Devotional

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Hebrews 13:14-15

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4

As followers of Jesus, we are passing through this life. Through Christ’s salvation, we are granted citizenship into heaven where we will spend eternity with our Creator. We will one day depart this fallen world and dwell in a place where God has prepared for us. No eyes have seen, no ears have heard, no mind could conceive what He has prepared for us in heaven. Yet God knows not everyone will choose to be with Him. As we share the Gospel, we are in fact extending an invitation to spend eternity with God. The more people we invite, the better. We want heaven to be filled with grateful believers.

In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world. All we ever suffer because of sin, Jesus is with us every moment. He helps us overcome our pain, and we grow stronger and wiser. This world is temporary, as our eternal home is heaven. The sufferings of this world will shrink into insignificance as we transition through glorification into eternity.

However, this life is as good as it gets for non-believers, for they will step into eternity apart from God. No light, no peace, no hope, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. We must display God’s love in this fallen world. We must tell the world about Jesus. God prepared for us a house, and in this house there are many rooms. We need to fill these rooms with people, with those who may have not even heard about Jesus yet. God called us with this task to build His kingdom, and together we will make more people heaven-bound.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me your perspective. I was born into heavenly places through the work of your son and power of your spirit. I am your child. I am a citizen of your kingdom. The citizens of this world fall to my right and to my left. They are wounded beyond repair, dead in their sins. Yet, the same fatherhood and citizenship you have given to me, you also extend to others, that they may not perish and that they may have eternal life. Use me as an ambassador for your kingdom. Give me opportunity to share the immunity you offer for the consequences of sin. Unveil the eyes, ears, and hearts of the lost, that they may see the rulers of this world for what they are and see you for who you are. You are my King forever and ever and you will be my guide even to the end.

Scripture Memorization

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Hebrews 13:14-15

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Faith Hill – There Will Come A Day

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs