Taken to Heaven, and What God Revealed

I believe God gives us grace in many forms. I believe a large portion of mine came in the form of this glimpse of heaven. For many years I did not tell many others about the experience that would help me through the healing and trying times that were yet to come.

Through this visit to heaven, I would learn the meaning of, “to whom much is given much is required.” (Luke 12:48) I would also come to realize the grace and love of God is so vast, so deep, that to know it is to look forward with great hope to the beauty and joy that is waiting in eternity. Now in the twilight of my life, as I live with terminal illness, the Lord has encouraged me to share this precious gift with others. I am not a super-Christian, just a messenger. What joy I feel as I anticipate the day the Lord will take me Home.

The majority of things recorded here were revealed while I was in heaven. God was especially detailed about some of the things I was shown. Special attention was given to overcoming, and the contrast between heaven and hell. Many of the things I experienced are hard to put into words. In the past year, while working on this, the Lord has given me a couple of things I have also included. (I sought the Lord on every turn in this writing. While I found it easy to write a long historical novel in just six months, this work has taken over a year, because it took me a while to hear everything the Lord wanted me to put in this writing.) I am not a super-Christian, just a messenger. For clarification and confirmation, related scriptures are inserted.

Heaven Revealed

On the day heaven was revealed to me – September 27, 1988 -– God seemed distant and superficial. I was still young in my faith, and I needed the Lord, yet I could not feel Him most of the time. After putting my babies down for a nap, I decided to lie on the couch for a much needed rest. As I lay with my eyes closed, I began to pray. I was desperate for some reassurance. My dad was very sick with cancer, my husband battled alcoholism, and I was trying to make sense of my tragic past. My faith was getting weaker, having moved away from the strong Christian mentors I had come to depend on. It seemed that I even began to question if God was real. I cried out to the Lord, “Make yourself real to me!” Instantly, I found myself in another place. I was not asleep, yet I was not on the couch anymore. I knew immediately I was in heaven, yet, I did not feel out of my element. On the contrary, I felt completely “at home” and at ease. I don’t know if I was in heaven minutes, seconds or hours because there was no time as we know it. Still, the things that were revealed were vast and at the same time instantaneous. No earthly place, or dream, could come close to comparing to this place.

I was standing before the throne of God rejoicing with the most pure joy! There were others all around me, but there was no crowded feeling of any kind. It was as if there was only me, yet we were all intricately enmeshed in a single perfect bond. (1 Cor. 12:27) All our attention focused on what was before us, which I knew was the throne of God because that is from where God’s Holiness and Glory filled the universe with his love and majesty. Our thoughts were pure, and overflowing with gratitude, centered on God’s goodness. His awesome splendor and great love for us permeated through us and filled everything that existed. God was in us and we were in Him. Hundreds, thousands or millions of us were standing in pure white robes before the throne of God. We were waving our arms to God with praise and rejoicing. It was His pleasure that we should feel this joy.

I am in the midst like a vapor mixed into one perfect cloud of oneness. We are all One! There is no big or small, greater or lesser, but we are all like a single entity, as if there were no me and no you, but one “bride,” one people; we were ONE together, one with God. My body was so light. Under my robe, I could feel no physical tangible form, but my hands were raised, along with the others, waving in worship and joy to our Lord.

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear."
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)”
Rev. 19:6-8

Although I didn’t personally recognize anyone around me, I knew each one and they knew me because we were of one mind. I’m certain loved ones were there, but where I was the Glory of God was so all consuming, joyous and full of love that it took precedence over everything else.

There was what can only be described as “perfect love.” There was only joy and perfect love. There was no other emotion. No fear, no weight of any kind, only an awesome ambiance of perfect love, and perfect infinite joy. There was a knowing that God truly does want to give us to be the bride of Christ, to inherit His kingdom. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 (Matt. 25:34, James 2:5, Rev. 19:6-9)

No earthly experience could compare to this touch of heaven God allowed me to experience today. Could this be what it will be like at the Rapture, or when the bride is presented to God?

Simplicity! Nothing fake, no separate identities as we know them, no ignorance, contradictions, or uncertainties, but all will be complete and one with the Father; and we will see Him as He is: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1John 3:1-3.

