This page will begin by posting a dream given to me by God on July 16, 1994. I cherish it, and the details of it are still as real, and vivid today, as the day it was given to me. Many things were not added, but what God wants shared is in the details below. May it bless all who read it. 1Co 2:9 But as it is written, 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. 1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. July 16, 1994 It is late evening, and I'm still reeling from something that happened earlier today. My mind is boggled, and my spirit is torn in many directions. I'm having a hard time believing what happened to me, and don't think anyone else would at all. I feel I must try to put this down, but even as I start, there are no words that will do justice to what I've seen, and heard. A Trip To Heaven I sat in a recliner late this morning, feeling sorry for myself, and very despondent. Two days ago, I had worked my last day as a legal proofreader for a law book publishing company, Butterworth Publishers (formally Equity Publishing Corp.). I'd been there quite a few years, and along with many other's were given the option of moving with the company out of state, or taking our retirement, or severance pay, and leaving. I had to leave, and now my life looked like a blank wall. Not only was I losing a good paying job, but all the benefits with it, and the fulfillment of a challenging job that I liked. As I sat there looking out the window alone, I became drowsy, and noticed the clock on my piano said 11:35 a.m., then I must of gone into sleep. Then, I woke up. But instead of being in my livingroom, I was standing in the middle of a very wide gravel road. Four or five cars could have lined up across it, and along the road were columns of huge trees, and their branches went over the road, making a canopy over it, but I noticed that sunlight still came brightly onto the road....there was no shadows from the branches. These trees were so large, it would take perhaps 10 men reaching and touching hand to hand to circle them. (I'm trying very hard not to exaggerate) The sun was warm, but not oppressive, there were amazing smells, aromas of flowers; like light perfume. I was so amazed at what I saw, I could hardly take it in. To my left, thru the avenue of trees, I saw the land open up and gently slope downwards revealing a very large body of water, like a huge pond. The water was still and calm. Flowering bushes, trees, and flowers were along the banks, I could see pathways thru them and places to sit right next to the water. The water had all kinds of water fowl, ducks, geese, and swans....which I've always loved. The colors were brighter than anything I've ever seen, but not unpleasant. As I continued to try to take this in, I became aware that I was barefoot. I always loved being barefoot, and walking in sand. Looking down, I noticed the gravel was very fine, like gold dust, and felt wonderful between my toes. I stooped down, and picked some up, letting it go thru my fingers. It was like the finest of gold, but as it poured out of my hand, it made no cloud, or fumes in the air. It was pleasantly warm to the touch. I stood up again, and then noticed that there was someone standing to my left, and slightly behind me. It was a man, tall, very quiet. He was serious, but with great peace. His hair was dark, as well as his eyes. He stood silently observing me, allowing me to have these moments to myself. But, as I gazed upon him, I knew he was my angel, and somehow I knew him, and that we knew each other well. I recognized his spirit, but didn't know how. I thought to myself "what am I doing here, and where am I?" In my mind the angel answered me, "This is heaven, I'm going to take you to your home." I was speechless. I looked ahead of me, and now noticed that about 100 ft. away was a carriage with two horses harnessed to it, and a silent driver waiting in the front seat, with his back to us. The horses stood in complete calmness and obedience. They were the most beautiful matched pair I'd ever seen. Their color was like a new copper penny, and their manes and tails flaxen blond, and they were exactly the same size. The angel spoke to my mind again, "they are waiting for us, we need to get in, and go with them." We both stepped up into the carriage, and sat down behind the silent driver. The seat was beautiful deep royal blue velvet, the floor deep rich red. Golden ornaments were on the carriage but not overdone. It was magnificent. As the driver lifted the reins, the horses started in unison. He never had to say or do anything more. They seemed to know exactly what to do, and did it with complete calmness. I looked down and noticed they had no shoes on their feet. The angel saw my expression and in my mind he said "there is no need for shoes, there will never be anything to harm them here." Moving along the avenue I looked to my left. Between the trees I saw sloping hills, and pastures sectioned off, and animals in them. Each kind of animal was in their own area. Some like cows in one, sheep in another, and many many horses. Some of the pastures were open and vacant, with beautiful flowering bushes hedging them. The greens were so numerous it was amazing to see them flow together. I could hear and see birds of varieties I'd never seen before flying in flocks, and playing in the air. The