Sunday, October 18, 2015

Looking for New Heavens and New Earth

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:11-13
 
A new heaven and new earth—gleaming in purity and righteousness. Ahhh—how we all long for that day. No more tears…but even better— Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31.  We will never again grieve each other or the Holy Spirit… Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30. Since we are children adopted by God as His own—we are sealed—set aside. We still have to continue to seek purity or holiness in our lives. …may you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:23-24. Paul also wrote to the church at Philippi, encouraging them in their obedience. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling…. Philippians 2:12. Some people believe that once they are saved they no longer must “work” but that is just the beginning…we must continue to mold our lives in holiness to please God. Our righteousness cannot be self-righteousness…but one that is bestowed on us by the grace of God—giving us a desire to humbly seek to make choices that lead to holiness in our lives. As you look for the New Heaven and New Earth where do you stand with the Lord?
 
Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I hope that I never give You any grief. Help me to put aside all bitterness, wrath and anger—that I would not cause or feel any tears even here on earth. May my family, friends and I make decisions that result in holiness in our lives…pleasing You and drawing others to Jesus Christ.
 
© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
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