Focus on Heaven

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.  Hebrews 11:13-16

How many of us search for happiness on earth?  If we have no true picture of what heaven will be like, we often settle on earth as an alternative.  Death is a reality of life.  We each have the disease known as mortality.  There is not a person on earth who doesn’t have mortality. 

Have you ever really studied the Bible to find out what heaven will be like?  When you were growing up or when you got older, what were you told about heaven.  I have heard various scenarios about what heaven will be like over the years.  Some downright scared me.  Do you know that a large number of Christians think that heaven is an eternity of an unending church service with a never ending sing along in the sky.  Some people believe that they will not know anyone in heaven and they fear it more than look forward to it. 

I think too many times we get comfortable here on earth and that is why we don’t focus much attention on heaven.   Have you noticed that when you get comfortable with earth something happens and it’s not always good?  Illness, financial woes and tragedy are a part of this world we live in.  If we believe this place is a great place to be and spend the rest of our life; give it a few minutes.  Something is bound to happen that will burst that bubble. 

In Colossians 3:2, Paul said “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  I think Satan plays a big part in our perception of what heaven will be like.  Satan wants us in hell so he would rather we not think fondly of heaven.  When we understand what heaven is really about, the devil loses.  I we really understand heaven we will not want any part of hell. 

There is a book written by Randy Alcorn called Heaven.  It is thought provoking and he uses scripture as the basis of his writing.  He also encourages anyone reading it to contact him if you disagree with his vision of heaven based on Scripture.  Scripture provides us with a great deal of information about heaven.  There are no pictures of it anywhere but God tells us a lot about it in the Bible.  If you want to find out what heaven will be like, spend time in scripture.  God created a place where we can live with Him forever and it’s called heaven.  Focus on heaven because that is something to look forward to. 

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, over the years I have heard people say what they think heaven will be like.  Some have been scary, others boring, and still others a vision of where I want to be when my life ends.  Thank you for giving me glimpses of heaven in Scripture so that I can keep my eyes straight ahead and my feet moving toward You.

      

Scripture: If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  Colossians 3:1-4

Wise Old Sayings

A closed mouth gathers no feet. - Sam Horn

Blessed is he that can laugh at himself, he will never cease to be amused. – unknown

Life's hard; get a helmet. - K.Walker

I was reading a list of wise old sayings and this was one of them.  How many times do we think we have a problem, but we think our problem is someone else?  Too many times the problem in this equation is “me”.     

This is a difficult one for me.  It is so easy to slip into what I like to call the “me syndrome”.  We get this condition most often when we lose sight of God and his principles about living life.  Many years ago I read the book by Rick Warren called “A Purpose Driven Life”.  The very first line in the book is this, “It’s not about you.”

Over the years I have learned that I get in my way more than anyone else does.  I am more of a hindrance to myself than any other individual in my life.  Why does that happen?  I think the reason it happens is because my focus is on the wrong thing; “me”.  If I spend all my time thinking about what I want to be, where I want to live, what school I should go to; then I will never get what my true purpose in life is. 

I often try to make sense of what I am doing in life and often come up short.  If I don’t turn to our Creator for guidance, I will always be searching for that illusive thing that will give me happiness. 

The other thing that hinders me is that I don’t believe God can do what He says He can.  So I ask God for help; yet I wrestle the reins back from Him because I lack the faith required to depend on Him and believe that He can handle my messes. 

The world we live in teaches us to look out for #1 (me), and everything we do is in pursuit of that.  There are a few other sayings that cover the “me syndrome that I would like to share with you. 

“He who dies with the most toys is still dead.”  Unknown

“He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.  Ben Franklin

“He is a self-made man and worships his creator.  John Bright

I need to work on me. I need to let go of selfish ways and grab hold of more selfless ways.  God will bless me if I get out of my way. 

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, one of the hardest things for me to overcome is “me.”  I need Your help to focus on what is important in this life.  You created me to be used for Your purpose, yet too many times I fail You by focusing back on me.  Give me a heart in service for You. 

      

      

Scripture: Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:8-12