Is Heaven a place, a moment in time or a "state of mind"? We tend to define Heaven by what it is not; no pain, no tears and no strife. Heaven is WHAT IT IS, and the WHAT ITS NOT, DISAPPEARS. We perceive Heaven by the beautifully provided existence here on earth which is only momentary and not the permanence of Eternal Life. When the GOD in our Spirit and Soul meets GOD THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER, we find that the journey to Heaven is Heaven. Heaven is and will continue to be, a CONTINUAL JOURNEY! We will be like a child waking up every day with NEW adventures, NEW wonders and listening to GOD reveal more and more of WHO HE IS! Heaven is within us as Luke 17:21 tells us, "...behold, the kingdom of GOD is within you." HEAVEN IS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, A CONTINUAL JOURNEY of Praise, JOY, Peace and Love. So the Soul that goes to Heaven, meets Heaven here. Heaven is the constant Presence of GOD, revealing HIMSELF to us; THIS ALONE, IS AN ETERNAL JOURNEY.
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When you see something you think is undesirable in others, do you think, "how could they be so ugly"? And do you say, "O LORD, I'm glad I'm not like that!"? What we don't like in others is what we don't like about ourselves! We look into a mirror, comb our hair, wash our face, take one last look of approval, then go about our ways. That's what we see on the outside; what about the inside? Is there a mirror to show what is inside us? Mark 7:20-23, "For from within, out of our heart come evil thoughts; sexual immortality, theft, murder, adultery, deceit...." We like to look at our "outside" in a mirror, but we pale when we look at our "inside". Everyone we meet gives us a glimpse of ourselves from the inside; if the reflection of our heart is that which is described in Mark 7:20-23, WE COULD BE DYING OF HEART DISEASE!
When someone testifies in court against "Organized Crime", the Message of their Witnessing to the Truth exposes the evil committed or intended. Organized Crime members become "outraged" and put out a "hit" on the Witness. They do this to discourage others who might want to Witness against them too. They will use deceit, temptation, fear, and distortion to achieve their goals. When we share GOD'S Message, the evil one (and the evil ones with him) puts out a "Hit" on us. It's a get them no matter what, and "stop" them "Hit"! But the evil one becomes frustrated, angrier and confused because GOD, has and is protecting us. HE has given us a new name (Revelation 2:17) that only we know, a secret token that assures us of HIS Favor. GOD exerts DIVINE power over us, we become a "new person" where we are in fact, not who we used to be (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are a new person with new understanding, new objectives and plans of a new life. HE gives a new heart which changes our affections, desires and passions (Ezekiel 36:26). HE gives us a new SPIRIT that renews our minds, enlightens our understanding, corrects our judgment and refines our will. When HE changes our name, heart and gives us a new beginning we talk differently, Yes, we sing a New Song (Psalm 149:1), and we sing, LORD let our love for YOU be the loudest thing YOU hear today! Now that's what I call a; WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM! Do you find yourself becoming offended and even irritated when someone continues to speak "idle chatter", "noisy babbling", or "gossip"? Do you feel it is an invasion of the HOLY Presence within you, and an assault upon the Sacred Pure relationship with GOD that you enjoy? 1 Timothy 6:20, "...guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge." It says we are not only to not speak irreverent babble, but we are to avoid it; LEAVE separate yourself from it. The Bible says that such talk creates controversies, strife and does not promote encouragement and edification of others. The honor of the Gospel and the interests of GOD have been specially committed to you; guard this HOLY TRUST, for IT IS A SACRED POSSESSION.
No, I am not talking about April 15Th being the last day to file your income taxes. GOD'S Love, Mercy and Grace has caused you to read this Devotional today. This very moment could be your last time to be exposed to the Gospel. Even though you have heard the Gospel many many times, today could be the last time to REALLY KNOW SALVATION. Isaiah 1:18, "Come NOW, and let us reason together...though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow..." Hebrews 4:7, "TODAY if you hear HIS voice, do not harden your hearts..." You can get on your knees with GOD and call, write, text ANY believer, and GOD will provide you all the time you need to KNOW HIM, and KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO SPEND ETERNITY; what a way for us both to spend THE LAST DAY.
