Greetings Homeward Bound Saints and Friends,
​”Ya know, Mary, there was a time when I used to fear going to heaven.” “Why is that, Clara?” “Well, it seemed like a place so far away and I did not know much about it. Sure, I knew God is there, and too many angels to count also call heaven their home. But I just did not know what to expect. So many people would talk about how wonderful heaven is and how they looked so forward to being there. But, I had to ask myself, would ‘I’ like heaven? After all, not everyone enjoys going to the same places other people are fond of going to here on earth. So I decided to find out what God has told us about our forever home, heaven. I knew to stay clear of all those books and movies about people who say they have been to heaven and back. Many of those people have had to admit to their family, the public, the book publishers and the movie producers that they actually had not been to heaven and back. Since I wanted nothing but the truth about heaven, I went to the source of Truth, God’s Word – the Bible. There I found so many wonderful promises from God about heaven, that my fear turned to joy!
​When I think about special friends and particular loved ones that I have known, I begin to feel sad that they are gone. But then, I think of how excited we are going to be when we see one another again – never more to be separated. That certainly makes me long for my heavenly home. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
When I ponder the exquisite beauty of heaven with transparent streets of gold, the gates of pearl, and the pure crystal river, I can only imagine what else we will see that God has created for us to enjoy. Revelation 21-22
​When I receive those letters that inform me that my rent is going to increase again because of monthly maintenance fees, I remember that Jesus said, ‘In My Father’s house are many dwellings… I go to prepare a place for you.’ John 14:2
I know that my eternal home in heaven will never need repair nor become an historic monument. The place that Jesus has prepared is perfect in every way!
​On days when the arthritis in my hand prevents activities that I would like to do, and when I can not bend to reach the brake on my wheelchair to unlock it so I can move, I think of how unhindered I will be when my wonderful Savior will transform my body to do things I never dreamed of doing. 1 Corinthians 15:52
When I think of the terrible effects that spiritual warfare has had on people and on the earth, I ponder the fact that I may have been rescued by one of God’s marvelous angels from such an attack. Then, I am reminded that I will be living and talking with those glorious angels of God who have protected and ministered to me when I did not even know it. Hebrews 1:14
​When I consider all the books, in all the mortuaries, that contain all the names of those who have stopped by there, I remember the Book of Life in heaven where my name is written. And not only mine, but of all the people that we will meet in heaven: David, Daniel, Esther, Paul, and many others. Revelation 21:27
Mary, I no longer fear going to heaven, where God says there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. A place where there shall be no more pain of any kind. Revelation 21:4 Every day, I know that God could send amazing angels to escort me to my anticipated home. God has prepared heaven not only for me, though, but for all those who love and trust Him. And we certainly have reason to love Him. When we are born into this world, we are not headed to heaven. We must make a personal choice to trust in Jesus as our Savior, to be allowed entrance into God the Father’s home, heaven. God desires that each person be there. That’s why Jesus said, ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’ To ‘perish’ means to be separated from God forever. To have ‘everlasting life’ means to be in heaven forever! If any person agrees and admits to God: ‘God, I’m a sinner. I have done and said things that are wrong. I’m sorry. I know Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Save me, Jesus.’ – God will forgive that person, their name will be in the Book of Life, and heaven will be their forever home.”