A Prepared Place for a Prepared People

The hope of a home in heaven has always been central to the Christian message. But to the child of God, it is more than a hope, it is life's greatest certainty. But, after all, when all is said and done, it is as the apostle Paul said, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

When people think of heaven, a number of questions naturally arise. Is it a real place? Or is it, as some assert, merely a figment of a fertile imagination. Has man, in facing his obvious fragile existence and mortality, merely conjured the concept up to fulfil his wistful longing for immortality? Or could it be, as some insist, just pie in the sky by and by, used as a tool of manipulation by religionists in order to deceive the gullible masses? Is such a longing and seeking just another expression of Lenin's discredited thesis that "religion is the opiate of the people"? Is it, as some sceptics say, that if God and heaven did not exist, man of necessity would invent them? Even sincere seekers for truth may understandably ask, how can we ever know for sure there is a heaven for believers and a hell for Christ rejectors?

If it is all just pie in the sky, please don't tell me! I am as convinced of the reality of heaven as I am of the reality of a Creator God! Paul said that those who seek Him by faith can come to Him and He will reward those who diligently seek Him. I have sought and found God by faith in Jesus Christ and thus have become a child of the King; a joint-heir with Christ of all the glories of heaven and eternity! I can say with John, by faith, now I am a son of God. I do not know what I shall be, but I know when He shall appear, I shall be like Him for I shall see Him as He is!

We who know Him by faith know that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Enoch is an example of such a person. He walked with God and was no more. Someone has proposed a beautiful scenario. Enoch and God walked together daily. As the quantity and quality of their walk increased, God said at the end of one of their daily walks, "It's closer to my house than yours, just come on home with me today!"

Our walk with Christ on earth is designed to mature us and prepare us for an eternity with Him in heaven. After all, those who love the world and the things of the world would probably be unhappy in heaven in any case. But just where is heaven? Astronomically some speak of a great empty place in the North. The Bible speaks of a third heaven - beyond the bonds of earth and over and above any astronomical heavens. Personally, I like the response of a little girl, who, when asked by a sceptic where heaven was, simply said, "It's where Jesus is." When the sceptic pressed the point and asked, "But where is Jesus?" The little girl replied, "Well, I don't know exactly, but where Jesus is - is heaven enough for me!"

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Have you ever met anyone who seemed to have been born in the negative case and kickative mood? Who, if their bed had a right side, always seemed to manage to stumble out on the opposite one? Who, when you asked them how they were doing, would really feel it necessary to tell you by reciting a list of all the things that had gone wrong in their life; all the way back to the day of their birth? Perhaps the same person acted as if they felt God had given them a divine appointment to judge and criticise all the inferior beings with which they were surrounded. In addition, they seemed to feel commissioned to make sure everyone measured up to the standard they imagined they met. The sort of person you wanted to ask, "Who appointed you God, anyway?"

Before we judge too harshly, let's consider the story of the griping and complaining Israelites. They came as a mixed multitude through the very jaws of death. Then one day they stood on the brink of destruction on the shore of the Red Sea. There was no way back. They could see the flash of sunlight on their enemies’ weapons and hear the harsh cries of the cruel, battle-hardened warriors in the Pharaoh's terrible war chariots. Their slaughter was more than imminently certain. It was at this pivotal point of their journey that God had Moses to cry out these immortal and awe inspiring words, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord..."

What a tremendous lesson and experience God gave them that day! But it didn't seem to last. Israel's constant problem seemed to be their inability to stand still long enough to truly remember the salvation of the Lord. They couldn't stand still enough, in all their whining and griping, to catch the cry of the still small voice of God as He spoke peace to their hearts. In spite of the continuing great victories He gave them, they continued to wander aimlessly and faithlessly to their self-destruction, murmuring and complaining all the way. This murmuring demonstrated a complete lack of faith and trust. This is especially true when considered against the background of the many times God had proven His faithfulness by miraculously providing all their needs in every situation. In the end their murmuring and faithlessness precipitated the judgement and severe chastisement of a loving Father.

It is against this background in the Hebrew letter that God urges a faith-rest life upon His people. The sort of life He wishes all His people in every age to live. He wishes us to know we can rest in Him no matter what the circumstance. That we can have utter faith and confidence in His provision, no matter what the conditions. That even though all others may desert us in our time of trial and trouble, He will never leave us or forsake us. That even though our fair-weather friends may fail us in our frailty and fall by the wayside, He will uphold us with His strong right hand. "Great is Thy faithfulness.."

The Power Of Three Little Words

Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled.  The following three word phrases can enrich every relationship:

I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. 'Being there' is at the very, very core of civility.

I MISS YOU - Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other, "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.

I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship.

MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe you're
right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong."

PLEASE FORGIVE ME - Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up to he has been in the wrong, which is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME - "A friend is one who walks in when others walk out." "Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue
that bonds people. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there,
indicating "you can count on me."

LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they  spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they
pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be nonconformists, have unique projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness - everyone has dreams that no one else has.

I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to be reserved for those who are special; that is I LOVE YOU.
-- Author Unknown