Scripture for Today:   I Corinthians 2:9  “But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.”

I found this rock wall formation mysterious looking.  It marks the boundary on one side of a private community beach called Three Arch Bay in Laguna Beach, CA.  Through these openings one can see what is on the other side.  Of course, how much of what one sees depends on where one is standing.

The other side looks very much the same as the Three Arch Bay beach.  I can imagine that in the distant past there was no view of the neighboring beach.  But after centuries of the elements wearing away at the rock wall, we have a limited view of the other side.

In our verse today, no one has seen the “other side.”  No eye has seen, no ear has heard.  In fact, man has yet to imagine everything that the Lord is preparing for those who love Him.  Our imagination just can not grasp how wonderful heaven will be!  Our experiences and minds are just too limited to understand all that is ahead!

However, in Scripture, He does give us a little idea, a little glimpse.  The last chapters of Revelation give us a few descriptions of the other side.  When I read them I am left with more questions than answers.  But one thing is sure….it is all good!

I love the fact that the Lord is actually preparing  for my arrival!  (see also John 14:3)  Maybe He does not give me the details because He wants me to be surprised!  So for now, I trust in His love and preparations for “the other side.”

Scripture for Today:  I Corinthians 15:52 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.”

This Christmas decoration is just beautiful.  I imagine the idea is that the angel is announcing the birth of Christ.  It is a nice thought, though in fact there were no trumpets on the scene, at least recorded in the Scripture.  There was certainly a multitude of angels in the sky above the shepherds praising God, perhaps in song.

The trumpet in our verse today has a very special meaning.  Sounding it will signal the resurrection.  It does not say who will blow this trumpet, perhaps an angel, but it will be heard all over the world.  When it is blown, those believers who have died will receive their new incorruptible bodies.  Those believers still living at the time will also be changed.  Death will forever be swallowed up in victory!  What a day that will be!

Sometimes when I read in God’s Word about what is to come, I wonder how it affects me TODAY.  This passage about the resurrection and our new bodies has everything to do with today.   These words were written so that knowing this truth I stay steadfast, immoveable, and that I would always be about the work of the Lord (verse 58).  Looking towards the resurrection and eternity convinces me that my work for the Lord is never futile or in vain.

I enjoy all kinds of music and musical instruments.  But one day I will hear a trumpet sound that will  announce the end of time.  It will be the sweetest sound ever!

Scripture for Today:  I John 3:2  “Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

I remember these old fashioned polaroid pictures.  It was fun to be able to see the picture right away without waiting for the film to be developed.  Of course, with digital photography, one sees the image instantly.  But back in the day, there was a certain anticipation seeing the picture slowly come to life before one’s eyes.

In the spiritual realm, our lives are like that slowly developing photograph.  Those who belong to Jesus are God’s children.  We know we are His by the assurance of His Spirit.  He is our Photographer and He is slowly developing a certain image in us, the image of His Son.  One day, the photograph of our lives will be completed and the clear image of Jesus will be seen.

It is a long process lasting a lifetime.  The rate of development seems to change daily.  There are days where His image in me is clearer than in others.  Some days, the photograph is dark and fuzzy.  Those are the days I am not walking with Him.  He does not continue His developing work in me without my cooperation and obedience.

One day, His development in me will be complete.  He has promised this in Philippians 1:6.  When the work in me is complete, I will be like Him.  A more beautiful image will just not be possible!  What a fantastic hope this is!  When I think on this truth I am more motivated to cooperate with Him in obedience.  Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me today!