We will all be one with the Father, and his love will always be in us like a beam of light shining in and through our being, back to Him, through Him, and back to us like continuous waves of splendorous love. “…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us,” John 17:21. Just think of it, having God’s love dwell continuously inside of us, and my heart, your heart to be one with His! What a wonderful gift! No wonder we will praise Him forever. We were sharing the same joy and awe, the same perfect love that flowed to, from and all around the Father. It will give us great pleasure to stand before the throne and worship our Creator. (Eph. 1:9-12) We could be completely content never to do anything else. “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

Our worship on earth is merely a dim rehearsal of the true worship we’ll know on the other side. (I Cor. 13:10 & 12) If anyone reading this is like I am, you know how difficult it can be to really concentrate on worship or prayer with our whole being. In heaven, our entire being will be filled with endless, boundless worship, because we will know God more intimately than we ever dreamed possible in our earthly state. We will know he is Mighty, worthy of praise, Holy, the Creator of the heavens and earth, merciful, with great love toward his creation. We will see Him as the Father of all, who loved us enough to offer His only son to die for our sins. We will know the complete entirety of the price Jesus paid for our sins and the extent of His suffering for our sake. We will know how great the Father’s love is for us – how merciful and gracious His compassion.

Surrounding where we stood was pure silvery white, and there was no darkness anywhere. The entire place was illuminated with the beautiful pure light of God. Everyone was pure and without sin, unashamed, blameless, perfect. I particularly noticed that there was not even a hair out of place and the hair on every head was beautiful and shiny. Every person was emanating a joy and gratitude we can’t possibly feel on earth. It is impossible to feel this joy because we always have some complaint, or some discomfort, some situation to deal with. In heaven, we will have no complaints or discomfort. All those things have been completely washed away as though they had never been there.

Not a single fleshly thought or burden existed in heaven. No burdens! Praise God, no burdens! No tears! No hurts! No death! “He will swallow up death forever.” Is. 25:8a (Rev. 7:17)

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Rev. 21:4

All we will desire or need for all eternity is the pleasure of being with God and seeing Him in all his glory. All creation will be in awe of His glory. “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Ps. 19:1

It is He, who is the source of each blink of the eye. Each leaf that falls to the ground is under God’s keen watchful eye. (John 1:3, Col. 1:16-18, Ps. 135:6, Ps. 115:3, Ps. 139:1-18) He is completely aware of each and every thing in heaven and on earth without limitation. He sees the ant scuttling across the sidewalk and holds in His hand the entire universe. His omnipotent awareness and compassion embraces every single tear, every emotion, every thought that dwells in the deepest parts of our hearts and minds, and they are in His thoughts. He loves us, even in our sin, even when we disobey him. It is by this great love for us we can know that as long as we live He will be easily accessible and willing to forgive our transgressions.

Time, space and tangibility are completely different in heaven compared to earth. I have tried to explain this to people, but it’s nearly impossible. Time is not divided into segments, by minutes, or hours or even centuries in heaven. There is no time as we know it in the celestial realm. It’s as if all time is gone and there is only now, but with the keen awareness of all time and history without being weighed down by its vastness. We won’t forget but will always have an awareness of all time and all things that come from the Father. In Heaven, nothing seems vast, but in perfect order, perfectly secure and uninhibited.

Space is not like on earth either. Space is not derived from physical and special dimensions as we know it, Distance is of little relevance. We could cross the universe in an instant with our heavenly bodies. (Phil. 3:21) Solid mass is simply not needed in the spirit realm, though it is possible to become solid, and solid matter does exist in the stars and the planets. Physical bodies are made for the lifetime we are given on earth to attain what we were created for. Without the weights of life here we could never appreciate the freedom from pain and struggle we experience in heaven.
Yet, God in His love, provides us with angels, who are not just here to minister to us, but they are able to become physically visible for our sake. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Heb. 13:2 (A few more examples: Act 9:17, Daniel 3:25, Ex. 3:2, Judges 13:3-21, Luke 2:9, Acts 5:19, Acts 12:7)

While in heaven I was aware that God is concerned about every detail of our lives. One thing I am still in awe of is how divine intervention plays itself out in so many ways, from the smallest to the utmost detail of our lives. I can think of a time recently when I was distraught over some distressing news. I just wanted to run away and hide from the world. Over the next few days, friends I had not heard from in months were calling me just to let me know they were thinking about me. How did they know I needed their comforting words and love? They didn’t know each other, so they couldn’t have contacted each other to say I needed help. I had to accept that only a deeply caring heavenly Father, who knows better than I do what I need, had spoken to each one and urged them to call me.

