Dec 09

Time and again, Scripture warns us not to get so caught up in this world and the things of this world that we forget that this world is not our final home. We are never to get so involved in our daily life here that we forget that we are but strangers here, passing through this world on our way to a much better one.

One time, when I was younger, I made my way through four of our national parks out west, all in one, long trip. On the back of my canvas backpack, I had written with a marker, "I am just a stranger here, passing through on my way to heaven" -- or something like that.I found it to be a good way to witness to others.

At one park, Yellowstone, I saw a bunch of Japanese tourists looking at me and pointing at me and talking animatedly, I assumed, about me as well. Soon, one of them, who spoke a little broken English came up to me, pointed to my backpack, and asked me what it said. When I told him, he smiled, shook his head as though he understood what I was saying, and then promptly went back to the rest of his group and explained to them amidst much animated shaking of heads in agreeement and smiles.

Watching their reaction, I hoped that they really did understand that this was a simple way for me to state my belief that our life here on this earth was not our final destiny -- and I hoped that they believed that as well.

In the midst of enjoying all the many good things God has given us to enjoy in this life, including the beauty of nature and the beauty of other human beings, we must never forget that one day it will all be gone and only that which is eternal will survive the earth-shaking events of the end.

Scripture for today: 1 Cor. 7:29-31
Thought for today: We should enjoy the beauty of this world, but never to the extent of losing sight of the beauty of the next.
Prayer for today: Lord, you're beautiful and your creation is beautiful, but I look forward to the greater beauty of heaven and the new world to which you have called me.

DEC 09