~ Heaven ~

One Sunday during lunch in a senior’s home, an elderly man said to me, “You know, when you get to my stage, your life just isn’t worth much.” Then a quiet lady, also at the table, suddenly piped up, “Oh, yeah, I feel the same way. I sure wish my maker would come to get me now. I really don’t care to live any longer. I’m finished.” Interestingly, neither of these people seemed to express a longing for heaven.

That day I happened to be taking my monthly “clergy-duty” turn, and as always, I had been seeking the Lord for a message for these dear people. There is was, started in that conversation! I knew I needed to speak about heaven. I certainly had no problem finding plenty of favorite hymns to accompany my mediations.

It seems like the topic of “heaven” has diminished in popularity over the past several years. And yet we are called to look towards our permanent eternal home. Surely our views on these matters deeply affects our everyday choices.

That’s why that I felt it fitting to post this thread. It is a place for us to add songs, scriptures, and mediations about heaven – the eternal destiny and longing of all Christ-followers. Hopefully this project will help us develop godly life-goals, and also strengthen our relationships with God and one-another.

Here’s a thought to consider along the way:

"Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.”

What might these objectors possibly mean by “heavenly” or “earthly”? What would Jesus say about that saying? Paul? Abraham? Moses?

Is there a danger in being too heavenly minded,... not being heavenly minded enough?

Consider Heb. 11:1, 2 Cor 5:7, Rom. 11:23....

Diane

I ‘ve a crown in the Kingdom
Ain’t that good news

I’ve a crown up in the Kingdom
Ain’t that good news

I’m going to lay down this world
Going to shoulder up my cross

Goin’ to take it home to Jesus
Ain’t that good news

I ‘ve a harp in the Kingdom
Ain’t that good news…
I ‘ve a robe in the Kingdom
Ain’t that good news…

I ‘ve slippers in the Kingdom
Ain’t that good news…

I ‘ve a Saviour in the Kingdom
Ain’t that good news…

in “American Negro Songs”
by J. W. Work, 1940

"Sell your possessions and give to the poor.
Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out,
a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted,
where no thief comes near
and no moth destroys.
Lk 12:33

"In my Father's house are many rooms;
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back
and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am.

You know the way to the place where I am going." Jn 14:1-4

“dwelling places” imply permanence

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Ps 23:6

When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
then when we've first begun.

from Amazing Grace by John Newton

Diana. I couldn't help but think of a silly song when I read your thread. It was the first one that came to my mind.

[i]Lord, Oh Lord, I want to go to heaven. Hell's an awful, awful place.[/i] :-(

There are days that [at 49+ and 2/3rds of the way home] I too long for the trumpet to sound and our Lord Jesus Christ to take us all to our real home.

[b]BUT[/b]

I am not willing to waste the shed blood and the HOLY life poured out for me that gives me the redeemed life and the shared strength for sharing His Gospel, pining away for what I know [b]will be mine [u]one day[/u][/b]. I'm on the front lines; doing battle every moment of every day.

C. T. Studd had it right when he said [i][b]Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle.[/b][/i]

I hear from too many of our 'senior' saints that "I've done my part; its time to rest, we've been on the field too long..." There are too few examples of those 'saints' who forcefully and purposefully stride to the gates of heaven. I have been blessed by several of them over the years and they were an encouragement to all that they came in contact with. They took the initiative to share the love of our Lord Jesus Christ up until the day they were called home.

We too easily get so focused on the 'heavenly' rewards that we forget that the 'earthly' battle is definitely not over and is not won until we leave the field of battle.

We are too 'earthly' comfortable ... we who have yet to share the 'heavenly' comfort with ALL those who need it so desperately.

Heaven, is waiting for me.
Such beauty and Splendar
my eyes have ever see.
Jesus, His Sweet Face, I'll see.
I may not have much here, but look what's waiting for.

O the Peace that He gives
Way down in my soul
Gives me strength to strive for the goal.
Lasting Joy, over there.
Nothing here, can compare.
To when we step into our Saviour's Arms.

God Bless
Nellie

When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
then when we've first begun.

makes me teary EVERY time!

...To Paul, being with Jesus was one of the most attractive thoughts about heaven. "For I am in a straight betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you'' (Philippians 1:23-24).

There will be no unpleasant or degrading companions in heaven. The devil will not be there. The lewd, the vulgar, and the obscene will not be there. The greedy and the scheming and selfish will not be there. The liar, the slanderer, the back- biter, the meddler, and the gossip will not be there. The mean, the contemptible, and the hypocrite will not be there. The profane, the blasphemer, and the scoffer will not be there. No money, influence, or cunning will get them in. ''And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie'' (Revelation 21:27).

There are limitations to the joys of the dearest earthly companionships. It will not be so in heaven. We can perfectly open our hearts to one another there, as we often long to do here but are unable. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Corinthins 13:12).

Heaven will be a place of glad reunions. "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17) . The bereaved wife will meet again the husband she has missed so long, and the son will see the mother whose departure left his life so desolate. What glad days those coming days will be when we meet again never more to part...

