“For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” 2 Corinthians 5:4
As believers in this world, with earthly bodies subject to sin and its curse, we groan and long for that day when our earthly bodies are changed into glorious and heavenly bodies, created so that we might dwell forever in communion with our God and Savior for the sake of Messiah Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins. We do not long for death but for eternal life in perfect oneness with our Maker and Redeemer.
Grant to me, O God, Your mercy and forgiveness for my sins and failures in this life for the sake of the shed blood of Christ Jesus, My Savior, and give me strength to endure the sufferings of this life as I longingly await the eternal joys of oneness with You in the life to come. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-3
As believers, the Scriptures assure us that when we must lay aside our earthly bodies, we have glorious and eternal heavenly bodies awaiting us in the heavens. In our earthly bodies, we groan and long to be clothed with our heavenly bodies and to dwell forever in perfect communion with our God and Savior through faith in Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice for our sins.
O gracious and merciful Savior, grant me faith to believe the promises of Your Word and look forward to that day when You clothe me in my eternal and heavenly home and I dwell in Your presence forever for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15
The people of this world have their portion in this life and then face God’s judgment. Those who trust in God’s mercy and forgiveness for the sake of Christ Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross have an inheritance in heaven. With David, they have the confidence of being raised up without sin and seeing the LORD God face-to-face, of being satisfied in the resurrection when they awake in the likeness of Jesus!
Forgive my sins and failings, O Lord, and grant that I be more and more like You in this life, and raise me up on the last day in Your image and likeness. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:6-8
What people do not realize is that, because of our fallen nature, our thoughts, desires, words, and actions are tainted by sin’s corruption; we are spiritually dead and unable to truly love God, trust in Him, or honor Him with our lives. It is only by the Spirit of God working through the Word of God that we are reborn from above, trust in Christ for forgiveness, and have our minds renewed so that we might begin to love God, trust in Him, and honor Him with our lives.
O God, grant that we follow the leading and guiding of Your Holy Spirit through the Word so that we might trust in You for mercy and forgiveness and then love and honor Your holy name. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11
In His Word, the LORD shows us the way of salvation through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 3:15). And, those who trust in Christ will share in the everlasting joys of heaven, being in the presence of the LORD and perfect communion with Him.
Thank You, O God, for graciously revealing to me the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and His cross and for granting me the eternal joys of heaven! Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
