Heavenly Minded

Heaven is the hope of every believer, but heaven probably has as many definitions as there are believers. At creation, however, God made everything with eternity in mind. It is a real place. I imagine the Garden of Eden with beautiful skies, waterfalls, flowers and trees. The Bible describes the New Jerusalem as a precious jewel. The wall is made of jasper, and the city of pure gold as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone: jasper, sapphire, agate, emerald, onyx, ruby, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, turquoise, and amethyst. The streets are of pure gold as pure as transparent glass. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God'” (Revelation 21:3-4).

THINK ABOUT IT

Too many Christians are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good, but if Heaven is our hope and it is a real place, shouldn’t we live to glorify God on earth as we would in eternity? Whatever we do for God will last forever. It will have an affect on people before and after we are gone from earth and will continue to be part of God’s plan in Heaven. Randy Alcorn said in his book HEAVEN that man’s creativity and technological advancement will not be lost in Heaven. The God who gave people creativity surely won’t take it back, will he? The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

So how should we live? Although God is interested in our work, He is more interested in how we live. He calls us to be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and live our lives with love, light and wisdom (Ephesians 5:1-2). This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16).

So, since Jesus gave us all He had, His life, let us give our lives to Him in response by loving each other.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Heavenly Father, help us to be more like Jesus–to love as He does and to show compassion as He does. Fill us with your Spirit to fulfill your plan on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothes

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Jesus cautioned the disciples about false prophets–people who preach what they think is right but not what the Bible says. Sometimes statements like, “State it and claim it,” or “Believe it and receive it,” are misused concepts of prayer. If you ask a friend if they know whether or not they are going to heaven, some may say they don’t know. Others might say they think so based on their good works. Brothers and sisters, we all sin and fall short of God’s glory. God created us in His image, so we have choices in life. Without God, we will choose the selfish, self-centered, sinful way.

This is the Good News: God loved us so much He gave His only Son to take the punishment of our sin on the cross so we could experience His love, His forgiveness and be reconciled to Him. Death did not hold Jesus. He rose from the grave and was seen by more than five hundred people before He ascended into heaven. When we accept this and believe that Jesus paved the way for us to have a relationship with God, we have eternal life with Him. We are co-heirs with Jesus in His kingdom. Revelation 21 tells what that will be like. It’s glorious.

Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:15-16).

THINK ABOUT IT

The world is filled with attractions in media or advertisements that cause us to want more than we have. The ads are based on our desire for more wealth, possessions, friends . . . Don’t be misled by anyone who says, “If it feels good, do it,” or “You’re the most important person.” God is supreme, and as we seek His word and hunger and thirst for more of Him, He promises we will be filled to overflowing.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Lord, help us to live in light of your word and salvation. Make us beacons of your love and compassion so others might come to experience your love and know you in a personal relationship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.