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Monday, March 23, 2009

Yellow Crocuses
Photo by Doris High

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"Not Lost, Just Promoted"

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" (2 Corinthians 5:1).

In the course of my chaplain work I attended the funeral for the father of a friend. At the service he introduced me to several of his brothers. Afterwards I had email contact with one of the brothers and he shared his perspective several months following his dad's death. It clearly illustrates the wonderful assurance God can give us when we have "lost" loved ones.

"You know, at first I would say, "I lost my Father..." But, in reality, when you lose something, you don't know where it is. Well, I KNOW where my Father is. So, now I don't say 'I lost my Father...' Now I say, 'My dad recently moved into his mansion...' It not only helps me keeps things in perspective, but it has really helped open up dialogue to individuals who don't yet know Christ!"

In 2 Corinthians chapters 4 and 5 the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, shares some incredible insights regarding the perspective we should have as we live out our life on this earth. Apart from a few select people throughout history such as Enoch and Elijah. all have experienced the destruction of the earthly tent we live in. We call that death. According to Scripture there will also be a group of believers still alive at the return of Christ who will experience a transition without death (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed." Paul uses the phrase "earthly tent" to describe the temporary nature of our present dwelling. A commentary makes this observation: "The figure of a tent picturing the human body suggests impermanence and insecurity and is a common picture of earthly life and its setting in the body." * Our death is that transitional event that takes place when our earthly tent is destroyed.

"We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." Wow, what a description of our future home! Note the contrast between "earthly tent" and "eternal house". This eternal house is a building from God, located in heaven, and not built by human hands. It can't be reckoned with in our minds or fully envisioned on this side of eternity, for we are still clothed with perishable bodies that are nearsighted in our scope of understanding.

Today may this message encourage those who have "lost" loved ones. In Biblical reality they are not really lost but rather promoted to a place prepared by Jesus Himself and untainted by sin, but beyond our human viewing.

May it also encourage those dealing with ongoing physical affliction or situations that seem so hopelessly broken. May we all remember this as we see the continuing groaning of the whole creation right up to the present time (see Romans 8:22). Fellow believer, let us stand firm in our faith today as we live with eternity's values in view!

With eternity's values in view, Lord
With eternity's values in view
May I do each day's work for Jesus?
With eternity's values in view.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, our view of heaven is most distant when we live only for here and now; especially when all is going well and prosperity is at our doorstep. But when our bodies give way to perishable atrophy and troubles overwhelm us, it is then that our hearts especially long for the distant city with a firm foundation whose Maker and Builder is the Lord of Creation. It is in this place of focus that we best commune with You and find strength and renewed hope to deal with present challenges. Keep our hearts attuned to our future goal of hearing You say, "Well done good and faithful servant! Enter into the joys of heaven."

* "Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament" (Rienecker/Rogers)

I shared message in February titled "Eternal Profit" and mentioned a Canadian by the name of Walter Kember, who has calligraphed prints of Scripture verses that are distributed all over the world. I am quite sure some of our readers have seen these prints. They are framed in simple pine with this stamped inscription on the cardboard back: "WALTER KEMBER Sarnia Canada "A sinner saved by grace" "Gathered in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Made in Canada DO NOT SELL". Walter Kember apparently saw it as his ministry to freely prepare and distribute them as a witness and blessing to others.

I received an email from his granson with this very interesting note:
"He made over 4 million of those Bible verse texts, they are still available today. I am working on writing a paper on his ministry. The amount of glass panes he used for the texts is 3.9 million Square Feet! Equivalent to the area of 80 football fields! The amount of framing wood he used stretches over 3000 miles!"

Today's Suggested Music

and Supplemental Resources

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Today we would like to share links to several songs that remind us of our eternal home.

"If You Could See Me Now" Audio I used this song in a video tribute at my Mom's memorial service in November 2005.

"I Can Only Imagine" Video

"What A Day It Will Be" Audio

Heaven By Randy Alcorn / Tyndale House
As the years pass and we watch more and more of our family, friends and mentors pass away, it is only natural to ask questions about heaven. However, our understanding of heaven is often limited to a few half-forgotten Sunday school lessons and the insubstantial images provided by popular movies and T.V. Fortunately, in Heaven Randy Alcorn provides us with a thoroughly researched and biblically definitive description of heaven. As Alcorn addresses our most serious questions about heaven, including the nature of judgment, and answers a few of our less serious questions as well, including the accessibility of cafe mochas the sweet by and by, we will develop a deeper understanding of our eternal destination and will find the courage to strive for heaven while were living on earth.

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

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