September 19, 2022
(Caution - This May Hurt Some Toes - It Did Mine):
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:13-16) ESV
Listen to what Jesus had to say in (Matthew 6:19-21) ESV, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Is it possible that this could be part of our dilemma, that we have too much invested in our lives on earth and not enough in our Heavenly Home? Jesus also said about Heaven, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3) ESV. We spend so much of our time worrying about material things. Don’t get me wrong – providing for our family is Biblical and vital; the Word tells us that this is our duty. However, how much do we need? Are too many people spending so much of their waking hours keeping up with the Joneses?
We (I included) need to evaluate our lifestyles before God. Don’t get me wrong; I am not opposed to success or money. What I am saying is that these things are not to be our motivation for living. Jesus has called us to live far more exciting lives than this. The people mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven died in faith, never receiving the promise – but they believed and were prepared to die for that belief.
Friends, we are children of the King. Living by faith is the key to our Heavenly Hope. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Promise of Heaven. Thank You that my final destination is not this earth. Please help me to live my life in the light of this knowledge. I am so thankful to You that I have a Heavenly Hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Encouraging Words from Billy Graham: This world is not our home; our citizenship is in Heaven.
God Bless you, and have a Blessed Day, Friends <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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