Over
the past few months, I have been trying to eat healthier, smarter and
in general take better care of myself. I joined a gym and make sure I
drink plenty of water. I arise in the morning- whenever (one of the
blessings of being retired). I enjoy my life; especially writing this
blog! My wife and I live in a very pleasant retirement community and
we have nice neighbors. We have a comfortable home, a wonderful dog
and enough funds to get by.
But,
with all this, there are those uncomfortable little reminders that
this life won’t last forever. Aches, pains, stiffness and grey hair
and a shape like a bowling ball. More than that, there are those
death notices of my neighbors (after all, this is a 55+ retirement
community).
However,
all these things really don’t bother me a great deal, for I hope to
someday enjoy an eternity in heaven with God.
Here is
why...
1
Corinthians 15 (World
English
Bible)
1 Now
I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you,
which also you received, in which you also stand, 2 by
which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I
preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For
I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that
he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the
Scriptures, 5 and
that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then
he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom
remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. 7 Then
he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and
last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to
me also. (emphasis
added)9 For
I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God.
20
But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first
fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For
since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by
man. 22 For
as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made
alive. (emphasis
added)
23 But
each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are
Christ’s, at his coming. 24 Then
the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the
Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and
power. 25 For
he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his
feet. 26 The
last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27 For,
“He put all things in subjection under his feet.”
Revelation
20 (World English
Bible)
6 Blessed
and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over these,
the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of
Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.
And
the reason is Jesus; who was raised from the dead and offers
forgiveness of sins to all who obey him. I have obeyed the Gospel
(Acts 2:38) and have tried to be faithful for many years.
I
look forward to life beyond life. Why? Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!!!
I
sincerely hope that you can say the same!!!
Your
Friend,
Gary