hills went on as far as the eye could see, and beyond that, magnificent mountains far in the horizon. I was overwhelmed with the beauty and harmony everywhere. Everything was in perfect proportion, nothing out of place. It seemed we drove for a long time, the road gently started to curve to the left, bordering the water and still the avenue of huge trees. Then suddenly the scene changed, we came to the end of the lines of trees and the road opened up to the panorama before us, the land to the left still sloped to the pond, but more open with lawns and well placed small gardens along it's borders. The open fields to the right continued on and on. Directly in front of us, I saw a building. As we approached it, I noticed again it was in perfect proportion to it's surroundings. It was a two story structure, white, a semicircular entry with columns in front of it. The steps were also semicircular, seven steps to the door. They were double doors, dark green, with gold fixtures. There were high windows on each side with green shutters. The shape of the home was rectangle, with four windows in the front (two at each side of the door) at the lower and second levels. The gravel avenue came up within just a few feet of the sloping lawn in front of the home, and a walkway of a few steps to the door. The driver stopped at the front, and the angel got down first. As I stepped down, I noticed that now I had simple gold sandals on my feet, they fit perfectly. We went up the steps, the door opened and stepping thru.....I was speechless. The foyer was huge and open to the second floor, and was domed. The dome above me was beautifully sculpted stained glass of many colors that streamed lights of color to the entire entry. As they hit the floor they mingled in a spectacular fashion, like a kaleidoscope. But this was not irritating or extreme, it was beautiful, and was full of life. The floor was muted milky marble, and there were muted gray marble columns bordering the circle of the foyer. Beyond this, there were two stairways bordering the walls on each side. They arched to the floor like a graceful skirt, with iron railings beautifully designed. These two stairways met at the second floor with a walkway between them and beyond I could see that there were floor to ceiling windows on the far wall which looked to the outside and the back of the home. This made the home very light and appear even larger. There were doorways on each side of the foyer on both levels, and I could see they were rooms of different kinds. Below to the left a room like a reading, and music room combined. Beautiful furniture, a fireplace, instruments that looked like they had been used often. One, like a cello, leaned on a chair very invitingly. The walls were lined with bookcases to the ceiling, filled with volumes. The windows looked out over the country, and each scene was one of peace, and serenity. The appointments and colors were perfect. To the right, there was a dining room. A long table with many chairs, and upholstered seats. Flowers were in the center of the table, and looked vibrant with life. On the second floor, the rooms were like bedrooms. They each had private setting places looking out over the gardens, and the mountains beyond. The colors were soft, muted, calming to the soul. The patterns in the fabrics complimented the styles of the rooms but there was imagination, and surprising details making the room inviting and interesting. On the first floor, beyond the foyer it was open to the back. More windows were there looking out onto a formal garden, with stone walkways within it. Flowers, bushes, roses, birds, climbing vines with beautiful flowers framed the outside of the windows. The aroma's were rich, and deep. But, one of the most amazing things in this home was within the walls that the staircases lined. The walls themselves were huge two story aquariums! They both were full of fish of every kind, some I'd never seen before. As I looked upon them, they came up as close to the glass as they could and in my mind I heard them say to me "Hey, come on in and play with us. We're glad your here!" I could hardly believe what I heard....but then all of a sudden I was in the water with them! But I didn't get wet, they swam around me with joy, and I swam with them enjoying every minute of it. Some of them were huge, the same size as me, but they were like pets. I noticed the angel still in the foyer, with a big smile on his face. There seemed to be no borders to the back of these aquariums....they seemed to go on forever. I couldn't figure this out, and decided not to try. Suddenly, I was back in the foyer with the angel, and was not wet. I looked up and wondered to myself, "How high is this foyer?" The angel answered me again in my mind "20 feet". Wow, was all I could say. My gaze went straight ahead of me to the open windows, to the garden in the back, and the double doors to it.....I felt a compulsion to go out to it. I stepped thru the doors and just stopped for what seemed like a long time and just tried to take it all in. The beauty was beyond comprehension. The garden was bordered by stone walls that went up about 4ft., and trailing vines, with flowers draped over them, these walls surrounded the garden, making it an outdoor sanctuary, but it was huge. Within it the stone pathways went in several directions, and met each