SNIPPETS OF HEAVEN

SNIPPETS OF HEAVEN

I went out to my backyard and started watering by hand. I sprayed the water way up into my tree to make rainbows. It was around 6 pm, a pleasant 70 degrees, the clouds were turning pink as the sun was setting, and it was perfectly still. Neighbors across the street were having a small get-together, children quietly playing and adults sitting at the table chatting. One father was holding his little baby, and everyone seemed to be having a nice time. Everything in that hour was so wonderful it felt like I was experiencing a snippet of heaven.

 

I really cherish those times when everything is good. I believe God wants us to have more of those sweet times here on earth. I know that we have work to do, difficult things to take care of, and oh so many decisions to make, and so many serious problems to solve. But I also know God has given us sweet moments of pure delight so that we can carry on with hope. Last night was one of those moments, and I feel refreshed today.

 

When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, he said:

 

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matt. 6:7-8).

 

Note that Jesus didn’t say, “Don’t ask for things because God already knows what you need.” Instead, Jesus said God knows what you need to ask for. Then Jesus goes on to tell his disciples a few things God knows we need, and snippets from heaven are among them.

 

Jesus continues:

 

“After this manner therefore pray ye: ‘Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth,’” [There it is!] “’as it is in heaven’” (v. 10).

 

Our God is in heaven. He knows how great heaven is, and God Himself wants us to experience His heaven, even if it’s only in snippets, here on earth! And not only that, but Jesus said that God says we need those experiences and those sweet times of heaven on earth. He knows we need it, and we are supposed to be asking Him for it. That’s what Jesus is trying to tell us about having a genuine relationship with the one true God, Who has chosen us to be His children.

 

We are to recognize our God as a loving Father who knows we need times of heaven on earth, and He’s got them to give us. So I’m praying for more times like last night for myself and beautiful gifts of times of heaven on earth for all of you, as you begin to ask Him in prayer for those experiences like Jesus instructed.

 

Love, Carolyn