God loves you

 God Loves You

The very God who created the universe desires a relationship with you. Not because He is needy, but because His very nature is love. God wants you to know Him and enjoy His magnificence. You are significant because the Creator of the Universe custom designed you in His image.

God is committed to your well-being. Think about that . . . God cares about you! Not only did He design you, He also has mapped out a perfect course for your life that will result in your utmost joy and fulfillment. Listen to God’s words,

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

God has a wonderful plan for your life. So it’s all good, right? Wrong! There’s a problem. . .

Separation from God

The problem is SIN. It’s a small word with enormous implications. Sin separates us from God.

The problem is we all have made wrong choices in life. The Bible calls these wrong choices “sin” which in the original Greek language means “missing the mark” … like an archer missing his target.

The Apostle Paul explains,

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, NIV).

Have you ever really thought about your own personal sin?

The Bible teaches us that God is absolutely pure and holy … and that He cannot tolerate sin. The Bible states,

For the wages of sin is death…(Romans 6:23, NLT)

Just when it all seems so hopeless, God intervenes. He has made a way for sin to no longer be a barrier. God has a solution. .

Jesus Died for You

The Apostle Paul explained God’s solution,

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV).

In spite of our sinfulness, our loving and merciful God found a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him!

Jesus was crucified on a cross and then buried in a heavily guarded tomb. All hope seemed lost. But, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day … just as He had promised (Matthew 16:21)!

Wow! Isn’t that incredible? Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so we can spend eternity in heaven with God.

God’s Free Gift

God has made it possible for us to have eternal life!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, NIV).

But you may be thinking, “What about all the good things I’ve done in my life? They must count for something!” However, because God is holy, He demands absolute perfection.

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. (James 2:10, NLT)

So regardless whether you keep most of God’s laws or just a few of them, you will fall short of His required standards. It’s not possible to earn your way into heaven through your good deeds. God can only accept sinless perfection. And Jesus was the only one who ever accomplished that.

Jesus is the only way into heaven.

Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me’ (John 14:6, NIV).

Jesus Christ paid for all your sins on the cross … and God’s perfect justice is totally satisfied by the blood of Jesus. He offers you the free gift of eternal life. The questions is, “Will you accept it?”

Spiritual New Birth

So what does it take to begin your personal relationship with God?

Jesus explained the process to a religious leader who came to meet with him secretly one night. He told him, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3, NLT

In order for you to begin the journey that leads to heaven you must be born again — this time spiritually. Physical birth produces physical life. Spiritual birth creates spiritual life.

Spiritual new birth is the gateway to a new beginning — the start of your journey with God.

Choose Eternal Life

Jesus came to earth to make it possible for us to have a personal relationship with God for all eternity. When He rose from the dead, His mission was accomplished. He is now offering you a pardon for your sins.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12, NIV).

Will you accept this free gift from God by receiving Jesus Christ into your life?

Eternal life is a gift from God. You can’t do anything to earn it! But, like any gift, you can choose to accept or reject it.

Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony … God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:10-12, NIV).

In the original Greek language, the word “believe” means to “trust in, cling to, rely upon.” Becoming a Christian is putting your faith (trust) in Jesus’ death for you on the cross, and in His resurrection for your eternal life. It is a choice that you make.

Receive Christ by Faith

Do you want the forgiveness for sin that Jesus offers?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV).

In order to receive God’s forgiveness for your sins, you must honestly face the claims of Jesus Christ and believe that He is God, that He died for your sins and rose again, and that He wants to come into your life.

God knows your thoughts and motives. He desires you to come to Him, thanking Him for Jesus’ death for you on the cross. You receive Jesus Christ into your life by personally asking Him to come into your life and forgive your sins. He wants to be your Lord and Savior.

If you haven’t ever invited Jesus into your life, simply pray the following words. But remember, it’s not the words you say but the attitude of your heart that is important.

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for all my sins—past, present, and future. Thank you for giving me eternal life, which you made possible by your death and resurrection. I receive you as my Savior by faith, and desire you to be Lord of my life.”

When you ask Jesus Christ into your life, you begin a life with Him here on earth that will extend into all eternity. There are blessings for you to experience now as well as in heaven!

Continue reading by selecting a poll response below and discover more about the new life Jesus offers.

SPIRITUAL POLL

No, I didn't pray the prayer.

Yes, I prayed the prayer and invited Jesus into my life.

Yes, I prayed and rededicated my life to Jesus.

No, I have already invited Jesus into my life.

Chose the eternal life

Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?

Did Jesus rise from the dead? What does the evidence say? [read more]

Are You Going to Heaven?

What if you died tonight? Are you absolutely confident where you will spend eternity?

Saving hope with God

 HOPE WITH GOD

God has a great plan for your life through Jesus. Learn how you can find hope throu

God loves you!

"There is one God" who rules over all the universe.

God is a Spirit; He is all powerful and loving and kind. "God is love" -- and God loves you and wants you to be His child!

Sin is saying or doing or thinking things that are wrong, and our sins separate us from God. "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." We deserve punishment for our sins – “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world so that our sins could be forgiven. Jesus lived a perfect life and He healed and loved people and taught them about God. He was put to death like a common criminal on a cross of wood.

When He died, He willingly took the sins of the world -- yours and mine -- and paid the penalty in our place. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but would have everlasting life."

"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His Name."

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and turn from your sins and ask God to forgive your sins, you can pray this prayer now and ask Jesus into your life.

"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God who died to pay the penalty for my sins. I open the door of my heart and ask you to be my Savior and Lord. I ask your forgiveness for all my sins. Please forgive my sins and help me to live for you."

Did you pray this prayer and ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord/ Saviour

Saved by Grace

 Saved By Grace

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)

How amazing is the grace of God! That we, though condemned, can live again through Christ Jesus.

God’s grace is the gift that keeps on giving. When we accept Jesus as our savior, He redeems us from death, sickness, poverty, stress, confusion, sorrow, and all other curses that resulted from our fall.

He selflessly sacrificed Himself that we may live, and live abundantly.

All these have been purchased for us through Jesus’ blood. All we have to do is to receive them through faith.

What a beautiful promise! What an amazing gift!

Grace, the underserved, unmerited favor of God, without which, we’d never have a chance to be redeemed.

For if it depended on us being worthy of salvation through our own works, we’ll never make it.

Yet, Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to die on our behalfs, that through faith, we may also rise and live through Him.

The sacrifice has been made. The work has been completed. The gift of Grace has been given.

Will you receive it?

Be Greatly Blessed

Action Steps

The beauty of God’s grace lies in the fact that it’s not dependant on us. For we are fallible creatures.

But God never fails. All that He sets out to do, He accomplishes. Therein lies our foundation of faith – the finished work of Jesus.

It’s done. Completed. Finished.

Remember what Jesus did for us, what He has given us through His sacrifice.

Receive the promises of God through faith.

Do not let Jesus’ sacrifice go to waste.

Let’s pray:

Prayer:

Father, teach me to receive from you.

For it’s not through my works, but by your grace that I’m saved.

Show me your ways, help me to know you better, that my faith may grow.

I’ll receive all your promises today. I’ll receive the full measure of the grace you’ve gifted me through Jesus Christ.

I claim my salvation, resurrection, health, abundance, security for me and my loved ones. I claim all the blessings that you’ve given to me through Jesus’ finished work.

I’ll not let His sacrifice go to waste.

So teach me Lord, teach me to receive all your promises and have them manifest in my life, so all may see that you alone are the Almighty God.

In Jesus’ Mighty name.

Forgiveness

 Forgiveness is critical. To gain a better understanding of why, I think it’s important to remind ourselves what the Bible has to say about forgiveness:

1. All of us are in need of forgiveness.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). From a spiritual perspective, we were all born with a sin problem, eternally separated from God. We’d be lost forever without Him intervening and offering us forgiveness. I often think about how many times I’ve messed up. Each and every time, God is there with open arms to offer forgiveness. The same is true in my marriage, particularly in those early years. Yet, every time, my wife offers her forgiveness. It’s much easier to extend forgiveness to others when we consider the grace we have been show

2. Forgiving others is a prerequisite for our own forgiveness.

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6: 14-15). This is a difficult verse to process. God stands ready and willing to forgive us, but asks that we extend the same forgiveness to others first. If we have resentment and bitterness in our hearts, it’s time to give it over to God. Let Him heal us and give us the ability to forgive. Our eternity is dependent on it.

3. Lack of forgiveness breaks our fellowship with God.

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24). The Bible is very clear that harboring bitterness in our hearts is sin. And, if we aren’t actively seeking to kill it, it will break our fellowship with God. We won’t experience everything God has to offer us.

4. We owe others forgiveness even when they don’t ask for it.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18: 15). How often do we hold it against someone when they haven’t apologized? When we are wronged, we expect someone to come to us and say, “I’m sorry.” Yes, that is the right thing to do, however, the Bible doesn’t place that requirement on forgiveness. God commands us to be the initiators in the transaction. We should go to our brother or sister and talk it out. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it’s critical in being able to move forward.

5. We owe forgiveness to those who don’t deserve it.

“And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7: 59-60). There are numerous examples that charge us to forgive others, even when they don’t deserve it. In addition to this example of Stephen, I think about Jesus on the cross in the midst of his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Every time I find myself having trouble extending forgiveness to someone I’ve deemed undeserving, I think about how unworthy I am of forgiveness. Yet, God saw fit to love me and forgive me. When considering the magnitude of that, every situation in my life where I was reluctant to forgive seems trivial.

6. We owe others an unlimited amount of forgiveness.

“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18: 21-22). Forgiving is hard, but doing it over and over again can seem impossible. But, with God, anything is possible. Jesus is clear in this passage that there is no “final straw” that warrants us withholding our forgiveness. God doesn’t have a “final straw” for us. To be clear, this doesn’t mean allowing others to take advantage of your forgiveness. God also gave us the ability to be reasonable and make smart choices with our lives. Holding on to resentment only takes our joy, while doing no harm to the other party. We should forgive repeatedly because God commands it and He knows what’s best for our lives.

7. There are consequences for choosing not to forgive.

“And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart” (Matthew 18: 34-35). God takes forgiveness seriously, and this parable is proof. If we don’t forgive others, there are consequences – eternal consequences! That’s a scary thing, and it challenges me to evaluate my own heart. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” (Psalm 139:23). If forgiveness is needed, today is the day to make it right.

8. Jesus, our ultimate example, practiced forgiveness.

“And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). Now, I don’t know what Jesus was writing in the dirt. Maybe it was a list of the Pharisees’ sins. What I do know is this: Jesus calls us to examine our own lives first instead of focusing on the actions of another. It’s easier to forgive others when we have a understanding of our own shortcomings. Jesus forgives the woman, and lovingly encourages her to change her ways: “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). Our challenge is to follow Jesus’s example and do the same.

9. God gives us the ability to forgive others.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiving can be one of the hardest things that God requires of us. But, the good news is He doesn’t command it of us and then leave us to do it on our own. He gives us Jesus as an example. And, He gives us the power, through the Holy Spirit.

10. After forgiveness, comes love – even if forgetting isn’t possible.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Sometimes things happen in our lives that we just cannot forget, even if we are able to forgive. While we may not be able to erase our memory, we do have control over our actions. We can love those who have wronged us after we forgive them. It’s hard to harbor ill will toward those we actively serve, love and pray for.

Be Transformed

 Caterpillar in a cocoon, becoming a butterfly

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

It’s often been said that the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting to get a different result. Deep down, I believe we all desire to live better lives, to have more abundant lives, more successful lives, happier and more prosperous lives. Change is the agent that brings us a better life and causes us to win in life! We make New Year's Resolutions to change in this area or that. But usually those efforts fueled by willpower are short-lived, and we feel frustrated and defeated.

We know what we have to do. To get different results, we must do things differently. To get something we really want but do not have, we must do what we have never done before! To think otherwise would be insanity.

If you want chiseled abs, you can’t keep eating doughnuts.

If you want a great marriage, you can’t keep shutting down communication.

If you want friends, you can’t keep being unfriendly.

If you want to get better at a particular skill, you can’t keep avoiding practice.

Caterpillar in a cocoon, becoming a butterfly

There Are Many Different Kinds of Change

To get to that place God desires for you, sometimes you must radically change directions. Do you remember the story of the rich young ruler in Luke 18? The guy had it all: smart, young, successful. He had power and influence, but he wanted something more – he wanted eternal life. So he came to Jesus and asked:

“Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus famously answered: You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.

