Practicing for Heaven

 

“In a loud voice they sang: ”Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth …singing…)

 (Revelation 5:12, 13a)

 

"Remember that this is the one thing you do here on earth that is practice for heaven.” Our son-in-law often reminds his congregation of this as he welcomes them to join him in worship during their weekly service. The first time I heard him say it I realized that I had never thought of it this way before.

 

When I come before God in worship, whether in a group setting like a church service or in the privacy of my time alone with him, it’s a foretaste of what we will all be doing one day as we are told in this passage of Revelation. ‘Every living creature in heaven and earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them’ (Rev 5:13a) will be worshiping him.

 

We are quite literally practicing for heaven! When I began to think of it this way, I found that it changed both my attitude and my actions. Instead of focusing on what the people around me were doing, what I didn’t like about the song or the leader, or what I was going to do when I finished spending time alone with God, I visualized myself before the throne of God as it talks about in Revelation.

 

Initially it was very emotional for me because I found myself weeping any time I sang or even prayed. Picturing myself focused solely on ‘the Lamb who was slain’(Rev 1:12) changed my perspective and my heart in a way I had never imagined. It touched me in a deep place as I thought about who he is, instead of my list of requests or challenges that I am facing. And it has changed my worship experience!

 

Next time you are invited into God’s presence to worship, whether communally or individually, remember that you are practicing for heaven! Take a minute before you start to lay aside those things that distract you, and then focus your heart and mind on the one who you will worship through all eternity with every other living thing. Reflect on his character, his attributes, his many gifts because remember, every good and perfect thing is from him!

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the incredible blessing of being able to worship you while I am still here on earth. Help me to set aside those things that distract me today, and instead focus my heart and mind on truly giving you all the honor and glory and praise. Amen.

 

Throughout this Day:

Before you start to worship, take a minute to empty your mind of all the distractions. Then picture yourself before the throne of the Most High God, giving him your singular focus and praise him like it’s just the two of you and no one else around.

 

“Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide”

 (Genesis 22:14a)

 

Our bags were packed and we were ready to head for home later that day after a visit with family, when my husband opened his email to read, “Your flights are cancelled. Watch your email for updates.”

 

I will admit, my first reaction was panic. We had been away from home for over 2 weeks, our daughter and her family were headed out of town the next day and we were anxious to get home. We had heard many horror stories on the news about people getting stuck for days in airports because of cancelled flights.

 

But God had other plans. Through an amazing customer service representative and a relatively short phone call, we were rebooked on another partner airline at no cost to us, and arrived home several hours before our original flights! The entire day we marveled at God’s amazing plan for us. He had indeed provided for us in a remarkable way.

 

Genesis 22 tells the story of Abraham going up the mountain to sacrifice his son, Isaac, where God miraculously provides a ram caught in the thicket in his place. Abraham goes on to call ‘the name of that place The Lord will provide’. And on that travel day, that’s exactly what God did for us, he provided flights for us that were even better than the ones we had booked months in advance.

 

I have thought of that day often in the weeks since then. God not only provides what we need, he often provides in unexpected ways that are even better than our own plans. So why is my first response panic? Why do I lie awake nights worrying about how things are going to work? Or react with anger or anxiety when things don’t work out?

 

I need to remind myself often that God always provides. He’s got this! He is sovereign, in control, all-powerful and omniscient. When the anxious thoughts multiply within me, I can remind myself, I can trust in God’s provision.

 

What have you been worrying about? Where do you need to see God’s provision in your life in this new year?

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that I can trust you because you are indeed the Lord who provides. You provide for me even better than I can plan it on my own. Remind me of this often today and replace my worries and fears with the calm assurance that you are in charge. Amen.

 

Throughout this Day:

Read Genesis 22 today as a way to remind yourself of God’s provision for you. Then take the time to reflect on where you need to see God provide for you this year, and commit that to him. In the days ahead, watch and see his handprint on your life.

Don't Be Distracted

 

“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight.” (Proverbs 5:1)

 

While studying Proverbs I was struck with how many times the writer reminds us to listen, to pay attention to his wisdom, to remember what is being said. But why is that so hard to do?

