Let's try this again. If you are reading and benefiting from these devotionals please let me know by sending a message to markkemp@fbccove.net. Sorry I entered the e-mail address incorrectly last time.
"Abraham lived for 175 years, and he died at a ripe old age, joining his ancestors in death." Genesis 25:7-8 NLT
Abraham's faith journey began when as a seventy-five year old man he answered God's call to leave his home and follow God to a new land and a new way of life (Genesis 12:1). One hundred years later he took the final step of faith when he stepped over the threshold of death into eternal life. Speaking of Abraham and other heroes of the faith, the writer of Hebrews said, "But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them" (Hebrews 11:16 NLT). Faith's ultimate reward is not the blessings gained on earth but the heavenly homeland. Once we have stepped across the threshold of death faith is no longer necessary because it gives way to sight.
I drove through the local cemetery earlier this week. I saw many tombstones and recognized the names of many friends whose funerals I had conducted over the last eighteen years. A drive through the cemetery is a sober reminder that each of us has a date with death. Yet as we walk by faith we face death with confidence and hope because we know that when we die we will have just begun to really live. As you walk with God by faith today keep your eyes fixed on the ultimate destination of your journey. Live with the end in mind.
Father, thank You for the amazing opportunity of walking with You in faith today and thank You for the heavenly homeland toward which You are leading me. Help me to keep my destination in mind and so be encouraged to live faithfully in faith today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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