God, in His unfailing love for us, wants us to share in the awesome splendor of the blessing He laid up for us from the beginning of creation. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 (Luke 12:32)

Relationship

The Lord made me aware, while in heaven, that He is not as concerned with denominations as many of us are. He is concerned with whether we spend time with Him, that we get to know him, and have faith in Him? Our Heavenly Father wants a relationship with his children. He looks at the heart not at the church you are affiliated with. “The Lord knows who are His.” 1 Tim. 2:19b. Some may be surprised to find many people of certain Christian faiths have gone to heaven. And there are certainly many people in hell that went through the motions of religiosity but never made Jesus Lord of their lives. If we love the Lord, truly love him, we will want to please him, know him better, give Him glory, and we will see God at work in our life. To know God is to read the book that tells us all about Him. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim16, 17.1 (It is worth mentioning that the Bible stresses that the ONLY way to heaven is though Jesus sacrifice and resurrection: 1 Tim 2:5,6; 1 Jn 2:23; 1 Jn 5:20; Deut 18:18,19; Jn 6:47,48; 2 Thes 1:7-10)

The Lord gave me this illustration: Expecting to go to heaven without knowing the Lord is like a child who rebels and leaves his loving home. The mother dies and the father lives to be very old. When that father is ready to die His son gets word and calls the father to ask for his inheritance. This son had rejected his father, ignored, him, denied his attempts to contact him. Then the son calls his father to get what he thinks is due him. “Hey Dad, I got busy doing other things, living my life, making money, taking care of my family… But I know you will want to leave your money to me, so I need to know who to contact?” The father, in his mercy, so happy to hear his son’s voice, says, “I love you, son. I have waited so long to hear from you. Will you come to see me before it’s too late?” To which the son replied in an annoyed tone, “Oh don’t get mushy on me now. Lets just stick to business.” The father replied, heartbroken, “Son, you have been away a long time, and still you don’t have time for me. You want all that I have, but you don’t want me.” The son becomes angry, “But you are my father. You owe me.” The father said with a loving sad tone, “If that were so then you would not have ignored me all these years. You wouldn’t have let your mother die without so much as a card or flowers. You would have let me be a part of your children’s lives. ” The son, realizing he might lose his inheritance said, “I deserve what you have. I am your son.” The father remained patient, yet so very sad that his son had turned out this way, “Son, I have many riches, and I love you so much that I would have done anything for you, but you wanted nothing to do with me. Many others have become very near and dear to me. They have been generous with their love, and they enjoy spending time with me. They did not turn a deaf ear when I called them. They are my family. So, who should I give all that I have to? My son who ignored me all these years – the son, who I don’t even know? Or should I leave my inheritance to those who remained faithful, and accepted my generosity with joy and honor?”

Our Heavenly Father is much like the father in this story. This son, like many who are called of God, had spent his life immersed in selfish ambitions. He never acknowledged God. He never had a relationship with Jesus, even though he was raised in the church and was Baptized. He did not seek to know the plans God had for His life, or the blessing of helping someone in need. This son spent his entire life working hard so he could have everything. And when he died, he had nothing he could take with him. The Lord gave him a long life, and many opportunities to come to Him. When the man died, he did not receive the inheritance he expected. His sorrow never ended as he replayed every selfish thing he ever did. He was especially haunted by one woman, about twenty-five, who was in hell with him. She asked him why he didn’t stop to help her. All he could do was sob. In his earthly life, he had been driving on a country road when her car rolled over in front of him. He saw the woman struggling to free herself and crawl out the broken windshield but he didn’t stop. He just picked up his cell phone and called 911. He looked in his rear view mirror and saw the woman’s car burst into flames. His worst torture came from knowing this young woman never had another chance to meet Jesus. If he had listened to God’s call on His life, perhaps he could have led her to Christ.

