play_arrow
Premier Christian Radio Your voice of hope!
Matthew 6:10 NLT
‘May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.’
I remember a great old saint called Alex Buchanan speaking on the subject of anticipating heaven. When I first heard this title, I was young and somewhat bemused over its relevance. As I’ve grown older, its relevance has become ever clearer.
Initially, I only thought in terms of heaven as a destination. I’ve discovered heaven is the present reality of God now, a presence I am to encounter, enjoy and reveal to others. In this prayer, Jesus teaches that God is in heaven while we are to pray to ensure the reality of heaven impacts the world in which we live.
The desert fathers were taught to retreat into their cells to pray, much as Jesus taught we are to pray in private, shutting the door behind us. Now, while each of these monks had an actual, physical cell, they soon learned that they were in reality akin to snails, carrying their cell upon their back. They could withdraw from all that surrounded them and enter the very presence of God whatever circumstance they found themselves in.
In reality, we are only ever a small step away from the presence of God. While there are distinct advantages of retreating to some monastic idyll for a day or so, the stillness and silence of prayer helps me to ponder God’s wisdom and know the presence of the Divine. So heaven is, in fact, the kingdom, for it is where the presence and will of God are exercised, regardless of the pressures that seek to distract and distort God’s rule.
Discerning that my life hinges upon God’s provision, I discover how to cross the threshold of heaven and walk alongside God at any moment on any day. I begin to anticipate that for which I am created and live as a follower of Jesus, revealing the kingdom that is always among us. I need to look within so that I can live outward in obedient worship and service of God.
QUESTION: How can you practise the presence of God in the middle of a busy day?
PRAYER: Lord, wherever I am, may your kingdom come.
Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham It seems like barely a minute goes by without the newspapers reporting a new fad diet, celeb cleansing craze or something similar. However, what about cleansing our soul?Pastor Jo Naughton popped in to speak to Inspirational Breakfast about her '30 Day Detox for Your Soul'. Toxic mindsets, influences and attitudes all have an impact on our our self-esteem and our relationship with God. How can […]
