1. What is heaven like...

I often wonder, what will heaven be like?  We worked hard to grow in Jesus' teachings and then live by His Word. We've run and finished the race...then what? What does the Bible tell us? Matthew 6 tells us in numerous verses that heaven is a place, separate from the earth. Here in this particular verse Jesus tells us that our treasure is safe in heaven, a place very different than our earthly, temporary home, [19]“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV) Is Jesus talking about real, physical treasures here? Working hard in heaven to make money and things? No, the treasure he is talking of is the reward for living in Him, here on earth. The reward will be being in His heavenly presence. The rewards in heaven are beyond what we can comprehend, and they cannot be compared to what are viewed as monetary or physical treasures here on earth. And it all starts at this very moment, living by His commands here and now, not later. To be Christian is to do just that: follow Jesus and then attempt to apply His teachings into our lives. We will try to do that, and sometimes we will fail, as only He was/is perfect. But, as I've said before, the Christian life is a life of multiple do-overs, and with each do-over, we'll get better at it. John 14 also tells us that heaven is a place, it's a place where He will prepare for us, and a place where He waits for us. I love the following verses, [2] In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [5] Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:2-6 ESV) Heaven is a place where He is, and He prepares a place for us! Cool, He's thinking of me and you...again. Then He tells us how to get there: all we have to do is follow Him, not later, but now. Why do I say this; now, and not later? [44] Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:44 ESV) Jesus is telling us here that the call has been made, and we need to hear it now. We do not know when the end will come, so we must be prepared. Sorry, got a bit off track, back to heaven.

We've learned here that heaven is:
1. A separate place away from the earth.
2. A place where Jesus is, and He is preparing for our arrival.

More later. Gonna watch the Shehawks and the Sheep play football.  O.k., the Seahawks and the Rams. Go Seahawks!!!