If
we store up possessions on this earth, moths and rust will destroy them and
thieves will come in and steal them (Hebrews 10:34).
If we focus on our earthly inheritance, we ultimately get disappointed.
A few years ago, we bought a tiny, old brick
house built way back in 1971. With 700 sq. ft. it was tiny and a real
fixer-upper. This little, antique cottage desperately required a “facelift,” which
we did over the next five years.
Since living in our antique cottage, we moved
several times in the same city. We now live in a parsonage provided by the
church at which we serve. It is by far the best home that either of us has ever
lived in, because it was newly remodeled and modernized before we ever moved
into it.
We also own and manage a café located in our
back yard, which serves as our "dining room." We are able to host
many people in our community with great food, good fellowship and a friendly,
charming place to hang out. We love all of our guests, especially those who
visit us regularly.
Through these moves, God's Spirit prompted me
to change my focus and my attitude. He developed in me the divine character of
acceptance with joy.
Even through all of this change, I grew to
really feel that I can be full of joy regardless of where I live or what I am
doing, as long as Jesus continues to dwell within me.
Over
the decades of my life on this earth, I have come to believe that we have
better and more enduring possessions in heaven than on this earth.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for continuing to
sanctify our carnal nature and to teach us to cheerfully accept our
circumstances. Help us to focus on meeting the needs of those less fortunate
than we are, and to remember that Heaven is our true home.
Remind
us that our words may influence a person's future as they make up their mind
about believing in Jesus. Their beliefs bring them either eternal salvation or
eternal damnation - if they choose to reject Jesus as their Savior (John 3:198);
so it is our privilege to tell them about what You do for us, every day of our
life.
Thought For the Day:
We can thrive in this life by allowing
patience to produce her perfect work in us.
- James 1:4-8
