Picture yourself standing on street corner. Waiting with you is a tattooed, pierced young woman with spiked multicolored hair and wearing a black and white polka dotted short skirt that makes it clear there is nothing underneath. Earbuds seem to have grown into her head. How could she chew gum with that tongue ring? The tiny white dotted traffic light man signals it is safe to walk. This young woman automatically steps off the curb. You don’t trust the electronic man so you look both ways. A car is barreling through the intersection, determined beat the red light. What do you do?
Should you “mind your own business?” Maybe the driver is male and will notice the short skirt in time to stop. You could hope someone else will tell her about the speeding car. She’s listening to music and not paying attention. Does she deserve what happens next? Personally, I think you’d reach out and snatch this woman to safety, caring little about what she looks like, deserves, or thinks of being so roughly handled.
Now, mentally return to that same curb. You look at her and suspect she does not have the promised peace that passes all understanding. She doesn’t look like her body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Does she know there is heavenly host that makes music more beautiful than what is blaring from the earbuds? What if she steps from that curb and a speeding car ends her life. Where will she go next? What do you do?
You could “mind your own business.” After all, if you talk about Jesus, you might offend. Maybe she already knows Christ. You could pray that someone else tells her about Jesus. Do you ignore her because she seems hell bent and probably deserves what she gets? Based on what Christians across America tell me, most will just look away, cross the street and do nothing. What would you do? Would you ask if she knows your beloved Jesus?
In Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The eternal destiny of the world is our business.
Most of you probably agree that spending a life without Christ and an eternity in hell is worse than having a speeding car careen into you. The point of our campaign, “Give ‘em Heaven in 2011” is to encourage all of us to speak up and share our faith with that level of urgency.
If you don’t know how, contact us and we’ll help. We offer free teleconferences called “The Secret to Witnessing.” Ask for our Pocket Reference Guide for Witnessing and some tracts. In 2010, 132 strangers prayed with me to receive Jesus. I participated in or led events where many Christians with various spiritual gifts led thousands to Christ, using a simple process. I’d be honored visit your church, class, or organization and share salvation stories and the process we use. Join me – Give ‘em Heaven in 2011. It is easier than most think.
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Journey to the Cross - Today in Paradise
“The King James Bible gives me a mansion in heaven. Other translations only give me a house. I want my mansion,” my Grandma Milligan used to say. What is your idea of paradise? Today, Grandma is in paradise. I guess I’ll have to wait to find out if she got a house or a mansion. This is the fifth part in our series of the 7 last words of Christ. While nailed to a cross, Jesus made a promise to the man next to Him.
Read Luke 23:43.
Luke 23:43
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. KJV
•Imagine what paradise would look like and anticipate being there.
• Let yourself relax into your Fathers arms as He holds you in paradise.
•Thank God for grace that makes paradise available to all.
• Thank God for preparing a place for you.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.
Two criminals hung on either of Jesus on the cross. Both talked with Him but they discussed completely different things.
Read Luke 23:39.
Luke 23:39-43
Criminal 1
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Criminal 2
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Jesus
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. KJV
•What was the attitude of the first criminal?
• What was the attitude of the 2nd criminal?
• What did the 2nd criminal call Jesus?
• How did Jesus respond to the 2nd criminal?
I thought it might be interesting to show you what my grandma noticed about the different Biblical translations regarding heaven. Read John 14:2 from the King James translation.
John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. KJV
•What is in His Father’s house?
Now read John 14:2 from the New International Version.
John 14:2
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. NIV
•What does this translation have in Jesus’ Father’s house?
The word heaven is in the Bible over 400 times. Many references are to the physical heavens and earth but some refer to Paradise. The word Paradise is there 3 times and these uses refer to what we think of as eternal life with God. To get a picture of heaven, we are going to study some of the references.
Read Revelation 2:7.
Rev 2:7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God. NASU
•What do we need to do to eat of the tree of life?
• Where is this “tree of life”?
• What do you think this means?
Have you ever heard the expression, “Chariots of Fire?” It’s the name of a popular movie but it originated in the Bible. Elijah and Elisha were walking down the road when a chariot and horses of fire appeared to them. Read 2 Kings 2:11-12.
2 Kings 2:11-12
As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, " My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" NASU
•What appeared to them?
• Where did Elijah go?
• Who did Elisha call out to?
Read Solomon’s fiery experience with heaven in 2 Chronicles 7:1.
2 Chron 7:1
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house. NASU
•What was Solomon doing before his experience?
• What came down from heaven?
