I wanted to try to "blog" daily, but am a day behind. In continuing with notes I am "sharing" with you on the book I am reading "Heaven is Real" by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey, here are a few from Chapter 3 "Yes, It's Real":
In this chapter, Mr. Piper states "I can tell people about heaven, a joyously perfect eternity, and about God's grace, but until they experience those things for themselves, they have to grasp them by faith. But one day, I remind them, heaven will become a reality. Grace is not something I can explain; faith is not something that I can impart. I'm not asking that people have faith in me. I can only say, "I truly experienced heaven. I hope you'll be able to believe these things for yourself."
Mr. Piper also states "Perhaps the most difficult thing that happens when people have overpowering changes in their lives is they find it difficult to accept the reality of the event. They remember how life used to be and they want to go back to the former way. They can't accept that their lives have changed.
To observers that often seems strange. "Don't they know things are not the way they used to be? Can't they see the difference?" Yes, they can. But to "see" the difference and to "admit" the difference may be far apart."
Mr. Piper continues "Some things happen to us that irrevocably change us in spite of anything we can do. Things are different after that point than they ever were before. Sometimes, I ask people to close their eyes. Then I tell them, "Remember the worst thing or the biggest tragedy in your life. What's the worst thing?" I get a variety of answers because everyone has things that have happened that they consider terrible and everyone has had things that change them irrevocably. Then I ask, "What are you doing about coping with the worst things? What are you doing now to deal with your "new reality?""
Mr. Piper states "Heaven is real. I don't have the slightest doubt. That's why I can encourage others--no matter how awful their situation--and remind them that this is preparation for the glorious life ahead."
I find it very amazing how God uses people like Mr. Piper to encourage others who are going through difficult times. As they listen to Mr. Piper's testimony, hope grows inside these people. They sense there is more than the problems they now face. They want to know & learn more about the "preparation" for the glorious life ahead with Jesus Christ.
We all have had trials and tribulations in our lives. We all have!!! We have had good ones and we have had bad ones. Through each one, we should ALWAYS glorify God. God will see us through our trials. God will celebrate with us through out happy times. He is our Heavenly Father, and he loves us so much. He created each of us for a purpose. You are special, and you are most special in God's eyes.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Notes from "Heaven is Real" Chapter 2 "The Day I Turned Right"
In the book "Heaven is Real", Don Piper has just attended a minister's conference and makes a decision to go a different way home. He would usually turn left and go home that way, but he decides to turn right and take the longer route. In making this decision, Don crosses a bridge and has a collision with a tractor trailer.
The first "bridge" Don made in his life was at the age of 16, when he accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. This is when Don began his spiritual life. He had no idea that one decision would change him and give his life direction.
Because of that decision he made at age 16, at age 38 when he died in that car accident, Don crossed his second "bridge" (the bridge from eternal death to eternal life). He was ready for Heaven.
But God had other plans for Don's life. Don lived! Because of Don's experiences and many trials, he has helped and aided many people since his experience.
As Don states, that bridge was the transition between a life with relatively few concerns to one devoted to helping others enjoy a meaningful existence. Even if you experience horrible changes, losses or tragedies, in the end, you can go to Heaven--to the place Jesus prepared for those who follow him. They go there because they have already made their "reservations".
Don tells people "I could focus on the things I've lost or the pain I live with, but I've chosen not to do that. Instead I've chosen to remember that years after the accident I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Since the accident, I've watched all three of my grandchildren graduate from college."
Mr. Piper is constantly awestruck when he realizes how God has used his story to bring others to Christ. The guy who died on that bridge lives today. Even after 34 surgeries and months in the hospital, he still wants to encourage everyone to go forward--regardless of the bridges they are forced to cross.
Tomorrow, I will type a few notes on Chapter 3 "Yes, It's Real".
Each day I thank God for his awesome love. My Heavenly Father loves me so much. He loves each one of you, too! He created you to be messengers of His love. Though life can be hard at times and trials come our way, if we turn our thoughts to God, He will take our pain away. Give our burdens to Jesus, and let Him bear your pain.
If you have lost someone you love dearly, know they are with your/their Heavenly Father, and you will see them in "Glory" someday.
Share your happy moments and your sad moments with others; share with them how God has been with you through these moments. Open your heart to God's love, and let Him in! Then SHARE IT with others.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
The first "bridge" Don made in his life was at the age of 16, when he accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. This is when Don began his spiritual life. He had no idea that one decision would change him and give his life direction.
Because of that decision he made at age 16, at age 38 when he died in that car accident, Don crossed his second "bridge" (the bridge from eternal death to eternal life). He was ready for Heaven.
But God had other plans for Don's life. Don lived! Because of Don's experiences and many trials, he has helped and aided many people since his experience.
As Don states, that bridge was the transition between a life with relatively few concerns to one devoted to helping others enjoy a meaningful existence. Even if you experience horrible changes, losses or tragedies, in the end, you can go to Heaven--to the place Jesus prepared for those who follow him. They go there because they have already made their "reservations".
Don tells people "I could focus on the things I've lost or the pain I live with, but I've chosen not to do that. Instead I've chosen to remember that years after the accident I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Since the accident, I've watched all three of my grandchildren graduate from college."
