~ Children In Heaven ~ 2 Cor 1:3-4

[johnbmcginnis]

Personally, I believe all Children will be Raptured (I'm not sure if this can be proven in Scripture, I base this belief on The Lord being a just God), however, I also believe when that child becomes "of Age" they will be accountable to Christ. They will have to make the choice to choose Him. We don't make it to Heaven because our family chose to Receive Jesus, but because we did!
I say this with a heavy heart, because I have a twenty year old daughter who has been told the Truth of the Gospel on numerous occasions, she's not living the life of a believer. I will pray until my death for all my family to be saved.

In our earthly bodies living this life, we are saddened, overwhelmed even "panicy" for our loved ones to be saved. When we are in Heaven, if our loved ones are not there, we will understand why they are not and accept it. As much as we love them on Earth, I believe we will Love Jesus through and through and hate sin to the point, we won't want any non-believer or sin in His presence or ours, even if that includes our own family ( I feel like crying as I write this). But, He'll give us the grace, peace and security in knowing He was and is loving and just!

As much as I don't like to say this with unsaved family members still on this earth, still, Jesus is first in my life. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

[sukie72962]

I have 3 children ages 16, 14 and 13. I am concerned for them because I know what they have to deal with on a daily basis. It is hard to live in this world and get along. It is easier to go along with the crowd and not make a stand. It is harder on our teens than it is on us adults IMO. All we can do is pray, pray, pray.

I do trust the Lord and he has promised that whatever we ask in his name will be done as long as it is his will. We know it is his will that all men come to the knowledge of him and that he wants all men to be his so if we are asking for our kids and he has promised he will do it then he will do it. Now the journey they must take in order to come to the knowledge of the Lord is another matter entirely. I do believe that whatever our life brings is what makes us who we are and it gives us knowledge that we can use for Gods glory. Even our stupid mistakes give us knowledge, those are the lessons learned at the school of hard knocks. I want my children to learn the easy way but sadly there are a lot of people that have to learn the hard way.

My oldest is the one that brings me the most worry, I have dreamed that he became a preacher and was doing the Lords work on a grand scale. I trust that God sent the comfort to me and now I must trust him to do his work in this stubborn child. God works on his timetable and I am human and impatient and want it now but I have to wait on the Lord to do his work.

[twinkle]

This has been bothering my wife quite a bit. She and I are born-again believers. She has two kids (age 8 and 10) that live with their unbelieving father (her ex, obviously) and one special needs child (age 14). Are her younger children covered by her belief, even if they don't live with us? Will they go in the rapture? And although the 14 yr old accepted Christ, she is drawn to the world by wanting to be accepted and all the other things important to a 14 yr old. What say all of you?

I'm new to this forum, so please help and God bless you all.

Glenn

Welcome!

This subject has been discussed extensively on another thread.

http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=54086

Hope this helps!

[sopo]

Yes, the Sadducees were trying to trick our Lord with the question. But His answer should be taken literally. There is no marriage in heaven. He was also asked about a person who remarried the deceased spouse's brothers, all seven of them. It was certainly a hypothetical to trick Him. However, what if someone remarries? What then? Who would be married in heaven? His answer should be taken literally. Marriage on earth is a blessing and has a physical purpose. But earth is a different realm than Heaven. We cannot understand all of this while we are here, but we can conclude that God has a plan. While we shall be known by others I don't think that there is any scriptural evidence to indicate that we will be known by our marital status. God will not immediately do away with the relationships that we have on earth, but they will no longer be the lifestyle that we have presently. I do not believe that He will separate people and wipe out their memories. I do believe that we may have tender feelings for our loved ones. But as for marriage, no. He stated it plainly in Matthew 22. To believe anything else is to add words to scripture that are not there. As to us being as the angels, again, we need to take those words literally. Angels are created beings whose sole purpose is to glorify God and do His bidding. I'm not sure that I agree with you that they have no thoughts or feelings. Evidence of that is that one third of them chose to rebel and follow Lucifer against God. Human beings will never literally be angels. God created us differently. When we leave this place, earth, our purpose will change, our bodies will change, our world will change. We will be able to glorify God in a different manner than we currently have. I certainly don't understand it yet but I believe it. And I trust Him to know what He is doing.

What makes a person decide to take the Word literally...or dig for a deeper meaning? This verse you take literally but on end times, rapture, etc... everyone is always looking for a deeper meaning. On parables, you have to think to find the meaning. On much of what Jesus says and what the prophecies say, you have to look for the meaning underneath.