The Lord wants his creation to know how much he cares for us, and how much he longs to commune with us. He wants us to know that when we talk with him, tell others about him, learn of him through his Living Word, we are opening the door for blessings to flow. There are those who use the name of Jesus, but seek to glorify themselves not God. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven… ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” : Matt. 7:21-23 The God of the universe is a jealous God, and he does not want us to put other gods, before him. This is not for His sake but for ours. He is all knowing and all seeing, and we are by nature stubborn and rebellious. We want to do things our way, even when we have tasted God’s mercy and blessings. Sin is our nature, but the Lord is merciful to forgive every sin we confess. God’s grace is an endless flow that proves how compassionate he is toward his children. God knows what is best for you and me. All the Father has done, he has done for us!

Heaven and Hell

While in Heaven I became profoundly aware that there was no place for souls to go between Heaven and Hell. I did not see hell, but I was made aware of how real, how opposite from heaven, and how horrible it is. I knew there was no place in between. There exists Heaven, and there exists Hell, with no way to pass from one to the other. “Besides, in all these matters there is a huge chasm set between us so that no one can go from us to you even if he wanted to, nor can anyone cross over from you to us.” Luke 16:26 (Luke 16:13; Luke 16:19-31) The two are completely different. In as much as Heaven is awesome, splendid, boundless, and without suffering, Hell is dreadful, and filled with sorrow and eternal torture. It was obvious that those in Heaven knew Christ as their Savior. They knew they were heaven bound even before they left this earth. It was clear those who rejected Christ would spend eternity in the most dreadful place. (Luke 16:22-31, Matt. 13:42, Matt. 8:12, Mark 9:46, Is. 66:22-24, Is. 33:14, Rev. 14:10, Rev. 20:10)

Some who read this and do not know Jesus as Savior may instantly reject what I am saying, since it is easier to believe there is no Hell. Not believing in something doesn’t make it so! Is death certain? Is sadness a certainty? Can you live a lifetime without food? It cost me nothing to invite Jesus into my life and He gave me everything I could hope for and more. It costs me nothing to give up sins that only brought misery and insecurity to my life. The trade-off was to replace the bondage and guilt of my previous life with true freedom and inner peace. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:4-10.

Every hour we are given to live is an opportunity to yield to God’s call. Because He is a just God, each one of us will stand before His throne to give account for our lives. (Matt 25:31-32, Heb.9:27,II Pet.2:9, II Pet:3:7, Jude 15-15, II Cor. 5:10, Rev. 20:12)

We are each on our own merit when it comes to entering heaven. The Lord wants people to know there are no back doors into heaven. Jesus is the door (John 10:7). The only way to heaven is through the plan of salvation. “… "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.“ Luke 13:24. (John 10:1-11; 7; Rev. 3:8; John, John 10, John 3:16-18; John 3:35-36; John 8:12; 2 John 1-7-10)

Popular Belief

The Lord is in the business of saving souls, and He is not intimidated by political correctness, or made up beliefs. Despite popular belief, Christianity requires commitment. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom. 12:2 If you say you are a Christian and still live like those who are not saved, you mock God. The Word says “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:13-20; Prov. 1:30-32) The laws of God cannot contradict God’s Divine Word. When you are truly serving God, you desire to please him. You come under conviction when sin enters your life. Like a good Father, the Lord brings correction, and He is gracious to forgive! “Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lam 3:22 His arms are always open. Even when we really blow it, he is faithful to forgive as we come to him with a repentant heart.

