BIBLE PASSAGE:
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear
has heard, no mind has conceived what God has
prepared for those who love Him.”
(1 Corinthians 2:9)
MEDITATION:
Christmas time is always an exciting and special time for kids.
On Christmas Eve it’s difficult for them to go to sleep because
they are excited as they imagine what gifts they will receive the
next day.
Even if they want something like a bicycle and assume they will
receive it, they stay awake imagining the color of the bike, the
type of seat it has, the kind of handlebars, etc. They have no idea
what it will look like, but they know one thing for sure – they will
enjoy it!
When they wake up on Christmas Day, in addition to some gifts
they were expecting, there is often a present for them in a big box.
They don’t know what’s in the box and their imagination goes wild.
When it’s time, they tear into the box with the gusto of a termite on
steroids.
As His children, God has prepared something for us that we
cannot imagine. We can’t discuss it with other believers, since
none of us have seen it or heard about it from anyone who has
been there. But one thing we know for sure, whenever God has
prepared something for us, it will exceed any of our imaginations.
How exciting is that?
We have seen many things in our life and yet God has prepared
something that is so awesome, it exceeds our imagination. At the
close of the Bible we read these words,
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the
first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and
there was no longer any sea.
(Revelation 21:1)
A new world is coming! Heaven is described as a new creation
where we will inhabit new bodies, sing new songs, live in a new
city, have a new form of government, and enjoy an eternity
where there is social justice for all.
The paradise that man lost will be regained, but it will be much
more. It will not be the old paradise repaired, patched up, and
made over. When God says, “Behold, I make all things new”,
it means we will see a brand-new paradise!
He who was seated on the throne said,
“I am making everything new!” Then
He said, “Write this down, for these
words are trustworthy and true.”
(Revelation 21:5)
When praying as Jesus told us to pray, each time we say the
words, “Thy kingdom come”, we should remember that our
prayer will be answered. Why would anyone want to forfeit
a new Christmas Day in eternity?
Make no mistake about it, God created the rainbow as a reminder
of His covenant with mankind that when this earth is destroyed
for the second time, it will not be from a flood. It is God’s promise
to mankind and not something to be used as a rallying symbol for
ungodly behavior that’s in opposition to God’s standards for living.
I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be
the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.
Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the
rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember
my covenant between Me and you and all living
creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters
become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the
rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and
remember the everlasting covenant between God
and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
So, God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the
covenant I have established between Me and
all life on the earth.”
(Genesis 9:13-17)
ACTION:
Questions to ponder:
– Am I excited as I anticipate what God has prepared
for those who love Him?
– Does what awaits those who belong to the Lord inspire me
to spend more time now with God and other believers?
– Can others detect my desire and anticipation of being
‘heaven bound’ by the things I say and do?
– What do others see in my attitudes and actions?
– More importantly, what does God see in me and the way I’m living?
– If I was God, would I invite me into heaven, or would I
disqualify me from spending eternity in a new heaven?
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, when I read about how You are preparing
things for Your children that eyes have never seen, and no
mind is capable of imagining, I am more than overwhelmed.
I don’t want to be disqualified from seeing and being a part
of the unveiling of the new paradise, You have created. I don’t
want others to miss out on this glorious event either. Help me
to make whatever adjustments I need to make in my life so I
can show others my excitement and anticipation of heaven.
Help me to live a life that is more pleasing to You; a life that
proves my love for You. Prepare me for sharing my faith with
others at every opportunity.”
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