Monday 23 January 2012

Read Philippians 1:19-26

 

The streets of the city was pure gold, like the transparent glass.

–Revelation 21:21

 

My neighbour Jasmine, age 9, was sitting on the front porch one summer evening.  Out of the blue she started talking about her bad choices and how she needed God’s forgiveness.  We talked and prayed together and she asked Jesus to be her Saviour.

 

Questions about heavens started pouring out of her: “Are the streets really gold?  Will my mum be there? What if she isn’t?  Will I have a bed or will I sleep on a cloud?  What will I eat?”  I assured her that heaven would be a perfect home, and that she would be with Jesus, who would give her everything she needed.  She replied with excitement. “Well, then let’s go right now!”

 

The apostle Paul has a heavenly perspective too (Philippians 1:23).  His testimony was, “To me, to live is Christ , and to die to gain” (vs 21).  He knew that this life was about knowing, trusting, and serving God.  But he also knew that life in heaven would be “far better” because he would “be with Christ” (vs 23).  He wanted to stay here so he could minister to the Philippians and others, but he was ready to go to heaven at any time to see Jesus.

 

Jasmine is ready to go now.  Are we as eager for heaven as she is? -Anne Cetas

No matter what we learn of God

And of the fullness of His grace,

The picture will not be complete

Until we meet Him face-to-face. –Branon

 

Those who have their hearts fixed on heaven will hold loosely the things of earth.

 

Prayer:

 

¨ Praise God for a nine year boy who heard of the need for bores from the Shiloh Ministries. He has given $100, half of his savings towards this well which is a great amount of money for a 9 year old boy to give.

 

¨ Pray that the extra $900 needed for another bore will come shortly.