Day #7: Sunday, January 10th

Just Passing Through

Scripture References:  
​2 Cor. 4:18, Ps. 39:4, 1 Peter 1:17, 2:11, Heb. 11:13-16

Devotional

Did you know that the Bible describes life as a mist, a breath, and a wisp of smoke?  Job 8:9 says, “Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.”  Never forget these two truths:  First, compared to eternity, your earthly life is very brief.  Secondly, earth is only your temporary residence.  Since you won’t be here that long, don’t get too attached to it.  David prayed, 

Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on Earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more." (Ps. 39:4 LB)

This is not your permanent home or final destination.  The Bible uses terms like alien, pilgrim, foreigner, stranger, visitor, and traveler to describe our brief stay here on earth. 

​Peter wrote,   

So if you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on Earth in fear." (1 Peter 1:17 GW)

 So, as a child of God, think differently.  Understand that there is far more to life than just the few years you live on this planet.  Your identity is in eternity, and your homeland is heaven.  
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Peter writes,

Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.” (1 Peter 2:11 MSG).

Unlike the world’s thinking, the pursuit of happiness and material things is not what life is all about.  Remember that your life is a temporary assignment.  Living with this mindset will keep you from the grip of the world’s value system.  A fish is never happy living on land because it was made for water.  An eagle is never satisfied until it is allowed to fly.  You will never feel completely satisfied on earth because you were born for more.
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Knowing that you are simply passing through will radically change your values.  Eternal values will eventually become the deciding factors for your earthly decisions.  During this time of fasting and seeking God, ask God to reveal to you His assignment and plan for your life here on earth.  Don’t expect a detailed 10 year plan either because God always speaks in “steps.”  “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Ps. 37:23).  Allow God to reveal His plan for you today.  As you fulfill that assignment, He will give you more direction and the next thing you know, you will begin a lifestyle of walking with Him.

Prayer

“Lord, I recognize that my time here on earth is only a breath of time.
Since my time here is  brief, I will not attach myself to the temporary things of this world.
As a temporary resident, help me to think differently.
Help me to see my life and the opportunities that come to me in the light of Your Word.
Lord, reveal to me Your plan for me today.
Who should I reach out to today?
What would you have me do today?
I listen for your gentle nudges and leading today, in Jesus’ Name.