Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday April 10, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 25-27 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Samuel%2025-27&version=9

Today's Message: Understanding Death
There is much confusion and fear when it comes to understanding death, although it's not an easy thing to talk about God has a plan for us even during these difficult times.

One of the most toughest subjects to talk about is death, emotions full of confusion, fear, anger, hatred can all come together at once, some let it control their lives, becoming withdrawn not only from God, but all who love them as well. However, God has a plan for everyone and even though we may not understand it, there is a purpose and meaning through it.

Samuel was one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history and is listed as one of the great heroes of faith, but only one sentence records of his death. "And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran." (I Samuel 25:1).

When we are faced with the sudden death of loved ones we are quick to wonder why and think that it has come to the wrong person at the wrong time. This comes especially true when we see children, parents, or a spouse taken away at an early age. However, God does not do anything suddenly, He decides when our time on earth is done. Job during his time of mourning and grief said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21).

As familiar as we are about death, God's ways often seem strange to us, but He knows what He is doing. Death often brings peace and ends suffering, brings us closer to Him, brings the lost to Him, brings a type of understanding, or brings an estranged family together. Without a doubt, God never abandons His children. He leads us to look beyond our grief and to trust in His wisdom and in His tender love to comfort our broken spirits. Jesus Said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also..........These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:1-3, 25-27). Death for the Christian is a promotion from this world's suffering to a welcomed home by our wonderful Lord, Jesus Christ.

Many people fear death for themselves, some are unsure of their salvation, others want certain things to happen first. However, God knows exactly what we need and what purpose we are to fulfill while we are on earth. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Everything that we go through has a meaning and purpose.

You can rest assure that if you have accepted Jesus Christ into your life you have salvation. Even if the only time you even talked to Him was when you accepted Him, you are saved, if you truly meant it with all your heart. "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:12-13). This means, whether you live your life for Jesus or not, if you call on Him you are saved and that can never be taken away. You may not receive all the rewards that you had coming to you in heaven, but at least you are saved from living eternally in a lake of fire.

The honest truth is that when we truly have accepted Christ into our lives we will become a different person, it's as if we literally step out of the sin covered body that we had into a new body that becomes more like Christ every day. There is no need to fear losing the life that we use to live because a better one is awaiting us.

Today's Psalm: 48:14
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When we consider how many struggles, hardships and temptations we face in our lifetime the weight of these difficulties could overwhelm us. Today, some are grieving the death of a loved one. God of all Comfort, may you comfort them and give them peace based upon Your promises. Jesus, remind them that it is in Your resurrection that we stand victorious in the end when we face our last enemy on this side. What is considered physical defeat here on earth is in reality a spiritual promotion to heaven. May we overcome grief with this essential knowledge that comes from Your Holy Scriptures as we commit our thoughts and our ways to You.
In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed night/day and weekend.
God Bless You,
Christie

If you would like to know more about salvation please visit my website,
A Spiritual Guide-Salvation
https://www.aspiritualguide.net/salvation.htm