“…and was gathered to his people.”

                Have you ever thought about your death? Death is the most guaranteed ever of our lives. The probability of death is still one out of one, and is intricately connected to us as a fish is to the sea. In other words, death is perfectly natural occurrence, and its visit shouldn’t surprise us. But is does, because no one is ever completely prepared to face death.

                Abraham died and was gathered to his people. What people? Abraham was reunited with Adam, Enoch, Noah, and many other servants of the living God. Ever since the time of Abraham, humans have believed in the afterlife, even the Egyptians! God was called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob simply because they were alive with God after death.

                There is a multitude of believers waiting for us in God’s glorious presence. This is God’s family; these are the people of God from every age and race. One day we will be reunited forever with them, either through death or through the “Rapture.”

                If everything I have been saying is true (and surely it is), then death is not as bad as they say. Death for the Christian is the bridge leading to a better life. Death also will gather us with our true family in heaven and with our Lord Jesus Christ.

                Isn’t death sweet?

                A. G.

                “…ran again to the well…”

                A successful Christian is one who “sticks” to the basics of Christianity. What steps must we follow to become victorious believers? What I am about to tell you is so simple. It is basic. The first step is the faithful study of God’s Word. In the beginning, you will be content if you at least read the Bible; but as you grow and mature as a Christian, you must go deeper and deeper into the Word.

                If you study of the Bible is limited to casual reading and listening to Sunday morning’s sermon, then do not be alarmed if your spirit is weak and your faith is small. Drawing “living water” from the Bible requires at least two things: deep thirst—“She went down to the springs;” and perseverance—“she…ran again…”

                “Before she had finished speaking…”

                The second vital activity is prayer. God always answers our prayers, even though the “answer” may not be what we anticipated or prayed for in the first place. Nevertheless, there are occasions when God surprises us by answering while we are still praying. A successful Christian prays to God every day regardless of the nature of the answer.

                “I will not eat until I have told my errand.”

                The victorious believer takes time and effort to communicate God’s message to the lost world. This is the logical outgrowth of Bible study and prayer. We have tasted the living water; now let’s tell others about it. These are the basics of Christianity.

                A. G.

                “I am a stranger, an alien residing among you…”

                Every child of God has felt some type of rejection from the world. This is a natural reaction if we consider the fact that to them, we are strangers. One may even say that the world thinks Christians are extraterrestrial beings.

                Is this true?

                Well, the Bible says that we have been born again from “above” (John 3:3). Although we live in this world, we are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20), and we now belong to God’s family.

                Now wonder the unbelieving society calls us aliens! They don’t know what to do with such a “stubborn” and “intolerant” group of “religious fanatics.” The world does not understand our faith and rejects our values and traditions.

                This, in a nutshell, was Abraham’s situation. He was a pilgrim on this earth who didn’t own so much as a small lot to bury his beloved Sarah, even though he was rich.

                Why, then, do we trouble ourselves listening to those who reject our God? We are pilgrims’ and sojourners who are just “passing through.” Some of us will never be able to enjoy a home of our own, but we have a heavenly home, and we have God. Isn’t that enough?

                Let the world call us what they will; it will not matter. We are a different race for sure. We are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood a holy nation, God’s own people” (I Pet. 2:9).

                A. G.

                The Test…“God tested Abraham.”

                God does not tempt anyone (James 1:13), but he brings or allows numerous tests in our lives. If you have been a student in the past, you must agree that for the most part, tests are hard and undesirable. Nevertheless, the object of spiritual tests is to perfect our walk with the Lord.

                How is the report card of your faith? Do you have a passing grade on your spiritual tests? Tests reveal not only the degree of our faith in Christ, but also our maturity, integrity, and level of responsibility.

                The Tenacity… “Here I am.”

                On thing is to know for sure that God is present during the testing period and that he is tenderly caring for us; and another is to remain faithful and true as we are tested. Abraham said, “Here I am;” Job did not curse God even amid his calamity; and Jesus was obedient and faithful unto death (Phil.2:8).

                How do you react to the tests in your life?

                One option is to run, but that would make you a coward. You can also ask “why?” and curse, but that could bring you an ulcer. Instead, you can ask God what lesson or purpose he has in mind, and then you can tell him, “Here I am.” Let us remember that behind every test there is a blessing in disguise.

               A. G.

                “God has brought laughter for me…”

                Does God want us to be happy or to love him? I believe it’s the latter. Happiness is one of those things we find when we pursue God with all of our hearts. God is the only source of true, unadulterated joy.

                The pursuit of happiness is considered a “right” among American people. The fact is, however, that happiness can’t be found in parties, drinking and drugs. For others, happiness is commensurate to their wealth or possessions, but in reality none of these things can bring lasting happiness.

                Let us pursue the Lord instead.

                Sarah’s laughter was not an evil mockery, not even a fleeting happiness. She laughed from a heart inundated with pure joy. She was thankful to God for her newborn son Isaac, a miracle child.

                Joy is planted in the heart of every Christian at the moment of conversion. Joy is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit; therefore joy is (or should be) an integral part of our lives. We do not need to go anywhere, buy anything, or fall into sin to be happy. Remember, we already have joy.

                Jesus is the overflowing fountain of joy. He can bring genuine laughter to those who suffer. He never promised the absence of tribulations, but he did promise his comforting and joyous presence even amid trials. Drink today from the fountain of joy.