will see on the other side, start praying now, if you haven’t already. That's what I'm going to do! Pray for courage to approach them, and hearts that will receive the most important thing you can ever pass on. More than morals, and a good work ethic, more than being kind and appreciative. THIS is your legacy. If you are the legacy, pray that those who are lost will somehow find their way home!
Power Verses:
2 Samuel 14:14, "All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead He devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from Him." (NLT)
1 Thes. 4:13, "First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word...Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise... Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master... then there will be a huge family reunion." (MSG)
1 Thes. 5:4 & 9, “But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard in any of this? You're sons of Light and daughters of Day… He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with Him!" (MSG)
Psalm 18:30, "As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him." (AMP)
This Week's Verse: Psalm 18:2, "The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to Him for safety. He is my shield, my saving strength, my defender." (NCV)
Devotion:
I recently attended funeral services for a wonderful man. A man that will be missed terribly by his family and friends. I know, because although we were not that close, his life made an impact on my daughter, and about a thousand other people. I sat in the service, listening to the pastor speak of what a great man he was, a good husband and dad, and an exemplary grandfather. He promised that this was not "Goodbye," just "See ya later." He reassured the family, each one by name, that they would see their loved one again.
This was all overwhelming for me. There were so many people! So, much loss, loss of years and events and time and many, many tears shed. At one time or another, I tend to wonder if I am truly a Christian. This was one of those times, albeit a bad time, but there I was... thinking. I always think I could do more, know more, pray more, live more, be more thankful, more patient, more obedient, listen more... MORE, MORE, MORE! I was clearly only present in body, not in mind. Then I heard the pastor say, "...'cause there's Someone on the other side standing there, with outstretched arms, saying, 'Welcome home'."
There, sitting between the two most important people in my earthly life, I felt the tears begin to tumble. I wept. Oh, I was sad, I was feeling loss, thinking about what a great man he was, and thinking about what a horrible person I can be, but more than anything I cried because I was jealous! He got to go home and I didn't! He's being welcomed into Jesus' arms right now and I'm not! He's not feeing anymore pain and I still have to face.... tomorrow!
Now this was not me; this was not rational, not 'normal' for me at all! I'm scared of dying! I don't want to leave this place, this life, this child, my mom...! I'm not done here! There's too much left for me to do, to say, to teach, to fix, to create, to love... I'M NOT READY. But there I was, sitting between my precious daughter, and my beloved mother thinking, I wanna go home! Oh, I've heard it before, "This place is not your home, it's only temporary." But my earthly ties are strong... or should I say, were strong. I think this is the first time in my life I've felt like a "true Christian." Or a term I like a little better, "Christ follower." I know Jesus. I believe that He died for me. I believing He's coming back. But, NOW, I'm actually looking forward to it!
Although we were not close here on earth, I will see Big Bill again, for we are truly brother and sister in Christ. I get to tell him that he not only made an impact on others with his life, he did in his death as well. Had I not been at his funeral, I would probably still be living for the dot and not the line.
Father God, help me to not have a jealous heart for I know that You are with me. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will continue to guide me through this earthly life and will set my heart on course so that I may live for the eternal and not the temporal. Help me to know and to teach and to live as though this is not my home. I can't wait to see Your outstretched arms! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application:
I know it's hard to think of leaving loved ones behind, even harder to let them go. If there's anyone that you aren't sure that you will see on the other side, start praying now, if you haven’t already. That's what I'm going to do! Pray for courage to approach them, and hearts that will receive the most important thing you can ever pass on. More than morals, and a good work ethic, more than being kind and appreciative. THIS is your legacy. If you are the legacy, pray that those who are lost will somehow find their way home!
Power Verses:
2 Samuel 14:14, "All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead He devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from Him." (NLT)
1 Thes. 4:13, "First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word...Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise... Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master... then there will be a huge family reunion." (MSG)
1 Thes. 5:4 & 9, “But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard in any of this? You're sons of Light and daughters of Day… He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with Him!" (MSG)
Psalm 18:30, "As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him." (AMP)
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