 

I recalled a woman sharing in our church service about her experience training a young horse in a corral. Before she mounted the horse, she had moved a flower pot out of the way so that he would be able to concentrate and follow her directions. But as she rode, that young horse just kept getting distracted by the flower pot and refused to listen to her directions. It didn’t matter what she did, how she reined him in or what commands she gave, his total focus was not on the ride, but that silly flower pot! She finally had to give up!

 

As I listened to her recount her riding experience, I realized that is exactly what happens in my life!! I get totally distracted by the ‘flower pots’ in my life, things that aren’t quite what I would like them to be or how I had imagined they would be.  Perhaps even things I cannot change or do anything about and yet, they seem to demand my attention and suck up my energy.

 

Instead of quietly listening to what God promises in his Word and is saying to me in prayer, I am totally focused on other things. Like the horse with the flower pot, I am distracted and am no longer listening to my Master, the One that holds the reins and knows exactly what is best for me and which direction I need to go. I wonder why I can’t hear his voice, but is it because I’m not even listening?

 

How about you? What are the flower pots in your life that have distracted you? What is it that keeps you from paying attention to God’s voice and listening to what he is saying to you?

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you promise to direct my life and give me wisdom if I will just listen to you. Help me Lord, not to be distracted by so many things in my life. Instead, I want to pay attention to what you are saying and make time to be still and just listen. Amen.

 

Throughout this Day:

What is distracting you today? Whatever it is, give it over to God and picture yourself laying it down at his feet and turning around and walking away. Then find a quiet spot to sit down with the Bible in front of you and just take time to be still and listen.

Learning Contentment

 

“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)

“The Queen is dead! Long live the King!” Those words reverberated around the globe as the news spread that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II had died. Having always loved all things royal, I couldn’t help but stop and consider her life.

She was never supposed to be Queen! First her grandfather became King because his older brother had died, and then her father became King because his older brother had abdicated. When he died at the relatively young age of 56, she ascended the throne as a young wife and mother. And yet she never complained, but instead embraced the responsibility that came with the crown she wore.

She learned to be content and lived a life of service to her country while at the same time holding true to her faith. “Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them I find hope”. (Queen Elizabeth II, August 3, 2022)

 

Too often in my own life, instead of being content in all circumstances, I am the exact opposite, discontent with what is or isn’t happening. I waste energy I can ill afford to lose wishing things were different than they are. I worry about things I cannot change instead of recognizing that God wants me to trust him in all things and every situation. 

But Paul’s words challenge me with the thought that I can learn to be content. Isn’t that exactly what he says in this verse? “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) I have a choice about how I respond. I can choose to trust God because he is in fact always trustworthy. Therefore, I can learn to be content. 

How about you? When your life suddenly changes direction, are you willing to choose to be content and trust that God is trustworthy? What is your response when faced with the unexpected? Are you daily learning to be content, to have a thankful heart whatever the circumstances you find yourself in? Or are you discontent, wishing things were different and worrying about things you cannot change?

Thanksgiving grows out of a heart that has learned to be content whatever the circumstance. What will you choose today?

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that you are trustworthy and I can be content, regardless of the circumstances I find myself in today. Knowing that you are in control and at work changes how I view my life. Grow that contentment in me that I might rest in you and have a grateful heart. Amen.

Throughout this Day:

A content heart is a thankful heart so begin to learn contentment in your life today. Daily look for things to be thankful for, and write them down. By doing this, you too can say with Paul, “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances”.

Beyond the Clouds

“Therefore, we do not lose heart…For our light and momentary troubles are achieving or us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18)

When a pilot learns to fly, one of the things he is taught early on is that he cannot depend on what he sees outside the cockpit window. It is easy to get confused in the clouds unless he trusts the instruments even when everything inside of him is telling him the opposite. He needs to look at the instruments in front of him and trust that what they are telling him is true, regardless of what he sees. He needs to look beyond the clouds!

 

In the same way, we are reminded that we should not lose heart when all we see around us is overwhelming and seems hopeless. It is exactly at that time that we have to remember that we are not without hope and that what God promises is true and trustworthy. We have an eternal hope that helps us navigate whatever we are facing in our lives. The best is yet to come.

 

In the early days following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, from a human perspective we heard that it was hopeless. The hundreds of thousands of soldiers massed at the borders would surely be guaranteed a speedy victory. Defeat seemed certain. But the world was shocked and surprised by what ensued.

