Kingdom Tidbits
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Why Not Enjoy a Pinch of Heaven Now
Most people think of “The Kingdom” as some glorious yet unknown establishment in the future: a realm to be enjoyed later when you can play hop-scotch with the angels on the streets of gold. But you can enjoy a taste of Heaven’s glory NOW.
Jesus announced “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” He was saying, “A pinch of eternal life is to be enjoyed NOW!” Meister Eckhart affirmed, “People who dwell in God dwell in the Eternal Now.” Paul warned that not to live in the ‘eternal now’ leaves nothing but a life of loss and rubbish.
Many today maintain life insurance policies that pay substantial bonuses after death. God granted you a life promise whose benefits begin not ‘at death’ but ‘at birth’ - spiritual rebirth. Eternal life is your present possession! What are you doing with it? Are you daily cashing-in-on your heavenly settlement enjoying the blessings of His graces: support from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, contentment, undisturbed peace? Why not? They’re yours! How can you more intentionally cultivate your eternal now dividends? Jesus’ dialogue with God in John 17 gives ideas:
And Jesus rejoiced “Father, I brought glory to you while on earth.” Making Christ the center of your life is like leaven in bread. It rises-up the ‘eternal now’ experience. There is no better tombstone epitaph than to say your life goal was to give God the honor and glory due His name.
And Jesus celebrated, “Father, I did everything that you told me to do.” Obedience: it’s the burial of your self-will and the resurrection of His. It’s the prince of virtues. What has God told you to do that sits in the pocket of procrastination? Jesus finished the work the Father gave Him to accomplish.
And Jesus applauded, “Father, I manifested your name to men.” Do you play the Show and Tell game with the names of God: El Elyon- My God reigns; Immanuel, My God Abides; Intercessor, My God maintains; Jehovah Jireh- My God provides; Rabbi- My teacher. Recalling His catalogue of names brings to life spiritual power.
And Jesus exalted “Father, I perfected men in unity.” How purposely do you chase after peace? How dangerous is the spirit of contention, criticism, stubbornness, division, or vengeance? What would enhance harmony in your sphere: a rewiring of the tongue or a letting go of the heart? The pursuit of kindness brings heaven to earth.
So activate what’s yours. Why not enjoy a taste of heaven on earth? God not only stores up riches in His future Kingdom, but He dispenses them on an on-going basis as you let His ‘eternal now’ bust open. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. Open it!
John 17:3 – “And this is the way to have eternal life, to know you, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, the one you sent on earth.”
Taken from Pam Kanaly’s Book and Bible Study – Will the Real Me Please Stand Up