WHAT IF THERE IS A HEAVEN?

WHAT IF THERE IS A HEAVEN?

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. . .and I heard a
loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of
God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be
his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe
away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,
neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any
more, for the former things have passed away."
-- Revelation 21:1,3-4 (RSV)

Some years ago I had a vivid dream that I've never
forgotten. I dreamt I went to heaven. Standing outside the
Pearly Gates were my mother, father and sisters. Before I
could enter heaven, I needed to put right any impaired
relationship I had with any of these loved ones.

The first person I met was a wonderful experience. It was my
little sister, Margaret, who was only 19 months old when she
died. I was five at the time and grieved terribly over her
loss for we loved each other dearly. But at heaven's gates
she ran to greet me with open arms and we lovingly embraced
with great excitement.

All was well at the time with my mother and other sisters --
but then there was my father. I had been estranged from him
for many years. I didn't want to face him. So I bypassed him
and went on it to heaven. Waiting to welcome me home at the
center of heaven was Jesus. He never said a word. He just
looked at me and his eyes spoke volumes. They "said" go back
and make things right with your father.

Sure it was a dream. But it was filled with truth and I knew
exactly what I needed to do.

I was overseas at the time, but as soon as I returned to my
homeland, I found out where my father was and went to see
him. Was it easy? No way. As a child I was very afraid of my
father. I argued with God as to why I shouldn't have to see
him. It didn't work. The still small voice in my heart
persisted. I knew what I had to do. With God's help I went.
The moment I saw my father my fear of him vanished. I saw
him as a hurt child and realized for the first time that he
wasn't able to show love because he hadn't been shown love.
I went to heal the gap that had separated us for so many
years. Six months later he died. I was so thankful that I
was prompted to see him while he was still alive and do the
best I knew how to remove the barrier in me that kept us
separated.

I still feel sad that we were estranged for so long but one
day. . .we will meet again in heaven where God himself will
wipe away all tears and there will be no more sorrow,
sadness, sickness or dying. All the painful memories will be
healed and forgotten in the joy of being with God, Jesus and
all our loved ones who have gone before -- that is, all
those who came to Jesus and received his full and free
pardon, forgiveness and gift of eternal life.

If you've never made that decision to receive God's free
pardon and forgiveness, please do it today. It's life's most
important decision. Pray that your loved ones will also come
to Jesus so you, too, will all meet again to be with God in
heaven forever.

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for giving your Son,
Jesus, to die for my sins and for giving me the gift of
eternal life. I thank you that someday I will be reunited
with all my loved ones who have also trusted you and are
waiting in heaven for me. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."

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