Are You Living the American Dream or the Heaven Dream?

Have you bought into the American Dream?  Do you own it lock, stock and barrel?  How’s that working for ya?  

Have you ever considered that the “American Dream” doesn’t satisfy because you weren’t designed for the American Dream?  

The American Dream is not all that it’s made out to be.  Very few people ever truly achieve it.  Oh, they look like they have achieved it, but in reality the bank owns the home; the bank owns the cars; the boat, the vacation condo, the country club memberships, the clothes, etc., etc.  The kids have to stay with nannies or daycares because both parents are enslaved to the task of acquiring the almighty dollar to pay for the stuff which they don’t ever feel they have enough of.  The American Dream has turned into the American Nightmare!  (Do you hear that sound?  It’s the dramatic screeching sound of the horror movie most are living in.)

Dear Christian, have you forgotten that you were designed for the Heaven Dream?  The one where there is peace, rest and the security of knowing that you are being held by your loving God.  It’s the safest place to be.  So why are we all acting like toddlers and preschoolers by running away from our loving parent – you know, the One who created us and called us His own?  We run as fast as we can, giggling the whole time, straight into the danger He is desperate to protect us from.  Why do we do that?  Look at yourself – you are not cute anymore, the cuteness wore off of this game a long time ago. 

There is nothing wrong with acquiring stuff.  It's fun.  There's nothing wrong with liking nice things.  I like nice things.  But just because I like it and I think it's fun isn't the reason why it's not wrong to acquire it.  It's not wrong when the stuff is just that - stuff.  It's not the end-all goal of life.  We are not Madame Blueberry from VeggieTales gorging out on more stuff until our world explodes!

It’s not the American Dream that we need to strive for, it’s the Heaven Dream that we need to long for.  Problem is not many even know what the Heaven Dream is or how great it is.  It’s our job to tell them!  Not just tell them, but show them!  And love them right into the Kingdom!

I like to think I have acquired the Heaven Dream.  Let me describe it for you.  It's the place where I know I am loved beyond all measure.  It's the place where I long to be - with my Heavenly Father, Abba Father - that means "Daddy" - surrounded by all the riches of Heaven.  I have acquired it because I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He knows me personally.  But more importantly, I know Him personally!  We are on a first name basis.  If I walked up to His house and pushed the doorbell, He'd open the door wide and welcome me in.  He knows my name, He knows my desires, He knows me better than I know myself.  

I want everyone I know to acquire the Heaven Dream too.  That way I can be surrounded by my treasures, and we can forever, forever worship Him together.  

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, 

and where thieves break in and steal.  

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where moth and rust do not destroy, 

and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, 

there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6:19-21

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me

I can only imagine what it will be like

When I walk by Your side

I can only imagine what my eyes will see

When Your face is before me

I can only imagine

Yeah

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus?

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing, Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes

And I find myself standing in the sun

I can only imagine when all I will do

Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagine, yeah

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus?

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing, Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus?

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing, Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine, yeah

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

When all I would do

Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagine.