Secrets from Beyond The Grave

the flowers in paradise. There was a fragrant aroma that surpassed anything imaginable. Earthquake wrote, "God's presence was not only around me but in me. The beauty is spectacular, and there is an overflow of abundant peace and joy. I felt like I would burst because I was filled with so much joy. I wanted to dance and do handstands. I had never been able to do handstands on Earth, but I knew I could do one now. In fact, it seemed that I had the ability to do anything. I wanted to run and leap into the air shouting, ‘ Thank You, Jesus!' It also occurred to me that I was no longer sick and in pain." As he stood gazing at a crystal river that shimmered like liquid diamonds, he thought about his son Scott who had been killed a few years earlier by a carjacker in South Central Los Angeles. He looked across the crystal river and saw a figure walking toward him. It was his son--as handsome as ever with his big locks of curly hair. Earthquake cried out, "Scott, it's you! It's you! You're alive!" Scott replied, "Yes, Dad, I'm alive." When Earthquake asked if there was a boat or something that he could use to cross the river, Scott replied, "There's no boat coming for you, Dad. You can't cross this river because you must go back and finish the work God has for you to do. You must go back. Remember when you made me that promise? You're still helping the poor, aren't you? Remember, Dad, you gave me your word." Along with Scott, Earthquake saw many other men and women of God whom he had known on Earth. Other faces were unknown, but they all were telling him that he had to return to Earth and finish the work God had for him to do. Before returning to his body, where he once again was sick and in his hospital bed, he received from God messages of repentance and holiness to bring back to the church.7 Animals That Are Pets Throughout the Bible, living creatures such as birds, fish, and four-footed beasts are given to men for various purposes. Prior to the creation of Eve, Adam lived in the garden with the animals and gave each creature its name (Gen. 2:19). While this zoo in a garden was lovely, the companionship of animals was not enough for Adam, and God made an intimate helpmate, Eve, for him. The animals were given for labor, such as oxen and donkeys for plowing; or to be given as sacrifices on the altar, such as rams, lambs, goats, and birds; or to provide milk (cows, goats, and camels) and food for people. The priests were permitted to eat portions of the meat offering at the tabernacle and the temple. Animals also provided protection and companionship. The most common animals for companionship are dogs and cats. Both of these creatures have their own personalities, and dogs are people oriented. After the flood of Noah, men were permitted to eat meat, although it was required not to eat it with blood (Gen. 9:3-4). There are some Asian nations that eat both dogs and cats. This is repulsive to those living in the West. Even in parts of Europe, horse meat is a high-priced meal. Of course, for most Americans, the idea of eating a horse is a real turnoff ! Because people love their pets, there has recently been a rise in interest and a theological debate concerning the beloved pets that are owned by believers. There are many wonderful Christians who have a dog, cat, or some type of animal that is very dear to them. When a companion is taken in death, especially for the elderly, a personal pet often becomes the companion for fun and fellowship. To some pet owners, their pets are just like children,