• What filled the house?
Jesus often talked about heaven. Read the beginning of His model prayer in Matthew 6:9.
Matt 6:9
Our Father who is in heaven Hallowed be Your name. NASU
•Where is the Father?
Jesus talked about the importance of church and heaven. Read Matthew 16:18-20.
Matt 16:18-20
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." NASU
•What does Jesus promise about the church?
• What do you think Jesus means by “keys to the kingdom of heaven”
• How do we have those keys today?
Throughout the Bible, God warns about the difficulty for those who follow the cross. Read Luke 6:22-23.
Luke 6:22-23
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. KJV
•When are we blessed?
• What are we supposed to do about persecution?
• Where is our reward?
John 3:16 says that God loves us so much that He sent His only son and that whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life. The criminal on the cross is in Paradise along with Jesus, the saints, and the martyrs. Glory be to our gracious Father.
I used to live on a neighborhood lake filled with cool clear water that brimmed with fish and other wild life. Colorful ducks entertained us as they frolicked in the water. An occasional alligator or snake startled us as they floated by. In the fall and spring, large graceful geese splashed down as they migrated to or from Canada. In the early mornings, the geese honked as they discussed their regimented departure. As you looked out our sliding glass back door, pine trees and blooming azaleas framed the glistening water. In the evenings, the sun set across the lake as vivid orange and yellow slivers of light danced across the gentle ripples of Hidden Lake.
We often used our home on Hidden Lake Drive to house visitors. Once, our church hosted a group of Baptists from Germany. Staying at our home was a minister who lived on the other side of the Berlin Wall. When he looked out over our lake, he sighed with delight and said, “This is paradise.” While at our house, he spent his days sailing across the shimmering waters on our sailboard. As the wind filled the sails and he skimmed the water, it looked as if he were flying. The exhilaration on his face spoke of his joy in paradise.
If we’ve accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, a better paradise waits for us. Places like Hidden Lake are but a teaser for the glory of heaven but these signs of this paradise are everywhere on earth. Today, as you walk through your day, look for paradise. Perhaps you’ll see it in the gentle smile of a grandparent or the giggling of a small child. You may notice a rose blooming or a bird singing. As you see these signs, thank God for His promise to the man on the cross and to us – This day you will be with me in Paradise. Enjoy Paradise.
Morning Meditation
Read Luke 23:43.
Luke 23:43
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. KJV
•
• Let yourself relax into your Fathers arms as He holds you in paradise.
Morning Prayer
•
• Thank God for preparing a place for you.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.
Morning Bible Study
Two criminals hung on either of Jesus on the cross. Both talked with Him but they discussed completely different things.
Read Luke 23:39.
Luke 23:39-43
Criminal 1
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Criminal 2
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Jesus
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. KJV
•
• What was the attitude of the 2nd criminal?
• What did the 2nd criminal call Jesus?
• How did Jesus respond to the 2nd criminal?
I thought it might be interesting to show you what my grandma noticed about the different Biblical translations regarding heaven. Read John 14:2 from the King James translation.
John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. KJV
•
Now read John 14:2 from the New International Version.
John 14:2
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. NIV
•
The word heaven is in the Bible over 400 times. Many references are to the physical heavens and earth but some refer to Paradise. The word Paradise is there 3 times and these uses refer to what we think of as eternal life with God. To get a picture of heaven, we are going to study some of the references.
Read Revelation 2:7.
Rev 2:7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God. NASU
•
• Where is this “tree of life”?
• What do you think this means?
Have you ever heard the expression, “Chariots of Fire?” It’s the name of a popular movie but it originated in the Bible. Elijah and Elisha were walking down the road when a chariot and horses of fire appeared to them. Read 2 Kings 2:11-12.
2 Kings 2:11-12
As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, " My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" NASU
•
• Where did Elijah go?
• Who did Elisha call out to?
Read Solomon’s fiery experience with heaven in 2 Chronicles 7:1.
2 Chron 7:1
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house. NASU
•
• What came down from heaven?
• What filled the house?
Jesus often talked about heaven. Read the beginning of His model prayer in Matthew 6:9.
Matt 6:9
Our Father who is in heaven Hallowed be Your name. NASU
•
Jesus talked about the importance of church and heaven. Read Matthew 16:18-20.
Matt 16:18-20
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." NASU
•
• What do you think Jesus means by “keys to the kingdom of heaven”
• How do we have those keys today?
Throughout the Bible, God warns about the difficulty for those who follow the cross. Read Luke 6:22-23.