 

In the midst of the battle, reports came out of believers being the hands and feet of Jesus, singing praises to God, holding onto the hope that was within, knowing that even in death, they would know what it means to achieve that eternal glory that is promised us. And so they continued to trust God, to look beyond the storm clouds of war and trust what they knew was true.

 

As we are reminded in Romans 5:5,
“Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” In a world without hope, we have the hope that God has given us. What is it that is robbing you of hope today? Are you lost in the clouds? Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

  

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that regardless of how hopeless my situation seems to be today, I am not alone. Not only are you here with me, but I can trust you and know that even now, you are at work. Help me to fix my eyes on you and see beyond the clouds. Fill my heart with hope today. Amen.

 

Throughout this Day:

Sometimes in the midst of the challenges we face, it helps to meditate on a single verse. Today let that verse be Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

 

I Am Here

 

“They cried out, because they … were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.”  (Mark 6:50,51)

The day had started out like any other normal day. Just like the disciples heading out in their boat, I wasn’t expecting any surprises. But surprise me it did, devastating news that had ramifications that would impact me and my family. I was overwhelmed with emotion; a feeling of grief and hopelessness threatened to destroy my peace. And destroy my peace it did!

As I struggled with the feelings, the despair, and yes even some anger, I surprised myself. How come I felt this way? Why was I feeling so lost? What was causing this surge of emotions?

In the days to follow, I realized that I had lost my focus. God had not changed, although the circumstances certainly had. I was overwhelmed, yes, but God was still right here with me. His words to me came straight out of this passage, ‘Take courage, it is I! Don’t be afraid.’ That was the important thing that I needed to remember, that he was right here!

What are you facing right now that is threatening your peace? Where has fear replaced faith in your life? When you take your eyes off Jesus, the Prince of Peace, you are easily cast adrift in the midst of life’s storms. It is exactly then that you need to remember to keep your eyes focused on him.

 

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that you are here with me, right where I am. Though the circumstances may be overwhelming, you are the one that I can look to. Replace my fears with faith and my feelings of hopelessness with hope. Fill me with your peace and help me to look to you in the midst of my situation today. Amen.

 

More Than Just a Feeling

 

“My best friend doesn’t want to be best friends with me anymore.” Her lip quivered as she told her Grandma the sad news. She was only 6 years old, but she was already learning a hard lesson. In a world that is all about me and my feelings, relationships are fickle and changing. Daily headlines tell us which couple has called it quits and given upon their relationship. Families are divided over differences of opinion.

 

But what does God’s Word tell us about our relationships? Shouldn’t those of us who are Christ-followers have a different measuring stick? These verses in 1 John make it very clear. The reason we are to love one another is because God first loved us. Since he now lives in us, that same love has been made complete in us. Not only that, he has given us his Holy Spirit to make it all possible. We don’t have to do it on our own.

 

So, what does that look like? Love is more than just a feeling. It is intentional, and involves a level of commitment that will weather the test of time and challenges. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we are still commanded to show love to one another.

 

A good friend of mine was widowed and moved back into the area after decades of living a province away. We made a commitment to regularly have lunch to catch up on what was happening in our lives and what we could pray about. And that’s just what we did! Whether in the cold of winter, or on beautiful summer days, we made it a priority and put it into our calendar. But it didn’t just happen. We have been intentional about spending time together, committed to our relationship, and as a result, blessed with an ever-deepening friendship.

 

When we love one another the way God commands us to, it goes beyond just feelings which are fickle and can easily change. It bridges differences in opinion or a change in circumstances. It reflects God in us, at work in us, in the power of his Spirit and should set us apart from those that don’t have him living in their lives.

 

Do your relationships reflect God’s love? Is there someone you need to reach out to today? Who can you be intentional about loving this week?

 

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that you are love and that you live in me today. Help me to love others in a way that reflects your love for them through me. Use me to be your hands and feet to show your love to the people around me. Amen.

Seeing the Unseen

“And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”  (2 Kings 6:17)

When the prophet Elijah was taken up to heaven, it was Elisha who not only saw it happen, but picked up Elijah’s cloak and the mantle of his ministry along with it. But what do you remember about Elisha?

