Jun 21

Since the world we presently live in is being shaken, Hebrews 12 and Revelation 19 call upon us not to set our hearts upon the things of this world but upon the things of the next. Rather than bemoan the loss of this world, as it appeared that Lot's wife did upon turning to look back at Sodom and Gomorrah, we should, rather, be thankful that we are setting aside this temporary world and its pleasures for the eternal world of God's kingdom and its everlasting pleasures. Our spirit should not be one of remorse but of thankfulness.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful" (Heb. 12:28).

What we give thanks for reveals where our heart is. If our heart is in this world, we will feel sadness and grief when it disappears, like the traders in the world's goods did as described in Revelation 19.

But if our heart is in the next world, then we will be thankful when God finally ends this world and its constant attention on things that do not last and do not matter, so that we can enter into the fullness of our unity in God and his kingdom.

Scripture for today: Hebrews 12, Revelation 19
Thought for today: A thankful heart rejoices in the beginning of the fullness of God's plan for this earth.
Prayer for today: Grant me wisdom, Lord, to see your plan for this world and for my life -- and to be thankful for it.

JUN 21