Luke 6:22-23
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. KJV
•
• What are we supposed to do about persecution?
• Where is our reward?
John 3:16 says that God loves us so much that He sent His only son and that whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life. The criminal on the cross is in Paradise along with Jesus, the saints, and the martyrs. Glory be to our gracious Father.
Application
I used to live on a neighborhood lake filled with cool clear water that brimmed with fish and other wild life. Colorful ducks entertained us as they frolicked in the water. An occasional alligator or snake startled us as they floated by. In the fall and spring, large graceful geese splashed down as they migrated to or from Canada. In the early mornings, the geese honked as they discussed their regimented departure. As you looked out our sliding glass back door, pine trees and blooming azaleas framed the glistening water. In the evenings, the sun set across the lake as vivid orange and yellow slivers of light danced across the gentle ripples of Hidden Lake.
We often used our home on Hidden Lake Drive to house visitors. Once, our church hosted a group of Baptists from Germany. Staying at our home was a minister who lived on the other side of the Berlin Wall. When he looked out over our lake, he sighed with delight and said, “This is paradise.” While at our house, he spent his days sailing across the shimmering waters on our sailboard. As the wind filled the sails and he skimmed the water, it looked as if he were flying. The exhilaration on his face spoke of his joy in paradise.
If we’ve accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, a better paradise waits for us. Places like Hidden Lake are but a teaser for the glory of heaven but these signs of this paradise are everywhere on earth. Today, as you walk through your day, look for paradise. Perhaps you’ll see it in the gentle smile of a grandparent or the giggling of a small child. You may notice a rose blooming or a bird singing. As you see these signs, thank God for His promise to the man on the cross and to us – This day you will be with me in Paradise. Enjoy Paradise.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Journey to the Cross - Homesick For Heaven
Have you ever had a day where you were restless for no apparent reason? “What’s wrong with me?” you ask. “Everything seems fine and yet I’m jumpy.” Perhaps you are homesick for heaven. This world is not our home and we will never be completely at ease in it.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1
2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
•Even as our “earthly tents” are being destroyed, our “eternal house” is being prepared. Bask in the security in that promise.
• Notice the signs of aging in your “earthly tent” (or body) and anticipate the joy of your “eternal house.”
• Let yourself dream about your “eternal house” the way you would dream of a new earthly home.
• Imagine what a house built by God’s hands would look like.
•Praise God for sending His son so you can have a heavenly home.
• Pray for a glimpse of heaven.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.
Homesickness is a terrible feeling. When I was separated from my husband for the first time in our marriage, I missed him terribly. I was in Texas for a business conference. As I lay in bed, my heart cried for him. I called him but it wasn’t the same as being there. I was planning to go to Six Flags over Texas the next day but even the anticipation of that delight didn’t help. I groaned as I longed to be home and cuddled in my sweetheart’s arms.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:2.
2 Cor 5:2 NIV
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,
•Do you ever groan for something that seams unreachable?
• What does longing feel like?
Many report having had the common dream of being naked in a public place. I’ve had that dream and it was a nightmare for me and probably for the others in my dream. Such dreams leave us feeling exposed, humiliated, surprised, and ashamed. We wonder what we were thinking when we left home without our clothes. Sometimes, I’ve spent the entire dream searching for the elusive garments that would end my shame.
Is it any wonder we feel so restless on earth? We are missing our heavenly clothes. Like those nightmares, we spend much our life trying to find them. We feel naked to the seemingly random events of our life. We groan for heaven because we instinctively know we will not “be found naked” in heaven. Read 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.
2 Cor 5:3-4 NIV
Because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
•How will we feel when we finally reach our heavenly home?
Until we reach our heavenly home, we are doomed to groaning with the burdens of our earthly life. I’ve found that it helps me to identify these “groanings” as demonstrations of my homesickness for heaven.
Read the rest of 2 Corinthians 4:4.
2 Cor 5:4 NIV
For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
•What are we to expect while on earth?
• What is it we truly desire?
• What do you think it means when it says “what is mortal is swallowed up by life.”
With a heavenly perspective, we can replace the tears of death with the radiance of heaven. The pain in our body becomes the anticipation of our dancing in heaven. The tragedies of our life become insignificant in comparison to the timeless perfection of life with Christ. The promise of our heavenly life swallows up our mortal disappointments.
So how do we remember to keep a heavenly perspective the next time we feel like we are standing naked to the world? Read 2 Corinthians 5:5.
2 Corinthians 5:5 NIV
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
•What did Jesus leave as a deposit?
