5 Minutes of Hope

I’m kinda curious how many books and how many movies end with: and they all lived … happily … ever … after?

Did you ever wonder who was the first person to string together those three words? Happily … Ever … After! I mean, it sounds pretty good to me … HAPPY … For EVER!

Well, I don’t know who DID write them but I think we ALL know who it wasn’t. Back in the 60’s there was a young man who started out one of his songs with the saddest lyrics on the planet:

♫ Imagine there’s no heaven …

Hello Friend and welcome to “5 Minutes of Hope”

Are you doing okay today? I really do hope so!

It is such a special treat bringing you an uplifting message of encouragement, hope and inspiration. If you enjoy today’s blog, would you share it? If you don’t enjoy today’s blog, would you share it?

Well, if we’re all going to string together a few meaningful words, would you mind if I have a crack at it?

Today’s topic is: GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM

GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM:

G … O … D … apostrophe S.

The ownership is His.

This is HIS gig!

In the beginning … GOD!

GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM:

It is forever

It is ceaseless.

Our troubles and our trials and our tribulations have an expiration date.

But … heaven …  NO end.

Life everlasting.

GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM:

It is a territory.

It’s a city

It is a country.

It is a heavenly realm.

Now, how’s THAT for some hope?

WORD

How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation. Daniel 4:3

Imagine there’s no heaven … ????? OH, MY!

Now, in this young man’s defense, I’m pretty sure at least ONE interpretation of his ballad was … to live our lives in love for one another in the right here and now … which is absolutely what we all should be doing. But, how is THAT working out? It seems as though EVERY news source out there chronicles nothing but endless bloodshed, violence and hatred.

WHERE’S the peace?

WHERE’S the serenity?

WHERE’S the brotherhood of man?

This old world is wearing out fast and it offers NONE of these things.

Peace comes from the Peacemaker!

Serenity comes from the Savior!

Brotherhood is found ONLY in the family of God!

GROWING IN GRACE

Friend, He has set eternity in our hearts. There is a deep and profound longing to live in peace, joy and harmony forever.

Once we’ve accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior our citizenship is in heaven. It is absolutely VITAL that we invest quality time EACH DAY meditating in His Word, the Holy Bible, and conversing with Him in prayer.

Heavenly thoughts, heavenly actions.

PROJECT HOPE:

Imagine BEING in heaven:

♫ Surrounded by your glory,

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus?

Or in awe of you be still?

Will I stand in your presence?

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine!

I can only imagine!

Words by MercyMe

OUR PRESENT PAIN WILL PASS!

Friend, the apostle Paul, who suffered greatly for Christ said, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Romans 8: 18.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

II Corinthians 4: 17, 18

Dear Father, thank You for the hope of heaven. No matter what we are going through, help us to keep our eyes FIXED on You and live our lives in the light of Your Son’s soon return …. when we’ll live FOREVER with You in our eternal home. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Friend, may you be FILLED with hope today and share it with others!