The sound of beans breaking in half, the taste of sweet tea, and the sound of laughter are just some of the things I think of when I remember sitting on the front porch! Family and friends all gathered around sharing stories and making memories. You never knew who would show up on the porch but the porch was never empty. Anyone who stopped was offered a hot cup of coffee and a smile! Many songs were written, recipes traded, and naps were taken right there on the front porch. It was a place where loved ones and strangers just passing by would come to relax and enjoy the time and company the good Lord provided. Somehow sitting on the porch made life a little more enjoyable.

As I reflect on memories of a simpler time I felt led to bring some of that same encouragement to you through my writing…so come on over to The Front Porch. I hope that your heart will be touched as you read the things the Lord lays on my heart to share…kick your shoes off(if yer wearin any)…sit a spell...coffee anyone?



Friday, April 22, 2011

A ~Priceless~ Inheritance

   As I think about this being Easter weekend, I wonder if people really know what its all about? If they really understood what Christ did for them, would they live differently? Would they be more grateful? Would they have more compassion on others? Would they live like Christ so they could be an example to others? Would they tell more people about their Saviour?
   Most people know that Jesus was born in a manger to a virgin. Do they even know why he was born? Is it more than just a Christmas story to them? Do they know that he was born to save them from their sins? (Matthew 1:21) Do they even know that they are a sinner in the first place? Sadly, some don't even realize that they need a Saviour or know why! But Romans 3:23 says we ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. NONE of us are worthy! We ALL need to be saved!...and God sent his son just for that reason. In order to save us, he had to suffer the penalty in our place! Which he did on the cross!...and that is what Good Friday is all about. People go about their business on Good Friday without even acknowledging Jesus and he is the reason there is such a thing as Good Friday. Do they even know? I wasn't there when he hung on that cross, but by faith I believe what the Bible says about that day. I hang my head in shame as I imagine him being beaten and punished in my place! My heart breaks when I think of them torturing him, making fun of him, spitting on him, stripping his clothes, ripping his skin, and pounding rusty nails into his hands and feet! The blood ran down his head and body as he suffered...and he cried in pain as he died for me! Although I would have shed many tears of sadness that day , I would have shed more tears of gladness three days later! On that Sunday morning, my Saviour who died to save me, rose from the grave! He defeated death! He proved who he was, and said that those who believe in  him will be raised from the dead to and have ever lasting life! We will no longer die, but will pass from death unto life and live forever with him!..and this is why we celebrate Easter.
   But it doesn't stop there! Jesus is alive , and most people will agree with that...but do they even stop to think about where he is? Yes, he is alive, and he is in Heaven! Do you even realize what Heaven is? People throw the word around so loosely like its just some dream or far away fairy tale land. But Heaven, according to Gods word is where Jesus lives! I am just amazed that Jesus left this earth and went to Heaven and is preparing a place there for me! (John14:2-3) I can only imagine how beautiful it must be! If our God created the breathtaking mountains, oceans, and flowers...imagine how much more beautiful he has made Heaven! The Bible doesnt tell us everything about Heaven, but it tells me enough to know its a place I want to go!
   Do people even know? Do they know that the one who died for them is there? Do they know their loved ones who believed in Christ who have passed away are there...and are waiting to see them again? Do they know there will be no more pain or sorrow there?
1Peter 1:3-4 says:
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation and we have a priceless inheritance; an inheritance that is kept in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
   We should live with "great expectation"! If you are a Christian, you have an inheritance in Heaven! The Bible says it is kept in Heaven for you to receive when you get there! How awesome is that! We live our day to day lives sometimes without even thinking about what we have waiting for us! We focus so much on our troubles and present circumstances without even looking forward to our home in Heaven. The Bible even states that we are to live as "citizens" of Heaven while we are here on earth. This isn't our home. We are just passing through. If people really lived as citizens of Heaven, wouldn't they try to be more like Jesus? Wouldn't they  live and talk diffrently than those who are not citizens of Heaven?
   This week as you celebrate Easter, how about taking time to realize the reason Christ was born, then died, then rose again! If you are saved, praise the Lord...you are on you way to Heaven! If you have never trusted Jesus Christ to come into your  heart and be the Lord of your life...why dont you do that today? Jesus loves you regardless of who you are or what you have done...and he is waiting for you in Heaven with open arms!
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