Recently, my sons and I were talking about the timeline for heavenly events. My boys, 11 and (just today) 7, have grown up in church and so it’s not unusual for us to talk about the Bible, the Lord, or even things complicated like prophecy. Revelations is an especially interesting topic to my eldest son Daniel. He’s fascinated with events leading up to the rapture and what happens afterward. And the great thing is, I’m fascinated with that timeline as well! 🙂
So when Daniel asked me about how things will work during the tribulation and the thousand year reign, I was excited. He always tends to ask me difficult questions while we’re driving and I can’t dig my pocket-sized Bible out of my purse (it comes in handy when I’m not driving! lol).
I always get excited to talk about the calling up of believers, the millennial reign, and New Jerusalem. The fact that I have been adopted into the family of the most Righteous on High (Eph. 1:5) never gets old, because by my own merit I’m not worthy of heaven.
Ephesians 2:8 tells me “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” [Emphasis mine] There’s nothing on this earth that I could do to earn God’s gift. That verse specifically says that salvation IS A GIFT! The Merriam-Webster online dictionary’s definition (specifically the second one) of “gift” is:
I’m so glad I’m part of the family of God!!
(Fast-forward to 1:40 for the song :P)
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
Good post…and as others have said…welcome to the “chain” gang!
P.S. Ok…this is funny…the “word verification” for this post was “chain”. lol
Terrific first post for the blog chain, Jami! We are indeed part of an august lineage. Praise God!
That song brings back memories for me. We used that as the closing song for a long tome at the church I attended through high school. Thank you for sharing.
Welcome to the blog chain! It’s always good to meet a new blogger and hear their thoughts. Thanks for a good start for our “august” month.
A good reminder Jami.
Great post, Jami! Also, you have a great looking blog. 🙂
What a lovely way to start the month! It’s always so special when we can talk to our kids about spiritual things.
thanks also for the ‘You might also like’ shout out!
http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com
Fantastic post, Jami! It is heart-warming to know that your kids are of such mettle that they are eager and willing to investigate the Word. Such an adventure you must experience daily on a theological level. ;D Your post served a great reminder of the humbling nature of God’s gift, adopting us into His royal and august lineage. Great start to this month!
Nothing greater than the blessing of living out our faith with our kids — talking about God when we sit and when we rise, when we walk along the way and when we lie down — axe sharpening axe — seeing the extraordinary, the august, the Holy in the ordinary, every day moments of life. So glad you’ve joined the CW Blog Chain! I’m a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom too — just graduated my oldest (of five) whose off to college in a few weeks. Blessings, Jami!
Thanks for your comments, everyone! @Victor, I am in total awe of what God is planning to do in the near future. The tribulation will be a horrific time, but oh how God will show His power. And I hope I’m a good mom; I love my two goobers like crazy. 😛
It is heartwarming that your sons are so interested in Scripture so young, especially enough to ask the tough questions. All too often children tend to turn away from the Word with surprising ease.
I’m also fascinated about God’s plans for our future, especially the tumultuous Tribulation when He allows the Devil full control temporarily, before he comes in with His heavenly army.
You must be a great mommy.
~ VT
Very thankful for the gift that He has given us! That’s cool about Daniel too!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jami !!!
LOL “Chain gang”–I like that, Lynn!!
Great post, Jami! How wonderful that your boys are interested and you can share your knowledge with them. Thanks for the song. I haven’t heard it in ages. So glad you’re a part of the chain gang!