I find it wonderful when in conversation with someone as with my mother yesterday on her birthday, there is in the air something like a taste of heaven. This happens among us in Jesus when we enjoy each other's company, and especially so when we're together to meet before the Lord. Of course by grace and through the Spirit we're always living in God's presence.
Sadly in this life we can experience a taste of hell, as well. I think of sins of the tongue here. Of course both the good and the bad begin in the heart. We think unworthy thoughts of others, maybe with some truth in them though surely distorted. And sooner or later if we don't deal with such thoughts through repentance and prayer, we find ourselves acting and speaking from them.
The grace found in Jesus is what can make the difference here. It is a grace which by faith realizes that in Christ our own sins have been forgiven, and God therefore deals with us in love as God's dear children. And so we are to see others in Jesus in the same way, as those of our family in Jesus. And look at those outside of Jesus as ones for whom Christ died. And who are invited through Christ to join us.
What would you like to say about this?
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10 comments:
Ted,
Wonderful post for us all.
My mother came down for spring break and we spent time one on one and had experienced a taste of heaven as we talked about God and what he was doing in our life and how good he is and continues to be. Then I find myself in extreme pain and mood swings where there has been taste of hell as I have said and done things that I regret. I get frustrated and tired of it. I pray and pray for God's help. I want a constant taste of heaven wether it be from God or others. I do see God working and am pleased. Thank you so much brother for dealing with this topic. It means so much to my life and helps me pray even more and more for that taste of heaven. Even though we endure such pain in life God is always good.
I would like to ask you and your readers to stop by my blog and give a word of encouragement or prayer as I am facing health problems yet again and will be undergoing tests over the next several months. I will have the new post up by 5 or so.
Thank you again for all you do brother. God richest blessings on you and your family.
It is so true Ted - our words can minister life or death, a taste of heaven or one of hell.
You know, I had some thoughts and I just erased them becasue they were too huge and too raw... so, yep ya got me thinking again, Thanks now I can go weed and plant and mull.
happy birthday to your mom!
Kinney,
Thanks. I'll get to your post sometime very soon, and know that you're in my prayers. A project I'm working on right now, so am rather distracted.
Sorry to hear of your continued physical problems. We do need to keep each other in our prayers.
Susan,
Yes. So very true. Makes all the difference in the world, either or.
Lanny,
Always good to read your thoughts. Hope you got some good gardening done.
Nancy,
Thanks. I think she did have a good day, though wish we could be there with her.
Ted, you articulate well that dynamic we feel in both directions of the power of the tongue and the presence of an individual. Would that we live fully in the Kingdom in every relationship and bear fruit that gives life to one another. Bless you for calling it to our attention.
Andy,
Thanks. And thanks for your articulation of this. Good to hear from you again. And blessings on you and yours and on your ministry.
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