So let us not be deceived. A person either serves God or the Devil. Nobody can serve both. (Matt. 6:19-24; James 1:6, 4:8; 2 Tim. 3:1-6; 1 John 3:6-10; Rev 3:13) Satan, wants you to believe there are many ways to heaven. There is only one path to God. (Rev. 3:8; John 14:6b, John 10, John 3:16-18; John 3:35-36; John 8:12; 2 John 1-7-10) Many who are deceived about eternity make up all kinds of things to justify how they live. There is no partying in Hell. There is only torment forever. (Luke 16:24; Matt. 25:41, Further reading: “The Divine Revelation of Hell” by Mary K. Baxter) As much as we want to hope for our loved ones and ourselves, that hell is not so bad, and a loving God would not send anyone there, we have to remember who God is. He is a just God and He cannot let sin into heaven. We choose Hell, God does not choose it for us, “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Cor 10:33

"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” ” John 10:1-11

End Times

Many are convinced we are in the End Times. Is the Church watching? “Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is.” Mark 13:33 The Bible says many will fall away in the Last Days. “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,” 2 Thes. 2:3 The Lord is calling us to be strong, to endure persecution, and put our hope in the promise of His coming! Maybe Jesus won’t come today, but what if he does? Are you ready? What if your life is required of you this day, this hour? Are you ready? Are you ready to get knocked off your pew and called to serve in ways you never imagined? Is there someone the Lord has been speaking to your heart about? The time is now…

Three Sins

The Lord woke me this morning (4-18-09) and told me to warn people against these three sins: Idolatry, Sorcery and Fornication (sexual sin). It is no secret that these sins have found their way into homes through the media our culture, and mainstream belief systems. They have been watered down from pulpits, and have crept into children’s books, schools, the Government, and TV shows like invisible slithering snake. Let us not forget, God has not changed. His Living Word has not changed. And we don’t have to let the world dictate how we live. Christianity is coming under attack like never before, and many are falling away. Many who call themselves Christians are involved in some form of one or more of these sins and don’t realize it’s wrong. Can the Lord work in and through us if we don’t do what He says? The Lord wants his people to know what Sorcery, Idolatry and sexual sin is about. Is reading your horoscope okay? Are you making an idol of something or someone? What is sexual sin? Below are a few links to explore what the Bible says.

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” Rom. 10:3

A Few Christian Recourses:
Sorcery: http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-occult.html
http://www.farsinet.com/truth/index.html
Idolatry: http://www.gotquestions.org/idolatry-definition.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCjHm9kzHBg
Fornication: http://206.135.15.32/answers/afornica.html
http://www.cordillerapolice.com/sex_and_the_bible.html
http://www.porn-free.org/consequences.htm
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByDate/1468_Strategies_for_Fighting_Sexual_Sin/
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1302

While in heaven I saw how much we underestimate the power of God to keep everything under His supreme omniscient control. The security of knowing this permeated the Heavens. He is present when a feather falls from a sparrows’ wing as he is at the death of a child. (Prov. 15:3, Ps. 139:8, Acts 17:27, Job 34:21; Jer. 10:12-13) His omniscience and omnipresence is limitless. There is no chaos, not one thing is out of place, out of order, in the Kingdom of God. In His gentle but mighty omniscience, he sees all. “Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the Lord: Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” Jeremiah. 23:24. All things are from him and belong to Him. (John 1:3, Col. 1:16-17) Our flesh struggle against this notion, but there is no greater confidence than to lay hold of this truth and have faith God is able to perform what He commands. In Heaven, there will be no questioning, because we will instantly know and understand everything we ever wanted to consider or question. (I Cor 13:8-13; 2 Cor. 3:18)

One thing was instantly clear, and it has helped me persevere through even the hardest trials and deepest pain over the years. I understood that the portion to which we have been tried, and suffered on earth, and overcome, will be the portion for which we receive rewards in heaven. Our reward comes in the form of divine joy and pure love, and a worship that is so divine I could not begin to explain it. (James 1:12, & 5:11) It is hard to describe this, but it is the most incredible clear thing I remember about how I felt while I was there. There is just no way to describe how incredibly wonderful heavenly rewards are. There is nothing to compare them to. There is nothing in any way prideful about our heavenly rewards. I can only begin to liken it to the feeling when your first-born enters the world. Multiply that by a million, and then add the joy of knowing that blessing will always feel exactly the same, with no worry that it will fade or be taken from you. There are no limits to the pure miraculous joy and gratitude you feel.

