If We Never Meet Again

Earlier tonight my dear sister in Christ, Susan Thomasson, left her earthly body behind. Mrs. Susan was a sweet and kind woman who loved her husband, children, and grandchildren dearly. Most importantly though, she loved her Lord and Savior dearly. Because she loved God, keeping His commands (1 John 2:3-6), I know that I will see her again one day. Mrs. Susan had cancer and knew that the end was nearing. When I found out that she would soon be moving into eternity I could only think of this song. So, I wrote her a message and included these words.

Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
'Til we gather in heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore

If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And where separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven

I will meet you on that beautiful shore

Oh, they say we shall meet by the river
Where no storm clouds ever darken the sky
And they say we'll be happy in heaven
In the wonderful sweet by and by

If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And where separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven

I will meet you on that beautiful shore

Mrs. Susan and Mr. Reggie at a Valentine's banquet in 2010

I once heard a lady say, as she was addressing a group of other Christian women for the last time, "If I don't see you again here on Earth, I'll see you in heaven." How wonderful to be able to say that to someone with confidence. Knowing that you both are living your lives in such a way that God would be pleased (1 John5:13). Earlier I noted 1 John 2:3-6. In case you didn't look it up it says,

"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected, By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

What are God's commandments to us concerning salvation?

1. We must hear the Word of God--Romans 10:10

2. We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God--Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24

3. We must repent of our sins--Acts 17:30

4. We must confess Christ before men--Rom. 10:10; Matthew 10:32-33

5. We must be baptized for the remission of our sins--Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21

6. We must remain faithful--Revelation 2:10

If you haven't done these things I would encourage you to study your Bible, see what it says yourself, and do those things. You don't have to be a preacher or have a special degree to be able to understand the Bible. It was written for YOU. It's not mystical magic, it's practical application. If you have any biblical questions feel free to ask! If I don't know the answer I'll study to find it. I also have a Bible correspondence course I'd be happy to send anyone interested. I would love to be able to think of you as well the next time I sing this song.

Mrs. Susan, I'll meet you on that beautiful shore!

Perspective From a Toddler

Tonight as we were on our way to the church building for evening worship we told Reagan we were going to church. She said, "Yay, chuch! Yaaaaaaaay!" She was so excited. :)

WHAT IF WE ALL HAD THIS ATTITUDE?

"But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 ESV (emphasis added)

"Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 ESV

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." 1 John 5:3

A Great Man

Today I went to a service that honored my grandfather, Robert Mullins, for serving for 31 years as an elder in the Lord's Church. I've always thought my Pops was a great man, but it's amazing to hear others speak so highly of him as well. One of his good friends and fellow elders spoke about him. He used a Psalm to describe my grandfather. This Psalm already had a special meaning to me, but now I will remember it for this as well.

The 15th Psalm

LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

How wonderful would it be to be described in this way? I hope I can be like him.

What's More Important?

What's more important, ball practice or Bible class?

What's more important, finishing homework or learning about the Lord?

What's more important, sleeping or spending time studying God's word?

What's more important, wearing something that's acceptable to our culture or wearing something that's acceptable to God?

What's more important, having an alcoholic drink to relax or relaxing for eternity in Heaven?

What's more important, showing your children that it's not that important to go to Bible study or showing your children that the Bible is eternally important?

What's more important, fitting in with your co-workers and friends or fitting in with Jesus?

What's more important, laying up my treasures in this life or laying them up in Heaven?

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 ESV

"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' " Matthew 22:37 ESV

Where will you be tonight when it's time for mid-week Bible study?

Bringing Her Up Right

Train up a child...

in the way he should go;

even when he is old...

he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Ok, so that is a slight misapplication. I somehow don't think that is exactly what the Holy Spirit had in mind when He inspired that verse. But it's still pretty stinkin' cute! :)