Heaven Bound 4 Sure

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

Praise Amid the Problems

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we read "Blessed be the God and Father ... who comforts us in all our tribulation."

No matter what happens to us in the course of a day, whether good or bad, God is still God. He's still there. He's still watching over us. He's still protecting us. He's still loving us.

At the end of the day, when all else fails, we still have God! Hallelujah! Praise His holy name.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Lead by Serving

In Mark 10:45, we read "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

True leaders focus on the needs of others rather than their own. They take the special gifts God gave them and they use those gifts to serve others. For some it's kindness; for others it's compassion; and for others it's generosity or creativity or hospitality, etc.

Take our beloved Dolly Parton, for instance. Suppose she had kept her musical talent hidden within the four walls of the tiny mountain home she shared with her family. We might never have been blessed with her gift of entertainment which continues to serve us even now after her death.

By serving others with her special gift, Dolly made money that she routinely used to serve the financial and educational needs of others. Besides that, she inspired many to share their own music on stage and, above all, to have faith in God.

No matter what you believe is your greatest gift, you're a true leader when you use it to serve others. And it doesn't have to be on a global stage.

You're a good baker? Serve your neighbor by bringing her a plate of your homemade muffins.
You're a good teacher? Volunteer to tutor a needy student. You're a good driver? Help elderly people get to their doctors' appointments.

And when this life is over, you'll be welcomed into heaven with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Happiness versus Joy

In John 15:12, Jesus says "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

Jesus didn't promise us happiness but He did promise us joy. What's the difference? Well, happiness depends on external circumstances while joy depends on internal circumstances.

You can be happy when a healthy new baby is born into your family; when you buy your dream home; or when you land that big promotion you've been working towards.

But joy does not depend on our circumstances. We can be dirt poor and have joy; we can work at a minimum-wage job and have joy; we can even be on our death bed and have joy. Joy is a feeling of contentment. A feeling of being satisfied no matter what.

When we have Jesus in our hearts, we are full. We are satisfied. We have joy!

09/02/2026

Wait for It

In Psalm 27:14, we read "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart."

Patience is definitely not my greatest attribute. When I have a problem, I immediately look for the quickest way to solve it, which is not always the best way. The point is, I don't want to waste time waiting.

So, I find that I have to constantly remind myself to slow down and wait for God's solution. God always has the best solution. What good would be achieved if the moment we ask for His help, He waives a magic wand and immediately fixes our problem? We would never learn what patience is!

And it's not just about patience. It's also about courage, perseverance, and faith. God uses our troubles to refine us. For some, like me, that takes a while. But He promises that, in the end, we will emerge victorious.

I can't wait!

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Out of this World

In Luke 9:23, we read "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'"

Following Jesus comes at a price. Once you know Jesus on a personal level, you can't escape the mission to which He has called us There's work to be done. Every decision we make is dependent on the answer we get when we ask "What would Jesus do?"

What did Jesus do? He went around helping people, loving people, and sharing the Word of God with them. He did all this, despite facing backlash and insults from unbelievers. Ultimately, He faced a brutal death because of it.

And like Jesus, Christians all over the world today are being killed for their faith. And, for those of us who have the freedom to live our faith publicly, we still face criticism on a daily basis. Or, at the very least, we are ignored as though we have nothing interesting or important to say.

Take social media, for instance. Post a photo of anyone saying or doing some nasty, and the post goes viral. Post something like what I'm posting now, and you're happy to get one thumbs up (usually from a family member or close friend.)

But that's okay because when Jesus lives in you, you live for Him, not for yourself. If only one person is inspired to follow Jesus because of what they've read here, then I did my job.

It might seem like a sacrifice now, but the reward is out of this world!