Psalm 23

I've just been so distracted lately and I feel like something that Christians seem to talk about but don't actually is death. Because we talk about it in the fact that we think about heaven and hell but we never really think about the impact that it has on our personal lives and for me that's a big thing.  In the last month I have lost my grandmother and I am currently just waiting for a phone call from my father because we are losing my aunt as well. Both we knew were going to die however, I feel like with my grandmother because she knew Christ and was so dedicated to Him her entire life, it wasn't painful. It was sad to see her go but she had Alzheimer's so the last few years she was just a shell. It wasn't her. Her soul was trapped, just waiting for the day when she could just fly out. But with my aunt I feel like it is difficult. I'm constantly sending encouraging words to my dad. I think they are helping but I honestly don't know because she believed at one point and I know she struggled her whole life and I personally don't know if you can lose your salvation but I feel like it is not our place to play God and in my opinion I'm worried for her. I truly am worried. She was saved at a young age, grew up in a Christian home, however when she got married she married a Jewish man, and to do so she converted to Judaism and I feel like that is where I have problems because she is denying Christ as the true Messiah. If you don't believe in Him you shall not enter to Kingdom of God.

John 14:6 
      "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

I could also quote John 3:16 "Whoever believes in me shall not perish but have everlasting life."

From my perspective if you take Jesus out of the equation your salvation is in jeopardy. And I just dearly hope that she comes to realize that and with the help of her siblings and constant prayer from family members that she will fully surrender her heart to Christ.

I myself feel that death, now I don't want to say wonderful, I don't feel that it will be horrible. I am not afraid of death. I think it will be like a dream. I will close my eyes and then I will wake with Jesus. I will be with Christ. I do not believe there is a big limbo effect. I may feel myself leaving my body and going to heaven but I don't believe that you are sitting around waiting to be called next in line. Psalm 23 comes to mind and this experience in my life has brought a new meaning to this that I never really understood nor appreciated when I read this psalm.

The Lord is my Shepard I shall not want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

I feel like when you are about to die, He lays you down in a green pasture, and if you have ever been in a green pasture it is so calming and soothing and He truly is restoring your soul. 

He leads me beside the still waters.

I love to go to sleep when I'm camping next to a creek, its so peaceful.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness 

For His name's sake.

He helps guide you throughout your journey in life to be closer to Him and His goals for your life. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

So even as I am dying, I am walking through death. Death is not scaring me. I am walking through it. 

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

God has been there, done that. Jesus has been in hell and came back, he has the keys to hades, He is walking next to you.

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

God brings you out of death and makes a banquet for you. He celebrates your arrival with Him and your journey to get there. 

You anoint my head with oil;

He makes you part of His kingdom. He loves you.

My cup runs over. 

He is giving you everything.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I feel like in the last remaining days of your life goodness and mercy is what God bestows upon you. He may show it to you throughout your entire life, but I believe that a lot of people find it at the end. He cares about you and your journey through life and wants the best for you. But your faith in the end is what matters the most to Him. And if you believe in Him, surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the rest of your days; and you will dwell with Him in the Kingdom forever.