5 Ways We Bring Moments of Heaven to Earth

Moments of heaven on earth? Really, Karen?

Is there even such a thing?

Why, yes. Yes, there is! And we have access to front-row-seats.

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).

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10 Acts of Kindness to Brighten Someone’s Day

There are many things to love about kindness, especially random acts of kindness.

Like how kindness is contagious. Think about a time someone acted kind toward you. Did you want to be kind to that person or pay it forward? 

Also, contrary to what people may say or think, kindness never goes out of style.

Even when society’s pendulum swings toward a me-focused culture, kind acts will always make a difference.

And that’s why God’s people play an important role in dispensing kindness without discrimination or qualification. Our example in this is Jesus and His earthly ministry. 

Because from a spiritual standpoint, kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. Kindness grows in us as we sow it and practice it.

So what is the current state of my fruit of kindness? Have I cultivated it in my daily life and in my family, community, and relationships?

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. Kindness grows in us as we sow it and practice it. What is the current state of my fruit of kindness? Share on X

Kindness From God

You see, one of the epic reasons kindness makes a difference is because we never earn it. Consider God’s loving kindness toward us. 

It leads us to repentance. “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 ESV.

His lovingkindness saves us. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 ESV

We praise God for His kindness.

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7 NIV

Acts of Kindness Make a Difference

My list here is not exhaustive, but gives us some ideas of random acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day. And perhaps sparks your own ideas. 

(1.)  Make extra dinner and drop it off to a neighbor.

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Life is Short: Focus on God and Dream with Him

Life is short.

Life’s too short to delay living how we were always meant to live.

We were created to live a life focused on God and spiritual things.

And the Lord wants us to dream big with Him.

Because life is short, God calls us to live a life focused on His purpose for us, the true desires of our heart, walking in the Spirit, and the path to righteous living.

So let’s look at 20 of these areas that help us live this kind of life with our God in this present world.

Life is short: Focus on Brand-new

(1.) Beginnings. “The point in time or space at which something starts.”(Google) The world, life, time and space all started with God. So it makes perfect sense to see God as the God of new beginnings. Every new day, job, venture, relationship, season, and so on starts with God, the best beginning to everything.

(2.) Forge new paths. Whether careers, direction, vision, mission, or ministry, remember who makes new paths. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

(3.) Dreams. Dream big ole’ ginormous things only God can pull off. He’s the biggest dreamer of all. Dream with God, you and Him dream best together. 

Dream big ole’ ginormous things only God can pull off. He’s the biggest dreamer of all. Dream with God, you and Him dream best together. Share on X

(4.) Do-overs. Sometimes we get to do something over, other times it’s impossible. Like we cannot undo the past, what’s done is done. But every new day presents opportunities to change our actions, reactions, perspective, words, and outlook.

(5.) Second chances. Everyone hopes for a second chance after forgetting something, messing up, hurting someone, or sinning against God. And we may ask others for a second chance or give them a second chance.  But, without doubt, we serve a God of second chances and countless chances. 

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10 Wonderful Attributes to Describe Jesus

What are your favorite ways to describe Jesus?

I remember the first time I heard the name, Jesus, as a child. There is something about that name…about Him.

Since Christ brings us compelling qualities of life when we know Him as Savior and Lord, these central attributes also describe Jesus.

(1.) We describe Jesus as love.

True Love defined means, Jesus. Our lack of love from people never makes the Love of Christ less true. 

Instead, we are loved the way He says we are loved: Love lays down His life for me (John 15:13); perfect Love drives out my fear (1 John 4:18-19), and He redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with Love (Psalm 103:4).

(2.) Jesus is mercy.

God sent Mercy from the throne room of heaven to take our place. Beaten, bruised, and pierced with nails, Mercy’s blood spilled on a cross. And Mercy bestowed forgiveness on us to cover our sins.

God sent #Mercy from the throne room of heaven to take our place. Beaten, bruised, and pierced with nails, Mercy’s blood spilled on a cross. And Mercy bestowed forgiveness on us to cover our sins. Share on X

“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 (ESV)

(3.) Peace describes Jesus.

Peace means the absence of war and conflict and a state of rest. Perhaps we hear Christ referred to as the Prince of Peace.

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