“Man is made for joy and joy is for man,” wrote the 16th-century Catholic bishop Francis de Sales.
“I think joy is not joy at all unless it is in man’s possession,” de Sales continued. “The human heart is so dependant upon joy that, without joy, it cannot find rest. Joy is true joy only in so far as it is possessed in the heart of man.” Continue reading
My late father, Roy Weliever, was a Christian. He served as a Shepherd in the Lord’s church. He was a good provider. A hard worker. A godly example. And a man who loved to share God’s Word with others.
Our post today is based on one of his very favorite passages. It’s highlighted in his Bible. I’ve heard him use it for Wednesday evening talks. And I always think of him when I read it. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Heaven
Donald S. Whitney in his book, “Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life,” wrote: “Discipline without direction is drudgery.”
Then he gives an example of Kevin, a six-year-old boy whose parents enrolled him in music lessons. His friends are outside playing ball, having a good time. For Kevin the lessons are drudgery.
Suppose an angel appears and transports Kevin to Carnegie Hall where a guitar virtuoso is giving a concert. Kevin is amazed at how the musician plays with such skill. Kevin is excited and enthralled by the concert Continue reading
Filed under 20/20 Vision Series, Heaven
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore. Continue reading
Filed under Heaven
This morning while reading Revelation chapter 11, I had a flashback down memory lane. One that first produced a slight chuckle in the early morning darkness. Then a warm feeling inside. And then some personal introspection.
Verses 11 and 12 reminded me of a sermon I heard Robert Jackson preach 50 years ago. Of course, I may remember it so well because l “borrowed” and preached it several times in my early days of ministry. Continue reading
Filed under Heaven
Is everyone going to heaven?
Apparently 64% of those self identified as evangelicals believe so. According to a recent online survey released by LifeWay and reported by the Christian Post they think “heaven is a place where all people will ultimately be reunited with their loved ones.” Continue reading
Filed under Heaven
Tom had recently changed jobs when he bumped into an old friend, Bill.
After exchanging greetings, Bill said, “Hey, I hear you got a new job. How do you like it?”
Tom shook his head and said, “It’s the absolutely worse job I’ve ever had in my life!”
“Really? Well, how long have you been there?
“Oh, about three months.”
“Then why don’t just quit?” asked Bill. Continue reading
Filed under Heaven
Country music artist, Alan Jackson, had a #1 hit song back in 2001 entitled “Where I Come From.” The refrain repeats these lyrics:
I said where I come from
It’s cornbread and chicken
Where I come from a lotta front porch sittin’
Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’
And workin’ hard to get to heaven
Where I come from Continue reading
Filed under Heaven
“Heaven is for Real” is a movie being released today in a theater near you! It’s the continuing trend of movies that Hollywood is producing to appeal to the “Christian market.”
The movie is based on the story of a 4-year old boy, Colton Burpo, who almost died on the operating table during emergency surgery. When he recovered, Colton claims that he went to heaven. Saw his own surgery. Observed the prayers of his anguished parents. And met Jesus. Continue reading
Filed under Heaven
Max Dawson is a friend of mine and a fellow preacher. Following Monday’s first post about heaven, Max made this observation.
“Lots of folks say they have gone to heaven. They then come back to tell us all about what heaven is like. The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12:1-6) was caught up to heaven. Whatever it was that he saw and heard, he said it “is not lawful for a man to utter.” Amazing that folks claim to be able to tell something that the apostle was not permitted to tell.” Continue reading
Filed under Heaven