In essence, Jesus said what you need is to make a major change in your life.

But he couldn’t do it; he just couldn’t make the change.

We all resist change, for any number of reasons. Perhaps it's because we are stubborn. Like a toddler holding a sharp object as a toy, we can stubbornly hold onto harmful things, even after God asks us to change and let them go.

“Don’t be jornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track” (Psalm 32:9, MSG). 

Or perhaps we resist change because we are trapped. We actually want the thing that is keeping us from true success and abundance. We hold onto it firmly, and can't see that it is actually holding onto us and preventing the change we need.

Then there are the people who are simply comfortable. Did you realize there are people who still have flip cell phones? Worse yet, rotary phones at home and dial-up modems for internet? Why? It's not because these technologies are better or more efficient, but because the individuals are comfortable. They know how to use these devices, and they don’t want to go through the mental stress and discomfort required to learn how to use new technology.

And of course, in many cases, we resist change because we are afraid. Afraid of success, and afraid of failure. Afraid of the unknown, afraid of looking vulnerable, afraid of actually being vulnerable.

So we resist change. It’s not that we don’t believe that the change will be better in the long run, but the change requires something from us, and we are just not sure if we can do it, because there is always a price for change.

No pain, no gain.

Caterpillar in a cocoon, becoming a butterfly

Not All Change Is Created Equal

Life is all about change, but not all change is the same. Some changes are for our good and some changes are very bad. Sometimes change is voluntary, but sometimes change is forced on us through circumstances. And sometimes there is an overlap in good changes and bad changes. Sometimes they even happen at the same time! For example, you got a promotion and a raise, but the same day, your husband went into rehab for the fourth time. And there are those changes that seem terrible in the beginning, but in hindsight were a true blessing in disguise.

There is big change and small change. Moving, changing careers, getting married and buying a house are all big changes. 

On the other hand are small changes: shaving your beard, changing your style, cutting carbs out of your diet. (Well, okay that last one’s big.) And then there are small changes that make a big difference, as everyone who has been embarrassed by autocorrect knows.

And lastly there are hard changes and easy changes: divorce, death, disloyalty, disease. ll hard changes that in many ways we don’t get a vote on. So how do we deal with the hard changes of life and still embrace and walk in the life that God wants us to have?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

It’s called grace, the power of God to carry us, to work with us and through us despite what’s happened to us. It's the power of God that lifts us, holds us, helps us and yes, empowers us despite the hard changes. It's the power of God that takes our test and changes it into a testimony, takes our mess and creates a ministry. Most of us want quick change in our situation and circumstances, thinking that's how we can experience a better life. We want to change what’s happening on the outside to us, rather than what’s happening on the inside of us. That kind of change, like a New Year's Resolution, is superficial and ultimately ineffective.

Caterpillar in a cocoon, becoming a butterfly

Transformational Inside-Out Change

While it's true God can change our circumstances and situations, I believe He is much more interested in creating transformational change within us. However, He often uses the circumstances and situations around us to bring about the transformational change. Said another way, He is much more interested in changing our character than He is our circumstances! We want to see and experience change from the outside-in, but God wants to do it from the inside out. In the long run, this produces for us not just a better life, but the God-kind of life!

Transformational change causes us to win in life because it’s the only kind of change that can cause us to experience the will of God and understand:

The why behind our lives

The purpose behind our being and meaning behind our existence

The motivation that led God to put us on this planet

That which causes the hidden genius in us to emerge

Metamorphosis Is a Process, Bot a Destination

In Romans 12:2, the word translated transformed is a Greek word from which we get the word metamorphosis: the process by which a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. It is symbolic of our process of transformational change toward spiritual maturity.

A caterpillar goes through six different growth stages before it emerges from a cocoon and becomes a butterfly, a process which can take up to a year. In the same way, transformational change for us is not a destination, but a process. From the moment we make a decision to follow Jesus, God begins to change us from within. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, the washing of the Word of God in our minds, and the faith and experience we receive from daily obedience, God helps us to be transformed into the image of Christ.

It’s a process.

You may look like caterpillar today, but you’re on your way to becoming a butterfly.

