One Glimpse

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One Glimpse 1

November 19, 2007. Mustard Seed Thoughts

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 2 Peter 1:16 NIV

Peter would never be the same. As Peter wrote the letter our Bible titles 2 Peter, he was an old man. He had walked on water, seen Jesus crucified, saw the empty tomb, and witnessed Jesus suddenly appear in the upper room even though the doors were locked. He ate fish with Christ after the resurrection! He had suffered for his faith and become a Christian martyr. Yet, this single incident, up on the mountain, sticks out most clearly in Peter's mind.

You remember the story, Peter, James and John accompanied Jesus to the mountain. The Lord Jesus transformed before their eyes into His glorious form. There they saw Moses and Elijah. Peter was so excited, he offered to build a tent for Jesus and the two saints. (I'm not sure where Peter planned to sleep.) There was something about seeing Jesus in this way, in getting a glimpse of what Heaven would be like, that made Peter want to stay. Now, as an old man, Peter still remembers that day.

We'll talk about that experience over the next couple of days, but until then, let me leave you with this thought: What Peter saw that made him so excited, that he never could get off of his mind, even in his dying days, is what you and I, and all Christians, have to look forward to someday. And, if we can just get a glimpse of Heaven today, we, like Peter, will have a never forget it. It will become the goal of our life, as it had become for Peter.

Ask God for a glimpse of Heaven today!

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One Glimpse 2

November 20, 2007. Mustard Seed Thoughts

For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." 2 Peter 1:17 NIV

Peter remembered the time on the mountain with Jesus like no other time in his life. It had become a passion for him, giving him courage to face the trials of life, because he knew that he would one day see his Jesus again, face to face.

Imagine the thrill in Peter's heart when he heard God's praise of Jesus. Sure he had seen Jesus perform miracles, he had even walked on water with Jesus, but to Peter, Jesus was also a good friend. Together they had no doubt fished, shared a few laughs, hung out with friends, attended a wedding, and fed a few thousand people. Peter knew Jesus was special, but now, here was God, the Creator, speaking from Heaven, assigning glory and honor to Peter's good friend Jesus. In the Old Testament days, very few had ever heard God's voice, now Peter not only hears God, but his friend gets the nod of approval! Do you think Peter respected Jesus a bit more from that day forward?

That mountain top experience changed Peter forever. So much was the change that Peter wants you and I today to know that Jesus is worthy of all your trust! Take it from Peter. He has seen the end, and it looks good!

Real good!

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One Glimpse 3

November 21, 2007. Mustard Seed Thoughts

We ourselves heard this voice that came from Heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:18 NIV

I love a good testimony. It gives me encouragement when I hear of God's goodness to others. The real proof, however, is when the testimony I hear is about me.

Peter is not sharing with you someone else's story of hearing God praise Jesus on the mountain. He heard it himself. He saw the radiance of the glory of God. No one had to tell him about it. God was real to him, because he witnessed Him personally!

Can I be real personal with you? I'm not a prophet. I am not a great theologian. I am not even a great writer or teacher. People consistently correct my punctuation or grammar. (I ain't sure why!) What I do have is a testimony! I can't share with you what God has done for others, as much as I can share with you what God has done for me!

I was lost, without hope, and then Jesus came into my life. I remember a revival service, 33 years ago. When the preacher gave the invitation I got up from my pew and headed down the aisle. Although I was only a few rows from the front, it seemed like a mile. I grabbed a hold of a pastor and said "I want to be saved." Since that day I have had many struggles, but God has delivered me from each one. I have found that He is a "Friend who sticks closer than a brother". I can't imagine my life without Him in it! I am looking forward to an eternity in Heaven with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I may not have all the answers to your questions, but I have a testimony, and that's good enough for me!

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One Glimpse 4

November 22, 2007. Mustard Seed Thoughts

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 2:19 NIV

As we take one final look at Peter's last letter, in which he talks about his mountain top experience with Jesus, Peter advises us to heed his call, and believe his testimony. He invites us to experience the joy he has from experiencing a God whose glory outshines all other gods.

The light of the world is Jesus. One day, perhaps very soon, that glory will be revealed. When God gives that final word, the dead in Christ shall rise, then we who remain will be "caught up", raptured, to meet the Lord in the air, and we shall be changed! (1 Thessalonians 4)

Can I hear an Amen?

Peter had a privileged one day experience to see that glory revealed.

Jesus invited Peter, James and John to accompany Him to the mountain. There, before their eyes, Jesus transformed into His glorified state.

Peter didn't see too much of it, but it was enough that he wanted to stay there forever. It was worth giving up everything else just to be there.

Peter wants his readers to be a part of that kind of experience. He wants us to look forward to Heaven, just as he did after the day on the mountain. He says "you will do well to pay attention" not because there was anything in it for him, but because it will make your life easier. Peter, as he continued to face the challenges of life after Jesus was no longer with him, even when his life was being threatened by the anti-Christians, had a confidence which kept him going. He had seen what the future held. He had seen Moses and Elijah experiencing the joys of eternal life. He had seen Jesus in His glorified state. It was worth waiting for. He now had hope! He now had a destination!

Do you have hope? Do you know your final destination? If there is any doubt in your mind; if life's struggles are getting you down, get ask God for a small glimpse of Heaven. What's to come will be worth the wait!

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One Glimpse 5

November 23, 2007. Mustard Seed Thoughts

This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die" Isaiah 38:1 NIV

It is a good thing Christians don't believe in omens and fortunes, because today's verse could be taken the wrong way. This was actually knews for Hezekiah. He was warned by the prophet that he would die. God actually gave him more time, but it was good to have advance warning.

All my life I have been told, however, that two things are certain in life; death and taxes. I think there is at least some truth to that saying. We are all certainly going to die. At least, I should say, these physical bodies we possess will not last forever.

Since that is true, what preparations have you made? I'm not talking about your will or your funeral plans (although it is good to have them in order as well). I'm talking about the most important step you must take to get your house in order. Where are you going to spend your eternity?

If you got pre-warning that you would die in 24 hours, how desperate would you be to insure you went to Heaven? Folks, most of us will not get advance warning, other than this: You are going to die. My advise is that you get your house in order!