Mr. Piper is constantly awestruck when he realizes how God has used his story to bring others to Christ. The guy who died on that bridge lives today. Even after 34 surgeries and months in the hospital, he still wants to encourage everyone to go forward--regardless of the bridges they are forced to cross.
Tomorrow, I will type a few notes on Chapter 3 "Yes, It's Real".
Each day I thank God for his awesome love. My Heavenly Father loves me so much. He loves each one of you, too! He created you to be messengers of His love. Though life can be hard at times and trials come our way, if we turn our thoughts to God, He will take our pain away. Give our burdens to Jesus, and let Him bear your pain.
If you have lost someone you love dearly, know they are with your/their Heavenly Father, and you will see them in "Glory" someday.
Share your happy moments and your sad moments with others; share with them how God has been with you through these moments. Open your heart to God's love, and let Him in! Then SHARE IT with others.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Friday, June 24, 2011
Notes from "Heaven is Real" Chapter 1 "I Cross the Bridge"
I am currently reading the book entitled "Heaven is Real", as I am waiting for the book "Heaven is for Real". I do know those of us who believe in God and believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins will all be in GLORY together someday in Heaven.
The book "Heaven is Real" by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey tells of the story of a man (Don Piper) who died and went to Heaven for a short period of time. I just starting reading Chapter 1 "I Cross the Bridge". I would like to share a few paragraphs from this chapter with you.
In his book, Mr. Piper uses the image of a bridge as his connecting point between drastic changes in life. We all have many such bridges as
* the first day we entered school
* the day we graduated from high school or college
* the moment we held a driver's license in our hands
* when we heard the voice say, "You're hired" (or "You're fired")
* when we stared into the face of the person we loved and
said, "I do"
* the realization of the loss of a close friend, parent, or loved one
* the dissolution of a marriage or a friendship.
All of these experiences have one common factor. From that moment on, our lives change direction. After we have crossed bridges as these, the old way is gone and we'll never be exactly the same.
When we cross bridges, it reminds us that life is not always easy, and nowhere does God promise it will be. We anticipate the happy, joyous times; but we also face the sad, negative times. In happy moments, we do not need advice on how to enjoy the moment. When the bridge takes us into unhappy times, we need a hand to grab or a shoulder to embrace.
During these moments, our lives change and can never be the way it was before. We need to realize if they are sad or negative experiences that we can GROW during these times.
The bridges we face in our lives may not be the same, but Mr. Piper assures you one thing will be similar. You will experience life-altering change. You will come to a point in your life where your world is turned upside down and nothing is the same. You will not be able to go back to the way things were. You will have to find a "new normal."
Mr. Piper states that's how crossing life's bridges works. In the beginning and for a long while, you may feel off-balance or out of sorts, but during this time Jesus Christ promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 114:27+)
Very good words of wisdom Mr. Piper has. We ALL cross "happy" bridges, and we ALL cross "unhappy" bridges. But, during both happy and unhappy times, we should always put God first in our lives. He will see us through those "happy" memories, and He will also see us through those "unhappy" memories. We must remember to turn to Him during ALL times.
As I continue to read "Heaven is Real", I will add additional parts of the book that impacted me, and I feel may impact you.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
The book "Heaven is Real" by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey tells of the story of a man (Don Piper) who died and went to Heaven for a short period of time. I just starting reading Chapter 1 "I Cross the Bridge". I would like to share a few paragraphs from this chapter with you.
In his book, Mr. Piper uses the image of a bridge as his connecting point between drastic changes in life. We all have many such bridges as
* the first day we entered school
* the day we graduated from high school or college
* the moment we held a driver's license in our hands
* when we heard the voice say, "You're hired" (or "You're fired")
* when we stared into the face of the person we loved and
said, "I do"
* the realization of the loss of a close friend, parent, or loved one
* the dissolution of a marriage or a friendship.
All of these experiences have one common factor. From that moment on, our lives change direction. After we have crossed bridges as these, the old way is gone and we'll never be exactly the same.
When we cross bridges, it reminds us that life is not always easy, and nowhere does God promise it will be. We anticipate the happy, joyous times; but we also face the sad, negative times. In happy moments, we do not need advice on how to enjoy the moment. When the bridge takes us into unhappy times, we need a hand to grab or a shoulder to embrace.
During these moments, our lives change and can never be the way it was before. We need to realize if they are sad or negative experiences that we can GROW during these times.
The bridges we face in our lives may not be the same, but Mr. Piper assures you one thing will be similar. You will experience life-altering change. You will come to a point in your life where your world is turned upside down and nothing is the same. You will not be able to go back to the way things were. You will have to find a "new normal."
Mr. Piper states that's how crossing life's bridges works. In the beginning and for a long while, you may feel off-balance or out of sorts, but during this time Jesus Christ promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 114:27+)
Very good words of wisdom Mr. Piper has. We ALL cross "happy" bridges, and we ALL cross "unhappy" bridges. But, during both happy and unhappy times, we should always put God first in our lives. He will see us through those "happy" memories, and He will also see us through those "unhappy" memories. We must remember to turn to Him during ALL times.
As I continue to read "Heaven is Real", I will add additional parts of the book that impacted me, and I feel may impact you.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
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