-from [i]Heaven or Hell[/i] by R.A. Torrey

We are too 'earthly' comfortable ..

We too easily get so focused on the 'heavenly' rewards that we forget that the 'earthly' battle is definitely not over

Can we really be so overly focused on God's heaven that we fail to care about our earthly duties?

Here’s a question to ponder: How does our view of heaven affect our view of our earthly existence?

..To Paul, being with Jesus was one of the most attractive thoughts about heaven.

Do not worry about your life…
but seek first His KINGDOM
(Seek the KINGDOM of God ahead of everything else) NLT Matt 6:33

"The KINGDOM of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.
When a man found it, he hid it again,
and then, in his joy,
went and sold all he had and bought it." Matt. 3:44

"The KINGDOM of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value,
he went away and sold everything he had
and bought it." Matt. 13:45

Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Matt. 6

Our citizenship is in heaven." Phil. 3:20

What is the kingdom of heaven? How does it relate to our view of life now and of life after death?

Diane

Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out,
a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted,
where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Lk 12:33

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken
let us show gratitude,
by which we may offer to God an acceptable service
with reverence and awe;.” Heb. 12:28 NASB

So do not throw away your confidence;
it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere
so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised. Heb. 10:35

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will received the crown
that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness
which the Lord, the righteous judge,
will award to me on that day –
and not only to me,
but also to all who have longed for his appearing Tim. 4:7, 8

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the crown of glory
that will never fade away.” 1 Pet. 5:4

“Be faithful, even to the point of death,
and I will give you the crown of life.’ Rev. 2:10

Reflective questions:

Do I know what this crown is - what reward God has promised those who endure to the end - I mean, really know? What treasure am I really (not ideally)looking forward to? Do my daily concerns, hopes, and aspirations reflect a longing for the things of this life or the things of the next life?

Diane

Just a few thoughts about heaven:
1. People who have lived a long time for the LORD, are now old and feeble, hampered by physical weaknesses, who need to be cared for by others find themselves in a position where they have an intense longing to go home. I do not find this undesirable at all but rather a glowing testimony to how a person can really long to die! Jesus has removed the sting from death! They are NOT afraid of it! How many people are afraid to die? Most people and the younger you are the greater the likelihood of this being the case, even if you claim to be ready to die. I am 59 YO and I can well understand those old people longing to go. We have a DD with the LORD and I long to see her and often my longing is so strong I just wish I could die! (But would not do anythng so foolish as to resort to suicide with the mistaken belief I could then see her!)

2. We need to remember the reality of heaven. It is there! Seems to me we can get so busy with trying to create a heaven here that we will end up missing it completely (when we die).

Below is a song about heaven that is beautiful. If you go to this site http://www.cyberhymnal.org/ and click onto topics, scroll until you see 'heaven' you will find lots of songs about heaven. If you click on the title, it will play!

The Eastern Gate

I will meet you in the morning,
Just inside the Eastern Gate.
Then be ready, faithful pilgrim,
Lest with you it be too late.

Refrain

I will meet you, I will meet you
Just inside the Eastern Gate over there.
I will meet you, I will meet you,
I will meet you in the morning over there.

If you hasten off to glory,
Linger near the Eastern Gate,
For I’m coming in the morning;
So you’ll not have long to wait.

Refrain

Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning;
For the Bridegroom watch and wait.
He’ll be with us at the meeting
Just inside the Eastern Gate.

Refrain

O the joys of that glad meeting
With the saints who for us wait!
What a blessèd, happy meeting
Just inside the Eastern Gate!

Refrain

Blessings,
ginnyrose

I can only imagine by MercyMe is a song that makes me long for Heaven. I cannot wait to see Jesus. Just knowing that I will be with HIM for Eternity...what a thought! My heart just stirs whenever I hear this song.

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

{Chorus}:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Seems to me we can get so busy with trying to create a heaven here that we will end up missing it completely (when we die).

Ginnyrose, I think you just hit on the root cause of a lot of sin: conflict, greed, discontent, worry, etc. We want to go back to the Garden of Eden – utopia, and are trying to make it happen. But we can’t! Oh, rats! A book could be written to expound the implications of this quote.

A thought: How do my frustrations, fears, tensions, controlling behaviors, manipulation, pride, etc reflect my lack of heavenly-mindedness – ie my unbelief?

Diane

Have ya'll ever read the book: "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper? This is a wonderful read. Read and be blessed. I love to read stories of people who had a vision of heaven. There are many out there who have near-death-experiences (NDE) which are not from God so one must be very careful in reading this kind of lit. Just because there is a lot of counterfeit should not discourage one from searching out the authentic.

Anyhow, read it and see if it will not make you anxious to get to heaven!

Blessings,
ginnyrose

read it and see if it will not make you anxious to get to heaven!

