I feel frustration or disappointment, embarrassment or fear. And then I wake, bewildered and spent.
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It recently dawned on me {no pun intended} what I'm looking for. Heaven.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
- John 14:1-4
We haven't found what we're yearning for, have we. The search might be playing out through endless striving for money or accomplishments or accolades. We drain our relationships dry with our endless neediness hoping that someone or some object or goal will fill that promised hope.
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
As we finally grasp what we're really looking for, the peaceful satisfaction of His presence in the midst of earthly hardships will give us a hopeful, joyous anticipation for what lies ahead.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
So true, Linda! When we "finally grasp what we're really looking for, the peaceful satisfaction of His presence...will give us a hopeful, joyous anticipation for what lies ahead."
ReplyDeleteWhat peace did we miss along the way because our priorities were all off kilter ...
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I think any Christ-follower should have heaven on our mind. The Scripture says "he put eternity in our hearts." I long for heaven but also know there is still much left here to do. I'm willing to stay here until God says to come home. Until then, like the Everly Brothers "all I need to do is dream."
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Bill, God has put eternity in our hearts but it seems like everything else we allow into our lives has the propensity to push heaven into the back seat, courtesy of our 24/7 news feed and endless trauma and drama just a click away.
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God is truly all we need, Linda, and the sooner we come to terms with that, the happier and more content we will be.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I'm finding that for many of us, it takes a crisis to teach us this spiritual lesson.
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Amen! Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly! Longing with you, Linda, for the "peaceful satisfaction of His presence in the midst of earthly hardships will give us a hopeful, joyous anticipation for what lies ahead." Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThat peace that passes understanding is real and palpable and incredibly life-changing. I'm so grateful.
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So true! And takes the pressure off to "perform." God made us not to strive, but to thrive.
ReplyDeleteThrive is such a positive, healthy invitation, isn't it!
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I have had similar dreams. Thank you for putting words to the search for the elusive. It feels good knowing that we have a better place waiting for us when we are in the thick of things here on earth.
ReplyDeleteAnd elusive can be a good thing if it keeps us lookin up to our Savior.
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Such comfort in your words, Linda. As for the song, have you seen the movie "Sing 2"? I may have actually cheered during a scene near the end when the guitar began playing ... (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwNAeCZArew)
ReplyDeleteI did see a You Tube clip when I was looking for the right video. Cute!
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In him we live, move, and have our being. Let the search continue…
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite verses.
DeleteActs 17:28
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YES!
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* subscriber email response
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DeleteSure, I've found that which I seek,
ReplyDeleteand it's always been quite near,
and I'm sure I'm not unique,
discovering that Heaven's here,
and we walk on its golden streets
through the pathways that we tread,
and the new friends that we meet
foreshadow that which lies ahead,
a place of energy, not rest,
where effort is our daily fare
where we have in us the best,
the skills that are beyond compare
for the power and the glory,
for the neverending story.
Foreshadowing. Yes, yes. So grateful for those moments, interactions, and people that shine His light and give us just a glimpse of what's ahead. Thanks for taking us there, Andrew.
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I don't think we will ever truly be satisfied until we are in heaven. What a glorious day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see...Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteCindy, you made me think of this verse -> 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.'
Delete- 1 Corinthians 2:9
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I too praise God for those foreshadowings of heaven--in the beauty of creation, in the love of brothers and sisters in Christ, in the peace he provides that surpasses understanding, and in the joy we can experience in God's presence, even though we can't see him. Of course there are many more besides!
ReplyDeleteNancy, you've spoken this so beautifully ... thank you for taking us there 👉 - 'I too praise God for those foreshadowings of heaven--in the beauty of creation, in the love of brothers and sisters in Christ, in the peace he provides that surpasses understanding, and in the joy we can experience in God's presence, even though we can't see him.'
DeleteIt's wonderful when God gives us that revelation Linda.
ReplyDeleteHeaven is definitely worth waiting for, you may like to read my experience;
https://teawithjennifer.blog/excerpt/
Blessings, Jennifer
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing your story. I have no words, just a sense of awe and peace and gratitude. Bless you.
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Great song and great video !!! 👋🏻
ReplyDelete* subscriber email response
Thanks for reaching out! I can't begin to tell you how good it was to connect with you again ...
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The older I get, the more focused upon "that which is to come", Linda. OH, Glorious Day that I see Jesus face to face!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
You're right, the reality of our aging leads us to be more spiritually reflective and our anticipation builds. Not of death, for sure. But of the Glorious Day.
DeleteThe key word you used, focus, is something that's been far too easy to lose with so much grabbing our attention and our energy. Our electronics have done us no favors. We've allowed them much broader bandwidth and influence than they should have.
Forgive us, Lord. Come quickly.
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Indeed we haven't found what we're looking for have we? Amen to this Linda>"As we finally grasp what we're really looking for, the peaceful satisfaction of His presence in the midst of earthly hardships will give us a hopeful, joyous anticipation for what lies ahead"
ReplyDeleteEvery good thing from above is the 'foretaste of glory divine.' We have much to rejoice over!
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Ah, the blessed thought of being face-to-face with Jesus! Thanks so much for the reminder of the glory that awaits.
ReplyDeleteYou're reminding me of that wonderful old hymn, Richella -
DeleteFace to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face- what will it be
When with rapture I behold him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?
Face to face I shall behold him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all his glory,
I shall see him by and by.
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As Jesus Followers that is the day we long for, isn't it...the ultimate joy n hope!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
Delete'When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,
Will through the ages be glory for me.
Oh, that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me,
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.
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Praying for you, Linda. Best wishes. God bless.
ReplyDeleteVictor S E Moubarak http://timeforreflections.blogspot.com
You, too, Victor. Have a good weekend ...
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Yes! I'm on a journey to my forever Home and the longing grows day by day! I echo you, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"
ReplyDeleteAmen.
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Ironically this was just like my dream last night. I really believe we are longing for our true home, to be with God and will be restless ( as Augustine says) until our hearts are with God's heart. Truth written here today Linda!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThe reality of aging leads us to be more spiritually contemplative. God is truly all we need.
Hugs and blessings 🙏❤️❤️
The older I get, the more I anticipate what is to come. I find such peace in knowing this is not my home. I am so grateful for the lessons He brings along the way. Blessings!
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