"Encourage
one another
daily"
(Hebrews 3:13).
A
daily, Bible-based
perspective of
hope, encouragement and exhortation.
hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Thursday,
April 14, 2005
"Our Heavenly Citizenship"
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).
Here in the USA it's tax time. I have a friend that assists me with my tax preparation and early this morning I prepared the material for mailing. At this time of year I always have to take a deep breath, fortify myself with some powerful Biblical truths and pray. I fulfill the legal obligation to "render unto Caesar" but not necessarily joyfully! Throughout the process I must purposefully recall my heavenly citizenship. I consider myself blessed to live in America, but when I file my taxes I'm reminded of the corruption and waste that is a part of human government, a stunning evidence of the Fall.
Paul, who as a Roman citizen surely had his own issues with the government of his time, enjoined the believers in Philippi with the forthright statement, "But our citizenship is in heaven." This is one of those powerful truths we all need to keep before us. When we keep this perspective in mind we find the reality of God's promised peace.
However, when my focus is on my earthly citizenship I find myself experiencing anxiety and at times despair. I find that in my life the source of agitation and anxiety often comes from placing too much stock in this present life or failing to realize where my primary and ultimate citizenship lies.
What issues are you facing today? What has the potential of robbing you of the blessing of God's peace and promised abundant life? Undoubtedly for some of you, like me, it will be taxes. But there are many other matters that concern us.
Today remember Paul's words to the Philippian believers. Chained and imprisoned he nevertheless was able to express and encourage joy more in this short epistle than in any other. He wrote, "So you too should be glad and rejoice with me" (Philippians 2:18). It just seems like he's bubbling over with the joy of the Lord. If he can have joy in his horrible surroundings, I can have joy while sending out these forms and you can have joy regardless of what you are facing today!
Once you were an alien people,
Strangers to God's heart of love,
But He brought you home in mercy,
Citizens of heaven above.
Let His love flow out to others,
Let them feel the Father's care,
That they too may know His welcome
And His countless blessings share. *
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Note from Brooksyne: After reading Stephen's devotional today I'm glancing at the other side of the room to see if Stephen's joy is bubbling over as he puts the stamp on our tax returns. I can't say it's real evident but then I'm reminded that joy comes from within and is not always visible outwardly!
* "Church Of God Elect And Glorious" Seddon, James E. / Taylor, Cyril V. © 1982 Hope Publishing Company CCLI License No. 2005306
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