But as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 
This bible verse has been one of my favorites for many years. The mere thought that as humans, our senses can not even fathom the wonders that await us…prepared by God who loves us and desires to draw us to Him!
Imagine the most magnificent sights you have ever enjoyed. They are countless, however, a few stand out for me. The faces and smiles of my husband, sons, grandson, family, and friends. Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Never ending stars twinkling in a black sky. A rainbow. Niagara Falls. The beauty of one rose, or the splendor of a field of wildflowers.
Imagine the most beautiful sounds you have ever heard. For me, that would include the consoling and refreshing sound of the waves breaking on the shore, the musical notes and harmonies of birds singing in the morning, and the pure delight of hearing babies’ giggles and the sweet voices of my loved ones.
Now, without reservation, imagine what would be the “perfect heaven” for you. Our imaginations can run wild with this one…all of the things that we feel would make us perfectly happy. What are those things for you?
Anything that our eyes, ears, and mind can reveal to us, will never even come close to what God has already prepared for us. His love, mercy, and vision for our lives and our future with him are out of our realm of understanding or discovery. Wow…we are so loved by God, that he has made preparations for us so wondrous, that we can not grasp the full beauty of it!
Now read the verse again…“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.”
“For those who love him” jumped out at me a few days ago while reading this verse. I had never thought about that aspect of this verse before.
Many times, those that consider themselves “saved” will nonchalantly answer “Jesus loves me just as I am, no matter what I do” when confronted with the truth regarding sin in their life. Essentially, we tend to make excuses for our behavior, believing that Jesus will love us know matter what our actions or thoughts are. And he will.
However, this verse does not say “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those that he loves.” It specifically states…for those who love him.
Think about that…in what ways do you love Jesus? In what ways do you attempt to grow closer to him? What are the ways that you show him you care for him and want him in your heart…in your life?
In a true loving relationship, the focus is not on “me.” The focus is, “what can I do to please my loved one?” What changes in my life would bring joy and happiness to the one I love? How do I make a conscious effort to love God?
Dear Lord, please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes, ears and mind to the ways I can show my love for you. Engulf me in your mercy and love, and allow me to open my heart as a vessel for your love to flow through to all who live in darkness. Teach me to love you.
For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. Isaiah 64:4
But as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
July 23, 2017 at 6:38 pm
This is one of the most enlightening post I have read in a long, long time. “For those that love Him.” I think at times we all fail to see things such as that in Scripture. In doing so, we go about our merry way, interpreting it, has to what we think it said.
It is also wonderful to imagine when we do see so much beauty on earth, there is something even better waiting for us, to which I am sure we will never fathom until we see it. Love and God Bless, SR
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 23, 2017 at 6:41 pm
I’ve missed you! Hope you are doing well. For some reason, even though I am following you, your posts do not show up in my email feed. I will be sure to visit your site…your words and experiences always inspire me:-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 23, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Do they show up in your reader?
LikeLike
July 23, 2017 at 6:47 pm
No, and also I am not notified by email. Not sure why. I just rechecked the box on your post to be notified of new posts so we will see what happens.
LikeLike
July 23, 2017 at 7:41 pm
Beautiful! Amen
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 24, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Thank you for reading and commenting, Mindy! I miss you, and enjoy seeing the pics of your beautiful family on Facebook:-)
LikeLike
July 23, 2017 at 11:39 pm
Thank you my friend,
Their is NO greater possible good than to acknowledge that in all of e Created Universe, ONLY MAN can and dies emulate our God with our gifted minds, intellects and freewill.
And because of this GIFT only MAN can choose eternal heaven or eternal hell. [Sir. 15:17]
That God WANTS all of us to choose heaven is evident: 1 Tim. 2: 3-4
What an awesome God we have that every tear, every hardship, every trial will be forever forgotten when we enter into Eternal Joy; Eternal heaven IF and when we make the right choices now.
God Bless you,
Patrick
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 24, 2017 at 7:00 pm
Thank you for your beautiful and true words:-)
God bless you and keep you in his care!
Bernadette
LikeLike
July 24, 2017 at 9:16 am
What a beautiful, happy, enlightening message to begin my Monday! Thank you for reminding me to show and tell the Lord how much I love him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 24, 2017 at 7:01 pm
I always love seeing your smiling face! Thanks for your kind words.
LikeLike
July 24, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Amen! Thanks for setting the focus where it should be. Happy Monday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 24, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Happy Monday to you, too:-)
LikeLike
July 24, 2017 at 1:56 pm
I have always loved this verse. It is so encouraging, especially in difficult times. I think of it in relation to the verse “I know the plans I have for you…”
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 24, 2017 at 7:03 pm
Elizabeth, thank you for stopping by. I feel the same way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 24, 2017 at 2:49 pm
We recently criticized those self-identifying Christians who do not believe that moral living and loving works are important for salvation. Giving lip service to one’s faith or one’s love of Jesus is not enough.
LikeLike
July 24, 2017 at 7:07 pm
There are many deceived, confused believers out there. We need to pray for the opening of eyes and hearts and for conversions. As long as a person is sincerely searching for Jesus, the Holy Spirit will lead them to Him. This I know, because I was one of those confused people:-)
LikeLike
July 27, 2017 at 7:23 am
Bernadette, thank you! This was my late husband and my engagement scripture – hugely encouraging! Now my 25 yr old son has just got engaged and I’ve passed the same scripture on. Love your perspective on it!!! Thanks, Suz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 28, 2017 at 12:52 pm
So happy that you are able to pass this beautiful scripture to your son and future daughter in law. Thanks for commenting, and sharing with me. Life is difficult…especially when we lose loved ones. However, love is eternal and once our hearts are filled up with that love, nothing can take it from us. Love and blessings, Bernadette
LikeLike
August 2, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Reblogged this on The Catholic Me and commented:
A great lesson in humility, and a beautiful story, besides…
LikeLiked by 1 person