Visitor/Resident

"But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:  wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: 

for He hath prepared for them a city!"

-Hebrews 11:16-

Hey there everybody! :)

Hope your week has been a happy one so far!

I wanted to use today's post as a reminder to each one of you - that if you belong to the King of all kings and lands and nations and generations and time itself - this world is not your home, you're just passing through!!!!! It's like having a "visitor pass" to this world now, but you're a RESIDENT of the EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF GOD'S!!!!! Whoa!!!!!! That's what I call AWESOME!!!! ;)  It's so easy to get "comfy" with what we know is the here and now and not focus on where our true citizenship lies-in the eternal Kingdom of the Ruler of All!!!!!!  We don't know what tomorrow may hold, but what we do know is that God has given us the incredible opportunity to CLAIM NOW and make it count for eternity!!! He rewards every single act of obedience, and lays up treasures in the place He is preparing for us!!! What a true "golden" opportunity!!!!!!!!!! (Wink)  This truth brings to mind an old song and I thought I'd share a few of it's verses with you, along with some Scripture that God brought to mind too! :)

This World Is Not My Home

Verse: 1

"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing thru;

my treasures are laid up some where beyond the blue,

the angels beckon me from heaven's open door,

and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Chorus:

Oh Lord, you know I have no friend like you

if heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do,

the angels beckon me from heaven's open door 

and I can't feel at home in this world any more,

Verse: 2

My Savior pardoned me from guilt and shame I know

I'll trust his saving grace while traveling here below,

I know He'll welcome me at heaven's open door,

and I can't feel at home in this world anymore!"

"...For he endured, as seeing him who is invisible!"

-Hebrews 11:27b- 

(^One of my favs!)

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:12-19)

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" (1 Peter 1:3-5, 8)

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power," (Ephesians 1:17-19)

Soak up your "visitor" time by doing the will of God, glorifying Him, and laying up treasures that will last forever!!!!  Live righteously in the "now", to one day hear your Savior say with a smile, "Well done thou good and faithful servant!", as He shows you your heavenly treasures and home!  

Remember where you truly are a resident of!!!! :)

Blessings!

-Bri