DRAWING NEAR
November 17
Focusing on Heaven
"By faith [Abraham] lived as an alien in the land of promise, as
in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob,
fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the
city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God"
(Heb. 11:9-10).
Focusing on heaven is the best way to endure difficulties on earth.
Following God's call isn't always easy. He expects us to trust Him
explicitly, yet doesn't ask our advise on decisions that may impact
us dramatically. He doesn't tell us His specific plans at any given
point in our lives. He doesn't always shelter us from adversity. He
tests our faith to produce endurance and spiritual maturity--tests
that are sometimes painful. He makes some promises that we'll never
see fulfilled in this life.
If following God's call is a challenge for us, imagine how it was for
Abraham, who had no Bible, no pastor, no sermons, no commentaries,
and no Christian encouragement or accountability. But what he did
have was the promise of a nation, a land, and a blessing (Gen. 12:1
-3). That was good enough for him.
Abraham never settled in the land of promise. Neither did his son
Isaac or grandson Jacob. They were aliens, dwelling in tents like
nomads. Abraham never built houses or cities. The only way he would
possess the land was by faith. Yet Abraham patiently waited for God's
promises to be fulfilled.
As important as the earthly land was to him, Abraham was patient
because his sight was on his heavenly home, "the city . . . whose
architect and builder is God" (Heb. 11:10). He knew beyond any doubt
that he would inherit that city, whether or not he ever saw his
earthly home in his lifetime.
Similarly, being heavenly minded gives you the patience to continue
working for the Lord when things get tough. It's the best cure I know
for discouragement or spiritual fatigue. That's why Paul says to set
your mind "on the things above, not on the things that are on earth"
(Col. 3:2). If your mind is set on heaven, you can endure whatever
happens here.
Suggestions for Prayer:
1.Praise God for your heavenly home.
2.Seek His grace to help you keep a proper perspective amid the
difficulties of this life.
For Further Study:
Read the portion of Abraham's life recorded in Genesis 12-17.
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
Genesis 12:1-3
12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From
your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show
you.
2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your
name great; And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses
you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
~~~
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org
NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
http://www.gty.org/Gospel
http://www.gty.org/
http://www.nwbible.org/
To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover that the prisoner was you. -Alistair Begg
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