Bring Heaven to Us

 “A saving, though an immethodical knowledge of Christ, will bring us to heaven, John 17: 2, but a regular and methodical, as well as a saving knowledge of him, will bring heaven into us, Col. 2: 2, 3.”

― John Flavel, The Fountain of Life Opened, Or, a Display of Christ in His Essential and Mediatorial Glory Wherein the Impetration of Our Redemption by Jesus Christ Is Orderly Unfolded as It Was Begun, Carryed On, and Finished by His Covenant-Transaction

THEY SEE NO REASON

 People do not believe in God’s wrath; they think He is incapable of it. They listen to preachers everywhere tell them that God loves them unconditionally, and when they hear that, they see no reason to fear His wrath. R.C. Sproul

A Letter of John Newton

 "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows!" John 16:33

Dear friend,
You have lately been in the furnace--and are now brought safely out. I hope you have much to say of the grace, care, and skill of the great Refiner, who watched over you; and that you have lost nothing but dross. Let this experience be treasured up in your hearts for the use of future times. Other trials will come--but you have found the Lord faithful to His promise, and have good encouragement to trust Him again.

I doubt not, but you will have your share of trials; but when the love of God is shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit, it sweetens what bitter things the Lord puts into our cup, and enables us to say, "None of these things move me!"

Yes, the life of faith is a happy life, and
  if attended with conflicts--there is an assurance of victory;
  if we sometimes get a wound--there is healing balm near at hand;
  if we seem to fall--we are raised again; and
  if tribulations abound--consolations shall abound likewise.

Is it not happiness--to have an infallible Guide, an invincible Guard, an almighty Friend! To be able to say of the Maker of heaven and earth, "He is my Beloved, my Shepherd, my Savior, and my Husband!"

Oh the peace that flows from believing . . .
  that all events in which we are concerned, are under His immediate disposal;
  that the hairs of our head are all numbered;
  that He delights in our prosperity;
  that there is a need-be, if we are in heaviness, and
  that all things shall surely work for our good!

How happy to have such views of God's sovereignty, wisdom, love, and faithfulness--as will enable us to meet every painful dispensation with submission, and to look through the changes of the present life--to that unchangeable inheritance to which the Lord is leading us, when all evil shall cease, and where joy shall be perfect and eternal!

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!" Revelation 21:4

God Sees

  1 million is 0.0142857143% of 7 billion.  More than likely our lives will not directly (personally) impact even 1 million people;  which means over 99% of the population will know essentially nothing of our life on a personal level.  It stands to reason therefore, that our labors should be primarily towards God who does directly observe our labors.  Sure, the names of American Presidents are known by millions, but that doesn't mean they directly (personally) impact the people who know their name.  People are impacted by people the talk to daily, weekly in a home or church, or co-worker.  A good book may shape someone, but most of the stuff we read wears off in a month or two, we need that repeated guidance which comes from conversations, friendships that are given by a spouse, parent, or close friend.  Your faith and endurance will renew me much more than some book I read 9 years ago.  A book will not listen to my frustrations or struggles, but a spouse and parent will.  My final point is that we should labor diligently (not because mankind notices, because 99% will not notice) because God sees, and God knows our faith, love, and motive to glorify Him in that labor and ministry.