"They were longing for a better country -a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (Hebrews 11:16).
With the celebrations of both Canada and United States Independence Days still ringing in our ears, it's fitting to remember that most of our families were legal immigrants to our nation. Our ancestors came to look for a better life for themselves.
We love our respective countries, and cherish the God-given freedoms and good life that we possess. While our earthly nation is only temporary in God's long term plans for us, the Lord has provided a permanent country for us -heaven.
Christians are aliens and strangers here on earth and we long for our eternal home. We can be sure of reaching the shore of our heavenly home because Jesus has provided the means of getting there. By His work on the cross He removed any barriers that would prevent us from reaching our eternal home. Jesus' precious blood was shed that, by faith in Him, we could have our sins removed and be given His heavenly righteousness. This is the greatest freedom and blessing any person could find!
We give thanks to God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for our life on earth, but someday our eyes will behold the most glorious and beautiful country ever created! It's heaven where God's people hold their true and eternal citizenship.
Let us pray: Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings of our nation. Thank you for our ideals of freedom and justice. Help us to better live up to these ideals. We especially thank You for the freedom we have to worship You in spirit and truth, and to share Your Gospel of the death and resurrection of Jesus with those around us. Give vigilance and courage to our armed forces and our civil servants, that they may defend and protect our freedoms and safety. Give our leaders Your wisdom and strength to govern wisely and well, that we may continue to live in this freedom, to worship You in safety, and to share Your saving Gospel with all who are near and far. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
-Dale
