Heavenly Minded
Heavenly Minded Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. - Edwin Hubbel Chapin
H
ave you ever planned a significant journey to an exotic destination, the cost of which meant that you had to work long hours, scrimp and save to gather enough funds not only to get there, but have enough spending fun whilst there? From the time you decided to go to the time that you got there, despite the fact that you had to put in long hours at work, sacrifice certain luxuries, it seemed effortless to you, because every day your focus was on your destination. The time beforehand was filled with excitement, anticipating adventures you had planned, never entertaining the thought it might never materialize, nor did you allow anything to sidetrack you from the goal. Together with friends and family, you
The Hall of Faith - Hebrews 11
Heavenly Minded now enjoy reminiscing over those precious memories captured in photos. The writer of Hebrews will pause for a moment forcing the reader to reflect on those who have gone before, and those who will follow, and the key characteristics of faith they share in common, serving as a source of encouragement. 1) These all died in faith, not having received the promises 2) Having seen them afar off were assured of them 3) Embraced the promises 4) Confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (13) 5) Declared their heavenly expectations (14) 6) Never called to mind their earthly homeland they had left (15) 7) Desired something far better, a heavenly home 8) God was unashamed of them and has prepared a place for them (16) These men and women are pilgrims, not only in the literal sense of wondering through different territories to apprehend the Land of Promise, but also on another front, in passing through this earth to their heavenly home. They died in the light of the promises, not in hopelessness or defeat. They suffered the humiliation of being homeless in a culture The Hall of Faith - Hebrews 11
Heavenly Minded where country and heritage was of paramount importance, never looking back, always looking forward and upward. They did not waste time in even thinking about going back to the comforts of their homeland. They did not keep the promises to themselves but declared them, or as we might express it, were unashamed evangelists for the hope that was within them. They did not vacillate in their faith, but had a deep assurance, birthed, and maintained through relationship with their God. They embraced, or held closely with a tight grip the promises of God, so that no one could pry them from their grasp. When we find our daily grind becoming wearisome, and it will, we need to remember we are pilgrims, passing through to our heavenly home prepared for us since before the foundation of this earth. Looking back, deviating to the right or to the left, or succumbing to hopelessness, is not the walk of faith. Faith says - I will suffer humiliation and discomfort for Christ’s sake. I will not waste time even thinking about returning to living a lifestyle alienated from Christ. I will be an unashamed evangelist for the hope that is within me. I will daily nurture this deep assurance of my heavenly calling through relationship with God. I am a pilgrim passing through this world. I am heavenly minded. I live in the victory of the finished work of Christ, and there is The Hall of Faith - Hebrews 11
Heavenly Minded nothing that this world or any demon from the pit of hell can throw at me that can distract me from my heavenly trajectory. Selah! If you would like to purchase the entire book of wonderful and inspiring faith stories please go to: Lulu Publishing http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/staley2atbigponddotnetdotau
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The Hall of Faith - Hebrews 11