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