I'm convinced that God has placed all around us many hints of heaven. If we look, we can see them. In the Old Testament era God gave Israel a hint of heaven: ".... a sanctuary that was a copy and shadow of what is in heaven." Heb. 8:5

This world is full of pictures of heaven:

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

song by Natalie Sleeth

Through Christ that which is natural is transformed into the spiritual, and that which is temporal into the eternal:

So also is the resurrection of the dead.
It is sown a perishable body,
it is raised an imperishable body;

it is sown in dishonor,
it is raised in glory;

it is sown in weakness,
it is raised in power;

it is sown a natural body,
it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body,
there is also a spiritual body....

"The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL "
The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

However, the spiritual is not first,
but the natural; then the spiritual.

The first man is from the earth, earthy;
the second man is from heaven.

As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy;
and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly.

Just as we have borne the image of the earthy,
we will also bear the image of the heavenly....

For this perishable must put on the imperishable,
and this mortal must put on immortality.1 Cor. 15:42...

Diane

“Set your hearts on things above
where Christ is seated
at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above,
not on earthly things.”

For where our hearts are
there also will be our prayers . (my words)

Today I saw some insight about heavenly-mindedness in following verses:

For this reason,
since the day we heard about you,
we have not stopped praying for you
and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord
and may please him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might
so that you may have great endurance and patience,
and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share
in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
in whom we have redemption,
the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:9 – 15

Do you see how Paul’s heavenly-minded life-view influenced his prayers? He prayed for the saints – that they would be fit to receive their eternal treasure. Paul’s prayers, his words and also his actions consistently reflected his heavenly-centered life view. He operated from a mind that was tuned with the mind of God. He understood his calling: to make disciples, to edify the saints, to share his life with the saints, do good to the household of faith, to strengthen their faith He partnered with God because knew God’s will.

These are sober implications for each of us:
If we find that our prayers are usually not answered, maybe it’s because we are not heavenly minded - that is, we are unable pray in harmony with the Spirit. We are praying instead through our own earthly viewpoint. Praying harder won’t help. Instead we need to set our minds on things above.

Our view of heaven affects not only the way we pray, but also the way we share. If we are heavenly minded, we will desire to strengthen and encourage the saints by drawing their attention to "things above".

May God turn our hearts and minds to things above so that our prayers, our words, and our actions will be in accordance with God’s will. After all, the kingdom of heaven grows when fellow saints grow in endurance, faith, and hope. A heavenly-minded Body draws others into the kingdom.

May we not allow others to rob us of our eternal reward when they try to draw us into the quagmire of earthy affairs.

”I am coming quickly;
hold fast what you have,
so that no one may rob you
and deprive you of your crown.”Rev. 3:11 (Amplified)

Diane

i long for the day to hold my lord in my arms and to rest. although i have a good fleshly singing voice i would love to sing him a song from my spirit that would echo through heaven and be a sweet and soothing sound to the lord.

i imagine sitting with the prophets from the bible and talking. personally i would hope to see the beggining of the world to the end in some kind visual scene.

just my thoughts at the moment :-)

The third chapter in Colossians both begins and ends with references about heaven – the things above. Sandwiched in between is a smorgasbord of nourishing items that, when all put together, makes a delectable heavenly banquet. I call it a taste of heaven on earth.

The chapter begins with:
“If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth. Col.3:1,2

The ISV says,
keep focusing on the things that are above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Keep your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on the earth.

Chapter 3 closes with a promise of eternal rewards which are dependent on our life choices:

“Whatever you do,
work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men,
since you know that you will receive
an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. ”

This is followed by a warning:

“anyone who does wrong
will be repaid for all his wrong,
there is no favoritism” Col. 3:23

The in-between filling is mostly about relationships.

What I gather from Colossians 3 is this: If our eyes are looking heavenward now, we will have heavenly rewards later. The evidence of our focus is manifested in the way we live in the context of relationships – here and now.

The NIV gives two subtitles for Colosians 3:

Rules for Holy Living” and
”Rules for Christian Households”.

I prefer my own title: “Heavenly mindedness: The Key to Godly Relationships". After all, Colossians 3 is not merely about rules, but about heavenly focus. Right responses will flow from right focus. The other way around won’t work.

Because everyone craves relationships, and because othey are important, Colossians 3 aught to be a big hit. Godly relationship keeps people glued together far more than doctrinal creeds.

Of course, this is not about having our heads in the clouds, or having stardust in our eyes. This is not about living in perpetual denial, or living by “let’s all just be nice” rules. It’s about living according to the things above: namely Christ. It’s about what we decide to clothe ourselves with; it is about the Bread that holds the sandwich together.

Put to death, therefore
whatever belongs to your earthly nature…..

Here there is no Greek or Jew….
But Christ is all in all” 3:3,4

Therefore, as God’s chosen people,
holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourself with compassion,
kindness,
humility,
gentleness,
and patience…..

Bear with….
Forgive….
Love……
We were called to peace…
Let the word dwell in you….
Teach…….
Admoinish……
sing……
giving thanks,….
Wives submit….
Husbands love….
Children….
Fathers….
Slaves….

Christ the key ingredient of a heavenly minded life. I see this verse as the key verse of Colosians:

“For you died,
and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is your life appears
then you will also appear with him in glory. 3:3

Diane