Notes from "Heaven is Real" Chapter 3 "Yes, It's Real"

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