Paul shares his perspective that his life won't truly begin until he is with Christ in heaven. This is typically the opposite of most Americans whose cling to this life for comfort and pleasure but end up disappointed and broken. Paul's focus on the next life has brought him encouragement during persecution, imprisonment, and intense suffering. A deeper understanding of the next life transforms our hearts and our lives.

God will fill us with hope in the midst of our suffering as we trust in His promises about eternal life. The foundation of our hope is our adoption into God's family. We can also confidently hope in our inheritance; being glorified with Christ. God will heal all of this world's brokenness and give it beauty we've never seen before. However, like Christ, before we receive our inheritance we must suffer. We can have assurance in these promises through the down payment of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee.

The heart of heaven is being in God's presence. The biblical description of heaven is very different than in any other religion because the God of the Bible is very different that in any other religion. The picture of God in the Bible is that of a community of three beings in one. If we will spend the rest of eternity in community, we should start developing a taste for it now by prioritizing time with other Christians.

Peter gives us three ways to cultivate an eager expectation of Jesus' return?one for our hearts (what we desire), one for our heads (what we understand), and one for our hands (what we do; how we live). When you love Jesus with your heart, head, and hands, your life will become much simpler and fuller?and your desire for his return will grow. \r\n\r\n