Communion with God, Part Two

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
I've often wondered, what is Heaven like? Will I recognize the people I love, like family and friends? Jesus promises in John 14: 2 that "In My father's house are many mansions [rooms]; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. " (NKJV)
This is what I imagine my heavenly "home" looks like. It is a low rambling structure with a wrap around porch. I see lots of cats resting in the Light of God's Love. The scent of honeysuckle, lavender, and roses hang heavy on the air. I see my Dad and a friend, Johnny Dycus trimming the bushes out front while they keep an eagle eye on the lane leading from God's Throne Room. Mom, and my grandparents, along with the Apostles Peter, John and Paul are sitting in rockers on the front porch as they talk about the Savior. Moses, with his brother Aaron are pouring iced tea and lemonade, and setting out plates of Mom's molasses cookies. Suddenly a shout comes from Dad and Johnny. "He's Coming! Jesus is coming!" There's a mad rush as the best rocker is brought out and Mom pours an extra tall glass of lemonade for the Savior. Just then Jesus strides through the gate , greeting Dad and Johnny. He invites them up onto the porch where He settles in to the cries of everyone around Him, "Hosanna! Praise God!" and "We love you, Lord!"
That is how I picture Heaven. You may have a different idea of what Heaven will be like, I don't know. If you would like to know with absolute certainty where you will spend eternity, then all you need do is accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior by choosing to place your trust in Him. He will keep His word, as He said in John 14: 3-4, "And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there you may be also. And where I go you know and the way you know." He will forgive your sins and come into your heart and life for eternity. There is no other way to receive eternal life. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." The assurance of salvation is obtained only through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace is offered, but each person must accept it. God is begging to forgive us but we must want to be forgiven.
Believe me when I say, there is no better way to face life, than with the faith that God is always with you, giving you the Grace to sustain you moment by moment. This poem reflects my faith in a God who is always there when you need Him.

The Crystal Sea

Gulls swing in a ballet from current to current,
diving and plucking fish from the depths.
Waves lapping the shore
echo the praise from my lips.
Shafts of golden sunlight
break through the dense clouds
illuminating my soul's cry
with piercing gut-wrenching sounds.
As dusk washes the sky in shades of midnight blue,
God's still small voice whispers back,
"My Child, I Am always here for you.
When Satan's next attack
sends you running in fear
be calm, filled with power and love
and with a sound mind, know I Am is near."
With those words ringing in my ears, I know what faith is made of:
It is what I hope for, the evidence of what I cannot see
Heaven's Gates opened wide
and Jesus waiting to welcome me.
The saints, prophets and family inside
teaching beside the crystal sea.
All of this and more
I have to look forward to
One day, I'll be standing on Heaven's shore
until then, I need to share the Good News with you.

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Written on:
October 9, 2005

Scripture References:
II Timothy 1:7 & Hebrews 11:1

Communion with God, Part One

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
I miss my mom and dad. Some days, the ache in my heart becomes so strong I find I'm on the verge of tears constantly. On other days, I feel as if life is flowing past so swiftly that I'm standing still, waiting. Just waiting for something or someone to come along and remind me I AM loved, wanted and needed. That I am something beautiful in someone's eyes. That is when I reach for my Bible and turn to John 14: 1-4.
In this passage, Jesus' reassuring words to the disciples on the subject of His imminent death offered comfort while also providing hope for people like me, today.
Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions [homes]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the place you know." (NKJV)
For many people Death is a frightening reality they try hard to avoid. But for believers in Christ, it is the doorway to eternity with Jesus. After all, He gave His Life to save humanity from the wages of sin; we should (hopefully!) be willing to trust Him with ours by inviting Him into our hearts as Lord and Savior. Then through studying the Bible, and a daily time of devotions and prayer we can build a lasting relationship with Jesus.
Just like in a marriage or some other type of relationship, both parties must take the time to nurture, support and love each other. Then when a person does place their faith and trust in Jesus, one can be sure of this: He will never leave nor forsake us.