DRAWING NEAR

November 19

Living a Satisfied Life

"All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but
having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and
having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the
earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are
seeking a country of their own.

"And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which
they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as
it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has
prepared a city for them" (Heb. 11:13-16).


Resting in God's promises brings true satisfaction.

I remember watching in horror and disgust as angry mobs swept through
Los Angeles, killing people and setting thousands of buildings on
fire. Under the cover of chaos, countless people ransacked and looted
every store in sight. I saw entire families- -moms, dads, and little
children-- loading their cars and trucks with anything they could
steal.

That was the most graphic demonstration of lawlessness I've ever
seen. It was as if they were saying, "I'm not satisfied with the way
life's treating me, so I'm entitled to grab everything I can--no
matter who gets hurt in the process."

Perhaps we don't realize how selfish and restless the human heart can
be until the restraints of law and order are lifted and people can do
whatever they want without apparent consequences. Then suddenly the
results of our godless "me first" society are seen for what they are.
Instant gratification at any cost has become the motto of the day.

That's in stark contrast to people of faith like Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, who trusted in God even when their circumstances were less
than they might have expected. God promised them a magnificent land
but they never possessed it. They were, in fact, strangers and
refugees in their own land. But that didn't bother them because they
looked forward to a better place--a heavenly city.

Their faith pleased God and He was not ashamed to be called their
God. What a wonderful testimonial! I pray that's true of you. Don't
let earthbound hopes and dreams make you dissatisfied. Trust in God's
promises and set your sights on your heavenly home.


Suggestions for Prayer:

Thank God for the blessing of a satisfied heart.

For Further Study:

Memorize Psalm 27:4.

Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.

All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org

~~~


Psalm 27:4
4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may
dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the
beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

~~~

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



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In Christ,



Peter

Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com

STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
http://www.gty.org/Gospel

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To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover that the prisoner
was you. -Alistair Begg