Daily Devotional #1,594

I was talking with a friend the other day and he had recently been to Hawaii for a high school graduation for a  family member. He said “You can’t believe how different the graduations are there. During the ceremony we  all sang songs together. And then afterwards each of the graduates were given numerous flowered leis, but then  the graduates were marched out of the auditorium and onto the field of the football stadium. And each one had  a staff with their picture on it so they could lift it high and all the relatives and friends could find them in the  crowd. You just looked for your graduate’s picture and then ran to them to hug them and congratulate them.” I  loved that scene of everyone reuniting in that stadium and celebrating the reason they were there. I couldn’t  help but think that might be a lot like heaven. The Bible tells us in different places bits and pieces of what that  will be like. But we are assured that that we will be with all those who have loved this Jesus and taken him up  on his offer of eternal forgiveness. And there will be the best reunion ever! So as those you love who have  loved you and loved God leave this earth, remember that the promise is that we will not only see them, but we  will be able to love them again there in the presence of the Lord. The good news is that door to forgiveness and  heaven is open to anyone and everyone who will choose to go through it. And with all the good and great  memories you have with those loved ones…the best is indeed yet to come! Here’s our Bible verse for today…    
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 NLT Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be  caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. (18) So encourage  each other with these words.  
Remember I’m praying for you!  
With love, PJ