God’s holy dwelling place is in heaven (Deut 26:15; 1 Kings 8:30). In our Father’s house there are many mansions. This is where a place will be prepared for us (Jn 14:2). His kingdom will be in the highest heaven (Mk 11:10). That’s why it’s wise to store up your treasures in heaven (Mt 6:20). There’s nothing more desirable (Ps 73:25). For there lies God’s throne with the earth as his footstool (Isa 66:1). Let God’s Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (Ps 119:105).

Christian author Joyce Meyer (b. 1943) said, “Many people feel so pressured by expectations of others that it causes them to be frustrated, miserable and confused about what they should do. But there is a way to live a simple, joy-filled, peaceful life, and the key is learning how to be led by the Holy Spirit, not the traditions or expectations of man.” Some traditional expectations are detrimental to us. This is what we can expect in our worldly lives. There are however blessings and gifts on the horizon. Just believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we’ll begin to taste the joyfulness of our life to come.

These benefits require preparation on the part of Christians. Gautama Buddha (563/480–483/400 BC), founder of Buddhism reminded us: “However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do if you do not act upon them.” Buddha was clear about the lack of these gifts. For if we don’t believe in his divine message, by letting them pass us by, we’ll be failing to develop the right graces in living out the Scriptures.

People Trust Knowledge

In our societies some people glorify knowledge. We often hear it said, “Get an education. You’ll go places.” A German professor of theology and priest Martin Luther (1483–1546) put it bluntly when he warned: “I am afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures and engraving them in the hearts of the youth.” To live heavenly lives we have to pursue an education that’s the best. We can only learn this information when it’s the truth of divine love. That’s why reading the Bible, meditating, and praying to understand the Word is so vital.

That’s why it’s important to serve. We should therefore ask ourselves, “What’s my mission?” “Do I have a special vocation?” Christopher Columbus (1451–1506), an Italian explorer and navigator wrote, “No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of the Savior, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His Holy service.” Columbus did just that when he discovered the New World. Although some may disagree, his main thrust of that exploration was serving Spain and promoting the Catholic faith.

Heavenly Gifts

To be fruitful we have to realize the Sabbath day is holy. James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remarked, “Keeping the Sabbath day holy is much more than physical rest. It involves spiritual renewal and worship.” Listed in the Ten Commandments believers shouldn’t shirk their responsibilities of disobeying God’s Word. In some ways people don’t acknowledge this key teaching.

Presently, some realize what it means to love and have true friendships. Christians today experience glimmerings of heavenly gifts in their worldly lives. Charles Caleb Colton (1780–1832), an English cleric and writer said, “Friendship, of itself a holy tie, is made more sacred by adversity.” On earth we certainly continue to bear the brunt of adversity – sickness, pain, calamity, and disaster. But in the world to come these adversities will be no more, for there will be perfect peace and happiness.