Death. I’ve been thinking about it a good bit in the last week or so. It isn’t something most of us like to talk about or dwell on, but because we live, we have to face that fact that unless Christ comes first (and we’re all praying He will!), we will all die.
Ecclesiastes 9:5
For the living know that they shall die:
In recent days, I’ve heard about or witnessed the death of acquaintances. Their departures, like their lives, were totally different. Both were believers and had professed Jesus Christ as their Savior. I believe they are both in heaven today, which is the most important decision any of us can make! Eternity is too long to live without Christ.
But the greatest difference in the two recent deaths is the impact they left behind. It’s not necessary to detail the differences, but I will admit that it has made me think once again about my own exit from this world and what I’ll leave behind. I’m asking myself some questions that you might want to consider as well:
- Is my life making an impact for eternity? In other words, is what I’m spending my days doing building my little temporal kingdom on this earth, or am I doing things that will last for eternity? What would that look like, you may ask. Consider:
- Sharing the Gospel with the lost.
- Praying for lost souls.
- Praying for others that are sharing the Gospel.
- Giving of my resources – time and money so the Gospel can be furthered.
- Studying and memorizing God’s Word so I can respond biblically and also share Truth with those that touch my life.
- Pouring my life into other people – my children, grandchildren and women – teaching, encouraging, praying, and sharing with them what God has taught me.
- Opening my home to be a blessing to anyone God desires – lost people, God’s servants, hurting people.
- Attending and serving faithfully in a local church where the Gospel is preached.
- Using my spiritual gifts faithfully.
- Being a grace-giver rather than a life-taker to anyone who bumps into my life.
- What am I leaving behind that will impact the generations after me? My decorated house, personal belongings or bank account won’t endure, but a spiritual legacy in written form (journals, prayer journals, books, voice recordings or videos could all be used to tell my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great, great, grandchildren Whom I loved and lived for.
- What will people remember about me when I’m in heaven? I don’t want it to be my quick temper or bitter spirit, my worrisome attitude or fear of everything! I want to be known as a Woman of the Word, a student of Christ, a lover of God and of people. I want to conjure thoughts of a woman who was generous and kind, as one who spoke God’s Word to answer questions and problems. There is more, but I’ll stop at these thoughts.
For a believer, death is an end of life here, but the beginning of life in heaven immediately and forever. It’s not a subject we need to shy away from, but should consider prayerfully so we can make the most of the time God gives us on this earth.
It’s for these very reasons that I’m slacking off a bit on posting videos. The Lord has graciously opened up another ministry that is clearly of His leading. If you’re interested, you can listen to WHCB Radio today from 11:00- 12:00 (Eastern Time Zone) to hear about it!
What do you want to be remembered for when your life is ended here?
Live today for eternity!
RefreshHer 
Reblogged this on From A Pastor's Heart and commented:
Very, very thoughtful post. A must read.
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I loved reading your thoughts, Denise. I recently had a big, big birthday and all four of my kids were here to celebrate. After everyone left I thought to myself someday they will other gather together and I won’t be here. 😦 I wonder what they will say. I think there will be a lot of good things and some of them will say….”Remember when Mom…..”
I tried to tune into your radio station but I couldn’t get it going. Sorry, I hope you will share what you have been up to soon.
Love you!
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Denise, I hope you don’t mind but I need to pass on my favorite poem. Maybe you have seen it before.
THE DASH
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.
To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?
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I heard that a long time ago; thank you for sharing!! That is really thought provoking!
There really does need to be some thought into what we leave behind (of course after we settle the answer of where we will spend eternity).
Thanks for tying to tune in to the station…I’ll be sharing all the details soon!
Happy belated birthday!
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I love the way you addressed this topic! It does need to be talked about, and your thoughts were stated so eloquently and boldly at the same time. Can’t wait to find a way to listen in on your new ministry opportunity!
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Thank you, Alinda. I’m so thankful we have the answers to hard subjects in God’s word.
I will be sharing about the new ministry soon! 😃
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