Heaven as the Goal

The bible, the infallible inspired word of God, pierces hearts with its truth as no other book can do. And yet, the Lord can use articles, magazines, newspapers, and even novels to help us understand His word and apply it to all areas of life.

I have enjoyed many novels for their plots, writing styles and diverse characters (Jane Austen, Bodie and Brock Theone, and C.S. Lewis can be tagged as some of my favorites). But every so often, I pick up a book that leaves a very strong lasting impression on my heart and mind.

Recently I picked up Randy Alcorn's first book in his trilogy, “Deadline” and was amazed with not only the theological clarity and insight in Alcorn's book, but also the excellent plot and can't-put-it-down drama. Below is an excerpt from the second book, “Dominion”, which I am enjoying just as much:

“She realized in an instant that her entire life on earth had been but a series of labor pains preparing her for this moment. As she was once born into a world of cold confusion and blaring artificial lights, she was now being born out of that cramped domain into a wide open realm of warmth and natural light, the place for which she was suited, the world for which she had been made.

“At last,” she shouted. “The real world!”

At the doorway into life stood a shining being of natural radiance, but with the brightness of a million klieg lights. The radiance threatened to blind her, but somehow her new eyes could endure it. This was more than a man, yet clearly a man. She knew at once who it was. He who had been from eternity past, he who had left his home in heaven to make one her for her. He who spun the galaxies into being with a single snap of his fingers, who was the light that illuminated darkness with a million colors, who turned midnight into sunrise.

It was he. Not his representative, but he himself. He put his hands upon her shoulders and she thrilled at his touch.

“Welcome, my little one!” He smiled broadly, the smile teeming with approval. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the kingdom prepared for you. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

His was the embrace she was made for. He was the Bridegroom, the object of all longing, the fulfillment of all dreams.

Have you ever thought about heaven? I mean, more than just puzzling over how long eternity is (and what can we possibly do for an eternity?). Have you ever really considered what it will look like, what we will do, who we will meet?

Randy Alcorn has challenged my limited and rather dull imaginations of what heaven will be like through his novels. When we consider eternity with Christ, we tend to separate it from anything we experience here on earth, when in reality earth is but the most vague, dull, and sin-riddled peek into our experiences after death. Not only will we eat, sing, dance, explore, laugh and hug, but we will take our knowledge of life and the Word gained on earth, and continue to add to it in heaven. The ability to gain wisdom and insight will not be wiped away, but even while perfected in Christ, we will continue to learn and be taught new truths.

Having these vivid pictures being displayed through Alcorn's engrossing books has opened my eyes in such a way that has excited and encouraged me beyond what I expected. When we realize how much our knowledge and joy of the Lord will be affected by our choices made on earth, it puts a completely different perspective on life experience.

Instead of being comfortable and apathetic in our security of salvation, we should be passionate about filling our minds and hearts with the eternal wisdom of the Lord. We should be excited to meet new people, memorize scripture, extend a helping hand, and delve into prayer daily; all the things that we know rest on His promise, and matter for eternity.

And really, what is life but the training grounds for eternity with Christ? Life on earth is merely the springboard into eternal worship at the feet of Christ. How high will you jump?

Hello.... Is God There?

I have never had a cell phone. Call me old fashioned; I'd rather talk to a human being than a piece of plastic, I am appalled at the service rates, and can't stand to have someone text on their phone while trying to have a conversation with me. However, in the past ten years the average American citizen has gone from carrying no cell phone to owning multiple, and now it is not uncommon to see children as young as ten with them.

However, despite my disgust at our culture's need to constantly be engaged or entertained, necessity has forced me to look for a good service to use. And the hunt has been frustrating. Knowing that I will not spend hours every day on the phone, I was on the lookout for a good prepaid plan. What kind of phone would allow multiple services? What kind of service would cover my area? What prepaid plan could I find that wouldn't charge a day fee?

To make a long (and aggravating) story short, this ignorant girl bought 3 phones and ended up sending them all back. The last straw was when, after several hours on the phone with customer service, I ended up with a Kentucky number on a phone that didn't even work the weekend I most needed it. All I wanted was something not too outrageously pricey that would work. What does it take to make a few emergency phone calls???

In communication it's easy to get frustrated. Our internet connection is slow, our phone is dead, the reception is bad... we're always being charged for it and the perfection is never guaranteed. Sometimes all it takes is a lazy squirrel playing on the lines to cut us off! However, it tends to be in those times that we feel most cut off and isolated that the most important communication happens; prayer with an omnipresent God.

With the Lord there is no call waiting, no delays, no fees, no foreign customer service, and no static. It's the one form of communication guaranteed immediate delivery, reception, and response.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:12-13

There is no if or maybe for the elect; the Lord hears our prayers! Having to deal with waiting and delays so often in life, why do we refrain from speaking with our Creator in the simplest, and yet most blessed way possible? Why do we not daily, hourly indulge in this privilege... indeed, this honor and precious gift? We are commanded to pray;

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. - Psalms 55:17

And

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thess 5:16-18

We need to pray always, everywhere (1 Tim. 2:8), and in all circumstances. So don't delay; take advantage of this flawless offer, paid for in full by your heavenly Father.

