Heaven-Bound?
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-7
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Scripture Quote: “Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.” 2 Chronicles 6:21 (NIV)
Can believers love their lives and ever reach the kingdom of heaven? Every person has a day to day life that includes work, fun, relaxation and hardship. Some days are fuller of work than, say, fun. Vacation time is usually fun and relaxing, with the workload left behind. The success of our children bring us peace, while the death of a family member intense grief. Christians, like most other people, spend the bulk of our time just trying to get it all done. Our carnal mind is constantly competing for the upper hand and diligently drawing us away from our attachment to the Gospel, then filling us with fear of God’s condemnation for not spending more time in it.
None of this brings us closer to heaven, but it does pose a fairly accurate depiction of humanity. We try, but we are never able to live solely for Jesus. Can we still be confident of our place with Him in heaven? It is only hope in Jesus, who has done all the work for us, that will make us fit for heaven. Yes, as a child trusts, so can we and say that the LORD is our strength and our defense. Childlike faith in Him is all that holds the way to heaven open for us.
Today’s meditation: Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Memory Verse: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” Psalms 13:5 (NIV)