Philippians 1:2922But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.23I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.
The other day I was reflecting on the contrast between life in heaven and life on earth. There couldn't be a more opposite contrast than that scenario. Heaven is a place where sin reigns no more. Scriptures remind us that in heaven there will be plenty of celebrating with lot's of food, fun and festivities. This is what our loved ones are experiencing once their life ends. The Apostle Paul knew this dilemma well when he penned those words above.
After Jesus Christ died on the cross and ascended to heaven He assured us that as followers of Christ we would be given his holy spirit. In other words, a simple commitment to invite Jesus into your heart is the beginning of what will be an amazing journey of discovery of becoming more Christ like all the days of our lives.
Paul knew that although it would be better for him to be with Christ ( he said this while suffering many afflictions while in chains) While it was obvious Paul was in discomfort he decided it was worth living to encourage believers around him.. Just as Paul knew our mission in life is to share our new life experiences with those who may still be living in darkness.
One of our families favorite movies was the movie about a dog named Winn Dixie. Because of Winn Dixie is a story about a Pastor who's wife left him because she could no longer stand being a pastor's wife. It was a story about his daughter believing that her mom couldn't stand being a mother to her and that was the reason she left her. This pastor, played by Jeff Daniel's, moved to a small southern town to preach at a church that met in a store front. The movie is all about the loneliness of grief. A story about a town that once cared for each other were now entrenched with trying to cope with their own grief.
One of our families favorite movies was the movie about a dog named Winn Dixie. Because of Winn Dixie is a story about a Pastor who's wife left him because she could no longer stand being a pastor's wife. It was a story about his daughter believing that her mom couldn't stand being a mother to her and that was the reason she left her. This pastor, played by Jeff Daniel's, moved to a small southern town to preach at a church that met in a store front. The movie is all about the loneliness of grief. A story about a town that once cared for each other were now entrenched with trying to cope with their own grief.
One day Ophal went to the local Winn Dixie grocery store when this dog started causing havoc by knocking over fruit stands, canned goods and people. Ophal looked at the sign and began calling this dog Winn Dixie and to her amazement the dog came to her. From that point on this dog became her friend and helped her see the town's people through his eyes.
One of the characters was a young girl who sucked her thumb past the point when most kids stopped . What Ophal the daughter, played by AnnaSophia Robb discovered was this girl lost her younger brother who died an unexpected death.
How often when we are in grief that we forget to enjoy life and have fun? How often do we neglect spending time with good friends after we lose a loved one? There seems to be this unwritten rule that when someone is grieving we go inside or ourselves, close the door and the window shades. Some will do this for months, while others may never return to their former selves and take their pain to their graves.
It was only when I understood what heaven was going to be like for all of us that I began asking, "if heaven is a place of celebrations, food and festivities,, then should we have cause to celebrate on earth as believers in Christ?" I started reflecting on the importance of having earthly celebrations as a way of demonstrating to those around us of the amazing things Christ is doing in our lives. Since God has given us an amazing ability to carry joy and sorrow forward after the death of a loved one then wouldn't it be right for us to celebrate on earth?
This was exactly what Ophal and her friends decided to do when an older lady named Gloria, played by Cicerly Tyson gave permission to her friends to have a party and invite the people who had been entrenched with grief and sorrow. They didn't planned on a thunderstorm to spoil their fun, or that her dog winn-dixie who was afraid of thunderstorms would run away or that all the food had to be bought indoors. Ophal was naturally heart broken that her party didn't go as planned and that her dog had abandoned her just like her mom did.
How often do we feel when we are in a storm of life that everyone has abandoned us? We sit dejected, depressed and unable to move.
What Ophal discovered in the final scene when she returned to her party was a miracle. While her dad lead a group prayer Winn-dixie returned to her. Ophal discovered another lesson. Out of the storms of this life blessings do pour. Her dog returned and her friends still wanted to have a party.
There are many lonely people who are looking for opportunities to celebrate. All it takes is someone to initiate.
The next time you are feeling depressed and sad do what Ophal and her friends did and throw a party. As Christians we have many reasons to celebrate. because of what Christ has done and continues to do for us.
I encourage you to watch this movie with friends and use it as a prelude to talking about changes in your life since your commitment to Christ. Make sure you have lot's of snacks to enjoy with your friends.
One of the characters was a young girl who sucked her thumb past the point when most kids stopped . What Ophal the daughter, played by AnnaSophia Robb discovered was this girl lost her younger brother who died an unexpected death.
How often when we are in grief that we forget to enjoy life and have fun? How often do we neglect spending time with good friends after we lose a loved one? There seems to be this unwritten rule that when someone is grieving we go inside or ourselves, close the door and the window shades. Some will do this for months, while others may never return to their former selves and take their pain to their graves.
It was only when I understood what heaven was going to be like for all of us that I began asking, "if heaven is a place of celebrations, food and festivities,, then should we have cause to celebrate on earth as believers in Christ?" I started reflecting on the importance of having earthly celebrations as a way of demonstrating to those around us of the amazing things Christ is doing in our lives. Since God has given us an amazing ability to carry joy and sorrow forward after the death of a loved one then wouldn't it be right for us to celebrate on earth?
This was exactly what Ophal and her friends decided to do when an older lady named Gloria, played by Cicerly Tyson gave permission to her friends to have a party and invite the people who had been entrenched with grief and sorrow. They didn't planned on a thunderstorm to spoil their fun, or that her dog winn-dixie who was afraid of thunderstorms would run away or that all the food had to be bought indoors. Ophal was naturally heart broken that her party didn't go as planned and that her dog had abandoned her just like her mom did.
How often do we feel when we are in a storm of life that everyone has abandoned us? We sit dejected, depressed and unable to move.
What Ophal discovered in the final scene when she returned to her party was a miracle. While her dad lead a group prayer Winn-dixie returned to her. Ophal discovered another lesson. Out of the storms of this life blessings do pour. Her dog returned and her friends still wanted to have a party.
There are many lonely people who are looking for opportunities to celebrate. All it takes is someone to initiate.
The next time you are feeling depressed and sad do what Ophal and her friends did and throw a party. As Christians we have many reasons to celebrate. because of what Christ has done and continues to do for us.
I encourage you to watch this movie with friends and use it as a prelude to talking about changes in your life since your commitment to Christ. Make sure you have lot's of snacks to enjoy with your friends.
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