The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. - Prov 15:29

Fireproof: The Movie

Check it out!

Rebelution '08

See you there!!

And whatever you do...

There's just something about standing with 2,000 Christian young adults, singing praise songs and talking about hard things. It's quite a struggle to stand against the tide; to differ in a large crowd, especially when that crowd is impassioned and filled with such a real desire as to make a difference and lead a rebellion for an awesome, worthy King. When roused and excited by the actions of so many determined people around us, it is so very hard not to conform. When filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God's grace, it is impossible.

Such rousing and discovery is what was experienced by many a young adult in Indianapolis this past Saturday, as two young men led the fourth and last Rebelution conference of 2007. Songs were sung in unison, people were led to Christ for the first time, lives were ministered to, visions and goals were set, and desires to "do hard things" were awakened, as Alex and Brett Harris, 18, spoke on God's call for young people to accomplish great things in our culture and communities.

During the four sessions the Harris twins and their father, Gregg Harris spoke on the ways we are hindered by our culture and how we can stand out and counteract the movement of low expectations. Alex spoke on being chained to our culture; many having grown up surrounded by popular ideas that teens cannot do hard or productive things, and then not realizing that the bond holding us to those ideas is simply a ridiculous fallacy that can easily be broken away from. Brett shared about the dangerous affects of labeling, and how low expectancies from adults and our culture can be overridden by an understanding and vision of what hard things are to us as individuals; not to those around us. Gregg Harris focused on character, and challenged rebelutionaries to question our motives as we seek to use wisdom for the furthering of His kingdom.

I know I was not the only one ministered to by the experienced speaking of these three Godly men, who raised my esteem even more by their humble, God-honoring attitudes and speech. It was the kind and gracious manners that Alex and Brett displayed when I met them and through the conference that made the most impression on me. Truly great and hard accomplishments must be accompanied by a steady heart, that knows and routinely admits to the lowliness of man, and unspeakable greatness of God.

It was a pleasure for me to meet the Harris twins over the conference, as well as friends and bloggers who are leading the way in this Rebelution. I met David who writes for Regenerated Magazine, Kristin of the popular blog "Spunky Jr.", and Bethany with Regenerated Magazine. It was fun to meet other bloggers (since, as everyone knows, Nebraskans are so terribly isolated), and just a thrill to be around so many Rebelutionaries. I am very excited about 2008 as I look forward to seeing the Rebelution come to my area, and spread even further across the States.

So, what now? Is this just another Christian conference, a one day adrenaline rush before we go back to our school and routine? Witnessing the humble and true intentions of the conference and it's leaders, I can say without a doubt that it's more than that. I believe God has blessed Alex and Brett with a gift of leadership that goes hand in hand with their desire to further God's kingdom, and give Him the glory. I believe that God has worked in so many hearts already through their ministry, and placed new and lasting desires in teens. God has worked in my heart and revealed desires and goals to me through the conference, and I know that with prayer and hard work, these desires will continue to grow and produce fruit.

It may be a common misconception to watch Alex and Brett's accomplishments, and consider them to just be more talented or ambitious than God has called you and me to be. May this never be the case; but may God continue to use the Harris family as tools in His hands, as He leads and guides us in our own great, awesome, and hard callings as Rebelutionaries.

Yours truly with Alex and Brett


The Nebraska/South Dakota/Iowa carpool group with Alex, Brett and Sarah Harris, and conference volunteers


Rebelutionary maidens


Me with Kristin

It's time for a Rebelution!

Ever since I started reading the Rebelution blog, I have been incredibly blessed and encouraged by Alex and Brett’s phenomenal writing. Until I found the Rebelution and was introduced to thought provoking articles and a large circle of like-minded bloggers, I confess that had not questioned much of the habits of my faith, family and culture. As I “met” many young teens around the U.S. who brought forth many questions and thoughts, and shared their personal decisions to differ from the world (and sometimes their family), I was inspired and awakened by my peers in a way I had not experienced before. I began to look at fashion and dress differently; not apart from the teaching of my parents, but more convinced that our standards of modesty was something I wanted to uphold and pursue of my own choice. For the first time I was really awakened to the idea of standing out and witnessing to our culture; even more as I saw my peers standing up, and realizing that “hard things” are not just for adults. Besides awakening a thought and desire I had all along, I was encouraged to be able to meet other teens who were so similar to myself in background and faith; a luxury I did not have in my small town.

