Let’s Unpack Heaven

Dr. Mike 2023 , ,

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Heaven wins. And I like to win. And I’m sure you do too. But what do you know about heaven? When I was recently asked the question, my reply was “very little.” Most of my understanding in those early years was from movies, books, and hearsay. People speculating on their view of heaven. Since then I have taken a more factual approach. The only person I know from humanity’s history to travel from and to heaven is Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:13). Therefore, I have made HIM my reference point to learn everything I need to know about heaven.    

Most of us hold a cultural view of heaven. I say that because based on a recent Pew research study, less than 12% of Americans are Biblically literate. Thus the other 88% gather their information from other sources. And since Jesus upheld Scripture (Mt. 22:29, Mk. 12:24), we are going to briefly unpack heaven solely from the Biblical viewpoint.

Based on Scripture heaven is:

  • God’s supernatural realm (Deut. 10:14, Dan, 2:28, Matt. 7:11) . Earth is the natural domain (Isa.66:1, 24:21) Both were created by, through, and for Jesus Christ (Co; 1:16). 
  • Where God’s throne room and divine council resides (Ps. 11:4, Mt. 5:34, Rev. 4,5; Psalm 82:1).  
  • Where God’s main home is based (Eph 3:15, Mt: 5:45, Mt.7:21).
  • Where God’s government operates (Phil. 3:20, Jn. 3:27, Mt. 28:18, Dan. 4:26).  
  • Where God’s characteristics shine (Lk. 15:7).
  • Where Jesus now intervenes for His saints (1 Pt. 3:22, Heb. 8:1, Heb. 9:24).
  • Where God’s spiritual agents reside (Mk. 12:25, Dan. 4:13).
  • Where Jesus is preparing a place for his saints (Heb 11:16).
  • Where Satan rebelled and initiated a failed coup against God (Rev.12:7-9, 13,17, Ezek. 28:11-17).  The result is now terrorist warfare by evil forces against God’s creation. (Eph 6:12).
  • Where secrets of life are kept and slowly revealed at their appropriate time (Mt. 13:11, Dan. 2:28, 1 Cor. 4:1, Rm. 16:25, Col. 1:27, 2:2)
  • Will be replaced by a new heaven (Rev 21:1, Lk. 21:33, Mt. 24:35).
  • Where the saints inheritance awaits them (1 Pt. 1:4, Eph 1:3, 2:6, 2 Cor. 5:1-2, 1 Cor. 15:49, Lk. 10:20).
  • Where our reward awaits us (Lk. 6:23, Lk.18:22, Mt. 6:19-20).
  • Earth’s future merger partner (Eph. 1:10).
  • Now being colonized on Earth (Mt. 6:10, Mt. 3:2).

This is the heaven I know. Everything else is speculation. And I’m OK with that. My goal is to have an intimate relationship with Jesus; today, tomorrow and beyond eternity. For wherever HE is, HE assures me I will be with HIM. Today HE gives me a taste of heaven. In the future, we look forward to breaking bread at HIS table in HIS kingdom when heaven and earth are one.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Support God

Dr. Mike 2023 , ,

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
    and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17

Yes, you can support God. You can actively exercise the faith He has given you. When circumstances call for it, you can support His ways. If a poor person needs financial assistance within your power to provide, lend him the money. When someone needs a mentor to help them, you can support His Name. When people are upset with leadership or those who govern them, you can introduce them to God’s domain. The Bible calls this – practicing your faith.

When you practice your faith, you are supporting God. You are acknowledging HIS ways are best. You reinforce HIS means to a more productive life for all. Yes, you may have to temporarily sacrifice your dreams and wants, but you know God is your provider.

Your actions may cause cultural turmoil. But when God’s character is involved, you will support HIM. You know HIS truth rules. Therefore, you have multiple opportunities to support HIS Words, instructions, and values each day.

So be generous to those truly forsaken. Those who are poor and need a helping hand to get back on their feet. God will repay you. HE is a trustful partner. He has supported you and me in more ways than you can count since our births. The least we can do is support HIM, HIS work, and HIS purpose in return.

And when you learn to be generous in your service and support of others, you also experience God’s characteristic of the blessed life. 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Happy Food?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , ,

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. Romans 14:20

Food makes me happy. Yes, I have a food obsession.

I eat when hungry. I eat when stressed. I eat when lonely. I eat when bored. I eat when emotionally tanked. I eat when having a bad day. I eat to reward myself. I eat when the goal is accomplished. I eat when I fail to hit the target. When I eat, I am comforting myself for the short term. Yes, I am a food addict.

Been one most of my entire life.

Because of my addiction, I battle to maintain a working weight. The multitude of diets under my belt resemble a train chugging up and down hills. The sweat and energy left behind at the gym is always rewarded with an apple fritter or pound of chocolate. If it wasn’t for the focus and energy expended at work to solve problems and achieve goals, I would weigh three times more. Now retired from the corporate world, the battle continues. Yes, I am a food addict.

Of course, I understand the importance of nutrition. My body type requires a good balance of protein, fiber, and fat. But satisfaction only comes from refined carbs, sugar, and starches. Yes, I’ve tried everything under the sun not to surrender my desire for these. Why can’t I have my cake and ice cream? Why do potato chips and cupcakes taste so good? Why must I deny myself?

Why must I choose?

Yes, I know food is the nutritious fuel the body needs to properly operate. But what is wrong with having an occasional treat?

Nothing unless one is an addict.

God created food for our good. Food is needed to sustain the human body. The problem is not food, but me. There are deep, emotional strongholds buried in the darkish parts of my human psyche which need addressing. Been there most of my life. God knows. The question is do I now confront them or continue to ignore them?

This is not a salvation issue. But a quality of life issue. This is a personal issue between our Lord and myself. His grace is sufficient to carry me through until this race is over. But do I risk the cost of being overweight? The cost of excess fat around my bones? The hardening of the arteries? The numbing of the nervous system?  Why bother? Are we not all going to die once?

But we all know the value of a healthy life until then. To be full of energy. To have a fully functioning mind. To cherish each day without battling the pain and limitations caused by neglect. Why is it so hard to do what you know is best? Why must we battle between short-term pleasure versus long-term gain. Why sacrifice now for a better future that is not even guaranteed?

Yes, I am a food addict. I finally admitted today. They say admitting to the problem is the first step toward healing. We shall see.

For now the journey continues. Let’s see how the Holy Spirit restores these holes within my soul that need healing with His presence.  I’ve tried everything else known by mankind. But now I’m serious. I’m calling on my Creator and Lord to direct my steps, channel my focus, and cleanup my soul. I want to experience life the way HE designed the human body to fully function. Food addiction and all, the battle continues.

I share this with you because we all have deep seated strongholds. Whether its food, relationship, or something else. Now is the time to deal with it. Don’t wait until you are old and regret the price you didn’t pay earlier. I know many people who are retired and paying a deep price for the poor decisions they made earlier in life. Nip your problems when young. Better to sacrifice in your youth. Lay the good foundation. Your future will be much brighter. Your life more enriched. Ask God to direct your steps. He longs to join you on your adventurous quest to the promise land. Just always remember, HIS Grace is always available and enough.   

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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