Rewards are in no way connected to anyone else. There is me and there is how I respond, handle, react and deal with every little thing in my life. There is how I serve and my intentions behind all that I do. (I Cor. 3:8; 2 John 8)

Our reward comes to us to through Him as only a Father can give. We cannot share in another’s reward, but all rejoice in the rewards of each one, whether great or small. There is no comparing, envy or jealousy in heaven, so we are free to enjoy our own reward and rejoice in the rewards of others freely. We know we deserve exactly what we have been given as a reflection of our lives, and our rejoicing is the same, no matter the proportion. We share complete harmony in every aspect. We know The Father’s deep love for us because there is nothing to hinder it.

God loves us so much that when we are in Heaven, our whole being will be overflowing with love and joy. There will be no pain or misery taking up residence in our heart. All the painful things we carry in our hearts now, all the times our heart has been broken, will be wiped away. There will be no resentment for wrongs done to us on earth, because we will have the mind of Christ. We will feel compassion and acceptance like nothing we have experienced in this world. We will not have any need to think of things of the past, though we are able to. We will see all our earthly experiences in a new light, understanding how they helped us progress from one point to another. We will understand that nothing came by mistake and all was meant to work for our good. Our failures will never again carry regret with them because we have our being in God’s infinite mercy and love for us.

There will be no ill feelings of any kind, not even the worst offense committed against us will bring pain or unhappiness, for we will be thankful for the fruit that was born of everything we overcame. We will understand that all these things were taken care of at the cross, and we will conceive this fully with joy and gratitude to our Lord for offering us so great a gift. We will know that all we suffered was meant to strengthen and encourage us to seek and trust our Creator in all things. He knew us from the time He formed us in the womb; and he knew, with great compassion, there would be trying times. But despite our wanderings, our rebellion, our sins, and misdeeds He loved us and gave up everything for us that we might be free. He sent many prophets and teachers, the greatest being Jesus, so that we would know how to live a life free of strife and sin. He gave us the Bible so we would understand. He knows our hearts, and he knows what is best for us, even when we don’t.

Psalm 139
“1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall[a] on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
20 For they speak against You wickedly;
Your enemies take Your name in vain.[c]
21 Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.”

God Wants Us to Overcome

“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” Rev 3:5

(John 16:33; Rev. 3:12; Rev. 12:11; Rev.21:7; Rev. 2:7, 2:11, 2:17 & 26; Rev. 3 all; I John 2:12-14, 4:4, 5:5 )

The Lord showed me that our greatest purpose is to learn to overcome the things this life brings. While I was in heaven, I experienced what my rewards felt like and knew why I had received them. I knew that everything I had overcome was wrapped in a joyful package of love and delight coming from the Father flowing through me and back to him. As the years went by I would learn the value of perseverance as a tool to help me overcome.

By overcoming our struggles and strivings, we are able to live happier, more productive lives. By not overcoming, our lives become consumed with things that bring only temporary pleasure, which soon gives way to sin and misery. Not overcoming separates us from God, which gives Satan the edge.

Our free will permits us to choose. We can run from what we need to face, or deal with it. It’s just that simple. For instance, maybe a traumatic loss has visited you. Did it make you bitter or better? Were you able to make the most of your loss and pain, or have you let the devil drive you to act out in destructive or unproductive ways?

God does not want any of His creation to suffer. He is a loving God, a Father whose wisdom, patience and correction is perfect. He wants me to learn to be strong, look to Him for answers, and he wants to show me, and you, how to love, how to live in a way that will bring contentment and happiness. It’s easy to be angry, to be bad, to be defiant, to hold a grudge and get back at others. By facing things that need to be overcome, good things come from those efforts. It is often said, “I forgave “So and So” for myself.” It stands to reason since “So and So” will not suffer or be judged for my lack of forgiveness, but I will. When we forgive, we overcome. Our Lord is close by through everything, waiting be the friend, the hope that will bring peace and rest from striving.

There is beauty in suffering,
we just have to be willing to grab hold of the opportunity,
to welcome its bittersweet fragrance.
With that, we overcome.
Then our short suffering
is but a feathers’ drop into eternity.