• What was the deposit a guarantee for?
Have you ever wondered if Jesus was homesick for heaven? After all, He’d left paradise to visit a place where people didn’t even know His name. Throughout His life, God gave Him glimpses of the home He had left. Read Luke 3:21-22.
Luke 3:21-22
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." NASU
•How do you think Jesus felt when heaven was briefly opened?
• What do you think it was like to have the Holy Spirit land as dove on His shoulder?
• What must the affirming words from His Father have felt like, after walking the hot dusty trails of earth?
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left us a “deposit” on earth – the same Holy Spirit that had landed on his shoulder. We remember our heavenly perspective by turning to our “guarantee.” Stand up straight with confidence. Look the petty earthly chaos in the eye and remind yourself that you have a guarantee. Breathe in the spirit of your deposit – the Holy Spirit and let yourself have a glimpse of heaven. Listen as your Heavenly Father says, “You are my beloved child. In you, I am well pleased.”
In 1975, Bob and I took in an abused and abandoned but beautiful and sweet 6-six-year old little boy. For a few precious years, he thrived, but at age 13, his life began to fall apart. Our adopted son David died of AIDS in 1995, after living a tortured self-indulgent life.
A year before he died, standing on a mountaintop, staring out at the churning blue waters of Maui, David found God. With the wind blowing on his face, he faced the futility of his life. On one side of the mountain, he could see the decadence of the secluded homosexual beach he had just left. On the other side, he watched innocent children splashing on the beach of a popular state park. These happy families were oblivious to the unspeakable activities happening on the other side of the cliff.
“It was as if I could see my two choices,” he later said. “There was sin on one side and innocence on the other. God gave me a vision of heaven and I wanted it.” David fell to his knees, salty tears mingling with the salt air and cried his prayer. “God, help me,” he begged. “I’ve wasted my life.” The grace of God entered him like a dove landing on his shoulder and he said he felt clean for the first time in his life.
David climbed down the mountain and called home for the first time in years. It was the middle of the night in Jacksonville, Florida and I struggled to grasp the meaning of his words. “Mama, I have seen God and He’s forgiven me,” he said in a gush of nervous energy. “I’m dying but I’m not afraid. My t-cell count is 0 but God has shown me where I’m going. I love you and wanted you to know what happened to me.”
That night, David checked into a treatment center and dealt with his alcohol, drug, and sex addiction. “I want to die sober,” he said. We had a good year together before David went to his eternal home on June 8, 1995.
One night, shortly before his death, David’s fever escalated and he was in pain. He called home for comfort and I panicked. “David, call the doctor immediately! Maybe he can do something for you.”
“Mama, you have to remember that I’m going to die, probably sooner rather than later. I hurt but I’m not afraid because I’ve seen where I am going. I don’t want you to be afraid either because God has prepared a place for me.” In that one conversation, David passed his heavenly perspective to me and I calmed down. As I later scattered his ashes on that same mountain where he found God, I understood God’s words, “This is my beloved son. In you, I am well pleased.” God’s grace to David had extended to my heart and I was able to forgive my son for taking himself away from me.
Are you homesick for heaven today? Is life getting you down? Are you struggling with weariness, grief, pain, or fear? Remember that the cross points to heaven. Because of the grace of the cross, we have a guarantee of a heavenly home. Turn to your deposit - the Holy Spirit, and let His presence give you a glimpse of the place that is your eternal home.
Morning Meditation
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1
2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
•
• Notice the signs of aging in your “earthly tent” (or body) and anticipate the joy of your “eternal house.”
• Let yourself dream about your “eternal house” the way you would dream of a new earthly home.
• Imagine what a house built by God’s hands would look like.
Morning Prayer
•
• Pray for a glimpse of heaven.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.
Morning Bible Study
Homesickness is a terrible feeling. When I was separated from my husband for the first time in our marriage, I missed him terribly. I was in Texas for a business conference. As I lay in bed, my heart cried for him. I called him but it wasn’t the same as being there. I was planning to go to Six Flags over Texas the next day but even the anticipation of that delight didn’t help. I groaned as I longed to be home and cuddled in my sweetheart’s arms.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:2.
2 Cor 5:2 NIV
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,
•
• What does longing feel like?
Many report having had the common dream of being naked in a public place. I’ve had that dream and it was a nightmare for me and probably for the others in my dream. Such dreams leave us feeling exposed, humiliated, surprised, and ashamed. We wonder what we were thinking when we left home without our clothes. Sometimes, I’ve spent the entire dream searching for the elusive garments that would end my shame.
