FIXING YOUR THOUGHTS ON ETERNITY!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020.

SUBJECT: FIXING YOUR THOUGHTS ON ETERNITY! 

Memory verse: "While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (Second Corinthians 4 vs 18.)

READ: Second Peter 3 vs 10- 13:

3:10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are it will be burned up.
3:11: Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
3:12: looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
3:13: Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

INTIMATION:

To make the most of your time on earth, you must maintain an eternal perspective. You should be mindful of eternal inheritance than what you can get now. Everything you see, and have now will one day pass away (Second Peter 3 vs 10). This will keep you from majoring on earthly things which are minor and help you concentrate on the thing that is eternal, and the ultimate! The more we understand the temporary nature and existence of this world, the more we will focus our attention on that which will permeate the final destruction of all things. We look forward to the passing of the things that are seen in order to enter the glory of that which is presently not seen. 

Nothing seen or experienced in this life is worth the eternal life with God, and nothing we have here on earth will matter a thing in eternity. Even now, so much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now, much less for eternity. Don't trade your life for temporary things. Our ultimate hope when we are experiencing terrible illness, persecution, or pain is the realization that this life here on earth is not all there is. There is life after death! Knowing that we will live forever with God in a place without sin and suffering can help us live above the pain that we face in this life. Christians who are spiritually detached from what will pass away will be anxiously hastening the coming of that glory which is without end.

The Christian should be godly; maintaining an emotional and spiritual detachment from the things of this world, and seek after God’s ways. He must conduct his or her life as God would direct through His word. Christians should be holy just as our Father in heaven is. Holy is from the word that means “to separate.” The believer’s conduct should be as one separated or detached from what will be terminated. Christians must not become attached to the material world which will have its end in the consuming fire. Their minds must be on the things that are above, the things which will permeate the consummation of all earthly things. 

The Bible, in First Corinthians 7 vs 31, says, "And those you use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away." We should be unhindered by the cares of this world, not getting involved with the burdensome pursuit of earthly things, and should deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you because the world, as you see it, is on its way out.

What are you allowing to stand in the way of your mission? What is keeping you from being an unbeatable Christian? Whatever it is, let it go. Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back. The Bible, in Hebrews 12 vs 1, says, "....Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Jesus warned us on distractions by earthly things when He said in Luke 9 vs 62, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." What does Jesus want from us? Total dedication, not halfhearted commitment. We can't pick and choose among Jesus' ideas and follow Him selectively; we have to accept the cross along with the crown.

You've probably heard the expression "You can't take it with you." But the Bible says you can send it on ahead by investing in people who are going there! The Bible, in First Timothy 6 vs 18 - 19, says, "Let them do good, that they are rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life." Be wise, be selfless, and be rich in good works. We should not be lazy and complacent because Christ has not returned. Instead, we should live in eager expectation of His coming. What would you like to be doing when Christ returns? That is how you should be living each day.

Prayer: Abba Father, You have put eternity in our hearts, engrace me to always be eternity conscious, and daily conduct myself in that consciousness, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!