Manifestation is to "materialize", make seen or known. How many Churches or Christians preach to "Manifest" the Spiritual into the Natural? "GOD wants me to have prosperity and money, and all I have to do is "manifest" it to the natural." Spirituality is above "natural" it is "Super-natural", it exists beyond the laws of nature or the natural. To "manifest" the SPIRIT is to make seen or known the Character and Essence of the SPIRIT upon the mind and the heart to edify and Glorify GOD. Manifestation is our being lifted into GOD'S Spiritual Realm, and not us lowering, degrading and limiting Spirituality to the "laws of nature". 1 Corinthians 12:7, "But the manifestation of the SPIRIT is given to every man to common good." Manifestation is the Revelation and action that lets the Essence of GOD be seen and known for the common welfare and edification of the whole Church. SPIRITUAL IS SPIRITUAL AND NATURAL IS NATURAL.
When my dad said something, "you could count on it". When a friend and I got into some pretty bad trouble his grandfather sat with him and counseled him; my dad laid into me with a "willow switch"! I asked why he did not "counsel" me like my friend's grandfather instead of the "willow" switch? He asked, "did you know it was wrong when you were doing it"? I answer, Yes. He said, "then there was nothing to talk about"! I learned that "good or bad", I knew what my dad said, would come true. I had a lot of different emotions toward my dad, but I knew I could trust what he said. Psalm 145:13, "...the LORD is faithful in all HIS words..." I was asked recently, "Why doesn't GOD keep all HIS promises? HE does, to those that love HIM; HE forgives, loves, gives mercy and gives eternal life with HIM. To HIS enemies HE gives eternal life but in a different place; Hebrews 10:27, "...a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries." What ever GOD says, YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!
When JESUS came into your life, did you immediately set out to do good? Did you want to "make up" for all your sins and "wasted" time by busily going to work "FOR" GOD? Are we still doing what is the "easiest" to do? Do we form our groups, plan activities and tell our "story" while calling it a testimony, instead of forgiving, loving and living GOD'S message to the world? Hosea 6:6, "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of GOD rather than burnt offerings." Which is easier to do; going about "working at GOD'S business" or is GOD'S business, Forgiving and Loving no matter what? Do we really think JESUS wants "Steadfast Obedience" of PAYBACKS?
Our favorite time can be talking with GOD. Prayer is not "talking AT GOD", but you talking while HE listens; and you listening while HE talks. Have you ever noticed that getting the thing we ask for in prayer, is not the important part of our prayers? When we ask GOD for help we admit our weaknesses and acknowledge HIS Supreme Power. Prayer is where we surrender and Trust GOD to do what is best for us. It is where, in any situation, we want GOD'S thoughts to be our thoughts. It is not the result we really desire in our prayers, it is to be in GOD'S presence. Do you really think when JESUS prayed, "let this cup be taken from me..." that HE really wanted it to be taken from HIM? Or was HE communicating with GOD for comfort, strength and GOD'S presence so HE could endure anything? 1 Peter 5:6, "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of GOD, and at the right time HE will lift you up..." MAYBE IT'S THE PRAYER, AND NOT THE RESULTS THAT IS IMPORTANT!
It is the Spirit or essence of something which defines itself, rather than the thing itself. The spirit of a horse defines the horse, rather than the horse itself. The smell of incense or herbal plants defines the plants themselves. We define THE WIND by the effects it produces. The Wind although invisible is, unpredictable, playful, destructive, soothing, inspiring and life giving. The wind lets us think of how the Spirit works; effects are seen, sounds are heard, changes are made, trees and clouds are moved and yet we do not see the WIND. It is the same as the SPIRIT within us; the sinful become HOLY, theprayerless become prayerful, and the rebellious become mild and gentle. There were times the SPIRIT terrified us as we trembled and fell prostate before the TRUTH; and sometimes we were drawn sweetly and gently to the Cross of JESUS. John 3:8, "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound....So it is with everyone who is born of the SPIRIT." The next time you hear the wind and become calm and soothed, remember, it's not the Wind; IT'S THE SPIRIT OF THE WIND.
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About the Author and writerThe writer for our daily devotionals wishes to remain anonymous in regard to his work, giving instead Glory to the Author. Archives
December 2015
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