Hebrews 12:22-29

Hebrews 12:22-29
Contemporary English Version (CEV) 

 This is the goal:  Heaven.  It's a place of perfect light, of joy and peace and wonder, and it is filled with the presence of God.  It is what we seek, what our hearts long for, what keeps us moving forward in the long, dark valleys of life.  It is the promise given by a God who does not break his promises.  It is the place of ultimate healing.
  The One who calls us to Heaven also speaks to us, calling us into a certain way of life.  We are expected to obey, and offered forgiveness when we do not, but we cannot take God for granted, expecting his grace to run as a background program while we worship false gods and give our hearts to other idols.  We are called back to God, to seek him with all our hearts, to offer him ourselves as a living sacrifice, that we may use our lives as practice for Heaven.
  So may the joy of heaven be our hope, and may we have the courage to live a life that is defined by the grace, mercy and peace of God.