Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

I am a corrections officer. I was riding down the road one day recently with a co-worker. We were transporting inmates on a return trip from the hospital. We have an agreement amongst the officers: one leg of the trip an officer chooses the music and on the other leg the other officer chooses it. That way it is fair.
I had already had my turn on the way up so it was my partner's turn to choose. She was listening to some ungodly mess. I turned my head towards the window and closed my eyes in an attempt to tune it out.
Immediately, I saw clouds. I began to travel through them and came upon a gate made of pearl. It was open.
I went through the gate and turned to see it soundlessly closing behind me. When it closed, a most remarkable thing happened: I no longer cared about ANYTHING.
It didn't matter if it was sunny or rainy.
It didn't matter if the grass was green, brown or non-existent.
I didn't care if I had shoes on my feet or if my socks matched.
How much money was in the bank didn't matter nor if there were any bills coming/due/paid/past due/power being cut off, etc.
Nothing in this world mattered any longer.
My heart felt like it was going to come out of my chest. I began to cry as the cares lifted completely off of my shoulders for the first time. I had never felt this before.

All I wanted to do was to find Him.
I began looking for Him and in my excitement, I opened my eyes only to see the rear of a semi in front of me.
The tears were still rolling down my face as the cares returned in full force.

I saw a glimpse of heaven.
Why would anyone want to miss that?

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

I don't want to in any way dimish your experience, so please don't think that I am in any way belittling it...

With that said, I turn to your last question. What makes you think that anyone DOES want to miss heaven? You think the majority of people that you think are not saved, wake up and say "Wow, I'm so glad that I don't have to mess with that salvation stuff, nope, I sure am glad that I will get to fry for all eternity?"

I have in my life, met very few people who believe that they are going to hell when they die. The majority of them believe they are going to heaven. Myself included, (and I am most likely the only person here that thinks so ;) )

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Beatiful, Bro. Dooley. Just beautiful. Spiritual experiences like this are priceless.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Since when does who "I think are not saved" come into my post? I never said that and your inferrence of it is insidious at best.
Further, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that some people are deliberately doing just that. Remember the song "Highway to Hell"? That is not about people who want to go to heaven, but are active in their avoidence thereof, whatever the reason.
All I did was share an experience. I am truly sorry that you did not share it with me.
Maybe you could reconsider the tone of your post and stop making accusations and inserting what you THOUGHT happened and see my post for what it truly is, my personal experience.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Sounds great to me!
I want to go there!

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Not quite! :)

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

What makes you think that he was insinuating that others didn't want to go? I didn't read that in his post, did you?

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Oh, I don't know about that. Truth is, I hope we all make it, including me!

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Sigh....

I thought my disclaimer in my post would be enough to make it known that I was in no way criticizing or belittling your experience. I was actually sincere in my musings, and just sharing the thoughts that your last question brought to mind.

That was not at all my intent, in fact, that is why I was careful to state that before hand.

Beyond that, all I can state is that anytime in my post that I used the word "You" I was speaking of the Rhetorical You, and not Rev Dooley, specifically.

In regards to the "highway to hell" people, I humbly submit the thought that to their view of "hell" i.e. being able to do whatever they want with no consequences, is in reality their warped view of what a "heavenly" eternity would be like.

Again, I apologize for upsetting you. I was simply sharing my musings about what I viewed as a philosopical question.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

All is well. Philosophical in what way, if I may ask?

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

The question "Why would anyone want to miss that?" implies that there are people, who do in fact, not want to go. Like I said, I really wasn't in ANY way criticizing his post or his experience, I was simply sharing my thoughts about that last little question.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

I think that there are folks out there who do not want to go. I also think that there are those out there who say they don't want to, but down inside they do if the truth were known.
My question was more on the lines of personal musing than philosophy. I rarely delve into those tricky waters since they are so full of conjecture and hyperbole.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

LOL, those are the only waters I'll swim in. I won't go near doctrine or theology or scripture interpretation. (Especially since I don't believe in most of it, and people get tired of hearing that from me, LOL), but I enjoy a good philosophical "what if".

