Forever

There's a section of highway that exits I-30 westbound and winds its way to the east-side of downtown Fort Worth.  On a windy October afternoon in 1975, having just finished my last class of the day at Nolan High School, I was driving home on that section of highway when I made my firmest commitment yet to devote my life to the Lord, Jesus Christ.  He had promised to "show Himself" to me if I loved Him (John 14:21) and sought to know Him (Prov. 8:17).

Since that time, the Lord has revealed Himself to me in so many ways that there's not an ounce of doubt that He is real, He is gracious, He is loving, and He has prepared a place for me in His kingdom (John 14:2).  A few days ago I talked with a missionary colleague who also has cancer and whose doctor has given him less than 2 months in this world.  We laughed and talked with excitement in anticipation of what was soon to come.  Such is the joy of those who have experienced God and desire to be with Him more than anything.

The Apostle Paul was in his early 60's when the Lord took him.  He said, "To depart and be with Christ is very much better" (Phil. 2:23).  At the time of physical death, I believe a Christ-follower never loses consciousness ("never dies" - John 5:24).  The moment he breaths his last breath is the moment he arrives in heaven where he will be able to speak, hear, and experience the joys God has prepared for those who love Him.  Then, according to the Scripture (1 Cor. 15-16), at Christ's second coming, we will receive a new immortal body that will live, work, and interact in God's perfect "new heaven and earth" (Rev., 21).  That's worth getting excited about!

Sadly, the vast majority of people will never receive what God has promised because they value their life on earth more than eternity in heaven.  Jesus warned, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven... on that day many will say, 'Lord, didn't we speak and do great deeds in your name...', didn't we go to church, give our offerings, and pray at mealtimes? (my paraphrase).  "Then I will say to them, "Depart from me; I never knew you..." (Matt. 7: 21-23).  For anyone not sure of their eternal destination, this may help:  www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-i-know-im-saved

I remain excited and eager for my turn to step into God's world.  I'm doing some family projects and enjoying my 2 granddaughters while I can.  A little nausea occasionally comes and goes but it hasn't kept me from the "culinary pleasures" mentioned in my last blog.  I continue to miss my ministry in the Philippines, but I trust the Lord had His reasons for prompting me to come back to Texas at this time.  Most of all, my desire is still to know God more fully and to love Him more deeply.  "Whom have I in heaven but You?  I desire You more than anything on earth.  My health may fail, and my spirit grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever" (Psalm 73: 25-26).