Power Verses…… “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV version.)

Since my recent encounter with cancer, superficial as it was, I have become more focused on the brevity of earthly life, the value of family life, the importance of friendships, the certainty of eternity through my Christian faith; and less attracted to the superficial, the material, and the  insignificant. It has been a very positive road of re-discovery.

I believe there comes a defining moment in the life of us all, when we are challenged by our mortality, and confronted by decisions, that could decide our eternal destiny.

I read recently about a man by the name of John Todd.  He was very young when the death of both his parents left him orphaned. He was one of several children, and, as was common practice in the early 1800's, he and all his siblings were 'farmed out' to relatives. An aunt offered to take little John. She sent one of her servants by the name of Caesar to bring John to her house. The boy climbed on to the back of the horse, wrapped his small arms around the servant, and set off for his aunt's house. His questions unveiled his fears.

"Will she be there?"

"Oh yes," Caesar assured, "She'll be there waiting up for your."

"Will I like living with her?"

"My son, rest assured, you will be lovingly cared for, she has a big heart."

"Do you think she will go to bed before we arrive?"

"Oh no! She'll be sure to be waiting up for you. You will see once we clear these woods. You'll see her candle burning in the window."

Sure enough, as they neared the house, young John saw a candle in the window and his aunt standing in the doorway. As he shyly approached the porch, she reached down and kissed him and said, "Welcome home!"

Young John Todd grew up in his aunt's care. She was like a mother to him. With the passing of years the time arrived for John to select a profession, he chose the Christian ministry. Years latter the role with his loving aunt was reversed. He received news of her failing health and impending death. Here is what he wrote in reply.

My Dear Aunt,
Years ago I left a house of death, not knowing where I was to go, whether anyone cared, or whether or not it was the end for me. The ride to your house was long, but the servant encouraged me. I finally arrived to your embrace and a new home. I was expected. I felt safe. You did it all for me.
Now it's your turn to go. I'm writing to let you know, Someone is waiting up, your room is ready, the light is on, the door is open, and you're expected.

So are you, and every single person living today. Jesus is preparing a place for you. He said, "In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you....." John 14:2 (New King James version) If Jesus said it, you can count on it! 

A perfect, eternal  place of perfected people overseen by our perfect Lord.

But there is one...only one condition.....Jesus said:    “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through Me.” John 14:6.  If Jesus said it, you can count on it!

A defining moment in your life?