other at times. There were flower beds, fruit trees, and roses of many kinds. In one section a grape arbor was laden with vines and fruit, and under the arbor, an inviting bench. I decided to take one of the stone paths to the left. While I had been in the house and upstairs, I had looked down and out, and noticed that a single wide dirt road led out of the left side of this garden, and wandered over a brook, and to a huge barn in the distance, I had only been able to see the roof which was also dark green. Now, as I walked I looked for this path to lead me to the road, the angel walked along silently, but seemed to know where I was going; I could sense it. Around the bend, there it was, the road I'd seen upstairs. I decided to take it, I wanted to see this barn I had gotten a glimpse of earlier. As I got closer I could hear the whinny of horses, they seemed to be calling to me. One especially seemed familiar to me.....and I knew it was a male horse. The road graced over the brook with a small bridge, as I crossed it, the barn came into view. It was long and narrow, white with green shutters; double doors on both ends, and stalls on both sides the full length of it. It looked to be about 100-150ft. long. The road sloped gently up to it, and as I walked along I could still hear the horses, they were greeting me, and even though they hadn't seen me yet. Then I heard a voice very familiar to me....it was the voice of my husband coming to me from the barn. "Come on up, let me show you around." I continued walking and got to the front doors of the barn. Looking in I saw the most magnificent horses I've ever seen. They looked at me with intelligence, and as if they knew me, and shook their heads up and down in greeting. Halfway down the aisle, I saw a man bending over a piece of equipment, he stood up and turned around...It was Lynn (my husband). He smiled warmly to me, started walking to me, my heart was melting in me. He looked as he did when we first married, but even more handsome. Suddenly, with a jolt, I heard a door slam.....and I was awake, back in the recliner in the living room. The first thing my eyes saw, was the clock, it was 3:36 in the afternoon. My husband's steps came in from the kitchen, as he walked he said "Lorna, are you here?" I could not answer, I was frozen. He came around the corner and looked at me in the chair, then said "Are you ok? You look like your in shock." All I could do was nod a "no". At this, he started relaying his day, while I sat there trying to come to my senses. After a few minutes of acting like I was listening to him, I asked a crazy question, "Lynn, how high is our cathedral ceiling (which was what our living room was)". He looked at me with a question in his eyes, but answered "It is 14ft. to the center". My mind was still in the foyer of that beautiful home.....remembering. Personal Notes: There are some very interesting things I've taken note of about this visit that only God would know. 1. from a very little girl, I've had a fascination and loved tropical, and ocean fish of every kind. One of my first memories is of sitting on my father's lap while he showed me a book of color pictures of ocean life, it was always the one I picked for him to look at with me. When I became a woman, and just a few yrs. ago, I was able to purchase my first aquarium, and have raised many kinds of tropical fish. 2. From the age of 3, horses have been another fervent love of mine. I would sit and dream of owning Arabian horses, but we were very poor, and I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would own any. But in 1984, I was able to purchase my first Arab mare, and have owned several since. I also showed, trained and owned my own business for over 20 yrs. The Lord has blessed me beyond my dreams. 3. Green has always been my favorite color, especially for home décor. 4. My husband and I are country people, and like elbow room, we lived in a very rural setting at the end of a dead end road. Living in Northern Vermont, we both love mountains. 5. My husband loves raising fruits, berries, and vegetables, and has done this for many yrs. the grounds around this house was graced with every kind of garden and fruit tree, and berry bushes in long rows, like he has had here. 6. The fact that he was already there was a prophetic message to me.....he is there now. My husband died in 2004 in my arms, of a heart attack, and ironically in July ten yrs. later. His funeral was on July 16, 2004, 10 years to the day, from the day I had this dream. Note: Some time after this dream, I began to pray about some of the content in it, and asked the Lord first, if it truly was given by Him, or if I was deceived, and second, was there something of significance I had missed that should be noticed. This was my answer from the Holy Ghost: "Yes, the dream was from me, it is a brief stamp on your heart and mind, of what is to come. It's for encouragement for the journey before you. And, in the dream when you noticed the brightness of what you thought was the sun, it was in reality-the Light of My Son, as referred to in Revelation. As you noticed, an actual sun was never seen, only the evidence of a Light Source." The verse below confirms what the Holy Ghost gave me. Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Another interesting aspect to Jesus being the Source of Light in heaven, was the rhythm and changes of hues, and atmosphere it created, as what appeared to be a "day and time" moved forward. When I first stood on the golden sand of the wide avenue, and got in the carraige with the angel to go to my home, time seemed to move forward as it does on earth. It was a bright early morning when I first awoke in heaven, and as "time" moved on the brightness and the atmosphere changed as it does here, only there was no oppressive heat, or humidity. The warmth of the Son was always pleasant and inviting to the body, and the spirit. As time seemed to move on in the day-the hues and appearance of the light changed as if a sun was going down, and setting. An evening hush came upon the land, and the animals, and a peace beyond description. However, it only came to a point of when the sun is just about to set, and then it stayed in that position, it never became really dark, only a hushed peaceful evening. Then, it would begin a gradual increase of light again, and once again, a bright clear morning. Even as I'm trying to convey this-I'm not coming close to doing it justice. But, I hope the reader can get a picture of what is being described. There is so much more that could be said, but this is what I'm able to share. May it draw you to seek the Lord, and His salvation. There is a place waiting for you, if you will turn to Christ, and let Him in your heart. Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Joh 14:2 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. Joh 14:3 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. Joh 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Sadhu Sundar Singh Sadhu Sundar Singh was an early 20th Century Indian Christian mystic who experienced mystical visions from the spiritual world. Singh suffered many mishaps and persecutions during his travels throughout India, Tibet, and other Asian countries. He had a remarkable ability to reach into the deeper truths found in all beliefs and show their fulfillment in Christ. He disappeared in 1929 while traveling to Tibet, possibly dying from a cholera outbreak. To have a spiritual experience is to delve into the deeper teachings of Christ. This is what Sundar Singh dedicated his life towards. His desire (as ours should also be" was to get to know his Master and Teacher in the deepest way possible. Because of his dedication, desire, and discipline, he was rewarded with close encounters with the spiritual realm. We, too, can go into that realm. But we must understand that God is a rewarder of those who DILIGENTLY seek Him. And that diligence requires self discipline to use time and sacrifice to search for those blessings of spiritual and mystical communication. What is Heaven Like -- Sadhu Sundar Singh Christian Audiobook
Jesus Defines Ecclesiastes One of the greatest things about how Jesus spoke, is His ability to sum up the definition of a situation, a person, and even an entire book-in a few words, and every word has power, and impact. In the many years I've studied the Bible, I've come away time after time, in awe of His ability to give you a complete picture of every problem, or situation, with no word wasted. It isn't openly said in scripture, But as I have read the verses Jesus spoke of on the value of a soul, and what man would exchange for it, I came away seeing these precise statements from Jesus were a perfect answer to all of Solomon's questions, and observations concerning life, and it's futility without God. Read Jesus' words, and see if you don't agree. Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mar 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mar 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Luk 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. His words' are so clear, like a sword that cuts through man's deceptions, and motives, to the heart of what the truth really is. You're left seeing your own heart exposed, and where you really stand with Christ. Most people, will never let Jesus get that close, or let His words speak to them. Many shut the door of their hearts, because they won't allow the Lord to convict them of the truth about themselves. But, these verses answer Solomon's debates and observations about the vanity and emptiness of life, without surrendering to Jesus, as Lord and Christ. Jesus said He came to give live, and give it more abundantly, and that it is Satan who has come to kill, steal, and destroy. We see the evidence of this, everywhere today. The sermons by Vernon McGee on the book of Ecclesiastes will also give insight into this book, and give a picture of our day, and how it fits in very well with the issues we are facing. Ecclesiastes 01-02 - J Vernon McGee - Thru the Bible- https://youtu.be/6X9gG_n6Fl0 Ecclesiastes 03-05 - J Vernon McGee - Thru the Bible- https://youtu.be/X5PpXr9X3lY 21 Ecclesiastes 06-09 - J Vernon McGee - Thru the Bible- https://youtu.be/A0Hg-Tb-oms 21 Ecclesiastes 10-12 - J Vernon McGee - Thru the Bible- https://youtu.be/0a0R8Mf1a-4 The Far Side of Heaven Life brings times of reflection, and assessing. Of late, this has been going on for me. Looking down the corridors, and pathways behind me on this journey, and taking stock of where it's brought me to this point. Then, turning again to the road ahead, gazing over the horizon. I'm looking forward to seeing the shores of home, and heaven. Only God knows how much more time He's appointed for me here, but home is more and more, a part of my thoughts. Paul talked at times of longing to put off his earthly body, and leave it behind, to be clothed with the new body made in heaven, waiting for him there. Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Note: this verse answers the dispute on soul sleep-a false doctrine) 2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2Co 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 2Co 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 2Co 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. When the journey has been long, the road full of rough trodding, with many dangers and toils-and the bend in the roads have wrought many perils-weariness sets in, and a longing to leave it behind. The vanity and emptiness to achieve what we can't keep. A world of parading, boasting; full of empty, meaningless talk. The selfishness, throw-away mentality- of things and people. What is of true value-is overlooked, and many times ridiculed. These bodies begin to complain, and won't cooperate anymore-our minds may have all kinds of desires, and want to push our bodies to "get up and go"-but the body says "I'm out of gas, and repair". Our minds may be as alert and keen as a school kid-but the world looks at you, and treats you as if your demented, because your face and body gives away your mileage, and age. The world promotes youth and beauty, and you no longer fit into that category. You begin to shut the door to the world-and keep it shut-or you waste money and energy trying to re-make yourself, and stay looking young to keep up the front, and be accepted by the world. It becomes a vicious circle-and the devil laughs at the entire scenario-and the futility of those who waste their lives like this. The devil will make sure you keep wasting time and money on worthless things-to keep your eyes off of what really matters, and eternity. By all means, he doesn't want you thinking about what's beyond this world-because he owns this world right now, and he wants you to stay a prisoner of it-as long as he can use you. But, back to the main subject. At this bend in the road of my journey-I'm finding my soul longing for things that only heaven can give, this is some of them: 1. The thought is that when the spirit leaves the mortal clay, it lays off an old and worn-out clothing, and is to be clothed upon, or invested in, its divine clothing. To have a body that's full of youth, strength, that will never grow old again, nor decay. It's not that we want to be free from a body, but wish a better one; one that is immortal-then, we will be as John says "like Jesus" in his resurrected state. 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. "Salvation isn’t just for the soul or spirit, but for the body also. Resurrection is how God saves our bodies. We have a glorious new body to come! “The righteous are put into their graves all weary and worn; but as such they will not rise. They go there with the furrowed brow, the hollowed cheek, the wrinkled skin; they shall wake up in beauty and glory.” (Spurgeon) 2. I'm looking for a home, that will never need repair, or rust. It's environment will never be contaminated or destroyed by careless, selfish hands-and best of all-it will be forever. Jesus tells us: Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. oh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Joh 14:2 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. Perhaps, like I -you have known what's it's like to work, build up, and achieve great successes-but also great losses. With every loss, the reality that we keep nothing in this world, sinks in. God's promises of heaven, become more important, and precious to me, with each passing day. Scripture tells the result of those who only seek to achieve in this life: Psa 39:6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. Riches and honors are fickle unstable things. Those who's lives are spent always to build up, achieve, and present to the world their accomplishments-are never satisfied, and know nothing of true contentment. Their souls are in relentless turmoil, striving to build a reputation and applause of men-who do not care, and the results are usually a yawn, and watching their backs as they walk away. I've learned that whatever I do, just do it because the Lord has asked it of me, and leave the results to Him. Then, peace of mind remains. 3. Death will be swallowed up in victory- the moment my eyes close in death- eternity in the Presence of my Savior and Lord begins- 2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. In His presence is fullness of joy, gladness, peace, wholeness. Words cannot fully express what it will be like-I've had glimpses of it, and long for the day, when it will be forever. Psa 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 4. All suffering, grief, pain, and regrets will be washed away-God Himself will wipe away our tears. Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. In that abode-Satan will be banished forever. The accuser of the brethren will have no access to stand before God, and bring up every sin, wrong decision and mistake you've made-to condemn, and destroy you-in mind, body, and soul. 5. Evil, wickedness, and sin will not exist in heaven. Galatians gives us the description of this: Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Yes, I am looking forward to being in a place-where none of this exists, and never will again. I'm weary of it. In heaven, when I come across someone and engage in conversation, I'll never have to wonder, if they are lying-or not. Les Feldic talked about sin and lying in one of his bible studies that is true: "You watch kids in the school yard, or inter-acting with other kids, you don't have to teach them to lie. They come by it naturally. But, you do have to teach them to tell the truth, why? Because it proves it is in us when we are born, we are born in sin. It's the same with every other sin; stealing, killing, and cruelty to other's." In heaven, when doing something with another, I'll never have to wonder if they have evil intentions. Heaven will never have the sound of mocking laughter, people being brutalized, tormented, insulted, ridiculed, made to feel inferior. The devils works nor his deeds will be seen or heard in that abode. Those who practice such will not be found in heaven: Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Heaven will only be inhabited by those who practice the virtues of the Holy Spirit, which are: Isa 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 6. I'm looking forward to seeing many loved ones, and friends who are now there, and waiting. I've had the advantage of being able to talk to my parents before they died, and speak of things that were important to us-and express the fact that we would see each other again, and they make it clear- "We will be waiting for you." There are other family members there now, that are dear to me, and am looking forward to seeing again-there, there will be no misunderstandings, we will then know, as we are known. The misunderstandings will be cleared up, by truth, and in our glorified state- we will see each other through new eyes. We will no longer be hindered by the bodies of sin we lived in. Sin will be banished there forever. The friends I loved, and spent many hours with, and did many precious things together, are also there-and I am looking forward to that reunion. Several said to me "When you get there, I'll show you around." It's going to be a tour like no other, because they've had time to do a lot of exploring, and I'm excited about where they'll want to take me, and the glorious things they'll show me. When I get home-in that abode, there will be no more parting. 7. On that glorious shore-there will be no more memories of the former things-the evil, wickedness, the horror of this world. It will be gone, wiped away. "No sorrow or travail of any kind shall ever enter within the walls of the city. The cry of anguish shall never be uttered, hearts shall never be broken, no tear shall ever dim the eye, and, most glorious of all, death shall be unknown. Death began his sway when man was expelled from Paradise; he ends it when the final judgment condemns Satan, death and hades to enter the lake of fire. The new Jerusalem will be painless, tearless, deathless, because it will be a sinless city. "The former things have passed away." John Gill Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. There's a few things I'm looking forward to when I first get there. But, the most important, is to see Jesus-kneel at His feet, and thank Him for His mercy, and forgiveness to me. For the years He's been with me here, and the things He's taught me, and brought me through. For His patience and ongoing forgiveness, when I've failed Him. For choosing me, and calling me to serve Him-I do not deserve it. Scripture talks about the Great City, the New Jerusalem. It will be grand, I'm sure. But, for me, knowing who I am, and how much Jesus has forgiven me-I'm looking forward to whatever He has prepared for me. My sights and my gaze are seeking a home, on the far side of heaven. Just being there, and in His presence is more than this redeemed sinner deserves. Then, to join the elders, angels, and saints around the throne-and worship the Father, and the Lamb forever, and ever-and sing the song of Moses, the song of victory. Lorna Couillard Scripture and Commentary on Heaven The River of Life Rev 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Jesus Is Coming Rev 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Rev 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Rev 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. From David Guzik commentary: Revelation 22:1-21 COME, LORD JESUS A. The interior of the New Jerusalem. 1. (Rev_22:1) A river flowing from the throne of God. And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. a. A pure river of water of life: Through the Old Testament, prophets used the picture of a river as a powerful expression of richness, provision, and peace (Isa_48:18, Zec_14:8, Eze_47:1-9). i. Or, as expressed by the Psalmist in Psa_46:4-5 : There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. ii. “One of the gladdest things on earth is water. There is nothing in all the world so precious to the eye and the imagination of the inhabitant of the dry, burning and thirsty East, as a plentiful supply of bright, pure, and living water.” (Seiss) iii. Poole says that this point of this river is “To let us know, that in heaven there shall be no want of any thing that can make the saints happy.” b. Clear as crystal: God’s provision in the New Jerusalem is described with pure, absolutely unpolluted waters. “Its waters are literal waters, of a nature and quality answering to that of the golden city to which they belong. Man on earth never knew such waters, as men on earth never knew such a city; but the city is a sublime reality.” (Seiss) c. From the throne of God and of the Lamb: This river of provision comes right from God’s throne. Because it comes from God, it cannot be anything other than pure and abundant. i. Ezekiel saw a glorious river (Ezekiel 47) flow down from the temple in Jerusalem and into the sea, but that river belongs to the millennial earth. It is perhaps the final preview of this heavenly river. This is a better river with better trees. 