Sunday, June 01, 2008
Our Citizenship Is In Heaven
I have been encouraged this week...by a simple Truth from God's Word. It is not anything new, just especially pertinent at this particular time. I needed this reminder because one thing that is so true about me--I am frail at heart and at times, I feel like my faith is just barely enough to get me through. In fact, although I know I stand on solid ground, I feel my feet are unsure at times and there are days when I think *how in the world am I a true believer with the way I doubt and question my Lord and Savior?*
Our worship pastor, who is celebrating 25 years at our church, has reminded me quite a few times through his teaching, that what is really important is who are faith is in. If it was up to us, all of us would fail in the area of faith, but because of WHO our faith is in we can have hope and assurance. This truth has helped me a lot because I tend to focus on myself way too much...thinking my faith is not strong enough for this or my faith is too weak to be able to withstand through such and such. It has been very prideful at times, because it is a self focus that undermines the capability of God to save me through His perfect plan through Christ. If it really had much to do with me, I would not have even a tiny bit of faith...I probably would not choose Christ at all. Sometimes, I think, if it were not for God's grace and His gift of faith to me, I would be like the mockers who cried out "crucify Him"!
So after much prayer and studying, I must confess to you that my last post truly showed my lack of faith. It showed the truth of who I am. When I look at circumstances that are out of any of our control(accidents, illnesses,etc) I become shaky and almost *faithless*. I have asked God to forgive me for the questioning and doubts and now I am asking you to forgive me. It is during the times of feeling weak and heavy burdened, that I must focus on the Truth of God's Word. He is the faithful One. I am not. But, my trust is in Him...the all sufficient One--My rock and stronghold...the comforter and the healer...the one who created the heavens and the earth and knows all and sees all things. He is the One who holds it all together in His perfect plan.
I think I understand why I am the way I am...the world is too important to me. I don't always see things from a heavenly perspective. I dwell on the here and now, not able to comprehend the big picture. But, God's Word is clear:
How true this statement is for us who are believers. But, so often we forget this truth and we live in a way that does not reflect this to be true.
John MacArthur say this in Truth For Today and it has brought much encouragement to my soul this week:
May you be encouraged as I have.
Our worship pastor, who is celebrating 25 years at our church, has reminded me quite a few times through his teaching, that what is really important is who are faith is in. If it was up to us, all of us would fail in the area of faith, but because of WHO our faith is in we can have hope and assurance. This truth has helped me a lot because I tend to focus on myself way too much...thinking my faith is not strong enough for this or my faith is too weak to be able to withstand through such and such. It has been very prideful at times, because it is a self focus that undermines the capability of God to save me through His perfect plan through Christ. If it really had much to do with me, I would not have even a tiny bit of faith...I probably would not choose Christ at all. Sometimes, I think, if it were not for God's grace and His gift of faith to me, I would be like the mockers who cried out "crucify Him"!
So after much prayer and studying, I must confess to you that my last post truly showed my lack of faith. It showed the truth of who I am. When I look at circumstances that are out of any of our control(accidents, illnesses,etc) I become shaky and almost *faithless*. I have asked God to forgive me for the questioning and doubts and now I am asking you to forgive me. It is during the times of feeling weak and heavy burdened, that I must focus on the Truth of God's Word. He is the faithful One. I am not. But, my trust is in Him...the all sufficient One--My rock and stronghold...the comforter and the healer...the one who created the heavens and the earth and knows all and sees all things. He is the One who holds it all together in His perfect plan.
I think I understand why I am the way I am...the world is too important to me. I don't always see things from a heavenly perspective. I dwell on the here and now, not able to comprehend the big picture. But, God's Word is clear:
Our citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20
How true this statement is for us who are believers. But, so often we forget this truth and we live in a way that does not reflect this to be true.
John MacArthur say this in Truth For Today and it has brought much encouragement to my soul this week:
We are registered citizens of another place--heaven. Our names are there, our Father is there, our brothers and sisters are there--it is our HOME. The Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity...Their home was still the Promised Land...But when it came time to return, many had become so entrenched into Babylonian culture that they didn't want to leave. When the Lord says it's time to go to heaven, we fight it...because this world has become everything to us. That's why we must always be reminded that our citizenship is in heaven.
May you be encouraged as I have.
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
15 Comments:
But this shaking revealed to you a foundation, and glory to God for He IS your foundation. The times when God has tested my faith have only led me to greater embracing of Him. You are held tightly. May we each press on.
This is something I have to fight with and rebuke my sin for on a daily basis. I so desire the peace on this truth. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Love you!
I have been memorizing Colossians 3 for that reason - Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth, for you have died and your LIFE is hidden with Christ in God. Thank you, Jesus!
"...because this world has become everything to us. That's why we must always be reminded that our citizenship is in heaven."
Such a great reminder. I think it's his grace that circumstances here do get difficult and make us "homesick," so it will remind us where our true home and true comfort is, and we won't get so attached to this world. I need to remember to thank Him more often for not letting me get too comfortable here.
powerful.
In Lydia Brownback's devotional, Contentment, she writes one entry about home, and homesickness, and the place we call home. At the end it, she writes that Christ IS home. I love that! No matter where we are, we are always home because Jesus is always near.
I appreciate your blog!!
How neat -- my husband has just been reading and sharing with me about this topic. It's often hard because the world has such a strong pull, but our focus needs to be on Heaven. Thanks for sharing even more that I can learn about this.
Thanks for sharing your heart and the reminder.
THis post is exactly what I needed to read. Thanks for posting it and allowing God to minister to me through your words.
Thanks for your comment on my blog. Yeah, we are in for the long wait with our adoption. However, we are open to special needs. I have been really struggling with the wait lately and trying to be patient. It is just so discouraging. How are things with you?
"the world is too important to me"
Wow... I have to tell you that this conviction has really been on my heart for a few days! It feels very encouraging to know that I am not the only one that suffers from this.
Now to press on, release this to God...
Thanks for sharing!
The world is too important to me at times as well. Thanks for the reminder that our real Home awaits--glorious Day!
I'm a citizen too! :) The Lord is good and his mercies are great.
Patricia
I too feel frail of heart at times and like you, I've allowed Satan to cause me to question whether I am a true believer with all my doubts and questions.
How beautifully God deepens our faith through our seasons of doubt. If we can only keep the eyes of our heart fixed on Him (regardless of the way things may appear in our human sight)...we emerge stronger and more trusting with every difficulty.
Thank you for sharing these encouraging words!
I cannot begin to tell you how much your blog has meant to me. Thank you for being real. Thank you for taking the time to share your faith and convictions with others via this blog. It truly is appreciated!
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:9
Thank God for you and your willingness to share your vulnerability. Christ is glorified.
Blessings ;)
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