Memory Verse this week…
And
just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment….
Hebrews 9:27
In context….
For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with
human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into
heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter
heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who
enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that
had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since
the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the
age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice. And just as each person
is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died
once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will
come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are
eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews
9:24-28
We are all
going to go…to die…someday. Of course we can hope for the Rapture to come
soon…but until God the Father decides when that will be we are all in suspense
and might as well just live each day…moment by moment…patiently awaiting
Christ’s return. His return will be from that true holy place—heaven. He did
His work here on earth…obedient to the Father…and He died once. He will never
have to die again. He died for mankind’s sin—that is yours and mine. I find a
great assurance in that Jesus won’t have to come again to pay for our sin—He
has done that. He will be coming in the clouds—just as He left earth (see the
book of Acts 1:10-11) and He will take His church up to heaven to be with Him.
He came so that everyone could one day live
with Him.
That is why the Good News was preached to those who
are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now
live forever with God in the Spirit. 1 Peter 4:6
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| Are you shrouded in a fog? Feel the Lord's presence in your life. Fog at Mt. Rainier |
Death is a
hard thing to understand. As people deal with it they are usually under a lot
of stress, feeling of loss, emptiness and often confusion. Confusion as to what
to do now. There are bills to pay—that may be more than anticipated. Unmet
expectations of dealing with the bereavement process. It may be harder than
expected. That emptiness and feeling of being left behind—knowing that their loved one will
never again walk in the door…or sit down and talk, laugh or eat with them again
here on earth. Personally in dealing with death I found that when a younger person
died—there was a greater level of grief, especially if it was a sudden or
unexpected death. God provides a veil of grief that protects us from our
heartbreaking emotion. It is like walking in a fog—and that fog is the loving
arms of the Lord. With older people, when death is more expected, the level of
grief depends on the relationship and years of experiences that have bonded us together.
Sadness is to be expected…but God is merciful. I think the Holy Spirit brings
the good memories to mind—that is why you hear laughter at wakes, visitations,
memorial services, funerals and remembrance dinners. Laughter is such a healer.
If you are dealing with death…remember the good times. Laugh. If you are not
dealing with death…create some good memories with those you love…laugh
together, so when you are gone…or they are gone, you can remember those good
times and laugh. Sometimes sympathy expressions seem trite—so one must seek
assurance and comfort from the Lord Himself. Be prepared. God may seem angry at
times…but His love for you is for a lifetime.
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for
a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the
morning. Psalm 30:5
NASB
Seek the Lord
while there is time.
Prayer
~ Lord, You said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest
a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to
seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.' Hosea
10:12. Shower Your love, comfort and blessings on those who are suffering loss
of a loved one, a job, a relationship or dealing with an unmet expectation in their
life.
Daily
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19-21
© 2019 Text and
photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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