Jul 14

There are many reasons, therefore, why a person can lose everything in life at death. But for those who keep in death all that they enjoyed in life, there is only one reason: Jesus. He is what they enjoyed in life and they do not lose him at death; indeed, he is the only thing they can carry over into the new kingdom. In Jesus, they find all they need and want.

When we have Jesus, we have all that comes with him. And if we lived our lives for him, all that we did in those lives does not disappear at death: Those deeds follow us into heaven (Rev. 14:13).

Our money and possessions cannot follow us to heaven, but our deeds do follow us. What we do and say in this life is not forever forgotten when we die; our words and deeds are recorded for all eternity:

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another; the Lord heeded and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and thought on his name" (Mal. 3:16).

What hope and comfort and reassurance this truth gives! Nothing I do in this life is lost at my death. God sees to it that it all is carried over into the new life in heaven: all the smiles given to the discouraged; all the hugs, the words of encouragement -- anything done to the smallest child of God was done to Jesus, and is never lost. That is great encouragement! None of our labor in God's love here on this earth is lost or in vain.

Scripture for today: 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 4:16
Thought for today: Life has purpose, meaning, and significance in Christ.
Prayer for today: I praise you and worship you, Lord, for giving meaning to every act of my life.

JUL 14