"HEAVEN - A PLACE TO CALL HOME"

Good Evening to All!

(16)Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

(17)Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us fore an ensample.

(18) (For as many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell yo even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (19) Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

(20) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (21) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:16-21 KJV)

(16) We must keep going in the direction that we are now headed.

(17) My friends, I want you to follow my example and learn from others who closely follow the example we set for you.

(18) I often warned you that many people are living as enemies of the cross of Christ. And now with tears in my eyes, I warn you again that they are headed for hell! They worship their stomachs and brag about the disgusting things they do. All they can think about are the things of this world.

But we are citizens of heaven and are eagerly waiting for our Savior to come from there. Our Lord Jesus Christ has power over everything, and he will make these poor bodies of ours like his own glorious body. (Philippians 3:16-21 CEV -Contemporary English Version)

I like the way this verse worded it. It said we are citizens of heaven. It kind of makes me think of earth like a different state or country, but heaven as my home state. You know how you like to visit different places but it's always nice to get home? Well, I'm ready to go home. I'm homesick. I don't like the way this world is shaping up or should I say down, so I'm ready to go home. Kind of like visiting a country with "unsanitary water and living conditions. It's nice to get home to where you feel comfortable and not have to worry about getting sick from drinking water.

In this passage, Paul is wanting us to understand the importance of choosing the right priorities, for choosing Christ as the central focus in our lives. He weeps for the unbelievers, especially those who are proud of their wrongful actions. He doesn't envy people with wealth because he looks in a different place for his riches. His riches are storing up in heaven. He knows that this earth and all of it's enticements are going to pass away and the only riches that count are those which are eternal. Which do you cling to?

When I ponder this question, I keep coming back to an old song which has been my favorite for a long time. I wish I could figure out how to put music on here just every once in a while to help give emphasis to my subject, but as it stands this is the best I can do. I hope many of you know or have heard of this song.

It is titled "This World is Not My Home"

This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

# They're all expecting me and that's one thing I know
my savior pardoned me and now I onward go
I know He'll take me through though I am weak and poor
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

# Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally
the Saints on every hand are shouting victory
their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

It tells us in the Bible that we are spiritual beings. therefore we are not suppose to think of this planet as our home. Our eternal home is suppose to be heaven. We are suppose to live IN the world, but not be OF the world.

This song definitely puts things into perspective for me and helps me realize just how unimportant in the large scheme of things our earthly possessions really are. All the money and toys in the world won't get you into heaven, nor will they be with those who choose to ignore the ways of God and "do their own thing" in the end.

I pray that this post will be one of those that make you sit back and ponder this question. Hopefully it will help you to "re-evaluate your priorities". Maybe take a second or even a third look inside yourself to figure out what is really important just just in this life, but in the life when we leave this world.

If you feel and eagerness and joy for a future with Christ in our resurrection, then it should be a main goal or focus to make choices to help us get there. If Heaven is the direction we want to be headed then our choices should reflect that. Not procrastinating and thinking "I'll change tomorrow". We are not promised tomorrow and it may be too late.

Another tidbit you might think about is, What are you teaching your children and grandchildren about eternal priorities? They learn by example. The age of my mother's old stand-by "do as I say do, NOT as I do, doesn't fly anymore. We need to be good examples for our children and grandchildren.

So I guess, if I were to place all my "cards on the table", I would say, "if you don't care where YOU are going to end up, remember your children and/or grandchildren are watching you.

It isn't an overnight process. Ask Him and He will help you know what needs to change in your priorities. Plus He will help you change them if you ask Him for His help. He won't come uninvited. Remember that. He is a gentleman. He's not a party crasher. He waits for an invitation.

Let's all get serious about our priorities for our eternal lives and our families as well. Let's keep our eyes on our true home and get closer to God.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!