Scripture for Today, 10-27-20: No fear of death

Standing Strong Through the Storm: No fear of dying
"Unto Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth. V8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Psalm 31:5; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Acts 7:59
 
10-27-20, * -- Preparing for death is often seen as a sign of morbidity and should be avoided they say. Claiming to know that we will be with Jesus when we stop breathing on this earth is often considered arrogance and outrageous. However, 1 John 5:13-14 tells us we can know!  
 
I have interviewed literally hundreds of Christians who thought they were going to die as martyrs for their faith in Christ. All of them—and I really do mean all of them—exhibited two amazing characteristics;

1. they experienced unspeakable peace and joy in the midst of the pain as they began to feel death draw near
2. they were surprised they were not afraid   

​In December 2001, Christian Pastor You Yong in Java was kidnapped by Islamic extremists. The kidnappers were furious that his church was full of Muslim converts to Christianity. After he survived having a machete at his throat, he reported: “I was amazed that throughout the ordeal I felt an incredible peace.=>

<= "I was also amazed at the answers I was able to give them. That verse came true—‘when you are brought to trial, do not worry about what to say, for when the time comes, you will be given what to say’ (Matthew 10:19). The more they tried to provoke me, the more peace I felt.”
 
And so when earthly death reaches out to me, I am strengthened to think, “If those who have faced an expected plane crash or horrific health problem and have been where I am about to go and still testify that Jesus gives unaccountable peace, well, clearly it’s nothing to fear or a tragedy to dread.”
 
The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:8 to be with Christ is “far better.” And  in Acts 7:59 when Stephen was being stoned to death – he said, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit.” And the report of Lazarus and the rich man … Lazarus was in comfort after he passed from this earth. [Luke 16:23]
 
Many a born again Christian [John 3:3, 7] who has faced death and lived will comfort you: “You will have peace and Jesus will be with you in the midst of it all.” John 5:29 *Excerpted and adapted full original report from Ron Boyd-MacMillan here ​