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Longing For the Dwelling From Heaven
Longing For the Dwelling From Heaven
For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven (2 Corinthians 5:2).
As we grow older the strength of younger days diminishes with the passing years. Groaning is usually thought of as making some kind of mournful sound and certainly there are times when we do just that but I think of groaning in the sense of being greatly burdened, weighted down under a load of physical conditions that beset us on our journey. Our eternal soul dwells in a human frame that at best is frail and fragile. I know the path I now walk is not as easy as it once was. For a number of reasons some days are difficult and there are some nights when it seems as if sleep will never come. But I pray you will hear me as I say to you that all the difficulties and discouraging moments that beset us will never be a hindrance to us so long as we wait upon the Lord with patience and expectation, putting our trust completely in Him (Psalms 25:5; Isaiah 40:28-31; Galatians 5:5; Romans 8:23-25; 2 Thessalonians 3:5).
Now, think about this for a moment, as children of God if we do the following things, we can, by faith, see the wonderful City of God in the distance and know there is a place in that city for us- John 14:1-3:
* always seek things above and focus on heavenly things-Col. 3:1-2
* store up treasures in heaven-Matthew 6:19-21
* present our bodies a living sacrifice-Romans 12:1
*do not conform our self to the world and renew our mind by filling our heart with the word of God, letting that word mold our thoughts and guide us every step of the way-Romans 12:2
* add to our faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance godliness, brotherly kindness and love (2 Pet. 1:2-11)
* give first our self and truly seek the kingdom of God-2 Cor. 8:5; Matt. 6:33
Of course, it all begins with hearing, believing, repenting, confessing and being baptized for forgiveness of sins (Rom. 10:17, John 6:29, Heb. 11:6, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30-31, Rom. 10:9-10. Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38). But just because we have a good beginning does not mean there will be a good ending
Running this race of life will not always be easy and often it will be difficult to press onward but with our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, we will be able to endure to the end of the race and one day find ourselves dwelling in the land where joys shall never end (Heb 12:1-3).
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