So in many ways, reading the Rebelution and hearing of other teens helped to put to action the teaching and background of my family and faith. It was not only encouraging to read the writings and accomplishments of teens around the U.S., but also to watch the Harris twins set such high standards in their accomplishments; and as of late, in their conferences. I was not expecting to be able to attend a conference this year, but to my excitement a carpooling opportunity came up, and I was able to register for the Indianapolis conference, where I will be standing among 1,000 other Rebelutionaries on Saturday.

Truly, the Harris twins have accomplished a very big feat in holding these conferences, but as for me, it was a large step to be able to travel the distance to get to one! I know it will be so worth it, and look forward to meeting many brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do hard things… see you at the Rebelution.

Rebelutionary moms

Perusing recently through the insightful articles in the Practical Homeschooling magazine, I came upon an article written by a homeschooling military mom. HsKubes' is married to a Marine currently deployed to Iraq and posts insightful and encouraging updates on their schooling and learning as a family at home. It is especially inspiring for those of us who don’t have family members deployed with the military to watch this mother surrender the future to the Lord and continue in furthering His kingdom, despite the difficulties found in everyday life.

Recently HsKubes' posted a homeschooling giveaway pack that will be bestowed upon a homeschooling blogger on September 8^th. I would encourage you to check out her blog and take a peek into the courageous and amazing life of a family who knows not only what it takes to be learners and seekers, but sacrificial patriots as well.

Why me, Lord?

There have been a lot of changes and decision making about the future in my life lately; with some changes being rather forced upon us without a clue it was coming. These forced changes have tempted me to become bitter as I think on the people involved in the disruption of our formerly quiet, unchanging country life. I have not felt bitterness towards the Lord, but I have several times doubted His good plan for my life and in the doing so fallen into the woeful “why me?” attitude. Why did You pick me to tear apart my hopeful dreams and goals for the future? Why my family that You would bring the unjust to have such influence over us?

Why me, Lord? Really, this is a question worthy of our study and attention, when viewed through the eyes of a sinner, saved by grace alone. Instead of questioning why I should be chosen to suffer afflictions common to man, I should be asking of the Lord; why me, that I should be chosen as one of the elect, to be Your child; washed in the precious blood of the lamb? Why have I been handpicked, out of millions, to be blessed by Your mercy, honored by Your sacrifice, elevated by Your grace, and nurtured by Your love?

Truly the fact that He has chosen me to have life everlasting as His child completely outshines the sufferings He has laid on me, in all the awesome and incomprehensiveness of His mercy and blessings. Instead of woefully crying, in the dust and the ashes, “why me, Lord?” we should endeavor to raise our hands and faces to the beauty of the heavens and ask, with a humble and grateful heart, “why this sinful, lowly servant, Lord?”. I ask, why has He;

Died for my sins and chosen me to be His child?

Forgiven my pride, arrogance, and disregard day after day?

Placed me in a Christian home, with loving parents, and obedient siblings?

Placed me in a Christian nation, with freedom of speech, religion; little persecution, and no constant wars and unrest?

Given me a healthy body that moves, breathes, hears, sees, and speaks?

Blessed me with an abundance of earthly provisions; a home, food, a car?

Given us a thriving, challenging Church and many Christian friends?

This list of “why’s” could go on forever as I consider all the blessings and gifts God has given me, which I, least of all, have ever deserved. My heart is ever failing and my finite mind creating false ideas, and yet His grace is greater than all my sins. May our generation never cease to praise His name as we ponder the blessings of our nation and heritage, as we ask, “why us, Lord?”.

Proverbs 31 Slideshow

Never look down!

Uehling, Nebraska

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork... let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:1, 14

Never look down!

Oakland, Nebraska

You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.

Hebrews 1:10-12

Never look down!

Oakland, Nebraska

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day will I bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

Psalm 145:1-3, 5, 6

Never look down!

(This is the beginning of a series of posts called "Never look down". Every week I will post a picture I have taken and include a bible verse to go with it. May we all be reminded to keep our eyes on the glories above, and never look down!)

Oakland, Nebraska

"I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!"

Psalm 108:4,5

Rainbows

Nebraska is a very unpredictable state, when it comes to weather. After the heat wave that remained most of the summer here, a rain cloud has settled over us these past few weeks, and the amount of rain that has been falling is incredible. (It makes one wonder what this winter will be like...) The other day the rain, a steady, heavy mist of a rain, was falling yet again and after supper I decided to take a walk in it. I had walked half way down the lane when right before me in the gray sky was the most perfect, round, clear rainbow I had ever seen. Excitedly I ran back to the house for my camera, though I know full well that no camera could ever capture the wondrous beauty of God's creation.

I love rain. I love to hear it fall (especially knowing I won't have to water my plants...). I love how everything is so green and fresh afterwards, and the peaceful, exciting feeling in the air after a storm has ended. The rainbow was a wonderful reminder of God's grace and power, and it makes one ever grateful that our God is a loving one, and not a silent darkness or lifeless statue. Our God is alive, and He alone rules the universe. May we who hold fast to this truth in our nation rise up and praise him, shining His light for those around us.

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him.