Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Before the creation of the universe, there was God. Before the creation of the world, there was a spiritual realm. Everything we see and experience was first imagined in the heavenly realms.

The permanent dwelling place of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is more real and more enduring than the physical universe we live in. Everything we know, originates from that spiritual dimension.

Many miss this fundamental truth that spirit precedes the physical. Not only that but the spiritual realm is closer than we can imagine even if we can’t sense it.

We are even told that some our abilities are a gift from that very place. Paul tells the Christian family that, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

We are so loved by God, that he breaks through the proverbial wall between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm to give his family (us) gifts and talents to encourage one another in faith.

We are loved because “God is love.” 1John 4:8b. The spiritual realm, heaven, The Kingdom of God contains one overriding principal and feeling: love.

The more we love, the closer we are to our destiny and open to a deeper spiritual connection to that realm. The love we foster now prepares us for our future and creates deeper connection today.

One of the things Jesus did by dying on the cross, was to purge hate from our lives. Hate is a form of sin. Hate also gives birth to sin. Jesus’ death can remove hate from our lives if we are open to his graceful love.

As I reflect on Jesus’ death, I also see his willingness to give up his physical life because his spiritual life continues on and it is greater and more wonderful than life here in this realm. In a quiet way, Jesus’ death and resurrection reminds us to not be afraid of “moving on.”

To emphasize this, Jesus told us quite clearly, “I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3

One day, we will go to be with God… to a place where the universe began: the spiritual realm. A place of love.

I will do all I can to strengthen my love for others and for Jesus so that I can strengthen my connection to Jesus and the place I will eventually call my forever home.

It is easy to be distracted by earthly things like hate and anger. Those things only serve to pull us away from the source of life. Animosity and irritation sever the connection with Jesus and the Communion of Saints who are cheering us on in love even as you read this!

Keep focused on what is already surrounding us even if you can’t see it. Stay attentive to the love that is available to you right now from all corners of heaven including friends and loved ones who have gone before you.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

God bless,
Pr. Ben