July 24 I Wednesday

Psalms 35-36

Acts 25

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”   —John 10:10

How often do we think about what it is going to be like in heaven? With work, paying the bills, raising our children, maintaining our homes, social engagements, committees we belong to and a myriad of problems we face daily, it is not likely we spend much time thinking about heaven.

When Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” He was not speaking of the busyness of our lives, but that in Him, we not only inherit heaven, but have every resource here and now to meet the demands of this life. Christ does not indwell us to reserve our appointment in heaven, but for us to experience His working in our lives. As hectic as our days may be, are we bringing Him in and thanking Him for His presence?

We do not have to wait until we get to heaven to enjoy peace and contentment. We can draw now on the indwelling life of Christ, which is to depend, obey and trust Him. It is bringing Him into every aspect of our lives, listening for His voice and waiting upon His direction. The deeper our communion with Christ is, the deeper our experience of Him will be. We grieve the Holy Spirit, quench Him, limit Him and can even shut Him down if He is continually left on the sidelines.

Perhaps we should take a minute to think about heaven. John tells us, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’” (Revelation 21:3-4). There are other remarkable verses describing heaven: city of gold, river of life and this is the kingdom of which Jesus is King.

Jesus Christ is not only King, but creator and sustainer of the universe. He is God who came to earth, clothed in humanity in the person of God’s Son to be crucified, buried and raised to life again so that His Spirit may indwell all who believe in Him. The presence of Jesus Christ is in every Christian, and so often we need a wake-up call. If we leave Him on the sidelines, we live our own way. Jesus came so we may have life to the full and that is received when He is at the core of our lives, and we live every day in union with Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to live every day in union with You. I trust Your direction and will for my life and ask for wisdom in discerning Your voice. Thank You, Lord.