 

Perhaps it is the story of the widow’s oil that didn’t run out until all the containers were filled in 2 Kings 4, or in that same chapter, the Shunammite’s son’s being restored to life. For myself, it is Elisha’s prayer here in chapter 6. You see, Elisha trusted that God could work even when the situation seemed difficult or impossible from a human standpoint.

 

He looked for God’s handprint, evidence that he was not just aware of the situation, but already moving to resolve the challenge. He wasn’t deterred when the circumstances seemed overwhelming or impossible and trusted him to show up even then. Who else would think to command an iron axe head lost in a river to float? (2 Kings 6:6). And it did!

 

When Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the enemy’s army of horses and chariots, he saw the unseen. His response to his servant was this, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha saw that God’s army was already in place ready to do battle on his behalf. God had a different outcome already in motion for that day and could be trusted to work it out.

 

Too often I am like Elisha’s servant, fearful and overwhelmed by the challenges I am facing. Instead, I need to pray, ‘Open my eyes Lord, so that I may see you already at work. I want to see your handprint.’ God is right there, totally aware of all I am anxious about, and he is already at work. I just need to have my eyes opened to see that.

 

What about you? Are you overwhelmed like Elisha’s servant? Can you only see the problem and no possible solution? Why don’t you ask God to open your eyes today to be able to see the unseen and watch him do the impossible?

 

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that you are always with me, always aware of my situation and already at work. Open my eyes to see the unseen, so that I can see your handprint on every detail on my life today. Amen

 

Throughout this Day:

Look for God’s handprint today, evidence that he is working and active in your life. Thank him for opening your eyes to see the unseen.

A Change of Plans

 

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give his name Jesus.”  (Luke 1:31)

She had her entire life ahead of her. She was engaged and looking forward to getting married. But all that changed in a single moment. The angel appeared to her with a story that was hard to believe except for one small thing. It was exactly what had been prophesied back in the time of Isaiah, ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son’(Isaiah 7:14). Mary would have been familiar with that prophecy.

 

Suddenly her entire life changed. God had changed her plans! But that didn’t mean it was going to be easy. Over the next few months tongues were wagging and she escaped to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also pregnant. She was shamed for her pregnancy, and even her fiancé, Joseph, questioned her faithfulness to him.

 

Even though it was God’s perfect plan, the fulfillment of prophecy, that didn’t mean that it would be easy for Mary. There would be times when I am sure she questioned what was happening in her life. Yet her response revealed her trust in God. ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said’. (Luke 1:38)

 

How do you respond when God changes your plans? Do you respond like Mary? Do you trust that He will work out even the difficult things you are going through? Do you praise him even when the going gets tough?

 

What are you facing today that wasn’t according to your plan for your life? Are you doubting that God could be at work even now when everything has changed? Praise him for who he is and thank him that even now, he is at work.

 

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that I can trust you even when my plans are changed. You have not changed and you are still at work. Help me to remember that when everything around me is uncertain and changing, that you are still the same God who sent an angel to talk to a virgin over two thousand years ago. Amen.

 

Throughout this Day:

When you are tempted to be discouraged by changes in your plans, take the time to first praise God for who he is, thank him that he is still at work, and then trust him to be at work even now.

You Say

 

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, 

which God prepared for us to do.  (Ephesians 2:10)

 

‘I am so ugly!’ ‘No one loves me because I am so unloveable.’ ‘I am so fat.’ ‘

Why am I so stupid?’

It’s easy to be overwhelmed with words like these, telling ourselves lies that are 

destructive and tear down our self esteem. But this verse in Ephesians 2 tells 

something different. We are actually God’s handiwork, his piece of art, his creation.

Not only that, in other places in the Bible we are told that we are precious and 

honored in God’s sight and loved by him(Isaiah 43:4). In fact, he delights over us 

with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)!

One of the things that helps me to remember what is true about me is to listen to 

worship music or old hymns. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with the lies, God 

uses the words of the songs to speak truth to my heart and mind.

One such song is ‘You Say’ by Lauren Daigle. In it she contrasts what God says 

about me with what I say about myself. The chorus of the song reminds me:

 ‘You say I am loved, when I can’t feel a thing

You say I am strong when I think I am weak

And you say I am held when I am falling short

And when I don’t belong, oh you say I am yours’

Are you mired in the lies that you tell yourself? Are you overwhelmed with those 

thoughts that pull you down? Have you forgotten what God says about you? 

