Animals in Heaven

Genesis 9:9 – “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you…”

God’s plan for a renewed Earth after the flood emphatically involved animals. Wouldn’t we expect his plan for a renewed Earth after the future 2^nd and final judgment to also included animals. If the rescue of mankind is the ark is a picture of redemption (I believe it is), doesn’t the rescue of the animals in the ark also anticipate their restoration as part of God redemptive purpose?

In 2 Peter 3:5-7, we see a direct parallel between God’s past judgment of the earth with water and his future judgment with fire. Mankind was judged in the flood, and on his coattails most animals also perished. Eight human beings were rescued fro the flood to inhabit the new post-flood earth, but God didn’t limit his rescue to people. He rescued representatives of every animal species to also occupy the post-flood – new earth.

This is a powerful picture of what Romans 8 states; “the creation waits in expectation…” --- mankind and animals and all creation are linked together not only in curse and judgment but also in blessing and deliverance. Together they experienced new life in the post-flood covenant and with Peter’s New Testament connection; there will be mankind, animals, and all creation in the New Earth of Eternity.

Selected humans, animals, vegetation, and geographical features (including mountains_ were preserved by God in his judgment by water. The burden of proof for the question of Animals in heaven falls not on the assumption that animals will be part of God’s New Earth, but on the assumption that they won’t be apart of the future heaven and earth. 

You know I love ya, Don

It's all about YOU! ... your willingness to value others.

A humble heart is discovered in valuing others. Any person of any age can increase their relationships with others if the person decides to find value in the others person. Paul says in 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Humble individuals seek to value those around them

Alicia thought she had the perfect fiancé. As she was getting to know Michael and his family, she was very impressed by how much his parents loved each other.
"They’re so thoughtful," Alicia said. "Why, your dad even brings your mom a cup of hot coffee in bed every morning."
After a time, Alicia and Michael were engaged, and then married.
On the way from the wedding to the reception, Alicia again remarked on Michael’s loving parents and his mom’s morning coffee in bed.
"Tell me," she said, "does it run in the family?"
"It sure does," replied Michael. "But you should know -- I take after my mom."

A Person that is united with Jesus, values others in their relationships. A humble person recognizes that there is value in the other person, even if they don’t see eye to eye.

Do YOU value others? I Value you and you know I love ya, Don

To be known or not to be known...that is a great question!!!

Philippians 3:7-14 (English Standard Version)

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

That I may know Christ is a profound statement. I have been in an Ignatius of Loyal study of listening. Ignatius was a spiritual director and wrote a guide for spiritual development. These writings are known as the spiritual exercises. The unit I am currently developing in my listening to God is that God truly desires to know me and desires for me to know him. God has created me for the purpose of relationship, but more than a relationship, God truly wants to live with me and allows me to live with him. The same truth is offered to you.

Paul was satisfied with Jesus Christ but He was not satisfied with his Christian life. To many, Paul was a spiritual giant. However, he wanted them to know that he had not yet obtained his spiritual goals (v. 10). He was still actively pressing...straining... toward these goals. When Paul spoke of his gain he was referring credentials, credits and successes (vv. 7-8). He could beat the Judaizers at their own game  (being proud of who they were and what they had done) but it is the wrong game. We need to be careful of considering past achievements so important the they get in the way of our relationship with Christ. Paul gave up everything (family, friendship and freedom) in order to know Christ and His resurrection power (vv. 9-11).

Many Christians are self-satisfied because they compare their life with that of other Christians. If Paul had compared himself with others, he would have been tempted to be proud and perhaps to let up a bit. Instead Paul compared himself with himself and with Jesus Christ! He had not arrived at perfection (v. 12), but he is striving for maturity (v.13), and one mark of that maturity is that he is not perfect.

Paul pursued Christ likeness with the enthusiasm and persistence of a runner. Vigorously and with concentration Paul sought to win the prize to which God had called him. He kept his eyes on the goal and he refused to let anything distract him (v. 14).

It does not matter what my age or where I am in my Christian walk,  I am running to win and have a goal of finishing well for the Lord through "straining" to reveal myself in relationship with him and then accepting the revelation of God in my own life.

You know I love ya,
Don

Life Patterns - helping others

I just returned from the National Church Music Conference. Many conferees are mentors of mine and great professors that have added to my life in ways the words could never do justice to. I had the privilege of receiving degrees from Hope International University (Pacific Christian College) and Johnson Bible College. I also grew up in church and the most important and influential educational gift was growing up in a Godly home. Mom and Dad were very dedicated to the Lord and demonstrated that for us with love.

Its amazing how many people feel all alone and don't have someone to pattern their life after. They may not have had a good mother or father figure as a strong example. These people never took a moment to realize there is something to learn from everyone. It is even possible that even in church settings people get over looked and fade into the shadows.

You may be one of these people. Your life may not be what you had dreamed and probably some mistakes along the way made you feel isolated and alone. You may be thinking, "How can I help someone else when I'm so messed up and no one ever helped me."

First and foremost, I suggest that you start filling yourself up with Jesus. Take time to read His Word, listen to teachings, play worship songs, and pray. Don't wait until Sunday to have encounter with God. To many people may get in the way at church...especially if you are looking to build a mentor relationship with your Heavenly Father. Church is a great place to start, but a true relationship is everyday. With God, we never are alone and HE NEVER ALLOWS US TO FADE INTO THE SHADOWS!

Jesus knew loneliness and Jesus knows what it means to be rejected. When you allow Him to be your best friend, then He will also burst forth out of you. You will have opportunity and unique situations that will allow you to share in friendships and relationships that are God driven. He will be all that comes out of you. What a great God we serve....I am a Friend of God!

I am grateful for our friendship through this blog and you know I love ya - Don

Consequences of Unforgiveness

The Following is from my daily devotions. It is too good to keep to myself. I am praying God's blessings for you today.

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. - Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)

Scripture stresses the importance of pardoning those who have offended us. While it may feel natural to pull away from hurtful people, refusing to forgive has consequences far worse than the pain of being wronged.

Unforgiveness...
1. Harms family interactions. Have you ever tried to maintain a growing relationship with an individual who's rooted in bitterness? You can't do it, because that person is fixated on his/her unhealthy feelings about someone else. Moreover, it's hard to spend time with anyone consumed by bitterness, because such people simply cease being likable.
2. Hinders prayer life. Unforgiveness is sin, and unconfessed sin creates "static" in our relationship with God. So we must forgive others before prayer or worship (Matt. 5:23-24).
3. Damages one's personal witness. The highlight of your testimony is salvation, which centers around the truth that the Lord has forgiven all your sins. How can you stress the importance of this if your listener can't see even a hint of forgiveness in your life?
4. Thwarts spiritual growth. God will not bless sinful actions. And so, if you are living a life mired in unforgiveness, you cannot expect Him to shower you with His blessings. By persisting in disobedience, you disrupt intimate fellowship with the Lord and put yourself in a dangerously weak position with God.

Is there anyone you need to forgive today? Don't let another moment pass without granting that forgiveness. there is more at stake than you may have realized. Not to mention, you are only hurting yourself.

You know I love ya - Don