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An Easter message of redemption and love and hope. I’m reading Not a Fan. Becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus. by Kyle Idleman. It brought back some memories…
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”—Jude 24, 25, NAS
Today, at 6:40 a.m. (Earth-time) I stepped from your world into the peaceful beauty and splendor of Heaven. It was an easy passing…there was a quietness and a calm in the air as I passed from one world and into the next. It was a lovely journey.
King Jesus was on the Bema Seat. I was not afraid to face Him. We discussed my life and I quietly asked, “but Lord, what about when I…”
FORGIVEN
(In blood red)
suddenly appeared on my hand. “Oh, my Lord,” I whispered, as He stepped down from the Bema Seat. The jagged scars from the rough-hewn nails on His wrists made me weep as He wrapped His lovely arms around me. That simple act of His hug has totally healed me of my earthly experiences. Those beautiful scars! I laid my head on His shoulder and wept for joy. Such love. I looked down and saw the scars on His feet…love marks to me. Such glorious, pure, untainted, unconditional love. I am in the home of the forgiven.
He placed a crown on my head. On me! How could this be? And yet, it is true! Glorious love! Somehow, I don’t feel unworthy. It feels natural to be here. As though I have always been here. Then I remember: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, NAS).
“Oh, my Lord…my glorious Lord!” I fell before His feet. I touched the scars. “They are there because of my sin, not Yours!” He lifted me up, and escorted me – His bride – to the banquet table. “How is it possible, with so many others here, that I feel as though I am alone with You”? I asked Him. Those beautiful expressive eyes drew me closer – ever closer to an understanding of the purity that love can possess.
The clutter of the things that were important in my earth-life is gone. “Life is so simple here. There is love and there is purpose; and I know that You have prepared this destiny especially for me. You have used my earth-life to prepare me for what You were preparing for me – here – after the banquet.”
“I have been healed with Your loving embrace,” I whispered. “Your banquet table has nourished me. I have walked down the path with You – on Your arm as Your bride. Oh, the wonder of it all! Now, You have said that we have work to do – together – in every sense of the word. You have made me worthy to be here and You have proved it by placing this crown on my head.”
I tried to kneel and He told me, “No, STAND before Me…I have made you worthy.” So, I stood…in my glorified body – before King Jesus and He embraced me again, and said, “You have been faithful. Well done, My lovely one. My bride. You are here, not for what you have done in My Name, but because you have loved my Glorious Appearing. That is all that I have required. There is no need for My bride to ever fear My appearing. You were created for this purpose. Your earth-life was preparation for all of this. I often told you, “I have My way. You have yours. Mine is better. You see…I was right. My way is better.”
Then He said, “Here, My love…let Me show you how My Light sparkles through this bottle of your tears that I have kept. Not one tear was lost…and see how they add to the beauty of Heaven—the home of the forgiven. WELCOME HOME!”
I don’t even bother to say, “I believe anymore”. I just say, “I know”. It makes life so much easier.
Comment by Ellen
Hi Ellen, good to hear from you! You are such a faithful reader of the blog! Do you mean that you say, “I know Jesus” rather than saying “I believe in Jesus”?
Sounds like you’ve read the book that I mentioned: Not a Fan. by Kyle Idleman. That’s the distinction he makes in the book. Re: The difference between being a fan or a follower.
Comment by Pam Taylor
Pam
Great word pictures. I like the very first paragraph as a great picture of the transition. Good job. Also the “I have made you worthy” is a needed truth.
Happy Easter.
Comment by Bill Graybill
Thanks, Bill Graybill, for the kind words. Your comments mean a lot to me. You are such an excellent writer! And…a great coach!
Comment by Pam Taylor
Pam, that is a good post. Full of truth that we all need to hear know, know in our hearts!
Comment by Mike Lane
Mike Lane, thanks for taking the time to comment. You have such a heart for the Lord and His people! So, what you said here is not taken lightly! Thanks! I believe this message came straight from the heart of God. It STILL makes me weep when I read it… and remember…
Comment by Pam Taylor
I just mean. there are no more I thinks when it comes to Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit. It is just I know the Trinity is with me–beside me, within me, a part of my being.
Comment by Ellen
That’s a wonderful place to be, Ellen. Confident in your relationship with the Trinity! Thanks for expanding on your original post. It’s always good to hear from you!
Comment by Pam Taylor
This is a beautiful post Pam! Well written. Thank you for providing this kind of insight. I hope Easter was lovely for you.
Comment by Toni Ruppert
Toni! So good to hear from you! Thank you…glad you liked it! Yes, Easter was lovely! What an amazing time of year! The focus of people is more Heavenly minded and beautiful to behold! Praise God for His mercies! Awaiting His shout, Pam
Comment by Pam Taylor