Heavenly Things

Think about the THINGS OF HEAVEN, not the things of this earth.

Life is a gift to be born here on this earth.The God who created us desires that we would worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Our purpose is to glorify God here on earth in this life, however, the distractions and struggles of life are real to accomplish this task. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world.

The Apostle Paul writes that we died to this life. Does he mean a literal physical death? No. He is speaking to believers who were dead in their trespasses and sin. Note, “were” past tense, because our lives are now hidden in Jesus Christ who died for the sins of humanity. It is the cross of Christ that places us in right standing with God the Father by faith as we solely trust in the finished and complete work of Jesus Christ forgiveness.There is no church, no idol, nor state that can save anybody.

When Paul writes ‘we died’, he means we died to this flesh (our carnal ways) nailing it to the cross. We must ‘die daily’ of our own selfish, stubborn, egotistical and sinful ways; laying the old nature at the foot of the cross.
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin”. Romans 6:6-7

Self-denial is a daily discipline and lifestyle as we follow Jesus here on earth.
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”Colossians 3:2-5 NLT

We must trust the work of the Holy Spirit by faith daily in this world. Putting off the old nature and putting on the new nature in Christ.

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. ” Col.3:10 NLT

In a nutshell God wants to prepare us for heaven because earth is a temporary home and is fading away. Yet, life is a gift.
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“For 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. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-9.

Heaven is an eternal home found in Christ. The reality is that the tighter we hold onto this world and the things that distract us, the more we miss out on the gems God wants to bless us with in eternity.

Heaven is not a fairy tale or a myth, but a reality to share in the abiding presence of a loving eternal God forever. Do you know what the greek word for forever is Forever! Infinity and beyond! This is our hope.

My friend no matter where you are at with God, He is there waiting for you and He will listen when we are humble enough to ask Him for help. Have you ever asked Christ into your heart? Do it today. A priest or minister can’t save you only Jesus can. He will never fail you. Walk softly before him today and beyond. Remember, heaven is a sign of hope and we get there by God’s grace.