Heaven Sent Sentiments

Going Home…

Have you thought about it? God has. In fact, because He is omniscient, He has all of your days and my days recorded in His book, before even one came to pass. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day passed” (Psalm 139:16 NIV).

The Bible teaches that God knows the exact moment when each man is to die (Job 14:5).

This week I have found myself more focused on these Truths of God than ever before. You see, I have heard of several unexpected deaths this week of people I know and it brought the subject of death to the forefront of my mind.

God is awesome and His timing is perfect. Yesterday, January 17th, when my heart was heavy with prayer, love, and concern for my friends, God spoke to me through scripture and the amazing gift of fellow believer Billy Graham.

“How different would today be if you knew it would be your last one on earth before meeting God face to face? We should strive to live everyday as if it were our last, for one day it will be” (Graham, Billy. emphasis mine).

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Honestly, God has been hard at work changing me from the inside out over the last several years. I am ready for Him to call me Home, even if it is today. Years ago, I would have been concerned about leaving my kids, husband, and family behind. How would they be without me? What if, missing me, caused them to have problems with their faith and their relationship with God?

God reassured me that, He was always with me when I walked through that very situation at eighteen years old, and that He would be there in the same way for my family as well. In fact, He loves them more than I ever could. He is a good, good Father. My fears have been replaced by His promises.

So, I live every day seeking God first. I shower all the people God places in my life with love, prayer, and my time. I place importance on experiences and people rather than on material things.

Please understand I am not trying to be boastful or proud. This is all the work of God, He changed me. I am eternally thankful that He did.

What about you? How would you answer Billy Graham’s question? Are you living today knowing that when you die you will meet Jesus face to face?! Does your family and friends around you know about Jesus and the Good News He brings to the whole world?

Don’t tarry…for the day is coming. Ask Jesus into your heart to be your Savior. Seek God every day. Pray and love without ceasing.

“Our Father and our God, when my time on earth is finished, please draw me safely into Your heavenly home. I pray that You will take me into Your presence when You are ready for me to go. Help me to be ready for that time. If my work on earth is not yet finished, then please give me the spiritual strength to continue. In Jesus’ name. Amen” (Graham, Billy).

That prayer was at the end of the devotional for that day, January 17th, and it said beautifully what my heart could not put into words. I love the God-given wisdom of Billy Graham.

If you have not begun a devotional for 2019, I highly recommend, “Unto the Hills. A Daily Devotional.” by Billy Graham. I was blessed enough to find it for $2.99 at my local thrift store. This girl loves a bargain. 🙂 Check it out!!

May God bless you today and always!

All the glory to God,

Shanon

Graham, Billy. “Unto the Hills. A Daily Devotional.” Tyndale House Publishers. Print. 1996.

Image of “The Sinners Prayer by Bill Graham.” YouTube. Alter Calls and Sinners Prayer.

Image of “Welcome Home” by Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church.