Biblical characters give us an example of living by a
tangible faith, which provides for us what we hope to receive. Faith also
provides us with proof, even of what we cannot see (Hebrews
11:1-2). Faith is essential for living a victorious Christian
life, because without it, we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). We walk
in faith, which produces obedience; we seek the will of God each moment of the
day; we live in His Spirit, and God rewards us with His blessings.
We do not live our life to please other people, or
according to their insistence or persuasion in our life, but to please God
alone (Galatians 1:10). We are bondservants of Christ; and we can trust
Him to provide for us and to keep us safely tucked under the shelter of His
wings (Proverbs 29:25). We are approved by God to preach the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. He calls us to speak what is pleasing to Him instead of what is
pleasing to mankind (1 Thessalonians 2:4; John 12:43).
Satan and the world attempt to deceive us through the
philosophy of men, which is nothing more than vain conceit and empty deceit.
This philosophy is fashioned from the principles of the devil, the world and
the flesh (Colossians 2:8). This is why God encourages us
to focus our mind on eternal and spiritual concepts rather than on the ideas
pertaining to this world (Colossians 3:2). As we seek God Kingdom and
holiness with our whole heart, He will provide everything we need to live in
this life (Matthew 6:33).
Each generation produces enemies of the cross of Christ. We
weep over the deception they are under, as well as the lies they spread as
truth; because they, and everyone who believes them, will end in destruction.
However, our citizenship is in heaven, even while we remain on this earth. Ultimately,
when Jesus appears, our human body, soul and spirit will transform into the
glorious replica of Christ Himself, because of His power residing in us (Philippians
3:17-21).
Right now, we groan with aches and pains in this earthly
habitation. We long for God’s Kingdom to come on earth, as it already is in
heaven (Matthew 6:10). Paul gave us exciting news,
however, when He explained that our earthly body is just like a canvas tent.
When this tent collapses, we have a home waiting for us, which was made without
hands and which will last for eternity. When we see Jesus, His life will
swallow up our mortality, and we will dwell in the eternal resting place, which
God prepared for us (2 Corinthians 5:1-5).
Prayer:
Father God, when we stand before the judgment seat of
Christ we will receive rewards for both the good and bad, which we have done (2
Corinthians 5:6-10). Therefore, it is important for us to live a life,
which is pleasing to You right now. As long as we live on this earth, we are
separated from living with You; however, if we walk by faith rather than by
what we see in the natural realm, Your Spirit in us allows us to live in Your presence now and forevermore.
Thought for the Day:
God calls us to walk by faith, rather than by what we
discern with our human senses (2 Corinthians 5:7), as we eagerly wait for
the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.