He wants you to believe the truth that he tells you about yourself so that you can 

know that not only are you are loved by him, but you belong to him. You are his 

work of art!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that what you say about me is the truest thing about myself. Thank 

you that I am loved by you and that you give me strength even when I am weak.  

Help me not to believe the lies that I too often believe, but instead remember 

what you say about me. Fill my mind with those thoughts today. Amen.

Throughout this Day:

Listen to this song, You Say, by Lauren Daigle and listen to the words as she 

sings. Take time to thank God today for the things that he says are true about 

you – you are loved, you are strong, you belong to him, you are his handiwork, 

created and loved by him.

Who Are You?

 

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  (Psalm 9:10)

What happens when you wake up at night and are overwhelmed with all the circumstances you are facing in your life? Do you experience panic attacks, where your heart is racing, your breathing is shallow and the anxiety level is almost unbearable? Do you lie awake for hours worrying about the sleep you aren’t getting?

 

Over the past months God has been challenging me to look at everything that I am experiencing through the lens of who he is. He is in charge and there is nothing that is too big for him. Instead of looking at the problems or challenges that I am facing, I need to focus on God. This verse tells me that if I know God’s name then I will trust him.

 

But what is his name? Who is he? That’s the question that Moses asked him when he met him in Exodus 3: 13,14. “God said to Moses, “I AM who I AM”. God is beyond us, he is infinite power, he is everything, he is the giver of everything that we need.

 

In those night watches, I have been reciting back to God all that he is, replacing those anxious thoughts that multiply within me with the truth of God’s name and all that he is instead. ‘God you are everything, you are my peace, you are faithful and trustworthy, you are my strength, you are my good shepherd, you are everything I need you to be.’

 

What do you need God to be today? Do you need him to be your rest? Your peace? Your Healer? He is telling you that ‘I am your everything! You can trust me and I will not forsake you.’ Whether you are overwhelmed by your lists of things to be done during the day, or anxious about all the future holds at night, he is worthy of your trust!

   

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that you are the great ‘I AM’ and you are totally trustworthy. You are my strong tower, my refuge and my shelter in a time of storm. I know your name and I can trust in you because you will not forsake me, of that I can be absolutely sure. Remind me of that often today. Amen.

 

Throughout this Day:

When those anxious thoughts threaten to overwhelm you, take the time instead to tell God all that he is to you. Speak it out loud. Tell him what you need him to be today.

Something for Everyone

 

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us to do."  (Ephesians 2:10)

As I sat at the piano in the lounge at the Long Term Care Facility with my mother in her wheelchair beside me, I was temporarily distracted from playing hymns and singing along by another resident going from person to person as I sang. With one, she held her hands up to the person’s face and sang out the words. With another, she took their hands in hers and clapped along, and with the third, she took his hands and danced around him in her wheelchair.

 

She saw beyond herself and the wheelchair she was in, and realized that she could still encourage others and make them smile. She had not lost sight of the fact that indeed, God had a good work for her to do, even though she too was a resident there in Long Term Care, away from her family and isolated for over a year because of the pandemic. But she was still on a mission! She was being "Jesus with skin on" to those residents in the lounge that morning.

 

I was so encouraged! How often do I feel that due to physical limitations or other circumstances, God can’t use me anymore? I read this verse and think, Yes, but not me, Lord. You prepare those works for everyone else, but you can’t really use me. I’m too old, too broken, too limited, too discouraged.

 

Have I lost sight of the fact that he has prepared good works for me to do? If that’s the case, then I had better find out what they are! Here she was, a reminder that God is never finished using us and working in and through us.

 

Do you daily look to see what God has in store for you to do? Regardless of your situation, He has prepared good works for you, his creation. As someone once said, look to see where God is working and join him there.

 

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you that I am your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which you have prepared for me to do. You are not limited, you can work in and through me for your good purposes. Show me what it is that you want me to do today. Amen.

 

Throughout this Day:

Take a minute to read through Ephesians 2:8-10. Thank him for how he has created you- uniquely hand-crafted by the Master Creator himself. Then ask him to show you today-what it is that he has already prepared for you to do.