joy in the garden

What Will We Do On The New Earth?

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Jesus and his Apostles taught us to keep our focus on the next age. However, when it comes to the next age when we live on the New Earth it is important to remember that God has only revealed what he wants to reveal and we can’t force Scripture to answer questions it isn’t trying to answer. Yet, we have more than enough information in Scripture to assure us that the next age will be euphoric for God’s saints. In Revelation 21 the New Jerusalem will come down from heaven onto Earth (v. 2). Throughout Revelation 21-22 we find signs that this New Jerusalem is also a New Eden. From Revelation 2:7 we know that it is a paradise; remember that Eden means “pleasure” in Hebrew. We will live in delight. This new Eden will not just be a restoration of the first Eden but rather a vastly superior Eden. Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

The Value Of Controlling Our Viewing – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?Who may stand in his holy place?The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. (Psalms 24:3-4, NIV) The Psalmist here speaks of hiking up Mount Zion to visit the temple, which is the “holy place” of God. This reminds me of Hebrews 10:22 which directs us to “draw near to God with a sincere heart” (NIV) just after mentioning that we have the privilege of entering the holy of holies (the innermost room of the temple where the presence of God dwelt) through the blood of Jesus. Also, remember Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God” (NIV). So God promises that those who come to him in sincerity and holiness will have the privilege of “standing” in his presence. We will see God better; we will have more participation in his nature; we will drink Continue Reading →

at home with God

How To Pursue God From Home

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Many people around the world are now spending almost all their time at home. If you have found yourself with some extra time or even feeling bored then please consider taking your pursuit of God up a notch. This is your chance to go deeper and discover a greater connection with God. Here are some ideas from previous posts that should help. Learn to let Scripture transform, of “Christform” as I like to say, you. Use this Activational Meditation format to let Scripture go deep and change your heart: https://www.meatformaturity.org/activational-reading-how-to-let-gods-word-change-you/ . Do a “deep clean” of your soul. This might be a time for you to let God work on your weaknesses, unbelief, lack of love and bad habits. Use this exercise to walk through the process of purification: https://www.meatformaturity.org/how-to-work-through-purification/ Here is a more thorough guide for purification for more deeply embedded issues: guide. Assess your spiritual life. Here is Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

The Blessing Of Being “Poor” – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him.” (Psalms 22:26, NIV) In the later Old Testament writings, the “poor” not only lacked physical resources but also depended on Yahweh. Knowing that food and housing were limited they turned to God for help. So the Psalmist of this psalm declares the Lord’s intention to give to the poor the food they need. And those who live in dependence on Yahweh will praise him because of his provision. And so, if we are in need God wants to help. In general, the physical things we need God will provide (Matt. 6:33). But under the new covenant the “poor”, those who seek God, have even more. Jesus promised: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:3, Continue Reading →

pay cash generous

God’s Call For Generosity To Our Brothers And Sisters

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After stating that the greatest commandment was to love God, Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39, NIV). He also said “Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12, ESV). In this time of financial hardship we need to keep an eye out for people in distress that we might be able to help. Even if we don’t have much money maybe we can help with our time. But those with resources should seriously consider offering financial assistance. The wealthy need to be careful that they manage their wealth in a way that pleases God. There is a point at which the pursuit of success becomes greed and Scripture warns us not even to associate with a Christian who is guilty of greed (1 Cor. 5:12). Certainly, Continue Reading →