Mirrored tranquillity as mist settles over the upper lake at Glendalough

Lake Glendlough Co Wicklow (Ireland where else)

Gentle Reader,

Well Marti, my wife, was feeling better and we started our continuing Bible study I am teaching us through the Bible. We are at The books of Thessalonians .

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, (teaching for what true)for reproof, (convicting for what is false) for correction, ( for what is wrong) for instruction in righteousness,(for what is right) 2 Timothy 3:16.

As you look at the New Testament you will find that after the Gospels (which complete the Old Testament you have the Book of Acts (History ) Then the book of Romans (which is our Doctrinal and instructions book teaching about Justification and the cross) and its two commentaries Corinthians (Reproof-Practical failure not seeing the standing as having died and risen with Christ) and Galatians (a Book of Correction- Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Romans. "Leaven" in doctrine)

We have moved past the Book of Ephesians our 2nd Doctrinal and instruction book which teaches the Mystery of God (always hidden, never before revealed. Individual Jews and Gentiles gathered out and made "one new man" in Christ "the body of Christ" Seated in heaven with Christ.

Of course than we have 2 Commentaries Philippians (which is a book of "reproof" Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Ephesians in showing the "mind of Christ" and Colossians a book of "Correction" Doctrinal failure The failure of not seeing their completeness and perfection in Christ. But you knew all of that didn't you Gentle Reader?

So as I was saying Thessalonians we just finished which is about heaven another book of doctrine (teaching ) and instruction No reproof, no correction all praise and thanksgiving A typical church

Where is heaven "Where Christ is there is heaven" Look around you Gentle Reader, Christ is in me and now you know why I talk about Grace so much. All Christians carry about the Spirit of the Living Christ with them and we are all connected on a level that only God can maintain. Too deep for you? Well gentle reader I haven't even scratch the surface What is heaven like? look at the picture and magnify that 10 to the ten millionth times ten million times. Ireland for me is just a taste of what heaven is like.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

For me Gentle Reader, Ireland is what heaven will be like! How about you? Where is your heaven?

Remember, Gentle Reader, that God has prepared a place for you!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (Book of John Chapter 14)

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is Victory.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving
silence, that is victory.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility -- and endure it as Jesus endured, that is victory.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any regiment, any interruption by the will of God, that is victory.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is victory.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, or question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, that is victory.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is victory.

I believe in You Gentle reader, you are a victor and so am I (we are just not there yet).

Denis Your ticket has been paid for (oh no, don't thank me I 'm just here to deliver it to you)