We attended a family wedding this past weekend. The wedding was on a farm in an outdoor chapel, only large enough for the most immediate family. The reception was down the hill from the chapel, under a canopy, surrounded by white lights, greenery, flowers, and God’s creation. My wife, our four children, their spouses, and our nine grandchildren were all there, and each had a wonderful time.

MAGIC WONDERLAND

It was great to see family, friends, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate a Christian marriage, but even more profound was my reflection on the event based on the view of one of my granddaughters.

First, upon arriving at the event and seeing all the white lights and lit torches surrounding the reception area, she exclaimed, “It is magic wonderland!” She, and all the other children had a wonderful time, eating the good food, seeing the bride and groom, getting to run and play with each other, and experiencing some delightful surprises like picking fruit from some fruit trees and seeing horses in their stalls. Then, the band began to play, and they were able to dance with pure joy as only little children are able to do.

When it was time for my granddaughter to leave with her parents, she fought them with all her might, pleading for more time saying, “But I don’t want the party to be over!!”

It was then that I realized there is no better parallel for Heaven than the one God had given us in a wedding feast through the eyes of a little girl.

I DON’T WANT THE PARTY TO END

Upon our arrival, we will see the lights and describe it all as a “Magic Wonderland.” It won’t be magic at all, of course, but will be so immeasurably more than we could ever conceive, it may seem as though it is! All our senses will taste and see that the Lord is good through the food, fragrance, sights, and sounds that will be there. Some of the beauty may be what we expected, but there will be new wonders that come as a complete surprise to us. We will hear the music, then dance with purity and joy. After which, we will fix our eyes on the Bridegroom, as He enters with His eternal Bride. We will look down at our new garments, and the heart cry of everyone will be, “I don’t want the party to end!” And it will never end, for the Bridegroom will dwell for eternity with His Bride.

Jesus gives you the invitation. He has made the preparations. He has paid for it all. Don’t miss the party.

Ash Wednesday

As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.

Being Connected

Despite being more technologically linked than ever, studies now show loneliness and disconnection are at an all-time high. How does this trend truly affect your spiritual life and personal connection with God?

Maintaining a Life of Integrity

Every believer agrees that maintaining our integrity is one of best things we could for our spiritual life, but does it have to be so difficult. Read more to find out how to build consistency with maintaining your integrity.

Who You Are When No One is Looking

In a broken world that is constantly trying to bring us down, striving for genuine righteousness throughout our lives is not easy, but the good news is… it is possible.

Five Things You May Not Know About the Lord’s Prayer

Do you Pray “The Prayer?” This prayer unites Christians in all parts of the world. Though the Lord’s Prayer is well known to believers everywhere, when you look hard at its words, you can learn from how this prayer can guide and impact your daily life.

The Cross

The cross casts the most significant shadow in all of human history. It is where we see the righteousness, justice, and love of God working together for our great good. This Easter, our thoughts are centered around the cross, upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.

Lion and the Lamb

The scriptures speak of Jesus in extremes, as both the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. The most important thing to remember is that Jesus is always able to be exactly what you need!

An Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Everyone has their own opinion about what has happened at the events sounding the revival at Asbury University. But it is hard to deny there is truly a movement of God taking place.

Three Ways Christian Leaders Lead Differently

Here are three key aspects of leadership to consider if you want to lead from a true Biblical perspective.

Trust But Verify

In order to navigate between what is true in our world today, the adage “trust, but verify,” is an essential concept as we learn to discern God’s voice from all the other voices surrounding us.

Proclamation and Practice

In many parts of the world, Christians can practice their faith but can not proclaim it. Does your life help others see and hear the Gospel?

The Battle Plan

Most Christians would agree that we are involved in a battle. Paul speaks of this battle and gives us four keys to fighting successfully in this spiritual engagement. Let’s look at each of these four crucial components for victory in the battle.