The Pilgrim Journey

 

Heb. 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The faithful who have lived and gone before us looked for a better place. This world was not their home, they were only passing through. We live in this present world and seek love and happiness. We are all pilgrims on this journey of life and we who are in Christ, seek to live with the blessing of God as we journey. The destination is the City of God, but often the pilgrim journey is hard, filled with heartache and pain. I think of one of my favorite hymns. 
“I can see far down the mountain, where I wandered weary years, often hindered in my journey, by the ghosts of doubts and fears; broken vows and disappointments, thickly sprinkled all the way, but the Spirit led, unerring, to the land I hold today.” 
Unlike those who died in the faith before the coming of Jesus, we have received the promise. The promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, guides us on this pilgrim journey. We have the words of Jesus, “Seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” We walk each day knowing that Jesus cares and desires what is best for us. The pilgrim journey is not made alone. He will bless us as we trust and obey. He will carry us through difficult times. Like the songwriter, we also can know the blessing of God as we make this journey.
“ I am drinking at the fountain, where I ever would abide; For I've tasted life's pure river, and my soul is satisfied; There's no thirst for life's pleasures, nor adorning, rich and gay. For I've found a richer treasure, One that fadeth not away.” 
Is not this pilgrim journey the land of Beulah?

Heavenly Mansions

 John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
In the book of Revelation, John gives us a glimpse of heaven, the mansions that Jesus said He is preparing for those who have been redeemed, and are following His commandments. I can only imagine this place, the Father’s house. The homes that we will live in are described as large and beautiful. We have seen what man can do with earthly material when building an earthly mansion, but this mansion is built by the hand of God. Someday after this life is over, we will live in that city, a place prepared for all those who love Him and are waiting for His appearance. He said He will come back to receive His own. His promises are true, He does not lie. The song written by Ira Stamphill, “I've got a mansion just over the hilltop. In that bright land where we'll never grow old. And someday yonder we will never more wander. But walk on streets that are purest gold.” speaks to the hope and longing of all believers.

There is a River

Psalm 46:6 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Walking in the wilderness of the desert of life will dehydrate us spiritually. We can only go so long without water. We become so busy with life and all of its demands that we fail to take time to stop and drink. There is a river that God has provided for us to drink from. If we are going to making it to our destiny, we need to take time each day to drink from the streams that flow from the city of God. From the river, we are able to refill to continue our journey. We need not die of thirst, there is a river that flows from God, water to quench the longings of our soul, water to give us the strength to carry on. Take time to stop, bend down on the banks of the river and take a drink.

Looking For a City

Heb. 11:10,16  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God…Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He hath prepared for them a City.”

This world is not my home, I’m only passing through. Looking for a City that is not made by human architect. Man has achieve remarkable skills and technology to make habitats that are beautiful and stunning, but they will all pass away with time. God, has built a City that will not fade away, a City where the light of day and night is Christ Himself. This City, John saw coming down from the heavenly skies. A City where the streets are made of gold. We need to look beyond this world and set our eyes on things that are eternal. God has prepared a place for those who choose to believe, those who are faithful to trust God. For God will be faithful to us if we keep our eyes on that City.

Heaven

Rev. 22;4,5 “And they shall see His face, and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there, and they will need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light...”

Heaven, what a wonderful place that will be. To see Jesus face to face. We all fantasize what it will be like in Heaven. We wonder if we will be able to sit down and visit with those who have gone before us. We long to see our loved ones that loved Jesus and served Him on this earthly journey. We wonder what our mansion will look like. Many things about heaven that we wonder about. John gives us a glimpse of heaven. Standing on the Island of Patmos, the sky is opened and God lets John take a peek into what life will be like after we leave this world. It is clear that sin will not be there. That is why it is essential that we have our sins forgiven and cast away. Only that which is holy will be able to enter into heaven. The blood of Jesus is the only thing that will cleanse us from an unholy heart. We also know that there is no sun or artificial light there, yet light illuminate everywhere. This is the light of God that comes for the essence of God. All that live in heaven will be in love with Jesus and will serve Him with gladness. Heaven will not be a place we visit, it will be a place where we will live forever and ever, praising and serving God.