Happy Monday! Have you ever been to a wedding or an event that was lavishly prepared for your arrival? Did you notice the details? Maybe the custom decorations, flowers or special guest list with your name on it. Maybe it was the invitation addressed to you, with specific words that captured your eye and it made you feel extra special because you were invited to partake in such a joyous event. Well today, we will read about things that God has prepared us for. Join me as we begin our reading in 2 Corinthians chapter five.

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. ² We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. ³ For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.^[a] 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. ⁵ God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 NLT

Paul continued with direction for the Corinthian church and for us – to fix our eyes/gaze on things that cannot be seen. He wanted the Corinthian church and us to know that things of this world will fade, but we need to keep our eyes on things we cannot see but will last forever.

Sisters and brothers, over the past few months, I heard and read about friends and strangers passing away. Some deaths were sudden and others were a result of prolonged illnesses. When I pondered on their deaths there were two things that I could resonate with, one was the pain of losing someone that you love and the second was finding peace in knowing my/their loved one has gone home to be with God the Father. While the pain of losing someone is heavy and at times a person is unable to breathe because of the anguish, the reassurance that our earthly bodies and this world are temporary homes and we are here for a temporary visit gives us supernatural power and courage. That power and courage is fueled by the Holy Spirit to strengthen and comfort us as we learn to press on in spite of our momentary loss. Our comfort and belief in Jesus reassures that if they believed and received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior we will see them again.

Friends, we’ve been told that the only thing we can be certain of is death and taxes, but I’m here to tell you that there is so much more. See, there is a Father in heaven who loves us. He loves us so much that he sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus conquered sin and death so that we can live in the fullness of Christ for eternity. While we may be dying a physical death, we are living a life that is setting the stage for our life beyond the grave. Therefore, stay encouraged and do not live in fear of death, because the word says:

• we will have a house in heaven, which is an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands (v.1.b)

That means if God has prepared it, no one can take it from us. Yet, while we are still here on earth we must not give up, we can’t give in and we definitely should not quit. God still has a plan for our lives. God still has a desire to use our spiritual gifts and talents to influence and encourage this generation and the generation to come.

Sisters and brothers, the custom invitations have been sent out, the details have already been discussed, your seat at the table is waiting for the day you will eventually go home with God the Father. Therefore, live as a child of the Most High King, share the Good News – this world is not your final destination. See beyond what you can see.

Father God, thank you for your amazing love and grace toward us. Lord, thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. Lord, where would we be without you? Lord, thank you for saving us from eternal death and instead giving us eternal life through your Son Jesus. Lord, strengthen us as we go through the ups and downs of life here on earth. As we long for home, as we long for a place of peace and no more dying, Lord help us to keep our eyes on you. Lord, help us to see as you see and love as you love. Equip us with the wisdom and discernment to reach today’s generation and the next. Lord, speak life into every area of our being. Lord, shine your light in and through us so that others will see the hope and reassurance that we have in You and Your promises. In Jesus name, amen!

#LivingBeyondAverage #20/20Vision #StayFocused

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