Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 2, 2012
“ And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” 2 Corinthians 12:3-5
Can we still be caught up in the paradise of God’s heavenly presence? Or, are these eternal encounters only reserved for the exceptionally righteous saints of the past? Holy Scripture validates that there are still opportunities for anyone to be accepted by God and have access to the glorious riches of His grace. It is at the Lord’s discretion who He allows to hear those heavenly tones which are unable to be translated into man’s words.
On occasion the Lord graces His loved ones with special affirmations that create a most meaningful moment of intimacy. It is an experience of encouragement covered over with fingerprints of faith. This heavenly hug connects eternal reassurance to earthly insecurity. Almighty God’s affirmation has no rival in heaven or on earth, as His presence brings down bold belief and gratitude. It is in this secret place that He reveals the unspeakable.
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7
This third heavenly encounter eclipses where birds fly and astronauts explore, it is the spiritual stratosphere of the Lord’s paradise. A transcendent vortex of faith allows you to hold the tension of joy and grief simultaneously. Fear becomes the servant of faith and an incredible peace melts over your being, like hot liquid chocolate on an ice cream Sunday.
However, these special moments with your Master Jesus are a call to humility and discretion. When He honors you with heaven’s delectable delights, it is not an opportunity to glory in being selected; rather it’s with humble deflection, as you enjoy the indescribable. Like Paul, you may brag about someone else—though it’s you who has been holy affirmed. You can’t put into words the glory of God, so you gratefully glorify Him.
Most of all do not be surprised that suffering is a criteria for seeing the unseen. It is from your “thorn in the flesh” that your pride is checked and you desperately cling to Christ. Wisely support your spiritual experiences with the written word of God. Feelings fueled by your heavenly Father align with His truth. The Bible validates your authentic experiences. So, rest and rejoice in the Lord’s affirmation of your life—He has much more in store.
“Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your holy affirmation and my desire to steward it with humble discretion.
Related Readings: Genesis 32:22-32; Isaiah 6:1-6; 2 Peter 3:16; Revelation 1:9-11
Post/Tweet this today: Heavenly hugs connect eternal reassurance to earthly insecurity. #heaven #assurance
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Amen God is good always.
I thank God for people who are obedient to do his will. By doing so, you have released the voice of God to my very hungry heart. I have gone through so much in the past years that I don’t trust the still voice of God in me. Thank you for releasing this Word. It is the answer to a cry I made to God today. Thank you so much!