“God always makes His grace visible in Christ, who includes us as partners of His endless triumph. Through our yielded lives He spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (TPT)
This earth is but a vapor! As real and solid as it feels, it is simply a shadow, a mist that is here one minute, gone the next. This temporal reality called earth will soon be gone! The best of this world is nothing compared to heaven. Gold, as precious as it is here on earth, in heaven it’s what the streets are made of! I look forward to the sights and smell of heaven. We know that there are millions of colors, most of which our eye cannot discern, yet. I especially look forward to breathing in the pure air of heaven!
When I was a new follower of Christ I had an incident where I almost died. In the place where I was employed I breathed in a cyanide gas. Though obviously I am still around (praise God), it did scar my nasal passage which has caused me many issues since then. One has been my sense of smell. Though I can taste and smell (some) it has been greatly hindered. It is one reason I love extremely spicy, even fiery hot food, because I can taste it! In July 2020 I completely lost my ability to taste and smell (most likely thanks to Covid) for several weeks. Anyway, all that to say, I look forward to breathing in the amazing fragrance of heaven! Of course, the greatest thing will be we will no longer be veiled from Jesus and will see and worship Him as He is… the One who is worthy to open the scroll, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb that was slain for us, the Burning One, the Coming Bridegroom King … Yes, I truly, TRULY look forward to seeing Him and being with Him forever more!
Heaven is real! It is not just a fantasy, or a conspiracy theory! Pray that the reality of heaven would be made known to the world. Jesus told us that through our prayers we release heaven on earth (Matthew 6:10). He later told us that signs and wonders will accompany those who believe (Mark 16:17). A sign points to something, and in this case that sign is heaven. When we pray and God faithfully answers it with awesome deeds (Psalm 65:5a – NLT) that is heaven on earth! Heaven is not simply the alternative of hell. Heaven is where God dwells, a real place that has been prepared for His people, the ones who profess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). There is no other way to the Father and heaven but through Jesus (John 14:6). Please pray for the one billion soul harvest that has been prophesied. Pray, by name, for your neighbors who do know Jesus yet. Ask God to release signs and wonders through those who believe in Him in Athens! Pray that every person in our city would receive the invitation to follow Jesus and to prepare a way for their eternity in beautiful reality called heaven. Ask God to allow you, your church and other believers across our city to be a sample of the fragrance of heaven, as your life spreads the fragrance everywhere you go!
