Look UP!

I drove into the cemetery around 7 last night as one of those Summer rain showers was just ending. I stood at Bev’s grave, remembering, feeling the weight of loss.  Moments later,  on the drive down the mountain towards home, I looked up and saw a beautiful rainbow arched across the sky, a visual reminder of the greatness of God, the enduring life He gives. The sad reality of death met the promise of God and I found another day’s encouragement in faith.

My experience is a parable for the best way to live our Christian life. Those who are the most faithful disciples, who are ‘about the Father’s business,’ will keep an eye on the horizon, an awareness that what we know in this present existence is not the totality of our experience.  Paul, inspired by the Spirit, says "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. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" (Philippians 3:20-4:1, NIV)

If we ‘forget’ that our passport is issued by the Kingdom of Heaven, we will forget who we really are. Wrong priorities will take over. Living for Christ won’t make much sense, to be honest, without eternity in view.  I am not writing about trying to escape reality by endlessly talking about heaven to come. That what the old phrase “so heavenly minded he’s no earthly good” is talking about. If we sit around dreaming about heaven while the world goes to hell around us we are making a grave mistake.  Heaven is our home and that hope anchors us as we commit ourselves to the work of the Lord.

Have you lost sight of eternity, my Christian friend?
Have the cares and worries of life overtaken you and stolen your joy?

Or, are you so taken with trying to create a little heaven on earth that your desire for God and home are obscured?

Look up! Our word from the Word comes from Peter’s letter. It’s brief. May it restore perspective, bring joy, and cause you to ‘stand firm.’

"Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it." (1 Peter 2:11, The Message)

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Here As In Heaven

The atmosphere is changing now

For the Spirit of the Lord is here

The evidence is all around

That the Spirit of the Lord is here

Overflow in this place

Fill our hearts with your love

Your love surrounds us

You're the reason we came to encounter your love

Your love surrounds us

Spirit of God fall fresh on us

We need your presence

Your kingdom come your will be done

Here as in heaven

A miracle can happen now

For the Spirit of the Lord is here

The evidence is all around

That the Spirit of the Lord is here

Chris Brown | Mack Brock | Matthew Ntlele | Steven Furtick | Wade Joye

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