[MARCH 25] Far Better

Read: Revelation 21:1-4

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying."

--Revelation 21:4

Having suffered greatly--first from cancer, and then from the grueling medical regimen--pastor Dan Cummings was tired. After 2 weeks of treatment in Texas, he was looking forward to going back home to Michigan. In a post on his blog, he wrote: "Today is far better...amazing what some hydration will do...Will fly home on the weekend to continue treatment at home."

Dan did return to Michigan, nut several days later, his journey on earth ended. He went home yo be with God--whom he loved with every bit of his weakened body but mighty spirit.

When I view his blog a few days later, his words "Today is far better" jumped out at me. I smiled through my tears in the knowledge that Dan was now experiencing a life that is truly "far better" (Phil.1:23).

Someday we who claim the name of Jesus will also go to that place where there is "no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying." It is a place where there is no more pain and where a loving Father promises to "wipe away every tear from [our] eyes" (Rev.21:4).

The life we have here isn't all there is. There is a far far better place that Jesus is preparing for those who love Him (John 14:2-3). --Cindy Hess Kasper

When our life on earth has ended

We will feel God's warm embrace;

There will be no pain and sorrow

In that far, far better place. --Sper

REFLECT ON THIS:

Heaven--no pain, no night, no death, no tears.

[MARCH 14] Unique Priveleges

Read: Romans 8:12-17

"Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself" 

--Ephesians 1:5

In Forever Young: My Friendship with John F. Kennedy, Jr., Billy Noonan recalls the life experiences he shared with the son of President John Kennedy.

In 1980, as one of the stories goes, John Jr. and Billy were invited aboard the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. On a guided tour of the ship, the two young men and their guide inadvertently entered a restricted area. When an officer stopped them, the guide pointed to John and said, “This is his father’s ship.” Snapping to attention, the officer saluted John. He explained his understanding that when a US Navy ship is named for someone, it is considered that person’s ship. Thus, as the son of the man for whom the ship was named, John Jr. had unique privileges.

This illustrates a vital spiritual principle. As adopted children in God’s family, we who have been saved possess the position of sonship. Paul wrote that as believers we are “predestined... to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself” (Eph. 1:5). By virtue of this sonship, we have the unique privileges that belong to the children of the King of kings.

In life’s challenging voyage, we can take courage that our “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15) owns the ship and shares all with us. Praise God, we are joint-heirs with Christ! --Dennis Fisher

The wealth of God is ours to share

Through Jesus the Lord,

Joint-heirs with Him we claim it, then;

According to His Word. --Sherbert

REFLECT ON THIS:

A Christian’s inheritance is guaranteed forever!

[JANUARY 16] Respect for Life

Read: Psalm 139:13-16

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" 

--Psalm 139:14

In Psalm 139, David describes God as fashioning his tiny body together in the darkness of his mother’s womb. God loved David before he ever existed.

God designed the person David was to be, and He brought that person into being according to His predetermined plan. In this psalm, David used the intriguing metaphor of a journal in which God first wrote His plan and then brought that plan into fruition through His handiwork in the womb: “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written” (v.16).

Put another way, David was shaped by his heavenly Father’s love into a unique creation. He came from the inventive heart and hand of God. What was true of David is true of you. You are special—along with everyone else in the world.

This being true, we must be pro-life in the purest sense of the word. We are to respect and cherish all human life: the born and those still in the womb; winsome children and weary seniors; the wealthy executive and the financially destitute. All persons are unique productions of our Creator’s genius. With David, let’s exclaim: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (139:14). --David Roper

By God's wise designing

We are wonderfully made,

Every part essential

And in every balance laid. --Anon.

REFLECT ON THIS:

All life is created by God and bears His autograph.