Jesus Calling: April 14

     Heaven is both present and future. As you walk along your life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven: nearness to Me. You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway, because the earth is radiantly alive with My Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me. 

     At the end of your life-path is an entrance to heaven. Only I know when you will reach that destination, but I am preparing you for it each step of the way. The absolute certainty of your heavenly home gives you Peace and Joy, to help you along your journey. You know that you will reach your home in My perfect timing; not one moment too soon or too late. Let the hope of heaven encourage you, as you walk along the path of Life with Me. 

I Corinthians 15:20-23
English Standard Version
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

Verse Thoughts
In fact -- Paul seems almost impatient here with these words, but he obviously had never been more surer of anything. He had witnessed this. But, it also speaks of the transition from the previous verse that we don't simply believe in a Christ that lived, but one that lived, died, and rose again. First fruits - speaks of priority; there were others that had been resurrected (Lazarus, widow's son). Fallen asleep -- This is the usual expression employed in the Scripture to describe the death of saints. It denotes: (1)The calmness and peace with which they die, like sinking into a gentle sleep; (2)The hope of a resurrection, as we sink to sleep with the expectation of again awaking. And verse 18 speaks of those falling asleep as being those in Christ. And then just as sin came into the world through one man and death, so in Christ all are made alive through the resurrection.

Hebrews 6:19
English Standard Version
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. 

Verse thoughts
An anchor does not move. It is thrown down and keeps a giant ship from moving. We are meant to always hold on to the truth that hope, for the future, of being in Christ, will make an amazing impact on our life, now and in the future.  

My Prayer
Lord, everywhere I look outside, are pictures of your provision. I look outside my window and see the sky, trees, bushes -- all signs of your creation. Thank you for the birds flying through the air, they all evoke a praise to your name. How sad that I drive by this daily and take it for granted. And you are preparing a place for me to live forever with you, better than anything I can see on this earth. Help me to never forget your promise of my future.


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.