Colors are muted. I hate days like this, I remember when I never had them. But. God is still God here. His promises no less true.
I never used to think of heaven, it confused me, and I didn't really care. Christianity has never been about heaven, for me at least. But lately, I see the allure. I realize that my 'happy place' is perhaps only really attainable there. To live in community with out heart ache, to be completely free of fear, to not dread the future.
I want to live outside of time. I read somewhere that we are not made for time. And that is why we feel it pressing. A fish may never be aware that it is in water, because that is its natural element. But I am aware of all the dangers and restrictions of living perpetually in the present. I can't wait to be free of it.
The idea of a house with a lot of rooms, of seeing Christ and glorified bodies and the extinction of sin and its consequences. Heaven sounds wonderful. But even if there were no heaven, and I simply went to sleep, I still would not live my life any differently. Christ is sufficient without a grand reward.
No one's ever seen or heard anything like this,
Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
What God has arranged for those who love him.
But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you.
10-13The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
Also I need as many "Message' translation bibles as possible for the ladies at Restoration House. They all really loved looking up their favorite verses in mine today. If anyone has an extra, I would love to to take it off your hands. OR if you would like to buy one, I would shake your hand.
There was a beautiful thought that said that life was all the more beautiful because of the slipping away of time.
ReplyDeleteWe that are ravaged by aging and chased by our own mortality are envied by the angels.
With the pressing thought of one day dying we are able to see colors all the more vibrant. Experience joys to the full extent because one day we will never be able to experience it again.
. . .
If we ignored heaven and we were only given what we have here on earth, would we appreciate life more?
Oh yea.. and if we could infinitely do something later we probably would...
ReplyDeleteill pay you back next century.. geezz relax.. you act as if you are going to die or somthing!
ey.... people pay good money (2.14) for this hallmark bullshit!
ReplyDelete"But even if there were no heaven, and I simply went to sleep, I still would not live my life any differently. Christ is sufficient without a grand reward."
ReplyDeleteI love that you said this. I have always thought this way, just never expressed it so elequently. When people say things like "what if it all turns out to be nothing, just a big hoax?" I would always tell them that my life has only been better for the sake of Christ's teachings and striving to love others.
love this.
ReplyDeleteagree with megan for sure.
or at least the shadows of heaven.
that is what i believe. the plato philosophy that we always talk about. this human life here on earth lived out is just a shadow of the reality of heaven.
but in my small humble knowledge of living i still feel like i've experienced heaven in my life time because of the teaching i follow.
those days are good.
also agree with tamtheirish the awareness of the time slipping away, not being infinite makes it that much sweeter.
Bryan and I will check our collection for the message during the move.