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

Gift of Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Cor 1:3 (NIV)

A few days after Christmas, I found a cheerfully wrapped package on my porch. It contained a journal. The night before, I had used up the last page of mine. Wondering who had such perfect timing, I hurried to read the card. It was from Barbara, a woman in my Bible study group. On the card, she wrote, “This is a gift of thanks for supporting me over the past year. If it had not been for you, I may not have come back.”

A year earlier, Barbara had joined our Bible study. Barbara was gregarious and enjoyed the group. I am very talkative, but had been consciously working to listen instead of talking. One morning I noticed Barbara had not spoken. “Is something wrong?” I asked. She fought back tears and shook her head. “Call me,” she whispered. When I called, she told me she had been diagnosed with cancer. Later she was able to share her sorrow with our group and we found ways to support her as she was treated and healed.

I am usually centered on sharing my thoughts and my feelings, but that day I was sensitive to the needs of another. As a result, I was able to reach out to someone else with the comfort that I myself had received from the group.

Comforting Father, thank You for using me to comfort Barbara with Your Love. Amen.

©2010 Stephanie Snead

Storms

I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. John 14:18 (KJV)

A thunderstorm reminded me that even when it looks like we are alone, we are not. God is always near. One season we needed rain desperately, so it was good to see the refreshing drops of rain fall to the earth. It smelled wonderful. The booming thunder and flashes of lightning frightened my little dogs. It was music to my ears, but sent them into a nervous frenzy.

Inside, the dogs followed my every step. While doing housework, I talked to them, trying to calm them but it was no use. Finally, I sat down and held the two tiny Chihuahuas. The larger Border Collie panted nervously while touching my side. God created these loving, frightened animals for us to care for and love. I thought of their similarity to frightened children.

Many times when frightened, such as my first job interview, wedding jitters, and the uncertainty of moving to Germany, I needed comfort too. Also, being alone, except for my thirteen month old baby boy, and boarding a plane for the first time was very unnerving. Those are the times when I turn to my "Comforter" God to talk with Him and ask His presence. He never lets me down. He always lifts me up, never leaving me comfortless in the terror of the unknown. Prayer changes everything.

Father God, help me to remember that You are always just a thought and a prayer away. Comfort Your children when they step out into the unknown. Guide them to safety and give them the assurance that You are always near. Amen.

© 2010 E. Bonnie Ryan

My Father's House

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:1-2 (NIV)

Jesus has prepared a room in our Father’s house for each of us. Because He created us uniquely, He knows us intimately. In the same way, I believe our rooms will be tailored for us.

I was experiencing the turmoil of divorce when I first meditated on these verses. I visualized curling up in a cushy pink room in a heavenly honeycomb to take a long nap. Now, that image amuses me because it conveys the comfort of a mother’s womb. At that time, rest and the healing embrace of His Word were what I needed.

Today I envision an outdoor room which resonates with the sound of wildlife, running water and the wind blowing through the trees. The air is scented with pine and flowers. This picture is limited by my human mind but based on His promise to those who thirst after Him.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. (Isaiah 55:12-13a)

God has plans for me and so I wonder: What will my room will look like to me in five years?

Heavenly Father, I trust You prepared a room for me in Heaven. As I live on earth, let me revel in Your presence, inviting all who pass by to join in. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

© 2010 Stephanie L. Snead