"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." ... John 3:16
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So last Wednesday our (fun) local weather guy
I paused. Thought, "Really? Those days seemed sunny to me. Hmm. Weird." Then it came to me: God's blessed me so much lately that it's like His light inside has brightened my outside world as well.
Awesome, right? Especially since dark days used to royally mess with my mind. Also, I believe the difference is, since last year, I no longer allow myself to complain about wintry weather. Truly, try this one to see if it works for you.
Anyway, God keeps leading me to the coolest Youtube videos! Seriously. My heart's joy has increased at least 50% and I feel so free these days while meditating upon God's wonderful good news.
Need some Youtube good news for yourself today? Watch this video, especially if you're still grieving since a loved one went to Heaven. What a powerful anointing was upon this pastor as he shared his (15 minute) story.
And if you're not certain that your relative/friend made it to Heaven? May God comfort you with this verse--
"... For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." ... Romans 10:13
'Everyone who calls on the Lord', even those who knew Him not as friend during their decades, yet called upon the Lord on their way out.
Sadly, I've known Christians who find that sooo unfair, which hey! Reminds me of the parable where workers complained they worked longer and should get paid more, but the landowner said--
"‘I am not being unfair to you, friends. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’" ... from Matthew 20
And oh my. I'm so grateful God is God and the clueless ones lacking in godly compassion, are not.
We will be surprised by some folks we spy in Heaven! And if that thought bothers, irritates us, may we humble ourselves, asking God to forgive us, to infuse us with a true understanding of eternity and His incredible, passionate love.
You know, the most important thing of all.
Remember: Pride says, "I've got this all figured out. There's nothing left to learn."
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart..." ... Ecclesiastes 3:11
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And this video? 62 vintage Photos of Life in America During the 1960's? It made me smile bigtime!
It assured me much has not changed since the 1960's, for many of these old-fashioned towns still look nearly the same--and--tons of people still love--
Family vacations.
Old cars.
Picnics.
Neon signs.
Driving.
Eating in diners.
Comfort food.
Walking downtown.
Small businesses.
Shopping.
Dressing-up. Vintage fashion.
Family time and much, much more.
I mean, often we feel as though these Times are wildly different than 60 years ago, but are they really? (And what are we doing to bring back the rarer good stuff?)
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"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15
2 comments:
What a great post for Thanksgiving week (and every other week of the year). You know that Bible verse that says, "...as a person thinks, so he/she will become" (my gender-friendly version), well it works! It is so great that dark, wintry days do not imprison you anymore, Debra. Yesterday, while I was at a local grocery store, one of the employees who has become a prayer partner, shared that things had been very rough on the job. However, she has been spending time with God before her shift starts, and refuses to believe things are on the skids. She glowed as she shared this with me. We DO have a choice, and if we believe in God's promises, we have everything to look forward to, no matter what is happening all around us. BTW, I sure enjoyed looking at those vintage photos, and I those collages you share with us are beautiful, Debra!
Hi Debra, Just popping on really quick while my family is out shopping and I stayed home to rest my back a little. I do know people who disagree vehemently with that parable. I'm SO grateful for God's mercy and grace on us. My father in law was a wonderful man. Honest, trustworthy and very loving to us all. However, he wasn't a believer until shortly before his death when he decided to be baptised. I was SO glad to know I would see him again someday and yet, an aquaintance at church had the audacity to tell my SIL, who's father had just died that he was NOT in Heaven. He didn't believe in so called "death bed confessions". That destroyed her. She was a Daddy's girl and so glad to know he was not lost. She has not stepped into a church since, although she is a believer. My point in telling this it that we have to be so very careful of what we say. We MUST be sure that it's backed up by scripture or we could risk losing it all by our arrogance.
Thank you for this wonderful post my friend. You are such a blessing to me.
Blessings and love,
Betsy
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