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Puritan thoughts on heaven

The Bible is the definitive word on heaven. But after God's word, I prefer an old puritan's thoughts on the subject rather than popular speculation. If we take away or separate that from Heaven, which a carnal heart conceives to be heaven, then that which remains is heaven to a godly man.  Carnal men fancy heaven under carnal notions.  They look upon it as a place where there is freedom from misery, and where there is a fulness of all pleasures and happiness. But both these - the pleasures and the happiness, the freedom and enjoyment, - they fancy in a way which complies with the carnality of their natural hearts.   Conceive aright of heaven.  Do not look upon it with a carnal eye, as a place of freedom from the miseries you feel and as a place of enjoyment of the happiness and pleasures you hoped for.  But look upon it as a place where you will have communion with God, enjoyment of Christ, perfection and fulness of grace, freedom from all sin and corruption a...

No complaints

We had the privilege of taking a meal to a family last evening.  Pastor Taylor has been suffering from renal cancer and is now under hospice care.  When we arrived, his dear wife invited us in and hugged us.  Lying in a hospital bed in the living room, Charlie greeted us and thanked us for coming.  He apologized that his hearing was not as good nor his voice as strong.  He cheerfully asked us how we were and chatted about various subjects. Joy shone in his face as he praised God for His goodness.  It was hard to keep back the tears when Charlie said, "I have no complaints.  God has blessed me in every possible way, every possible way!" May we glorify the Lord like this dear brother when it's our turn to tread the verge of Jordan.

Permanent address

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Hebrews 11:13 This was a good verse to ponder while unpacking our earthly belongings. It is such a relief to be done with the move and to unpack rather than pack. But I'm also aware that this house and this earth is not my permanent home. It's easy to say that my citizenship is in heaven, but still be so tied to this world that I don't want to leave it. So as we begin to make this house a home, as pleasant as that is, I pray that my heart would be find its permanent address in Christ alone.