Caterpillar in a cocoon, becoming a butterfly

Transformational Change Is a Struggle

As a caterpillar eats and grows, it sheds its skin over and over. After the fifth time, it forms a chrysalis (what we call a cocoon), which is a hard, restrictive shell. But imagine if we could hear the caterpillar's thoughts... Where am I?! I can't see anything! I can’t move... I’m paralyzed! My life is over... I’m going to die!

When life comes at you in such a way that you feel paralyzed, you can’t see God's hand, you feel like it’s over and think you're going to die... grace says trust the process, it’s just a part of transformational change.

But it's also God's grace that kicks in, gets your fight back, and strengthens you to join in the struggle against the obstacles in your way. It’s what causes you to say I’m not giving up, I’m getting up. I’m coming out of this cocoon! These obstacles, this struggle will not make me bitter, it will make be better. I will learn from it, grow from it, and use it to help others. My test will be my testimony, and my mess will be my ministry.

Worth the Struggle

A caterpillar in a cocoon is not simply resting; it is digesting itself, going through metamorphosis and becoming a butterfly. It's body releases certain enzymes which dissolve nearly all of its tissues. The only thing that survives this digestive process is what scientists call the imaginal discs, groups of highly organized cells necessary to produce each of the adult body parts needed to create a butterfly.

In the same way, when we go through the struggle of transformational change and remain committed, trusting in God's grace to get us through, God begins to remove all those things in our lives that are holding us back. He chips away at the character faults and unbecoming personality traits. He washes away anger and unforgiveness, bitterness, jealousy, lying and deceit. All manner of ugly habits and hang-ups.

No pain no gain

God uses the cocoons of life to remove all the worldly stuff that’s holding us back. And what’s left are only the things necessary to become mature sons and daughters of God. Like the butterfly, if we embrace the process of transformational change, we will become what we were truly designed to be.

The caterpillar's struggle leads to the development of wings and a whole new life perspective. In the same way, our struggle in the process of transformational change will bring out the best in us. Suddenly, we will discover we can fly and realize the outcome is worth the pain and the struggle! It may be hard, you may not understand, you may have to endure some darkness for a time. But never forget – your wings are on the way!

Fountain of life

 Fountain of Life

=≠============

‘Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.’ Proverbs 16:22 (NIV).

For centuries people diligently sought a fountain of youth, a spring that offered eternal life and vitality. Still today people look for lotions, powders and potions that promise youthfulness, optimum health and anti-aging. And yet the Bible offers something more substantial and lasting. God’s wisdom is a fountain of life that can make a person happy, healthy, and alive forever.

When we live by God’s Word, he washes away the deadly effects of sin. Titus 3:5-7 says that ‘He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.’ The hope of eternal life with Him gives us a joyful perspective on our present life. This fountain of life not only keeps and preserves us from all evil in this life but offers the promise of wholeness and health into eternity.

The fountain of youth is a fallacy, but the fountain of life is a reality, that is attainable for all who desire to put their trust in Jesus Christ. This fountain of life is a vivid image that gives us the impression of fresh, cool, life-giving water for all who are spiritually thirsty. Jesus Himself is this fountain of life who can quench our thirst forever and offer us eternal life (John 4:14).

Prayer:

‘Lord, I come to you because I am weary and worn out. I am thirsty for a life with you. Forgive me for looking elsewhere for the rest, refreshment and joy that you alone offer. Thank you.’

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

AMEN!

Final Thoughts:

Perhaps we find ourselves in a place of spiritual seeking, thirsting for more than this world has to offer. Perhaps we feel dry, tired and restless for a hope that will last beyond the latest fad of our culture. Come to Jesus the source of living water. He promises to give us true rest and refreshment. When we find the fountain of life, we will never thirst again.

Be Greatly Blessed!

What does Jesus says about heaven?

 What Does Jesus Say?

about Paradise and What Heaven Will Be Like?

What Does Paradise Mean in the Bible?

We as Christians have come to realize that paradise is heaven is our ultimate destination. Paradise is mentioned three times in the Bible. It first appears in Luke 23:43. “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Here Jesus was dying on the cross. He was in between two thieves. One thief said unto Him, “Lord, remember me when thou come into thy kingdom.”

