The focus on my blog posts vary a lot, as you know, as I go through so many ups and downs. Sometimes when I am really needing inspiration, I turn again to this book.
I know I have featured this book before, but it warrants it again!
Certainly the Bible is the number one book ever. However if you have any interest
in your long-term future, especially after you pass from the earthly body and
wonder what the next stage of existence may be like, there is no question that
this book is a must read! Even though our earthly life may be 70, 80 or even 100 years, it is just a speck in the ocean compared to eternity. Our physical body is gone, but the real you is the unique spirit created by God and makes you who you really are. The author,
originally an atheist, came across a book that featured people who had Near
Death Experiences after having died anywhere for several minutes to several hours, and
returned to their earthly life. The commonality after researching thousands of
such NDE, of what they experienced was nothing short of amazing and inspiring. The research included
people of all faiths, ages, professions and different parts of the world. And while the Bible is the number
one overall reference book with which to know God, it is kind of like a
black-and-white version of what to expect in His heavenly realm compared with
the vivid descriptions by so many who have had a NDE, and often say that the human language cannot describe the overwhelming love and beauty of what they experienced. I know Marie is experiencing so many wonderful things in His heavenly realm, and I look forward to joining her and others at some point in the future.
I have read books by many Christian authors over the years, including in no
particular order, ones by Phillip Yancy, Lee Strobel, Chip Ingram, Brother
Lawrence, Brother Andrew, David Jeremiah, Hal Lindsey, J. I. Packer, Josh
McDowell and others. They have all been great and encouraging for various reasons.
But the inspiration of the eternal future as described in John Burke’s book, is
unparalleled.
I have read this book at least three times, and each time it is so inspirational
based on what people describe as the love, joy, laughter and fun, of God, as well
as the magnificent beauty of the heavenly realm that they encounter in coming
in such a close relationship with God, Jesus and angels. Even the most magnificent scenes on earth pale in comparison to the perfect beauty of heaven. Sometimes I just have
to put the book down after reading a few pages, with such joy in my heart,
praising Him for who He is, how much He loves every aspect of me in spite of
many failures, as His unique creation, and what is to come for eternity!
On occasion when I have been reading this book or doing something else,
Brian Doerksen’s song started playing on the radio: Come, Now Is The Time To
Worship. Brian is Canadian, but while working in the UK in the 90s as a worship leader, was
dealing with some extra challenging times, and did a lot of praying. He was
inspired with the words and music that God brought to his heart, and it has been one of the most appreciated Christian
songs of recent decades. He passed away a couple of months ago and as a tribute
to the song, it has been featured on Christian radio much more often.
Here is the link:
I
encourage you to click on it, then close your eyes, sit back and listen, and reflect on the meaning in your life!
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