Everyone Wants To Go To Heaven...But Not Right Now!

Who wants to go to heaven?  This was a question asked by Bro. Lito, a Couples for Christ (CFC) head who facilitated several talks in the Christian Life Program (CLP).  As expected, the participants raised their hands with gusto.  That included me of course.  We all wanted to go to heaven, who doesn't? Then he asked another question, "Who wants to go now?" Obviously we were all stunned. Is this guy a psycho? Will he kill us? Not one raised his hand (at least none that I saw)  Then the momentary tension was eroded away by laughter.  As funny as the situation was, it was a profound question all Christians should ponder on.

I suppose many Christians are like me.  I hesitated and was unsure if I am ready to leave everything immediately when God calls.    It reflects how attached I am to my mortal life - too attached it is embarrassing.

A Profound Lesson From Fishermen

He said to them, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers for men."   They immediately left their nets, and followed him.  Mathew 4:19-20

If I lived in the time of Jesus and he asks me to leave everything and follow Him I would probably walk away thinking He is crazy.  After all, who is this nobody demanding so much from me?  But Peter, Andrew, James and John were impressive. They left everything IMMEDIATELY and followed Jesus.  These four fishermen were the first disciples and without hesitation they followed.  Likewise, many other Christians throughout history heard the call and put their faith before all things.  Would you leave everything right now to follow Jesus?

An Invitation For All

Are you ready to get up and go to follow God right now? Or should we wait for your favorite telenovela to conclude? Is Clash of Kings holding you back because the Dark Knight event is 2 hours away and you haven't upgraded your castle and troops? Perhaps you haven't fully enjoyed your new iPad or 42-inch LED TV? What is holding you back to follow Jesus right now?

We are lucky to worship God freely, have the Bible as our guide, and other Christians willing to share the Good News.  We have it easy compared to the early Christians.  Yet amid all these blessings I (and many others) still find it difficult to leave all the worldly possessions.  I can easily argue that my family needs me, my child needs me, my rose bushes will not survive without me.  In the guise of logic and love, I would decline the invitation -how dense can you get?  But as it has been pointed out time and time again.  It is not I that they need.  It is God.  That simply shows that I am arrogant enough to think I can take His place.  Moreover, I am not truly ready to enter the Kingdom of God. And with a shameful heart I admit to these imperfections. And yet, in spite of this blasphemous attitude, God welcomes me with open arms and awaits my acceptance.  And the invitation extends to all.

Pray For The Unwilling Christian

Would you be willing to go to heaven right now?  As in right now, you don't even have to finish reading this.  I could easily say yes to impress others out there.  Regrettably, I am not strong enough nor mature enough let go.  And chances are many would postpone this majestic opportunity as well.

Brother Lito put forward a question directed not just to me but to all Christians. Do you want to go to heaven RIGHT NOW? I applaud those who can truly say yes and is willing to leave everything immediately behind - even those they hold dear in this world.  I really want to go to heaven.  But I need more than just my own strength to be willing to go RIGHT NOW.

I ask that you pray for me and for all those like me.  Pray that when we hear God's call we will stand up and go without hesitation. Pray that the Holy Spirit reside in hearts and direct our life and decisions.   Pray that our faith, though little will grow and will never falter.  Pray that I and all others like me truly find peace in God's grace.

How To Raise a Prayerful Child

I just recently accepted the importance of prayers in our daily life.  Although many nowadays frown at the idea of what seems to be talking to one's self, I find it comforting and motivating.  Being a Christian, prayers are part of our lives.  Yes, I just realized how important it is to living a true Christian life and I hope that my child lives a prayerful life as well.  In spite being a newbie at this, allow me to share how I intend to turn praying into a lifestyle and not as a chore for my daughter.

Start Praying With Your Child

It may be out of your routine but there is always a starting point.  Prayers are often done by many when they are in a pickle.  But as I have learned, it should not be the case.  First and foremost, praying is to worship God.  We pray to give thanks, we pray to comfort us when we have something weighing upon us and when we need forgiveness.  Everyday and every minute is a time to worship, praise and acknowledge how incomplete we are without God.

When your child sees you praying, they will appreciate it more.  When you involve them in praying, they become comfortable with it.

Start Simple Prayers

Prayers need not be complicated orations.  And it fascinates me to hear my daughter pray before our meals.  She thanks God for the cheese in her sandwich or the ice in her juice.  I suppose adults can learn a thing or two from kids' prayers.  The way they pray comes from the heart.  It may be simple (perhaps too simple for adults to understand), but it is honest.  I believe that when children talk to God this way, they build a stronger relationship.

When we build a habit of communicating using simple words with God, we become more accustomed to just conversing with God like a friend.  After all, God is our friend.

Make every opportunity a praying opportunity

There was a moment when my daughter felt scared because she was left all alone in the room.  She called out for me and when I answered back she calmed down.  I told her to call Jesus when she is afraid.  Now, when she feels afraid she would say "Jesus help me please.," or "Jesus protect me please."  Moments like these help children put their trust in God.  I should know, it works for me.

Every moment is a time to exalt, seek strength, or just find comfort in the presence of God.  When we put our trust in God every moment, we learn how beautiful it is to live with God in our hearts.

Prayer does not come naturally for many people.  It sure did not come easy for me.  And the truth is, there are still times when I forget to pray.  But we are all work in progress.  And it would be great if we start early with our children.

You Can't Get Too Much Kisses From Your Child

Recently, my daughter promised to kiss me 100 times.  And surprisingly she actually pecked my cheek 100 times.  What is even more fascinating is that she told me that 100 kisses were not enough to show how much she loves me.  In spite of the aching face muscles from puckering for 100 times, she started to kiss my cheeks again.  Of course I can not in good conscience let my daughter go through that arduous exercise of showing her love through kissing.  But I knew that she loves me even without the kiss.

What started out as a review on counting turned out to be a lesson on love.  It is just wonderful when children show their love to their parents.  And a kiss can truly be special.

Children have a funny way of showing their love.  What seems ridiculous to adults is actually their sincere way of showing their affection.  And in the simplest of gestures, true love seems to echo out.  So, the next time you kiss your child, do it lovingly.  For them, the simplest of gestures are the greatest reflection of love.