Like Little Children / Heaven Is Here

Today's RST is based on a quote from Max Lucado's "And The Angels Were Silent"...

"Oh, for the attitude of a five-year-old! That simple uncluttered passion for living that can't wait for tomorrow. A philosophy of life that reads, 'Play hard, laugh hard, and leave the worries to your Father.' A bottomless well of optimism flooded by a perpetual spring of faith that washes over the light and temporary scrapes and bumps. Is it any wonder Jesus said we must have the heart of a child before we can enter the kingdom of heaven? [Jesus said] "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3"

The phrase "the kingdom of heaven" reminded me of a quote of Ellen White's (from her book "The Desire Of Ages") that states that heaven isn't merely some far-off abstract concept but a tangible, practical, very real benefit that we can have right here and right now as a result of choosing His Way over our own.

"Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest. The Lord says, 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.' Isa. 26:3. Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory...As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here. We respond to His invitation, 'Come, learn of me,' and in thus coming we begin the life eternal."

You've been prayed for today...