#christinyou

In Newfoundland, Labrador there is a historical lighthouse on the rocky coastal waters of Cape Spear. Cape Spear Lighthouse was built in the 1800’s and has been a Beacon of hope for quite some time. Actually, the Portuguese named this location–Cabo da Esperanca. The translation is “Cape of Hope” What a wonderful translation. What a beautiful lighthouse. We also have a Beacon of Hope, his name…

One of the most transforming revelations of my life has been realizing just how much heaven is already here because I already have Jesus.

And, not just the concept of Jesus, or the Sunday school answer, but the living tangible Presence of the Reality of the One, JESUS CHRIST! Actually feeling Him inside my body has changed everything.

I recently posted on social media asking the question, “What is the substance of heaven?” Or in other words, what makes heaven so heavenly? 

Do we think that someday when God takes us somewhere else and magically forces all the circumstances in our lives to go right that this will be heaven for us?

So many people are waiting to die and go to heaven. I even meet Christians who think that if they could just die, then all their problems would be over. But, maybe we forget that there are people on this planet for whom almost every circumstance does go right. Many of the super rich can pay to have their problems taken care of in almost every way. Yet, still the famous actor Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”

Paul the apostle was knocked off his ass and awakened to the answer above all answers. He shares it in Philippians:

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:11-13)

Paul had learned the secret! There is a secret of happiness, satisfaction, and contentment beyond all outward circumstances. It’s why the book of Philippians is all about rejoicing, even though Paul was in prison as he was writing.

When we read that passage from Philippians four, we may not immediately realize what He is pointing to. But, as we look closer, we can see two simple words which constitute the entirety of the secret of contentment. “THROUGH HIM,” is the simple secret of all things, or to put it even more simply, just “HIM.”

Paul knew what it was like to KNOW and EXPERIENCE the real Jesus in daily life!

This sounds all too simple and basic for most Christians, for most humans. But, dear God… This is why we minister. This is why we live. This is why I’m drunk on Love!!! God wants us to be happy, and to experience the substance of heaven NOW! Yet, so many are caught up too busy looking elsewhere to notice…

The best part of heaven is already here! Jesus Christ lives inside of you!!!

The heart of our ministry at The Fire House Projects, to make people aware of Christ in them, that they would never miss a moment of heavenly life, here, now, AND in every age to come!

We continue to debunk lies that people believe about waiting for some great day in the future, or wishing that they had some better circumstance before they can be happy; rather we point to the substance of His Glory burning and dancing within and all around everyone now!

We are also encouraging folks to live in communities where the Presence of Jesus is valued in the here and now, and in real easy-going, life giving relationships, and in regular rhythms of present Jesus (not absent Jesus) worship and contemplation.

Jesus never preached about the kingdom “now and not yet.” He only preached that the kingdom of heaven is at hand! It’s still as fresh as ever in my mind the moment I first realized Jesus’ Gospel from Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15. All the years of waiting for some great revival, or some great move of God just vanished, and I was instantly and immediately AWARE of the Glory of Jesus everywhere… It’s still hard to describe how satisfied and content I am, just feeling Him constantly near…

The Glory of God still feels like ten thousands suns of love and drunken joy burning and enveloping me at the same time… Troubles may come, but I have HIM. There is no other satisfaction my friends. You have Him, He has you! The rest of heaven is simply icing on the cake. We HAVE God in our beings!

John 14:20 - “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”