I agree to disagree but I will quit with this. I think it really all depends on your definition of marriage. For some people, marriage is about sex, going to work, coming home and eating supper, going to bed, sharing the bills, etc... That is not what my marriage was about. My marriage was more 'becoming one'. We could finish each others words, had the same thoughts at the same time, wanted to be in each other's company every minute. I said and will say again, I do not believe that the relationship with a spouse will be the same in heaven as on earth, but I do not believe that I will have the same relationship with my neighbor in heaven as what I will have with my husband. There is a bond there that is special and I do not believe God would break it. I believe there will still be that special bond through eternity...maybe not the same way as it was on earth... but still the same... it will be special. Wanting to be reunited with Pat in heaven is not saying that I want it to be just like it was here as I know that's not feasible or possible. I am saying that I expect our love to be as strong or stronger, our bond will be as strong or stronger and I will still want to be in his company most all of the time.

Oh, and for those that say, it's all about God, that we should only focus on going to Heaven to be with Him, I know that very well. BUT I worshipped God here on earth with my husband and I will enjoy worshipping God in heaven with Pat. This is how I explained it to my mom. God is with me every single day of my life. I have met Jesus and He is with me every single minute or else I could not get through each day. I do not need to be in heaven to 'be with' Jesus. My relationship with God has always came first in my life and Pat knew this and respected it. Wanting to be able to be with Pat in heaven does not mean that I love God less. Pat is no longer with me each and every day therefore I miss him terribly. So, I look forward to being with him in heaven. That does not take away from my longing to be with Jesus as HE is with me right this minute.

I guess time will tell but that is how I feel and how I can get up every morning and get through each day. Hope that says what I am trying to say. I'm really tired right now.

[Betty]

Chances are the anti-Christ will find a way to blame the Christians which will set those who get saved during the tribulation to be hated by all who lost children during the rapture.
betty

[manytears]

his 8th Heaven day is coming up on Tuesday. It still seems so unreal sometimes. I usually take off work and stay awake until 1:10am when he was in the accident. This year I am going to work and taking a sleeping pill the night before so I won't be awake at 1:10am. It was around 3 am when the police were pounding on my door. I will never forget that day ever.
http://www.angelfire.com/ab2/springshome/Journal16.html

[jayna]

his 8th Heaven day is coming up on Tuesday. It still seems so unreal sometimes. I usually take off work and stay awake until 1:10am when he was in the accident. This year I am going to work and taking a sleeping pill the night before so I won't be awake at 1:10am. It was around 3 am when the police were pounding on my door. I will never forget that day ever.
http://www.angelfire.com/ab2/springshome/Journal16.html

Will be thinking of you. God Bless you, I know how it feels.
Sometimes I think if God would allow us a glimpse of our children right now it would take away some of the pain.

[TrustingHim]

manytears
Joshua Paul Cope 7/25/79 - 8/12/00
his 8th Heaven day is coming up on Tuesday. It still seems so unreal sometimes. I usually take off work and stay awake until 1:10am when he was in the accident. This year I am going to work and taking a sleeping pill the night before so I won't be awake at 1:10am. It was around 3 am when the police were pounding on my door. I will never forget that day ever.
http://www.angelfire.com/ab2/springshome/Journal16.html

Rita, my heart goes out to you and I send a huge hug.
I went to your website and read much of what you've written -- so much I can identify with. I share your pain, sister.

May our precious Jesus give you a huge sense of His peace and Presence.
And may we all soon be with Him and our loved ones.

Love,
Trusting

[Weirdo4Christ]

What makes a person decide to take the Word literally...or dig for a deeper meaning? This verse you take literally but on end times, rapture, etc... everyone is always looking for a deeper meaning. On parables, you have to think to find the meaning. On much of what Jesus says and what the prophecies say, you have to look for the meaning underneath.

I agree to disagree but I will quit with this. I think it really all depends on your definition of marriage. For some people, marriage is about sex, going to work, coming home and eating supper, going to bed, sharing the bills, etc... That is not what my marriage was about. My marriage was more 'becoming one'. We could finish each others words, had the same thoughts at the same time, wanted to be in each other's company every minute. I said and will say again, I do not believe that the relationship with a spouse will be the same in heaven as on earth, but I do not believe that I will have the same relationship with my neighbor in heaven as what I will have with my husband. There is a bond there that is special and I do not believe God would break it. I believe there will still be that special bond through eternity...maybe not the same way as it was on earth... but still the same... it will be special. Wanting to be reunited with Pat in heaven is not saying that I want it to be just like it was here as I know that's not feasible or possible. I am saying that I expect our love to be as strong or stronger, our bond will be as strong or stronger and I will still want to be in his company most all of the time.

