Head to the shore ...and find a lovely spot.

God is waiting on the other shore ...and He has prepared that spot for us.

What does that spot look like?

We may have a more clear discernment of what would "not" be in Heaven.

We'll get back to that ...let's instead look at the thousand year reign. When Jesus returns to earth to rule, will it be like Heaven on earth?

And what would that be like? Would highly coveted awards be presented to our present-day teachers who teach us all to be a peaceful and tolerant society? Probably not! By many of today's standards, Jesus would probably be called intolerant.

Don't get me wrong, Jesus assuredly will bring peace, but my understanding of it is that He will come at some time after a false peace. But isn't that partially what we are teaching in many of the schools ...a very peaceful and loving tolerance?

God tolerates much ...but all with the purpose of providing the true standard, evidenced by Jesus coming the first time; the high price being His death, in giving us life ...the correct life, eternally with Him.

But tolerance does "not" mean: joining in agreement; thinking everything is okay and acceptable ...when it is not! It should mean that you understand the worth of the person, and you feel it's worth continuing a friendship.

The definition of tolerance includes: The ability to lift up and bear that which may seem unbearable at times; to respect others without sharing their beliefs and practices; to maintain the ability to endure that which is not easy, while still resisting that which may be very easy to give in to; and to not so much accept, permit, or allow certain behaviors ...but to bear the burden of them, out of love.

Much of the political arena talks about and motivates towards ...change. Do we desire change?

What would that change look like?

At least, we, Christians are doing a good enough job ...aren't we?

So ...again, how do we imagine that Jesus' rule will look much different than the Heaven on earth we are trying to live today?

If Jesus is the head of everything in our lives today ...does that mean He is satisfied with the way everything is, and will not find reason to change anything?

Perhaps it would be meaningful to ask: Are we satisfied?

Or do you think perhaps that Jesus would just choose ...to choose His own administration?

"For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face ..." How many ways do we see through a glass darkly?

If Jesus took charge of the television and movie industry, would it be different than what we view today?

With the Holy Spirit of God living within us ...do we want change?

Isn't Jesus supposed to be ruling every area of our lives?

I have to admit, I can't sing the song "I Surrender All". I'm not there yet, and don't believe I ever will be ...in this life. Of course, we can't achieve all of what He desires for us to be ...but shouldn't we consider what that may be?

And shouldn't we want to create the kind of influence that would incline others to want to join the Kingdom of God?

So ...when Jesus really rules, wouldn't tolerance take on a new meaning? He tolerates us, not wrong behaviors. I believe he has no place for that! And since there is no place for certain things in Heaven, why are they holding such a place in our lives?

I think my parents did a good job raising me. My dad is no longer standing over me with a leather strap. I am married and have five children of my own. Do I continue to do many of the things my parents taught me, still in fear of the strap? No, the things I similarly do ...it's because I believe in their love, and respect what they've taught me. And without hesitation, I can say those same things about my Heavenly Father, and I can confidently say I not only trust His loving ways, I also believe in every word, and should continually try to apply His Word to the areas that I have yet to apply to my life.

Having mentioned all that, it is well said that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Now, having said that, should we fear "end times" and His wrath, or do we trust His love?

But one more point is worth mentioning. How do we trust God's love? There are many ways, but I will list only a few:

A child that trusts God's love may be obedient out of a loving desire to do right.

A child may attempt to earn the love that's already there, through a desire to be continually affirmed over and over again.

A child may be disobedient, but trust God's love, and through prayerful confession, renew their committment towards showing a desire to more appreciate that love through repentance ...putting forth a sincere effort towards changed attitudes and behavior.

A child may trust God's love, not really concerning themselves with, or without really considering whether something is influentially right or wrong ...to us, or to anyone else. After all, God loves us all ...and He knows how we are, and loves each and every one of us.

The last example seems to cause much confusion, within and about that which God truly desires.

I wrote a book entitled, "The Evolution of Confusion," which can only be found (on line) under my name ...or through me. I quoted the Bible as saying the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; and through my reading and life's experiences, I realize and wrote, "love finishes the race".

I personally feel we shouldn't take that love lightly! I know God's love covers our multitude of sins. And I don't believe we fall back and forth, in and out of salvation. Salvation is through Jesus, not anything we do. But I think it is very sad what we often do. And what we often do is confuse those who don't know the truth about Jesus. Someone may ask, "Oh, come on now, how really pressing is that?" Well, every person has another "end time" ...and we don't know when that will be either.

With our present-day wisdom, let us not underestimate the criticalness of the dangers before us. We are way too vulnerable to our diminishing faith, creating our own false hopes, and passing on to our children a simmering cauldron of confusion ...not merely bringing on apathy, but more often rejection, resentment, and angry rebellion.

Instead of "righting" the boat ...they allow themselves to jump right in, looking to enjoy the swim. But death often awaits, in an unknown and unseen undercurrent, or the intertwined weeds near the shore. That may not seem fair or "right" ...but it happens!

Stay in the center of the boat ...and whenever it is that we are to make it to the other shore, let it be a peaceful journey.

And be able to trust the arrangements made for you ...there are many scams out there.