But I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ (my addition: 'and Jackie'), for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Philippians 1:23

Paul was torn between being with Christ and remaining on here in the flesh. Right now, I think I can easily identify with those feelings. Its likely that as time goes on, that tension will diminish and I will find new things to entertain the flesh, new amusements, new purchases, etc… How sad that I likely will lose that yearning to be with Christ. But does it have to be that way? I’d like to believe that my grip on the flesh, on the pursuit of this world would be at least a little less tight in my remaining time here.

Edna Headland, Wycliffe missionary, gave me some verses on small cards today, personalized with Jackie’s name. Here are a few:

Ø Jackie now sees Christ face-to-face, no longer as through a glass, darkly. I Cor. 13:12a
Ø Jackie has been transformed into the likeness of Christ by the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18
Ø Jackie is now filled with joy in God’s presence and enjoying eternal pleasures at His right hand. Psalm 16:11
Ø Now she sees Christ as He is, and is like Him. I John 3:2
Ø Jackie has finally completed her journey homeward, found the full truth she sought, and is fully experiencing the life promised in Christ. John 14:6
Ø Jackie is now beholding the glory God gave Christ before the creation of the world. John 17:24b

These are the things Jackie is experiencing now. I long for heaven more than ever and especially when I am worshipping the Lord. I yearn to see Christ face to face; I desire to be transformed; I want to behold His glory, experience His promises. I want to be so close to the Lord AND to Jackie.

But, as Paul stated, “…yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”. No doubt, "for your sake” refers to my Sunday School class mates, my co-workers at Hope for the Heart, definitely my family by marriage and blood and others I have yet to meet. Of course I will stay on until He calls me home, but I just don’t want to become so absorbed in this world that I lose sight of heaven where my heart is, where my love is, where my Savior is. - Fred