Our family, along with the rest of the country, pulled up chairs to watch fireworks last night. Happy birthday, U.S.A.! As I watched the colors burst against the night sky I remembered yesterday's blog theme: getting a glimpse of God's Glory when I prayed God would reveal His glory to you and to me throughout the day. I suddenly saw the shooting gold glitter as the glimpse for the day, but I told Tom and Nick, "I'll bet the angels get a kick out of our 'oohs' and 'ahhs' over fireworks. They're thinking, 'Just you wait. . .you'll see the real thing when you check in up here.'" God's Glory will trump everything we know or can imagine in this sphere of life.
Recall your best day in this life. What made it better than others? Did it follow a struggle or a dark season? Did God's Light suddenly burst brightly in your heart because love moved in after a long absence? Because a baby was born? Because a son or daughter remembered the right path and returned to it? Because you, or someone you love, forgave and allowed restoration? Even our brightest days on earth hold remnants of sin, sadness for what was or could have been, or the shadow of changes to come. It's the nature of all things temporary.
Heaven, however, holds eternally bright days sandwiched between other eternally bright days. The adage that "All good things must come to an end" will disappear from our vocabulary as we walk through the Pearly Gates.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21:4
All obstacles between us and God will disappear, including every shred of Satan's influence and we'll live safely, peacefully, in view of God's full Majesty and Glory. Imagine looking forward to hearing the Kingdom Evening News to hear only good news. Picture yourself on a cloud-like mattress with every muscle completely relaxed with no threat of intruders or sleep-stealing worries. Notice the smile growing on your already glowing face as you mentally run through your to-do list for later. Picture a functional family in a loving community in a kingdom with no economic downshifts where all citizens use their talents and gifts to glorify God. Imagine wholehearted devotion to God's Presence and to fulfilling His continuing purpose with no reservation or hesitation, no guilt, no regret for missed opportunities, and no concern about failure. Now, the icing on the cake: imagine your restless self never growing bored or longing for something different because the seeds of sin and discontent no longer exist in our hearts. God will satisfy and fill every desire. He will be our eternal all in all.
"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack
and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.
To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
2 Timothy 4:18
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Psalm 37:7
As Solomon prayed,
"He said, 'O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth---
You Who keep Your covenant of love with Your servants who
continue wholeheartedly in Your way.'"
2 Chronicles 6:14
Father, forgive us our impatience with this life - it's only a short time before we'll be with You and the aggravations, sadness and pain will be gone forever. Strengthen us to stand strong each day with reminders of Your Glory and Presence. Help our unbelief where heaven and hell are concerned. Speak and live through us so we can take as many people as possible with us to live out our heavenly days.
In the Name of Jesus, Whose Amazing grace leads Him to prepare a place for us in Paradise with the Him
Inspired by Live Loved by Max Lucado
photo from Google images
Inspired by Live Loved by Max Lucado
photo from Google images
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