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Tuesday, December 27, 2005

"Heavenbound"

"When the angels had left them (the shepherds) and gone into heaven" (Luke 2:15). See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven? (Hebrews 12:25).

On Christmas day following our church service we went to visit my brother and his family who live in Easton, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles away. Traveling home late Sunday evening we passed a business north of Reading called "Hellbound Motorcycle". That sure stirred my emotions and gave me the jolt I needed to stay awake the remainder of the way home.

I was recently watching a secular television documentary on heaven and of course it presented the different views people have on the subject. One that struck me was an interview with a lady who smugly asserted to the effect, "Of course there is no heaven."

So many today mock the notion of heaven and hell. Yet the Bible is abundantly full of references to the reality of both. Although we may not have all the details we'd like, we have sufficient information to determine the wonders of heaven and the horrors of hell.

At this time as we especially rejoice in the birth of our Lord let us note the teaching concerning heaven in the very familiar narrative many of us read each Christmas. The angelic choir is identified as "a great company of the heavenly host." Following their exclamation of praise they returned to heaven.

The second daily text is a solemn warning from the book of Hebrews, that wonderfully inspired letter whose human author is not identified. We do well to read it again slowly. "See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven?"

I don't want to refuse the One who speaks, but rather I want to accept Him. I don't want to turn away from Him who warns us from heaven but rather I want my life to be turned toward God in heaven. That's my challenge for each reader today.

I conclude with a personalized adaptation from Colossians 3 that expresses my heart today. Perhaps it will yours as well.

"Since, then, I have been raised with Christ, I set my heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. I set my mind on things above, not on earthly things. For I died, and my life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is my life, appears, then I also will appear with Him in glory."

Hallelujah, I am heavenbound!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, I pray that You would fix my attention on those things that really matter. May I focus much more on the person of who I am than the things of which I own. May I strive more for being the child of God You are pleased with than acquiring the title or position that will impress others. Lord Jesus, I want to aspire to spiritual heights that will bring the heavenly view into clearer focus day by day as I walk with You.

Colossians 3:1-4

I recommend this book on the subject of heaven. I have found a study on this subject expecially meaningful since my Mom went to be with the Lord.

Heaven By Randy Alcorn / Tyndale House

As the years pass and we watch more and more of our family, friends and mentors pass away, it is only natural to ask questions about heaven. However, our understanding of heaven is often limited to a few half-forgotten Sunday school lessons and the insubstantial images provided by popular movies and T.V. Fortunately, in Heaven Randy Alcorn provides us with a thoroughly researched and biblically definitive description of heaven. As Alcorn addresses our most serious questions about heaven, including the nature of judgment, and answers a few of our less serious questions as well, including the accessibility of cafe mochas the sweet by and by, we will develop a deeper understanding of our eternal destination and will find the courage to strive for heaven while were living on earth.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

"Living today anchored in God's solid foundation"