A Magical Place

Once upon a time, an asphalt drive was transformed into a palace of imagination.

A new world was created with grand possibilities and dangerous deep seas.

Magically, two little girls became ruling princesses over their new kingdoms.

They traveled on pretend stepping stones to avoid the deep and dangerous seas surrounding the magical place.

Before long, the girls invited others to come with them into the new world. They

even grabbed PopPop's hand and pulled him into their happy place. The cute

princesses were quite persuasive.

The transformed driveway became a happy space that

included singing, spinning, and dancing.

My mind travels from the girls' invite to their magical palace to my invite to another place. We both have a magical space. Theirs was pretend and very delightful. However, as a believer, I know of a place called heaven that is even more grand. It is my home in life after dearth. It is the promise of a better place. It includes worship, dancing, and laughter. The gospel message is that Jesus is preparing a home for you and me. I know of a Heavenly Kingdom with no tears, pain, or wrong. I can't wait to go to my mansion that He has been preparing for me. Today, I want to invite you to come too!

If I could grab your hand and pull you in as my grandgirls did their PopPop, I would! However, it is a decision you get to make.

Perhaps you are asking, how? Here's the good news! These are adapted from Steps to Peace by Billy Graham. Click Here

Step 1 : God's Plan

Know that God wants you to have peace and eternal life. That is His plan and His purpose for your life. He loves you. God desires that you experience peace and eternal life.

The Bible says, "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

John 3:16 reads, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

So, what keeps us from this plan?

Step 2: Man's Problem

God created us in His image. He gave us a will and a choice. Man in the Garden of Eden stepped away from God's best choice for our life. Sin entered the world. Sin is choosing our way over God's. It does not agree that what he has called wrong is sin. This separates us from the Holy God. God's word says that all mankind has sinned. Because of our choices, sin entered the world. This separates us from God.

Romans 3:23 reads, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

which leads to death. Romans 6:23 reads, "That the wages of sin is death."

People have tried to fill in the gap that separates us from God. But nothing bridges the gap except Jesus Christ himself. Romans 6:23 says, "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

God's Provision - The Bridge is Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave his life so that we could have a relationship with Him. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man, Jesus Christ." (1 Timothy 2:5)

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (1 Peter 3:18)

Man's Response - Man's Choice

God is a gentleman and will never force himself on you. You have a choice. It is a gift He wants to give you. Will you trust Him? Will you ask Him to forgive you and be the Lord of your life?

Admit you are a sinner.

Repent and turn from your sins.

Believe that Jesus died on the cross.

Call on Him.

"Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

If you seek peace, I pray you will enter into a relationship with Him today. You, too, can join me in a place called heaven. A home that will be much better than the pretend chalk world of dreams. I invite you to come with me! Let's dance with the Father in the one actual true magical Kingdom.

Blessings!