Overcoming produces strength to face what may come. It births in us the emotional energy to reach out to others, to be good parents and friends. Our lives become fuller and happier. We cannot see all the fruit of victory, but God sees. God will not forget all that we have done, sacrifices we made, prayers we prayed, or the times when we trusted Him with battles we cannot fight. He sees when we overcome depression by facing the cause head on, and turning to Jesus, our healer. He sees when we do what is right instead of what we feel. He sees when you are mistreated, and you choose to forgive. He sees when you open yourself up to letting God show you what needs to change. He sees when someone breaks your heart and you let Him fill that void and become willing to wait for His plan for you. He sees every hidden fear and every tear, and keeps every tear you ever shed in a bottle. (Ps. 56:8)

What matters in eternity is that we have come through our trials and suffering triumphantly. We have trusted Jesus to take upon Himself all the sins we can never undo. In everything, we can overcome! “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 (John. 16:33; Ro. 8:30-37; 1 John 5:4; Re, 3:21; Re. 2:7 & 26; Re. 17:14)

No Sin in Heaven

There is no sin in heaven. We will relish bathing in pure stainless rejoicing with the constant Holy presence of God saturating everything with his light and splendor. We will feel His love permeate the heavens with bright light that is overflowing with His glory and wonder. We will see how His love embraces the whole world and all that He has made. What is the effort of overcoming compared to that? What painful trial, sin or transgression could be more important than eternity with God?

“For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:15-18)

God wants us to put all our trust in Him so His perfect plan can generate the utmost rewards for us both in this life and in the life to come. Putting our trust in him is true overcoming. This is the will of God, and by putting our trust in Him we come to know how deep His love is.

We all have one clear purpose in life – to overcome.

We are called to rest in the sovereign power of God’s ability to change our circumstances, or carry us through them with victory. We are called to pray, to engage in spiritual warfare when the enemy attacks, to listen for God’s voice in good times and bad, and to walk in His will for our lives. We are called to courage, no matter how deep the waters, or how high the climb. In doing these things, we learn to overcome. Jesus promises in John 16:33, “…In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good courage, I have overcome the world.” We are not alone on this journey. When darkness threatens to take everything, Jesus is there to deliver us. When the deepest pain visits us, Jesus is there to heal us. When all we have is faith, Jesus is there to show the way.

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelations 3:21

Weightless Rest
More on Our Heavenly Existence

(Rev. 14:13, Matt.11:28, Heb. 4, Isaiah 25:8-9, Rev. 7:16-17)

Nobody has a weight problem in heaven. Those of us who struggle with weight can delight in this delight. Our heavenly bodies will be weightless. There is no struggle of any kind in Heaven. Praise the Lord! In heaven, we have perfect celestial bodies without a single blemish. “…and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Eph. 5:27, (Luke 20:35-36)

There is complete weightlessness and nothing solid in heaven. In fact, I found after this experience that everything I picked up seemed much heavier than it had been before. Even picking up a pencil felt like picking up a twenty-pound weight. Since nothing is solid, there is no need for food or tangible devices. Imagine never having to cook, grocery shop or figure out what to have every meal. We can have food if we want to in heaven, we can have anything, but we won’t lack anything, so there will be no desire for things so necessary in our earthly bodies. This seems complicated, but have faith, you will not be bored or disappointed!

I remember how vividly clear my mind and thinking became in heaven! In heaven, our thinking is free from fears, toxins, brain fog, bad memories, habits, or uncertainties. We will have rest from our striving and know that every thought we have is pleasing to God.

Heaven will give us the location of all those socks the dryer ate. I suspect there is a whole storehouse of lost stuff somewhere. Just think of it; we will never lose anything again. We won’t have to keep up with weeds, run errands, shuffle papers, clean house or deal with sore feet, for the rest of eternity. Until you are in heaven you won’t begin to understand what a strenuous task living in earthly bodies was. There will be no pain or sickness to deal with. Praise God! No need for repair shops, doctors, counselors, tools, houses, appliances.... We won’t need those things in heaven. Our time will be full, and more tranquil than anything we have ever experienced here. We won’t have to make a living, get answers, listen to gossip, deal with people who annoy us, wrestle with issues, or make amends. Everyone will get along in heaven, FOREVER!