Is it any wonder we feel so restless on earth? We are missing our heavenly clothes. Like those nightmares, we spend much our life trying to find them. We feel naked to the seemingly random events of our life. We groan for heaven because we instinctively know we will not “be found naked” in heaven. Read 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.
2 Cor 5:3-4 NIV
Because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
•
Until we reach our heavenly home, we are doomed to groaning with the burdens of our earthly life. I’ve found that it helps me to identify these “groanings” as demonstrations of my homesickness for heaven.
Read the rest of 2 Corinthians 4:4.
2 Cor 5:4 NIV
For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
•
• What is it we truly desire?
• What do you think it means when it says “what is mortal is swallowed up by life.”
With a heavenly perspective, we can replace the tears of death with the radiance of heaven. The pain in our body becomes the anticipation of our dancing in heaven. The tragedies of our life become insignificant in comparison to the timeless perfection of life with Christ. The promise of our heavenly life swallows up our mortal disappointments.
So how do we remember to keep a heavenly perspective the next time we feel like we are standing naked to the world? Read 2 Corinthians 5:5.
2 Corinthians 5:5 NIV
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
•
• What was the deposit a guarantee for?
Have you ever wondered if Jesus was homesick for heaven? After all, He’d left paradise to visit a place where people didn’t even know His name. Throughout His life, God gave Him glimpses of the home He had left. Read Luke 3:21-22.
Luke 3:21-22
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." NASU
•
• What do you think it was like to have the Holy Spirit land as dove on His shoulder?
• What must the affirming words from His Father have felt like, after walking the hot dusty trails of earth?
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left us a “deposit” on earth – the same Holy Spirit that had landed on his shoulder. We remember our heavenly perspective by turning to our “guarantee.” Stand up straight with confidence. Look the petty earthly chaos in the eye and remind yourself that you have a guarantee. Breathe in the spirit of your deposit – the Holy Spirit and let yourself have a glimpse of heaven. Listen as your Heavenly Father says, “You are my beloved child. In you, I am well pleased.”
Application
In 1975, Bob and I took in an abused and abandoned but beautiful and sweet 6-six-year old little boy. For a few precious years, he thrived, but at age 13, his life began to fall apart. Our adopted son David died of AIDS in 1995, after living a tortured self-indulgent life.
A year before he died, standing on a mountaintop, staring out at the churning blue waters of Maui, David found God. With the wind blowing on his face, he faced the futility of his life. On one side of the mountain, he could see the decadence of the secluded homosexual beach he had just left. On the other side, he watched innocent children splashing on the beach of a popular state park. These happy families were oblivious to the unspeakable activities happening on the other side of the cliff.
“It was as if I could see my two choices,” he later said. “There was sin on one side and innocence on the other. God gave me a vision of heaven and I wanted it.” David fell to his knees, salty tears mingling with the salt air and cried his prayer. “God, help me,” he begged. “I’ve wasted my life.” The grace of God entered him like a dove landing on his shoulder and he said he felt clean for the first time in his life.
David climbed down the mountain and called home for the first time in years. It was the middle of the night in Jacksonville, Florida and I struggled to grasp the meaning of his words. “Mama, I have seen God and He’s forgiven me,” he said in a gush of nervous energy. “I’m dying but I’m not afraid. My t-cell count is 0 but God has shown me where I’m going. I love you and wanted you to know what happened to me.”
That night, David checked into a treatment center and dealt with his alcohol, drug, and sex addiction. “I want to die sober,” he said. We had a good year together before David went to his eternal home on June 8, 1995.
One night, shortly before his death, David’s fever escalated and he was in pain. He called home for comfort and I panicked. “David, call the doctor immediately! Maybe he can do something for you.”
“Mama, you have to remember that I’m going to die, probably sooner rather than later. I hurt but I’m not afraid because I’ve seen where I am going. I don’t want you to be afraid either because God has prepared a place for me.” In that one conversation, David passed his heavenly perspective to me and I calmed down. As I later scattered his ashes on that same mountain where he found God, I understood God’s words, “This is my beloved son. In you, I am well pleased.” God’s grace to David had extended to my heart and I was able to forgive my son for taking himself away from me.
Are you homesick for heaven today? Is life getting you down? Are you struggling with weariness, grief, pain, or fear? Remember that the cross points to heaven. Because of the grace of the cross, we have a guarantee of a heavenly home. Turn to your deposit - the Holy Spirit, and let His presence give you a glimpse of the place that is your eternal home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
