I’ve had somewhat of a writers block for about a week. It always aggravates me, but then I think that perhaps it is also a rebellious spirit. My mind is scattered and frustrated, my worthwhile accomplishments few. And then just like that Apostle Paul sums up my goal and I’m back on track. With one exception… I am in no way Apostle Paul. He is amazing!
1 Corinthians 9:23-27 KJV
[23] And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. [24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Verse 23 is my text today, and a thought that has my mind reeling.
I need you in Heaven.
It’s the very thought that gave Christ he strength to stay on that cross. You. Me. Us. He needed us to be with Him in Heaven.
Yesterday I got up early and prepared my Facebook live material, and then decided we’d have a family day where I would prepare food for my family. Not just any ol’ food. But the good stuff! A couple of new recipes I’d been wanting to try, which turned out amazing. Pulled pork sandwiches (made with cinnamon, garlic and chili powder. Yummmm!) A new peanut butter pie recipe and a white Texas sheet cake. I stood on my feet the vast majority of the day, preparing for my kids and grandkids. It was a good kind of tired.
I kind of imagine that to be the case in Heaven. Without being tired.
Jesus said in some of my fav-o-rite verses
John 14:1-3 KJV
[1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] 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. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
My heart is overwhelmed this morning to think of His goodness. Jesus is a multitasking God! All the while He is making intercession for me, He is also preparing me a place. I imagine it with a big ol’ pickin’ porch. A place to gather, because we’re gonna have all kinds of time to do it. And there will be times where we’ll gather together at the Lord’s banquet table, and I’ll bet His Peanut Butter Pie is stellar!!!!! These are the thoughts on my mind today. But more than that is the thought that there will be people not in attendance. That burdens my soul, and causes me to go back to my verse in 1 Corinthians:
23] And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
This is why I write, and sing, and speak about Jesus! This is why I am really The Jesus Chick. You are my prize. If you are encouraged by my words, and draw yourself closer to Jesus, then I have won my reward on this earth. As I said, I’m in no way the level of Christian as Paul. I do beat the air a lot! And I in no manner keep my body under subjection… thus the peanut butter pie. But I am still on the same career path. I want my friends and family in Heaven with me.
So today I beg of you. Examine your life. Share your faith, and prepare your heart for Heaven’s shore!!! It is not to be missed.