But I have no desire to cause offense, so I will bow out and allow the topic of this thread to veer more towards your experience.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Don't get me wrong. I took philosophy in college. Learned a lot about myself and my own inward feelings. That was not a bad thing in and of itself.
The leanings of philosophy and what is planted as a result of the study does tend to cause more (IMO) confusion than a person needs. I feel that there is enough of that out there already without adding fuel to the fire.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Did the other guy see you cry?

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

It was a lady Coop, and he said he turned his head toward the window so maybe she didn't.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

I sure don't want to miss.

A song comes to my mind. "I'm making preparations for my final home." Can't remember all the words to it.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Excellent Post Rev. Dooley!!!

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Don't believe most of what? Most of doctrine, theology or scipture?

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Goodness, I've made no secret about it, and yet I still seem to constantly shock people. I think I need to add a signature, to give everyone a heads up so they don't take me too seriously.

But to answer your question, no, I don't believe in doctrine or theology or scripture. Which is not to say that I don't believe that those things exist, they obviously do, I just do not believe in their importance, at least to the level that most on here do.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Hey I did not know you were a c.o. awesome.Great thoughts.I
don't want to miss heaven.
Heres a thought.
Alot of people want to go to heaven but don't want to live for Jesus here and now.
Why in the world would someone who doesn't like what Jesus teaches or stands for want to spend eternity with him? Its not happening.We have to choose now.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

I wrote this back in March 2007:

Who I want to see in heaven?

I am curious who you want to see first on the other side.

Taking into consideration we all want to see the Lord God Almighty.

We all want to see our parents and relatives.

We all want to meet the biblical characters.

We all want to meet the Angels.

Beyond that who do you want to meet?


I personally want to meet GT Haywood...


I just want to stand next to him and hear him sing...


I see a Crimson Stream of Blood...

On Cal’vry’s hill of sorrow
Where sin’s demands were paid,
And rays of hope for tomorrow
Across our path were laid.

I see a crimson stream of blood,
It flows from Calvary,
Its waves which reach the throne of God,
Are sweeping over me.

Today no condemnation
Abides to turn away
My soul from His salvation,
He’s in my heart to stay.

When gloom and sadness whisper,
“You’ve sinned—no use to pray,”
I look away to Jesus,
And He tells me to say:

And when we reach the portal
Where life forever reigns,
The ransomed hosts’ grand final
Will be this glad refrain.


He will add a final line:

In your presence we stand together,
In a moment of endless peace
Your blood has washed us forever,
and our worship will never cease


The Lord God Almighty will then rush to find GT Haywood in the crowd.

As all of heaven stands still and silent.

So everyone can see.

Just like with the Woman and her issue of Blood.

As he reaches GT Haywood, and I standing by.

He reaches forth his hands and turns them to the sky.

Those nail prints that Thomas touched to see...

As GT Haywood continues singing with awesome glee...

Then a resounding roar in heaven with the entire host proclaiming....

Oh, the blood that flowed from Calvary....


Nathan Eckstadt - March 8, 2007

Here is a picture of G.T. Haywood

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...haywood_gt.jpg

Funny I found nothing wrong with what you said , you did warn, that you were not meaning to make less of the experience posted, by asking a question based on the statement "WHY would anyone WANT TO miss heaven"?., I didn't think you were trying to be offensive. *shrug* That question begs another question, lol that an assumption is made that there ARE people who seem to not care IF they miss heaven., (albeit an enigma to me or you)
AND
my take on that question, the first thing I thought related to the thread question, was that anyone would would even consider missing heaven, must not believe that it exists., has no faith that it does., has no inkling of what its like to know JESUS, to know so much more that there is to know about Him - to know Him is to LOVE Him and want to be with Him forever more., and its easy to assume this, for myself at least.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

As I have gond back and looked again, I also see this finally. My apologies to those who had a different perspective on my experience or thoughts as posted.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

It's all good :)

I have found for myself that when God does something amazing, when he reveals something to me, when I feel him in a special way, that I like to hold it close and sort of bask in it, like my own private little secret. I do this for several weeks, because I find that I am usually quite protective of my revelation/experience.

After I have had a chance to really and truly relish in it, I feel more able to share it with others. Before then, I feel protective and sensitive of it, like it my newborn baby and I must protect it!

I think that is similar to what you experienced, and I really am sorry that I upset you. In fact, my first concern when responding is that this would happen. I thought my worry was God's way of telling me to put a disclaimer "just in case", but perhaps it was his way of telling me to hush up.