Oh, and for those that say, it's all about God, that we should only focus on going to Heaven to be with Him, I know that very well. BUT I worshipped God here on earth with my husband and I will enjoy worshipping God in heaven with Pat. This is how I explained it to my mom. God is with me every single day of my life. I have met Jesus and He is with me every single minute or else I could not get through each day. I do not need to be in heaven to 'be with' Jesus. My relationship with God has always came first in my life and Pat knew this and respected it. Wanting to be able to be with Pat in heaven does not mean that I love God less. Pat is no longer with me each and every day therefore I miss him terribly. So, I look forward to being with him in heaven. That does not take away from my longing to be with Jesus as HE is with me right this minute.

I guess time will tell but that is how I feel and how I can get up every morning and get through each day. Hope that says what I am trying to say. I'm really tired right now.

I agree. I believe that those we held dear on earth will be special to us in Heaven and perhaps we will have our mansions close together perhaps on the same sunny, flower filled street. Those who mourn their children or parents will be reunited and be able to resume their relationship and will be even closer. Those we didn't like or had a poor relationship with will now be our brothers and sisters in Christ and we will be friends!

But let's remember it's "Heaven". Would it be Heaven if God didn't have the people and things we love there as well!?! I believe my beloved pets will be there, that my spouse will also be there and perhaps we'll share the same Heavenly Mansion. (if that's what we both want)

God will be at the center of this wonderful eternal life which means no pain, no tears, no sickness, no fears and pure happiness, contentment and joy.

Pat's just arrived in Heaven. Since Heaven is not trapped by time he is unaware of how much time has passed on earth. This is why we weep, we mourn and those in Heaven are rejoicing because they have finally met their Savior. By the time you're reunited Pat will say, "but I've only been gone a few minutes...."

[FaithContender]

But let's remember it's "Heaven". Would it be Heaven if God didn't have the people and things we love there as well!?!

Yes. Plenty of people I love are headed straight to Hell. People are not what makes Heaven paradise, it's being in the presence of God for eternity that makes it paradise. I believe we're going to be so in awe and astonishment of Him that we won't even be able to think about anything else or take our eyes off Him for quite a while!

[chinalily42]

Everytime I start to worry about how we survive I start to think about Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter" and how they struggled to survive. I think that's part of what has spurred me to listen to the internal nudging to start to stockpile food and supplies. Pray for God's guidance as to what you should or shouldn't do to prepare and then follow the urging of the Holy Spirit.

Regarding stockpiling .... what supplies would you store up on? Just curious.

[chinalily42]

I lived with a Jewish family once, they talked about it, had a name for it, might have come from the TorahBut they said it was 5(any one know of the passage?)but they said it was 5, gee, wish I could think of what they called it, was a long time ago..........but makes sense to me that it would very from child to child..............

Maybe it is 13. Isn't that when a Jewish male is Bar mitva'd (sp) ?

[Weirdo4Christ]

Yes. Plenty of people I love are headed straight to Hell. People are not what makes Heaven paradise, it's being in the presence of God for eternity that makes it paradise. I believe we're going to be so in awe and astonishment of Him that we won't even be able to think about anything else or take our eyes off Him for quite a while!

I disagree. I know my loved ones and my animal pets will be there. I was speaking of those saved not unsaved. I really do not think we'll be aware of those in Hell. Jesus will wipe them from our memories for there are no tears or grief in Heaven.

Of course people are not what "make" Heaven, but what I meant is "heaven" in the happy sense. God says in His word he has wonderful things prepared for us. I know that the losses I've experienced will be made up for in Heaven and that Jesus has prepared a place for us that is spectacular.

As for being the presence of Christ being there and our reaction to that is a given.

[Faith&Hope]

manytears


"Midnight Cry"

I hear the sound
of a mighty rushing wind
and it’s closer now
than it’s ever been
I can almost hear the trumpet
as gabriel sounds the chord
at the midnight cry
we’ll be going home.

[ Chorus: ]
when jesus steps out
on a cloud to call his children
the dead in christ shall rise
to meet him in the air
and then those that remain
shall be quickly changed
at the midnight cry
we’ll be going home.


I look around me
I see prophecies fulfilled
the signs of the times
they’re appearing everywhere
I can almost see the father
as he says
"son go get my children"
at the midnight cry,
the bride of Christ will rise.


and then those that remain
will be quickly changed
at the midnight cry
we'll be going home
at the midnight cry
we'll be going home

[Faith&Hope]

Has anyone read this book?

