Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Monday, August 12, 2013

"Prepare to meet your God."¹

Recently when Joy and I were returning from vacation, we were coming home via Denver, Colorado, when our plane was about to land, the pilot made an announcement that there was a problem with the plane that needed to be attended to prior to landing. The plane returned to a higher altitude and circled for what seemed like an eternity before we heard any further announcements. Finally, the pilot informed us that the problem was with the airplane's brakes and that they had it under control, but we would be landing on the runway that was designed and used for space craft landingsâ€"a runway that was 16,000 feet long which is getting close to three miles long. Were we nervous?

Certainly we were anxious and more so when coming in to land, we noticed quite a few emergency vehicles lining the runway just in case. When we landed safely, all passengers were certainly relieved (and thankful) as we applauded the pilot's safe landing of the big jetliner.

In an emergency like this, one can't help but wonder what was going on in the mind of every passenger. How many, like Joy and myself, were praying for God's protection and a safe landing? And how many were praying perhaps for the first time in their life? And what were the thoughts going through the minds of every passenger knowing that there was a possibility that we may be facing death? Even for Joy and myself, who have complete confidence in knowing that when death occurs, we will be in God's hands and go directly to Heaven, it was still a very sobering thought that our lives might be suddenly ended. It did make me realize that I need to get all my effects in order because one day my end will come.

I was vividly reminded of the lady I was asked to visit in the hospital some time back. She needed a minister because she was facing the end and was terrified to die. She had fought sleep for days because she was afraid that if she went to sleep, she would never awake. Tragically, when I visited her, she had already fallen asleep and never did awaken, so I never did get to see her to share God's love for her and the hope in Jesus Christ.

How tragically sad because nobody has to leave earth without the assurance of God's forgiveness and a home in Heaven. Thus, if you are not absolutely sure that you are ready for life beyond life, be sure to read the article, "Passport for Heaven" at: http://www.actsweb.org/passport.php.

Passport for Heaven …

Whatever you do, don't leave earth without it!
See it at: http://www.actsweb.org/passport.php

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the gift or your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to pay the penalty for all my sins, so that I can be fully forgiven and receive your gift of eternal life to be with you in Heaven forever after my life on earth is over. Please help me to be absolutely certain that I have received your forgiveness and that my name is written in your book of lifeâ€"for life beyond death. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

For additional help, read "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" online at: www.actsweb.org/christian.

1. Amos 4:12 (NIV).

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