Nothing grows old or rots in heaven. Everything is always fresh and like new, in the worldly sense of the word. We won’t have to wonder, ponder, worry, fear, strive, achieve or get our feelings hurt. There will never be a second thought or any regrets because all is fulfilled by the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us. He took on himself all our sins and all the weight of the world.

Just think of it how by accepting Jesus as Savior, we inherit Heaven, and all that is waiting for us there, as our permanent home. We become heirs with Jesus. “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:16-18 (New Living Translation)

Our food will be Spiritual and it will taste better than anything we have savored in our earthly bound bodies. There is no wantonness. In heaven, we lack for nothing. All that we need for eternity is granted through God’s love, and all we desire is to worship, honor, and give glory to Him for eternity. There is nothing to distract us from worshipping the Lord, and no resistance because there is nothing to cloud us from knowing how wonderful he is. All of heaven is filled with God’s Glory, and love. The throne of God is not a forbidden frightening place, but a welcoming place where the very heart of God beats with unimaginable love and majesty.

For those who think heaven is a boring place, please put that aside until you get there and realize that the most wonderful earthly experience cannot begin to compare to one moment in heaven.

The Vision

Some may wonder if heaven is all these things, what is Hell like? I read a book called “The Divine Revelation of Hell” by Mary K. Baxter. She visited hell over forty days and was shown what happens to souls who reject Christ. Since this writing is about Heaven, I suggest reading her book? I don’t read any more, but I couldn’t put it down till I finished it. The Bible describes Hell as being a place of darkness where “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” Matt. 25:30. Sorrow will be never ending. (2 Sam. 22:6) It is a place of torment where there is no rest. (Rev. 14:11, 21:8) YOU DON’T WANT TO GO THERE!

I want to share a vision I had recently just as awoke one morning. It is quite scary, but it has meaning. It is still so vivid in my memory. I saw a dark place made of dark charred stone. There was a stone stairway leading down from what I knew to be earthly light above. Three young people, in their teens or twenties, were coming down the stairs slowly, looking around as if on an adventure. They did not know exactly where they were going, but it was of great interest to them to venture down these stairs. They came to the bottom of the stairs and there was a chamber with a doorway made of stone. Beyond was a reddish orange glow. I knew this was the gate of hell, but they didn’t. They were being pressed forward by an unseen force to go through the doorway. They could have turned back, until they reached the door, but they were deceived, powerless and unknowing. Then as they entered, the girl who was last looked back as if to realize she was about to fall off a cliff, but even worse, to enter hell forever. I could feel her terror as she realized it was too late to turn back. Her destiny was final. She knew where she was going and that she would never have the chance to choose another course as she entered that gate. I can’t explain how dreadful it was to feel what grabbed her every mental fiber as the realization hit her full on. I can only liken it to watching someone being hit by a bus and being unable to reach out to them in time to save them. Fear, regret, wishing you could take back time, and make it not happen. Multiply that range of emotions by a hundred. These young people were given the message of Salvation, probably many times. They had heard the message, but they waited too long. Nothing could prevent them from the fate they had chosen.

Not Certain You Are Saved?

God has a purpose for your life. He wants you to join him in the beautiful place he has prepared for you.

If you are not sure you are going to heaven and want to be saved, say this simple prayer.

Father, I believe you are the God of all creation and that you sent your son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins, was resurrected and is alive. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and replace my stony places with a heart of flesh. Forgive all my sins and wash me clean. Help me not to sin again. Show me the plans you have for my life and guide me on the journey. Fill me with the Holy Spirit who will help show me what is right and help me live in your will and ways. From this day forward I will serve you, and only you. Thank you Lord for setting me from a fate that is not your will, and for giving me eternal life as your child. Thank you for Salvation.

In Jesus’ Name
Amen

If you decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
*Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
*Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
*Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word.
*Begin your Bible reading with the Book of John.
*Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
*Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus.
*Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
*Find a local church where you can worship God.

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“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 1-8

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Revelations 12:11

Email Gail, gail@happy-kids.com

Edited by: Pastor Daniel Murphy, Nicole Austin, Wayne Brewster, Anthony P.

References: The Holy Bible, King James, New King James, New International Version, The Thompson Chain Reference, Concordance, a few Internet sources.

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