“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9

 When my children were young, there was always a tug to get them into bed at night, but they would quickly get ready if they knew they could hear a story.  One of my favorites was a children’s version of Pilgrim’s Progress written by John Bunyan about 1500 AD.  It’s an allegory that is so appropriate for us today.  We would read a short chapter each night and the children would go to sleep dreaming about Christian and his adventures saying “no” to temptation and “yes” to God’s ways.  We were sorry when the book ended! One picture that remains in my mind is of a man searching through a room full of garbage.  He’s looking for treasure, but all he finds are bits of tinsel.  Using a rake, he works from morning to night looking for something of value.  Behind him is standing an angel offering him a gold crown studded with precious gems, but the man is so engrossed in the garbage, he doesn’t notice the angel!

I have often thought of that man and wondered if I am so pre-occupied with the garbage of this world that I don’t take time to listen to the gentle urgings of the Holy Spirit.  There are many good things we can busy ourselves with, but leave out the best that God offers.  We have a home in heaven!  God offers us an imperishable crown that doesn’t fade, rust or be stolen.  When we get to heaven, we will wish we had been more concerned about the claims of Christ in our life.  Why do we cling so tightly to the stuff the world has to offer and lose out on the blessings and power and glory of our risen Savior?

As the children grew, my prayer has been that they will choose God’s best and say “no” to anything that would take them away from walking with Him.  We have a home in heaven waiting for us!!  It’s a beautiful place that God has prepared for us.  It will be a place of wonderment and joy where we will live eternally with Him!  You can read about the beauty of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21.  Those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be welcomed through the gates of pearl where Jesus awaits to receive them!!  What a blessed day that will be!!  No more tears, no more pain, no more enemies, no more death!!  It will be a place of eternal JOY!

Through many trials and tribulations, our hero Christian made it to the Celestial City.  He fought enemies and people like Flatterer, Worldly Wise, Slothful, Simple and Hypocrisy.  But the Lord also sent him wonderful friends like Evangelist, Piety, Faithful, The Interpreter and Hopeful who helped him stay on the straight and narrow road that led to his heavenly home.  Think about heaven this week and be blessed!!

Your friend, Jean