Heaven on earth? Really, Karen? Is there even such a thing?
Why, yes. Yes, there is! And we have access to front-row-seat tickets.
Yet, I’m not talking about things or situations we attribute to the phrase, “It was heaven on earth.” Such as food, trips, or any experience we feel was heaven-like.
We are so limited in what we imagine for heaven. It’s much bigger and carries more awe than we realize.
A New Heaven and Earth
But the new heaven and earth will one day replace this fallen world we live in.
Look at how it’s all described in Revelation 21:
“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Verses 1-5, NIV).
How wonderful this is what we have to look forward to. Still, in the present, there are moments of heaven touching earth and touching our lives.
Moments of Heaven Touching Earth
1) Look around and look up—often. We may never know what God desires to rain down from heaven unless we remain aware, looking for it…looking for Jesus.
2) Engage in our life and in prayer. Who knows what is waiting behind the veil of heaven ready to pour over us until we ask. And ask on a regular basis.
Heavenly Father, oh how I need an outpouring from heaven in this situation, today, this hour, this moment in time. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
3) Be present in the present. Showing up in our loved one’s lives both physically and emotionally. Showing up at church, at work, in ministry, with our neighbors and friends. We carry a piece of heaven’s real estate, sealed by the Holy Spirit, as a promise of new life.
4) Act as Jesus with skin. That’s a sure-fire way to see glimpses of heaven. Model Christ to our family and friends, to the downcast, wayward—anyone without hope.
[bctt tweet=”A surefire way to see glimpses of heaven on earth. Be Jesus with skin to others. @FridayKaren #Jesus #heaven” username=”PatHolbrook”]
5) Abide in God’s presence. Both worship and God’s Word instill in us the riches of heaven. We are a walking billboard: “The same God who reigns in heaven, lives and reigns in me.
[bctt tweet=”We are a walking billboard: The same God who reigns in heaven, lives and reigns in me. @FridayKaren #heaven ” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Bringing Pieces of Heaven to Earth
Want to bring the hope of heaven, Jesus Christ, to this world? Grab ahold of true hope, the anchor for our souls. Living in such a manner that others ask where to find it. And then lead them to the cross and an empty tomb and a risen Savior.
Want to see the mercy of heaven displayed in living color? Access God’s mercies, new every morning and then dispense mercy to others without limitation or hesitation.
Want to encounter the goodness of heaven as we dwell on this earth? Allow the Spirit to lead us, crucifying our flesh. The Spirit grows the fruit of goodness in us, pointing others to a good Father in heaven (See Galatians 5:16-24).
Want heaven’s love-factor brought down to our daily lives? Walk in God’s ways and His love. Refresh our minds with the unconditional love of 1 Corinthians 13. Since we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Acts of real love for our fellow man is one of the greatest manifestations of heaven on earth.
So, you see, we’re already citizens of heaven.
And we hold front-row-seat tickets to heaven on earth.
LINKUP PARTY opens at 6 am EST!
Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:
1. Add your Link.
2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.
3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page
[bctt tweet=”Join @FridayKaren to discover how we are not only citizens of heaven, but we also have access to front-row-seat tickets for heaven on earth. Link up is open! Share your blog. #heaven” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Karen,
Heaven must be on our minds…I wrote about having an eternal perspective this week, but so true that we can bring glimpses of eternity to where we are here on earth. I needed this reminder that I am a walking billboard of what’s to come. Praying for the ability to be a good advertisement 🙂
Blessings,
Bev xx
Hey Bev, that makes several times we’ve written on similar themes. I love it! Your words ring true in my heart. When we set our minds on things above…what better way to be heavenly minded and bring pieces of heaven to our lives. Thank you!
This is a beautiful and encouraging post. May my life reflect His hope, mercy, goodness, and love each day to those around me. Blessings!
Thank you, Joanne, and Amen! Let us be Jesus with skin and reflect all those qualities about Him to others…then heaven really is touching earth.
Such an encouraging post to read at the beginning of my day! Motivating my heart to want to shout my faith more boldly, more intentionally! Bringing pieces of Heaven and speaking them into hearts that I interact with. Thank you for the encouraging and beautiful words to my heart, Karen.
Awe, appreciate your kindness, April. You bless me with your contagious faith. We carry a piece of heaven’s real estate, sealed by the Holy Spirit, as a promise of new life. Hallelujah!
“We carry a piece of heaven’s real estate, sealed by the Holy Spirit, as a promise of new life“. Amen!!
Bethany, thank you friend. May we show up in the lives of those around us and model Christ to our family and friends, to the downcast, wayward—anyone without hope.
Thank you, Karen, for this invitation to lean into eternity for a few minutes. I get so caught up in the here and now and the very short-term plans that I have for my future here on earth that I sometimes forget that God is at work on a much bigger long-term project that he has all of eternity to bring to fruition!
I like the concept of leaning into eternity, Michele. It is hard sometimes to dwell on heavenly things when we just think about this life. But when we merge the two, bring together parts of heaven and earth, it has the ability to make a significant impact.
Karen, thank you for the reminder to be on the lookout for those “pennies from heaven” and to model Christ here on earth!
Glad this encouraged you, Laurie. We may never know what God desires to rain down from heaven unless we remain aware, looking for it…looking for Jesus. Blessings!
Karen, I appreciate the reminder that we are already citizens of heaven. What hope that brings as we wait for the day to dawn.
Yes, Debbie! And we hold front-row-seat tickets to heaven on earth. I hope we get the chance to sit beside each other one day.
This is wonderful. laurensparks.net
Thanks, Lauren. Let’s grab ahold of true hope, the anchor for our souls. Living in such a manner that others ask where to find it. And then lead them to the cross and an empty tomb and a risen Savior…bringing heaven to earth!
Yes! I love that we have heaven both now and later. I’m currently reading a book called Here and Now about the Kingdom of Heaven. 🙂 Perfect timing for your post. Thanks, Karen!
“Hear and Now” sounds intriguing, Lisa. I do pray to remember I am a citizen of heaven, with those glorified moments of heaven touching earth. Thanks, Lisa!