Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Life (06/15/06)
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TITLE: LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donald Mehl
06/16/06 -
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The last stage of Alzheimer’s disease will often manifest itself in that way. Although he was bravely battling his illness, it was difficult and heartbreaking for him as well as for the entire family. Everyone seemed to know that his remaining life here on earth would soon come to an end.
As she was sitting quietly with him, he suddenly reached over, took her by the hand and began to mumble something. She didn’t immediately understand what he was saying, but soon realized that he wasn’t talking at all. He was trying to sing gospel hymns to her. The worship music he loved during the many years of his life had spontaneously burst forth from deep within his heart and soul. That cherished moment seemed to be a simple testimony and witness of his love for the Lord to those around him in that most unusual place and time. Praise God for His amazing grace!
There is a great message in that story for all. Joshua 1:5 (NIV) promises that when we truly have the Lord in our heart and life, then no matter what our circumstances might be or where we are in our journey through this life, He will never leave us. The Holy Spirit will dwell within us as long as we have life and breath.
The words of Jesus in John 10:10 (NKJV) tell us that He came to give us life and that we might have it more abundantly. In Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, he explains that when Jesus begins a good work in us, He will complete it through His work of grace in our life. Paul also teaches in Philippians 4:11,13 (NASB) that we must be content in all circumstances of life through Christ who strengthens us.
A few weeks later, Jesus called my dad home to be with Him. Dad had accepted Jesus as his Savior and truly believed His wonderful promise as recorded in John 14:2,3 (NKJV), “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 to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”.
Dad’s mansion was complete and ready for him. Jesus called his name and today dad, along with the awesome heavenly choir, is singing praises to the Almighty God on the Hills of Glory.
When dad became a born again believer, he experienced a spiritual healing during his earthly life. Then when God called him home to eternal life, he experienced a physical healing like none other because all things became new. We have the promise of 1 John 3:2 (NIV) that we will be like Him and will see Him as He is.
Scripture promises that He will wipe away all tears. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain (see Rev. 21:4 NKJV). Also, there will be no hospitals, or walkers, or canes, or wheelchairs. There will be no more Alzheimer’s, or dementia, or strokes, or cancer. Then with our new incorruptible bodies, we would be able to explore the limitless boundaries and grandeur of Heaven forever without needing any rest.
One day soon I know that I will hear Jesus calling my name. On that day, I will see my Savior, Lord and Master face to face. When I see Him I will know Him by His shining, smiling face and by the scars in His nail pierced hands. That experience will be unlike anything we could ever imagine in this life. What a great day that will be for all who can truly say, ‘I am His and He is mine’!
I know my dad will be there too...and I will see him again.
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One suggestion for next time: as beautiful and poignant as your chosen scriptures are, I think your writing would be much stronger if you chose just one or two passages to focus on and tied them together with one strong point. You illustrated a beautiful picture for us, but applying such a variety of passages makes the picture hazy.
It's been a long time since a "devotional" type of entry has won the Challenge - but if you keep honing, you just might be the one to do it. Keep it up!
I READ YOUR ARTICLE THIS MORNING AND AM BLESSED.THANK YOU.
IT IS ANOTHER REMINDER THAT I WILL SEE MY LORD JESUS AND MY DAD AGAIN WHEN THE LORD CALLS ME HOME. WHAT A LOT OF BLESSINGS WE INHERIT BECAUSE OUR SAVIOR LIVES. ALL PRAISE TO HIM FOR THE ABUNDANT LIFE THAT WE HAVE. INDEED A GREAT TESTIMONY
LEELA