HEAVENLY PETS

Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are like a great deep. O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. Psalms 36:6 (NAS)

I have a confession. I’ve been troubled by the apparent silence of the Bible on the subject of what happens to our pets after they die. After another devastating loss of a dear furry friend, I searched the scriptures in need of His comfort and peace, praying for the Lord’s guidance to find solid Biblical assurance. As always God was faithful and I was amazed.

Although the verse, “And your beloved pets shall reside with you in Paradise” did not appear, I found consolation. The opening scripture reminds us that God is righteous; His judgment is deeper than we can comprehend, and He saves the flesh of His creation. Of course He would! Didn’t He create each one and tell Adam to look after them?! During the great flood He used Noah to gather His animals to replenish the earth. Jesus was surrounded at birth by animals. Revelation speaks of animals in Heaven.

Luke 12:6 states, Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

This verse tells of God’s love and care for all His creation, even tiny birds that were sold in ancient market places for a widow’s mite. His heart is turned toward the life and well-being of each one. He also loves and cares for the pet’s owner. He knows our human need of their companionship and our concern for their afterlife. The love in our hearts first originated with Him.

My best assurances came in Psalm 145:2 which states all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

I offer praise and thanksgiving Father, for your loving care of all Your creation.

© 2018 Bonnie Mae Evans

HEAVENLY EYES

Things which eye hath not seen and ear hath not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those that love Him. I Corinthians 2:9 (NAS)

 Early one morning I opened the blinds in my bedroom and was greeted with a blast of color. The bright gold leaves on the trees and the carpet of fallen ones in our yard dazzled me with such brilliance that it almost hurt my eyes. Our entire yard appeared to be bathed in gold. It was practically glowing. Immediately, the verse "How manifold are thy handiworks, O Lord," came to my mind.

It was surprising and wonderful and almost overwhelming. The golden moment brought an early morning reminder of the marvelous gifts the Lord has in store for those who love Him. During unanticipated moments, in unexpected ways He blesses us each day. We only need the eyes to recognize His works.

In the same way we would do well with eyes that are continually looking beyond our possessions and attachments to this world, focusing instead on things eternal. Words spoken, deeds done, encouragement given that would lead another to know Christ as Savior, these are the things that have eternal significance.

Our Heavenly Father has promised that in Heaven He has prepared an unimaginable place for those who love Him. We’ve never seen nor heard or could ever possibly imagine what He has planned. When we view everything we do in the face of eternity our priorities will automatically fall into step with the Father and hopefully lead others to seek Him.

Loving Father, thank You for giving us glimpses of the wonderful things You have in store for us. Give us a heart to lead others to You. Amen.

© 2015 Bonnie Mae Evans

Change of Address

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly await for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:20 (NAS)

This year has been especially difficult for me to get started on the usual preparation for the holiday season. Normally, by the end of October, I have already ordered and received our family photo Christmas cards. By November, they are addressed, stamped with Madonna and Child and ready be sent out, spreading cheer to friends and family all across the continent, a few will even go to other countries.

This winter is different. Way behind schedule, I gloomily got out my address book with the alphabetical Christmas card list in the back. Each year as I begin to send out cards I am saddened by the realization that more and more of our dear friends and loved ones are no longer with us. Many have gone on to be with the Lord.

This year was more painful than usual. My dad became one of those who will be missed, as he went to be with Jesus a week before Thanksgiving. Staring at his name through tears, it occurred to me that while the beloved names of people on my list are decreasing, the names in the roll book of Heaven are increasing! My precious friends and family have simply relocated. They have a glorious new home with a new address. And someday, with great expectation and hope I can look forward to moving there also.

 So, this year I won't erase them from my address book. Instead, I will joyfully write the new address next to their name—Heaven.

 Dear Father, I thankfully praise You for the promise of Heaven for those who love You. Amen. 
© 2012 Bonnie Mae Evans