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'Christ in You...'

    by Dale Krebbs

Paradise
Date Posted: December 13, 2020

We hear so much about Paradise today - it seems that when other glorious descriptions of places to live or places to go are not descriptive enough, the word "Paradise" is just what is needed, to get us to go, or purchase. Many locations on the earth have been described as a paradise. They may be mountains, seashores, or deserts. Exotic seclusions and opulent facilities and attractions are summarily called "a paradise". And so it seems for some. I reside in a desert. It is often called a paradise - the aromas of the desert in bloom at certain times of the year can remind me of a "paradise". In morning walks a walk through an area that I call my "Little Eden" because of its beauty. After acknowledging a particularly beautiful day to a neighbor, he said to me "that’s what we are here for isn’t it?". However, at other times it can remind some of that other place. It is very evident that many of the world’s inhabitants desire - almost desperately, to get to "Paradise". This is mostly limited to the financial means and ingenuity of the seekers.

For those who are successful in finding their particular paradise, the next question is what to do there, and with whom to do it. For some, it doesn’t matter - or so they think at first, since getting there occupies so much time and thought, and absorbs so much time and energy. Others have their social considerations built in with family and/or friends. So all is set for a dream life of pleasures of body and sight, depending of course on the monetary resources available. The often referred to "baby boomers" hope to be capable of starting the process at the earliest age of any in history.

Paradise is found. Now they can "can live happily ever after" - or can they. Do they?

There is nothing wrong with finding a little paradise on earth. However, often it just doesn’t seem to work out quiet the way they envisioned. And even for those who do seem to succeed to some degree in creating "the good life" for themselves, as they get older there begins to creeps into their subconscious the subtle realization that it cannot go on indefinitely - the reason may be financial, or other limiting factors such as relationships or health. Family and friends begin to move on to some other "paradise", or some will die and leave a void that no paradise can fill. And as is the way of all flesh - eventually paradise is lost (Ecclesiastes 1:1-9; 1 Kings 2:1-2).

Do you have plans for your life - plans for finding a kind of paradise somewhere? Is there or will there be someone there to share it with you? As with all future planning, much depends upon how early the plan is conceived and implemented. Sometimes the best laid plans are the same for mice and men (James 4:13-15).

I hope that you have or find a little of paradise in your life somewhere - as mentioned above this is not wrong. However, there is another Paradise that your Maker is already preparing for you - IF you REALLY desire it! The original Garden of Eden is the type now of a paradise to come when things will not go wrong! There will not be a Satan there to tempt and deceive. And above all, those there will be perfected in character beyond the reach of being susceptible to sin and temptation (Hebrews 12:22-23). YOU CAN be one of them. It is truly your choice, as it is with all. God works with and in those who have believed in Jesus Christ, but He will not interfere with our choices. And not to choose is to choose. He wants us to live in a Paradise beyond anything that any human has ever envisioned or ever will envision (1 Corinthians 2:9). And for whom is it prepared? - those "who love Him"! And we should love Him because He loved us so much - first (1 John 4:16-19). Most would deeply desire to provide a paradise on earth somewhere for their loved ones to enjoy. But in this world now, it is rarely possible. God is a parent who DEEPLY loves us - so much that He is creating a Paradise for us to live in for eternity! He deeply loves you, no matter who you are, or what you have done or not done! In order to find a "paradise" on this earth now, one must deeply want it, and be committed to finding it! So it is with the Paradise eternal. Jesus Christ HAS ALREADY PAID for your dwelling place and your stay there!

One of the most pleasant aspects of finding a little of paradise on earth is the joy of sharing it with others. Isn’t there someone that has been a part of your life in the past that you would like to see again? Many of family and friends from that past I long to see again. Most of them did not find a paradise located on this earth - but they have one sealed, certain, and paid for by Jesus Christ. There will be nothing but acceptance, love, kindness, joy, and pleasures forever in this Paradise (Psalm 16:11)! There will be no letdowns, boredom, tiredness, hatred, violence, anger, frustrations, or evil or unpleasantness of any description. There is indication in God’s Word that we will be extremely active, accomplishing; perhaps even building, even creating - and we will have all of eternity to do it! God is an accomplishing, building God. He is extremely active beyond all that we can imagine at this time. At that time, there will be "time" no more. Timing will not be a number one issue anymore. In the world, time can mean everything or nothing. Many find that they do not have the TIME to find their paradise on earth. We are time conscious - all the time.

In this world now, you may not have a choice as to where you live, or where, or IF you retire - you could not have the time. Choose the Paradise that is available now (Luke 23:43). God gave the Apostle Paul a glimpse of it (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). Not only can you be there, you can have a VERY SPECIAL PLACE to live created there, just for you (John 14:1-3)! Paradise IS coming! You do not have to find it - it will brought to you.

Will you pass it by - while searching for another "paradise"?...

"THEN I saw a new sky (heaven) and a new earth, for the former sky and the former earth had passed away (vanished), and there no longer existed any sea. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, all arrayed like a bride beautified and adorned for her husband; Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine)" - Revelation 21:1-5

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

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Biography Information:
Dale Krebbs served as an Elder, preaching, counseling, and conducting Bible studies for over 25 years in Texas, California, and Arizona. He is now retired, lives in Arizona, and continues the study and research of Gods Word.