Heaven has been around since the beginning. I gave up on trying to figure out when God came to be. He just is and always was. My mind cannot grasp all the details of eternity. I take comfort in knowing that if I play by God’s playbook…the Bible, keep His commandments as best as I can, and do His will for my life, heaven will be my home. Genesis 1:1 gives us an indication of how long heaven has been around.

We know that God lives in heaven. Look at I Kings 8:30. Here heaven is referred to as God’s dwelling place. Our God in heaven does reveal secrets to whoever He wants to. Look at Daniel 2:28. There have been some books written about those who have gone to heaven and come back to talk about it. I will not attempt to discredit anyone. God chooses to reveal whatever He wants to whoever He will.

Another mention of paradise occurs in 2 Corinthians 12:4. Paul writes “How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” Even though he writes in the third person, scholars say Paul was referring to himself being caught up. He can’t be sure if he has undergone a bodily experience or a spiritual one (The KJV Study Bible, Barbour Publishing, 2011). Thirdly, there is a reference to paradise in Revelation 2:7. It reads, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” You know the tree of life allows you to live forever. Remember in the Garden of Eden when they ate the forbidden fruit. After Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, God put them out of the garden. He did not want them to have access to the tree of life because they would live forever (Genesis 3:22). The Lord placed Cherubims at the east of the garden with a flaming sword turning this way and that way to make sure no one ate of it.

Where Is Paradise’s Location?

Wherever God is located is. We assume that Paradise is somewhere way above the earth and past outer space. But at this point, we can only speculate. Psalm 103:11 says the heaven is high above the earth. It is a place that no man can enter without an invitation. You will not be able to catch one of these space shuttles to heaven. It is safe to assume that we will all visit heaven when we are judged by God. Unfortunately, all will not remain in heaven. Heaven is a place where God and the angels reside along with Saints who have gone on before us. Heaven is also referred to as the kingdom of God.

Why Aren't We Given Many Details about Heaven?

I can only assume that God is like a great mystery writer. He wants to give us enough details to encourage us, but not too many unless we take it for granted. I assume that heaven will be grander than we can imagine. We are given a glimpse of heaven in various Scriptures. We know that heaven is extremely huge. Believers who have gone before us are there and it must hold the rest who will continue to go there until Jesus’ return. Of course, the ones who get saved during the tribulation period will also be there. We know that it’s large enough to hold many cities. In Revelation 21:10, John saw that great city, the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven. The city itself is spectacular. So, it is safe to assume that heaven is just as spectacular.

I have often heard that every believer will have their own mansion. Read John 14:2-3. Jesus tells His disciples that in His Father’s house are many mansions. He says that if that weren’t true, he wouldn’t have told you. Let that sink in. We have places prepared for us that are even better than the fabulous places we see the rich and wealthy living in. You might be the rich and wealthy. So, it’s better than your place. Just the fact that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are there is enough to shout about. Just the fact that you get there is enough to shout about. Who’s really trying to worry about the type of accommodations if you miss the alternative? 

Now understand that some religious people who are living well will have you settle and say just wait until you get to heaven for a mansion. For some, a three-bedroom apartment is a mansion. For others, a four-bedroom home is a mansion. Whatever God has allowed you to afford is your mansion. We just must learn to take the limits off of God. Be grateful for what you have and watch God increase you. God loves a spirit of gratitude. Jesus also said in John 14: 2-3 that He goes to prepare a place for us that where He is we may be also. Wrap your mind around everlasting peace, no illnesses, or hardships. No foolishness or theatrics from the devil and those who he uses.

God wants us to enjoy the earth that He has provided for us. Don’t allow people to steal your joy or your peace. Receive the peace of God. Receive the prosperity that God has for you. Take the limits off of God. He wants us to be blessed to be a blessing. You ever wonder why the rich get richer. I serve a God who will show you something even before you possess it. God works with people in different ways, but it is according to your faith. 

Stop trying to tear other people’s faith down. God has given to every believer a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). 

5 Paradise Scriptures to Encourage You Today

“And Jesus said unto him. Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

“How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:4).

“To him that overcomes will I give to eat the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).

“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” (John 14:2).

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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” (Revelation 21:1-3).