2. (Rev_22:2) The tree of life. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. a. The tree of life: The Bible begins with a tree of life (Gen_3:22-24) which man was not allowed to eat from after the sin at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now we see the tree of life again. i. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river: It’s a little hard to picture this heavenly landscaping. John may be describing a large street with a river flowing down the middle, and a large tree - or series of trees - that grows with roots on either side of the river. ii. This is how John Walvoord sees it: “The visual picture presented is that the river of life flows down through the middle of the city, and the tree is large enough to span the river, so that the river is in the midst of the street, and the tree is on both sides of the river.” Others see that the word tree is a collective reference, speaking of rows of trees that stand on either side of the river. “The picture presented to the mind’s eye would appear to be that of a wide street, with a river flowing down the center, like some of the broader canals of Holland, with trees growing on either side, all of them of the same kind, all called the tree of life. I do not know how we can make the figure out in any other way.” (Spurgeon) iii. Seeing the tree of life again points to a restoration of all things. “Now at last, almost at the end of the great drama of the Bible, man may return and legitimately enjoy the blessing which he was banished for illegitimately desiring.” (Preston/Hanson) b. Each tree yielding its fruit every month: From all indications, this describes the world of the new heaven and the new earth, yet we are given a time indicator. Apparently, heaven will still mark time, but not be subject to it in the same way we are on this side of eternity. i. Some people wonder if we will eat in heaven. The best answer is that we can eat, but will not have to. In His resurrection body, Jesus enjoyed food (Luk_24:41-43, Joh_21:12-14). Angels ate with Abraham (Gen_18:6-8). The great heavenly “reunion” between Jesus and His people is described as a marriage supper (Rev_19:9). Even though man fell by what he ate, God will still allow us to eat in heaven. ii. “Like the golden table of showbread which ever stood in the ancient Tabernacle and Temple for the priests to eat, so the Tree of Life stands in all the golden streets of the New Jerusalem, with its monthly fruit for the immortal king-priests of heaven.” (Seiss) c. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations: Why do the nations need healing? In the ancient Greek language, the word for healing can also mean “health-giving,” and this may be the sense here. i. “The word for ‘healing’ is therapeian, from which the English word therapeutic is derived, almost directly transliterated from the Greek. Rather than meaning ‘healing,’ it should be understood as ‘health-giving,’ as the word in its root meaning has the idea of serving or ministering.” (Walvoord) d. Are these pictures of heaven literal or symbolic? It may be that you can’t describe another dimension like heaven without using symbols, but they are symbols connected to their reality. What John saw may or may not be exactly like a river on earth, but when we see it we will also say, “That looks like a river.” i. Even though this great chapter of the Bible tells us of heaven, we should think deeply about it and take in now what we can. “We do not suppose that a man is shooting at a target if he does not look that way; nor can we imagine that a man’s ambition is fixed on heaven if he has no heavenward thoughts or aspirations.” (Spurgeon) 3. (Rev_22:3-5) What it will be like and what the saints will do. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. a. There shall be no more curse: In heaven, the curse is gone. Since the fall, man and creation have lived with the effect of the curse described in Gen_3:16-19 : sorrow and pain in childbirth for women, friction between the sexes, the necessity of hard and often futile work for man’s sustenance, and most of all death. i. These aspects of the curse will even be present during the Millennium, though they will be greatly mitigated by the perfect rule of Jesus. Isa_65:20 shows us that it is still possible for a sinner to be accursed in the millennial earth. But in the new heaven and new earth they are done away with forever. Instead of the curse, the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it. That’s quite an exchange. ii. The throne of God and of the Lamb: “Henceforth, eternal praises to his name, the throne of God is the throne of the Lamb. It is a throne