Last Sunday in RockiTown (our children's church), we talked about Heaven- how long is eternity, what will it be like, etc. I asked the kids to imagine two things- picture the most beautiful place they have ever seen in their young lives, and the most wonderful experience they have had in their life so far. Those are times we wish time would just stand still, and we could stay in them forever. Then I said that is a taste of Heaven- where "All good things will never come to an end!"
I picture Heaven as everything beautiful and breathtaking in this life, multiplied a thousand times over- all the beauty of spring & fall, sunrise & sunset, mountains & tropics, etc., all at once, forever. All those we have ever loved, and all those we have ever read or heard about, who knew Jesus Christ and loved the Father, all together for the ultimate family reunion, never to say goodbye again. And best of all- the visible, personal presence of God, always and forever.
With all the struggles and trials of this life, its a wonderful thing to look forward to, and to get a little taste of here, from time to time.
"Eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what God has in store for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
Rob

Friday night I had a very special honor conferred upon me. First Baptist Snellville was hosting a banquet for their graduating seniors, and each had been given the opportunity to invite those who had been an important spiritual influence in their lives. Each one that had grown up at the church had named me, their old children's pastor. When the invitation had come to me a week before, I was amazed and humbled. I have been gone from Snellville for almost 7 years, and they still remembered the impact I had made in their lives, and wanted me there for their special night. And what a special night it was! Some I recognized, others had to jog my memory a little, but all remembered me. One after the other came to me, recounting memories of their years in my children's ministry, sharing laughs and smiles together, and thanking me for leading them to love God and live for Him. Many came to know Christ while in the children's ministry, I baptized most of them, saw them begin to grow in their walks with Christ. Ansley my oldest daughter came with me, and many remembered her as a child there too. I saw parents, old Sunday School teachers, former staff members, even graduates from previous years who came back for the night as well. They publicly recognized me, I was in the slide show, and even got to pray over a group of them as the night ended.
To be remembered like that, and after so many years, was an indescribable experience for me. I was so honored to be there, and honored to have been used by our Father to help shape their lives for Him. I don't do what I do for any earthly recognition or reward, but that night blessed me beyond measure. I hope to continue to live my life and minister in Christ's name, and experience events like this for the rest of my years- and one day, hear my Father say, "Well done."
"I thank my God in my every rememberance of you,..." Philippians 1:3
Rob

Over the weekend I watched the movie, "Kingdom of Heaven", about the crusades of the 1100's and the battle for Jerusalem between the European Crusaders and the Muslim armies of Saladin. Although I don't entirely endorse the movie, I was fascinated by the "Knight's Oath" that Godfrey (played by Liam Neeson) gives to his son Balian (Orlando Bloom), before he dies. Here it is-
"Be without fear in the face of your enemies;
Be brave and upright, that God may love thee;
Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death;
Safeguard the helpless;
And do no wrong.
That is your oath."
Although we know that God loves us whether we are brave or not, this oath is amazing. It is a call to live with honor, to be a man (or woman) of true character, and to be selfless and compassionate. Not qualities often promoted in our world today. Yet that is how I want to conduct my life, how I want to be known and remembered. Not for any lasting glory or legacy for me, but to honor Christ, who was and is all these qualities. He is reason enough.
Rob