:friend

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

I am glad that we both agree. I look forward to continued discussions with you.:highfive

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Heaven, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Bro Dooley, A glimpse like that can change you're live.

BTW: don't know who shut the gates, cause John said the gates won't be shut by day and there will be no night. lol {(<I: )

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

You're a puzzle, girl. Somehow I think it's on purpose. :kickcan

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Regarding the gates being shut, that is during the millenial reign as I recall so it may not apply here.
Yes, it has changed my life.
I have always looked forward to going to heaven. It is something that is ever present in my thoughts. When a saint dies, I feel a certain jealousy if I may in that they got to go where I plan to go one day. They got there first.
Now, having had a taste of what it will be like, my longing has greatly increased and I am sharing this event with everyone that I can who wants to listen.
I guess, in one sense it has caused me to reach out more to others than in the past. I now know that it is real and want to see as many others as possible make it.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Lady MOE, If you think someone may hurt you, it's hard, if not impossible to believe on, trust in, rely on, or have faith in, that person.

None of your pain is from Jesus. There are those on this board who would tell you that Jesus will hurt you, will make you, your spouse, or your children sick. They will also tell you that God has a good reason for it. The very reason Jesus came was to heal your hurts. (Acts 10:43) Basic truth and righteousness, also tells me that Jesus will not hurt you. God is a far better parent than I am, and I would never hurt one of my children, no matter how bad they have been. I tell you again, Jesus will not hurt you.

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bro-Larry
Lady MOE, If you think someone may hurt you, it's hard, if not impossible to believe on, trust in, rely on, or have faith in, that person.

None of your pain is from Jesus. There are those on this board who would tell you that Jesus will hurt you, will make you, your spouse, or your children sick. They will also tell you that God has a good reason for it. The very reason Jesus came was to heal your hurts. (Acts 10:43) Basic truth and righteousness, also tells me that Jesus will not hurt you. God is a far better parent than I am, and I would never hurt one of my children, no matter how bad they have been. I tell you again, Jesus will not hurt you.

Amen Bro Larry! You said it perfectly.

Raven


AMEN !!!

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Tell it brother Larry!

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Well said!

Re: Why would anyone want to miss heaven?
 

Bro. Larry,

It always means alot to me when people are willing to look past what I am saying (which they may find shocking or blasphemous or irreverent, etc.) to hear what lies behind it.

Because the first church that I ever went to was horribly unhealthy I ended up with a lot of skewed views of pretty much everything that had to do with the life of faith, and most especially the character of God. This was complicated by the fact that this distorted picture was easy for me to believe, as it matched my experience with human fathers / authority figures.

Eventually after years of struggle I reached a crossroads. Either God was every horrible thing I had come to think of Him as, OR I had no idea who God really was, or what he was really like. So I made a decision that seemed to upset a lot of people, to leave the UPC (and/or apostolic church in general).

Soon after, I went through what I like to call my "angry phase". I was so mad! At everything! I felt lied to. Betrayed. Deceived. Conned. Swindled. By God, by men, by church, by Christianity in general. I was also very angry at myself, for being decieved by others, and by even deceiving myself.

For months, I avoided everything that could trigger my anger. I wouldn't listen to Christian music, read any Christian books, and most certainly not the Bible. I left the majority of the Christian forums that I participated on (which was most likely a welcome relief for those who bore the brunt of my anger).
It was like religion was my siamese twin, and I had it surgically removed.

Though most wouldn't recommend that approach, it really helped me. I think the time away was needed to heal the gaping wound that was me. And I am past the anger now. But with your first line, you hit the nail on the head of what is my main issue. And many don't understand the impasse. They say 'Just develop a relationship with Jesus, this one will be based on love, and you can start to trust Him like you're supposed to'. But you tend to stay away from those you don't trust, and if you are in close proximity you are extra careful to protect yourself.

But I'm babystepping. (And any of you "heathens" like me who have seen What about Bob? will appreciate that I am babystepping towards faith, babystepping towards Jesus :D )

ETA: oh, and if this doesn't make any sense, it's because it took me 3 hours to write it in between work, phone calls from my Mom, My Hubby, and my Financial Advisor, and numerous requests from my boss!)