of righteousness, but no less a throne of grace. There, on the throne of the Almighty, mercy reigns. According to the merit of the sacrifice and the virtue of the atonement all the statutes and decrees of the kingdom of heaven are issued. The altar and the throne have become identical. From that throne no fiery bolt can ever again be hurled against the believer, for it is the throne of the Lamb as well as the throne of God.” (Spurgeon) b. His servants shall serve Him: Heaven will be a place of work and service for God’s people. However, this is a picture of the pure blessedness of service rather than arduous, curse-stained toil. i. “Heaven is not a place of indolent leisure, but a place where service is done, centering on God.” (Morris) c. They shall see His face: Heaven will be a place where God’s people see His face, a place of intimate, face to face fellowship with God. Moses was denied the privilege of seeing God face to face (Exo_33:20-23), but everyone in heaven shall see His face. i. They shall see His face: “By which I understand two things: first, that they shall literally and physically, with their risen bodies, actually look into the face of Jesus; and secondly, that spiritually their mental faculties shall be enlarged, so that they shall he enabled to look into the very heart, and soul, and character of Christ, so as to understand him, his work, his love, his all in all, as they never understood him before.” (Spurgeon) ii. Because of Jesus, we can know something of the face of God right now: For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2Co_4:6) iii. Yet, Paul also anticipated a greater fulfillment of our seeing the face of God: For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am also known (1Co_13:12). In that day there will be nothing that obscures our vision of Jesus: • We see Jesus clearly because sin is done away with • We see Jesus clearly because care and worry are done away with • We see Jesus clearly because idols are done away with iv. This will be the greatest glory of heaven: to know God, to know Jesus, more intimately and wonderfully than we ever could on earth. “It is the chief blessing of heaven, the cream of heaven, the heaven of heaven, that the saints shall there see Jesus.” (Spurgeon) v. “To look into the face of Christ signifies to be well acquainted with his person, his office, his character, his work. So the saints in heaven shall have more knowledge of Christ than the most advanced below. As one has said, the babe in Christ admitted to heaven discovers more of Christ in a single hour than is known by all the divines of the assemblies of the church on earth.” (Spurgeon) d. His name shall be on their foreheads: Heaven will be a place where God’s people will forever be identified with their God, and there will never be any doubt that they belong to Him. e. There shall be no more night there: Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. The light is not artificial, even from the sun - God Himself is the light. f. They shall reign forever and ever: Heaven will be a place where God’s people enjoy an eternal reign, in contrast to the limited duration of the Millennium. It will never end. Lorna Couillard FOR HE, HIMSELF IS PURE To all Pilgrims of Our Lord To the Pilgrims who walk upon earth
mere strangers here, treated as alien or madmen. To the Pilgrims who are persecuted To the Pilgrims who live in greatest danger. To the Pilgrims whose hearts are broken. To the pilgrims who are quickened by The Holy Spirit to say 'Lord if its Thy Will make me clean today'. To the Pilgrims who pray assured 'Take my sins & let Thy Light from Heaven shine through my heart for His names sake, For He, Himself is Pure'. To the Pilgrims of sorrow, weariness & pain God feels ALL, He knows ALL, As valleys of tears in paradise overflow the old has gone, come, now, be restored. For He, Himself is pure. To the Pilgrims, hold Christ's Doctrine close, Cleave to His Holy Word as a lamp for thy soul, a mighty abode of treasures that can be neither purchased, bartered or sold. For He, Himself is pure. The length of the journey is shorter now arise, the bridegroom awaits. The Pilgrims have oil that forever flows. The empty vessels? Yes Yes, the walking dead have slept away their fate. The Wrath of Judgement, see the innocent ascend, set apart, raised high in Gods Victory never to see corruption, never to feel pain. neither to stand amongst the dead, the dead, the dead will all arise, arise, arise again. Our Lord hastens His Coming furnished in All Majesty & Glory, Look,evil trembles in shock, falling to their knees, a pagan world that mocked. Myriads of Angels rise to wash away, filth and corruption to purify Gods Day Hail, The Light shines bright, encore He is Coming, forever His love endures For He, Himself is pure. By sanction of a flaming sword, Behold His Promise is His Word Be awakened by The Grace of Our Lord For He Himself is pure. To all Gods Pilgrims keep the faith ...Amen author unknown Comments are closed.
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This page will contain an assortment of material about our eternal destination-heaven. May it be a blessing to those who's hearts long for, and seek the things of God-and His Kingdom.
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September 2024
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