Heaven- A Five Day Devotional
Day 1: The Breath of Heaven
Heaven is not a distant, abstract concept but the very presence of God. It is a return to perfection, a place prepared by Jesus for his followers. This understanding of Heaven provides hope and comfort for believers, knowing that their last breath on Earth will be their first breath in Heaven.
Bible Passage: 2 Peter 3:13 – “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
Reflection: How does the understanding of Heaven as the presence of God change your perspective on death and the afterlife?
Day 2: The Race of Faith
The concept of judgment and rewards in the afterlife is a call to action for believers. It is a reminder that the moment one surrenders their life to Jesus, they are called to run the race of faith. The judgment seat of Christ is not a place of condemnation but of evaluation, where believers will be repaid for their actions in the body, whether good or evil.
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Reflection: How can you run your race of faith more effectively, knowing that you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ?
Day 3: The Bride Price of Love
The sacrifice of Jesus is not just a historical event but a present reality for believers. Jesus gave up his life as the bride price for his people, a sacrifice remembered and celebrated in the Lord’s Supper. This sacrifice is the basis of the believer’s relationship with God and the assurance of their place in Heaven.
Bible Passage: Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice as a bride price deepen your appreciation of the Lord’s Supper?
Day 4: Heaven on Earth
The Kingdom of Heaven is not just a future reality but a present one. God is trying to bring Heaven to Earth through believers. This understanding challenges the common desire to escape Earth and go to Heaven, and instead calls believers to be agents of God’s Kingdom here and now.
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Reflection: How can you be an agent of God’s Kingdom on Earth, bringing Heaven to your everyday life?
Day 5: The Marriage Proposal of Jesus
The love of Jesus for his disciples is likened to a marriage proposal. Jesus’ willingness to give his life for his disciples and his promise to prepare a place for them in Heaven is a profound expression of his love. This love is remembered and celebrated in the Lord’s Supper, where believers partake in the cup and remember Jesus’ sacrifice and love for them.
Bible Passage: Revelation 19:7 – “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus’ love as a marriage proposal affect your relationship with Him?