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bey...2328290/?itm=2

[sopo]

I agree. I believe that those we held dear on earth will be special to us in Heaven and perhaps we will have our mansions close together perhaps on the same sunny, flower filled street. Those who mourn their children or parents will be reunited and be able to resume their relationship and will be even closer. Those we didn't like or had a poor relationship with will now be our brothers and sisters in Christ and we will be friends!

But let's remember it's "Heaven". Would it be Heaven if God didn't have the people and things we love there as well!?! I believe my beloved pets will be there, that my spouse will also be there and perhaps we'll share the same Heavenly Mansion. (if that's what we both want)

God will be at the center of this wonderful eternal life which means no pain, no tears, no sickness, no fears and pure happiness, contentment and joy.

Pat's just arrived in Heaven. Since Heaven is not trapped by time he is unaware of how much time has passed on earth. This is why we weep, we mourn and those in Heaven are rejoicing because they have finally met their Savior. By the time you're reunited Pat will say, "but I've only been gone a few minutes...."

Thank you for this post. I believe this wholeheartedly.

[Faith&Hope]

For all of you


ODE TO MOTHERHOOD


they say the child chooses
the parent before
they are conceived

God gave me lists
of mother's names
and pictures of them too.

I looked and looked
they all looked the same
and then I saw you.

Who is this woman?
I asked the Lord
She looks quite nice to me.
You have chosen well my child.
And he spoke these words to me.

She is kind and gentle
and very wise
and she will hold you
close to her
when you cry.

Her eyes will shine
when you take your first step
and smile at your delight.

She will show her pride
when you succeed
and pick you up
when you fail.

She will work hard
to give you the best she can
and rock you to sleep with weary time worn hands.

She wil shelter you
on stormy days
and drie your fears away.
She will bask with you
in sunshine on
sunny summer days.

And when you are grown
like you soon will be
She will still be there
To comfort thee.

I choose her.
I told the Lord
For none like her
I've seen before.

And the day came
when I was born.
I had chosen well
of this I'm sure.

I picked you
above the rest
and because I did
My life was blessed

[pumkin67]

Thinking and praying for you today Manytears. Much love!

[manytears]

A POSTCARD FROM HEAVEN

~ by Christine Ross in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001

I was waiting at the mailbox
As I've done for many years
Just in case you sent a postcard
From the place that has no tears.

Just as the postman pulled away
I reached in to get the mail.
I pulled out a lovely postcard
With a picture of an angel.

I slowly flipped it over
To see what was on the back.
It was postmarked from Heaven.
That's when I began to gasp.

I read the words written there...
"Hey Mom, I'm doing great."
"Wish you were here in Heaven."
"I'll be waiting at the gate."

I found my way back to the house
With this gift of mine to keep.
I held the postcard to my chest
Then I dozed of to sleep.

I dreamed of clouds and angel wings.
I dreamed of days gone by,
And how I long to hold you.
That's when I began to cry.

The tears awoke me from my sleep.
I felt the card within my clutch.
I held it to my chest once more
This proof of Heaven's touch.

I looked to read it once again,
To absorb all that it said.
My tears had faded all the ink.
The words no longer could be read.

I know this card was heaven sent
Although there isn't any proof.
I guess that I'm the only one
Who will ever know the truth.

So I'll be waiting at the mailbox
As I've done for many years.
While you are waiting at the gate
In the place of no more tears.

© 2007 - Christine Ross
used with permission

[jayna]

Ok, crying again!!! Beautiful. I wanna go there.

A POSTCARD FROM HEAVEN

~ by Christine Ross in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001

I was waiting at the mailbox
As I've done for many years
Just in case you sent a postcard
From the place that has no tears.

Just as the postman pulled away
I reached in to get the mail.
I pulled out a lovely postcard
With a picture of an angel.

I slowly flipped it over
To see what was on the back.
It was postmarked from Heaven.
That's when I began to gasp.

I read the words written there...
"Hey Mom, I'm doing great."
"Wish you were here in Heaven."
"I'll be waiting at the gate."

I found my way back to the house
With this gift of mine to keep.
I held the postcard to my chest
Then I dozed of to sleep.

I dreamed of clouds and angel wings.
I dreamed of days gone by,
And how I long to hold you.
That's when I began to cry.

The tears awoke me from my sleep.
I felt the card within my clutch.
I held it to my chest once more
This proof of Heaven's touch.

I looked to read it once again,
To absorb all that it said.
My tears had faded all the ink.
The words no longer could be read.

I know this card was heaven sent
Although there isn't any proof.
I guess that I'm the only one
Who will ever know the truth.

So I'll be waiting at the mailbox
As I've done for many years.
While you are waiting at the gate
In the place of no more tears.

© 2007 - Christine Ross
used with permission