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In Heaven

My grandmother made a journey in a covered wagon from Kansas City back to Illinois when she was a baby. During the westward expansion of America, her parents, like so many other pioneers, endured many hardships and dangers along the trail. Their dream and hope of free land and a new start in the west spurred them on. Some proclaimed their determination to cross the formidable Rocky Mountains with placards on their wagons. One such sign read, “Pike’s Peak or Bust!”

Like the pilgrims and pioneers of early America, multitudes throughout the centuries have traveled with hope and determination toward a new and eternal promised land called “Heaven”. There are many obstacles, dangers, and enemies to discourage and deter weary pilgrims from reaching heaven’s shore. But the hope and assurance of heaven spurs them on.

In the classic book The Pilgrim’s Progress John Bunyan wrote one of the greatest allegories in any language about the journey to heaven. In allegory form he describes various entrapments and obstacles encountered on the trek to heaven – “The Slough of Despair”; “Vanity Fair”; “The Wicket Gate”. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13-14 that, “straight” is the way and “narrow” is the gate and few find their way to heaven. But he taught us what equipment was needed to complete our journey to heaven – repentance, faith, and prayer. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray to “Our Father in Heaven” (read Matthew 6:9).

Eighty-five percent of Americans say that they believe in heaven. Most of those believe that they will go to heaven when they die. If that is the case, wouldn’t they want to know about their home in heaven? Wouldn’t you want to communicate daily with your heavenly father? Consider some reasons why we should pray daily to our Father in heaven.

First – Consider the PERSON IN HEAVEN. God is the creator of heaven and earth. The Word of God reveals that He is holy, the Almighty, faithful and true, compassionate, good, and merciful. He has the character of the perfect father. (Read Psalm 103.) He always cares, listens, and loves us enough to discipline us for our good.

When we think about heaven, it is not the mansions, streets paved with gold, or any of the other glorious things that should be our main focus – but the person of heaven – God. (Read Revelation 4.) One day we will behold Him. (Read I John 3:2.) You cannot wait until you die to talk to him. You must do it now. (Read Isaiah 55:6-7 and Revelation 3:20.) What a privilege it is to pray to our Father in heaven daily.

Second – Consider the PLACE OF HEAVEN. God’s throne is in heaven. (Read Psalm 11:4, Isaiah 6:1-7, and Revelation 5.) In heaven “little one’s”, angels, behold God’s face. (Read Matthew 18:10.) The Lord is preparing a place for each one of his children in the Father’s house – heaven. (Read John 14.) In heaven Jesus makes intercession to the Father on our behalf. (Read Hebrews 7:25.) Heaven is a place of beauty, holiness, joy, glory, and worship to the Lamb of God. Heaven is a place where God’s will is always done. It is a place where we can lay up our treasures without fear of loss and reap eternal dividends. (Read Luke 12:33.)

Third – Consider the POWER and PROVISION OF HEAVEN. All of the power in heaven is at our disposal through faith and prayer. Jesus promised that whatever we ask the Father in his name would be granted. (Read John 16:23, 26-27.) Jesus gave authority to “bind” and “loose” according to the power of heaven. (Read Matthew 18:18.)

God sits in heaven and laughs at the foolishness and futility of men who scorn Him. God rides through the heavens in power. (Read Psalm 2:4; 68:33-34.)

Paul assures us that God “shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). As we pray to “Our Father in heaven”, Jesus reminds us to give glory and thanks to God – “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” (Matthew 6:13).

Fourth – Consider the PRIVILEGE OF HEAVEN. The word of God teaches us that through faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we are born into his family, adopted as his son or daughter, and become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Read Ephesians 1:5; 3:14-15, and Romans 8:17.) We will have the privilege of ruling and reigning with Christ. (Read Romans 5:17 and II Timothy 2:12.) What a privilege to see God’s kingdom advance and come on earth through the prayers of the saints – his children. (Read Matthew 6:10-11.)

Fifth – Consider the PROMISE OF HEAVEN. My grandmother traveled in a covered wagon. The pioneers had a hope of a new land. Later in life, my grandmother was covered by the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross for the sins of the world. She had, by faith, the promise of heaven and through prayer to our Father in heaven, claimed the promises and provisions of God.

You can have daily fellowship with our Father in heaven through repentance, faith, and prayer. Do you have the hope and blessed assurance of heaven? Receive his gift of salvation today.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

by: Cliff Sanders