✝ Daily Encouragement (12/27/23) "Heaven-bound"

Published: Wed, 12/27/23

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

"Heaven-bound"

Message summary: Heaven-bound is used to describe one who is headed for heaven. There is certainty in their heart that upon death they will go to heaven for all eternity. Hallelujah, I'm heaven-bound! Are you?

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"When the angels had left them (the shepherds) and gone into heaven" (Luke 2:15). See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven? (Hebrews 12:25).

On Christmas eve we went to visit my brother and his family who live in Easton, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles northeast of us. I didn't see it this time but years ago we passed a sign for a business north of Reading called "Hellbound Motorcycle". As I mused on such a name for a business it stirred my emotions and gave me the jolt I needed to stay awake the remainder of the way home!

I watched a secular television documentary on heaven and of course it presented the different views people have on the subject. One that struck me was an interview with a lady who smugly asserted to the effect, "Of course there is no heaven".

So many today mock the notion of both heaven and hell. Yet the Bible is abundantly full of references to the reality of both. Although we may not have all the details we'd like, we have sufficient information to determine the wonders of heaven and the horrors of hell.

At this time when rejoicing in the birth of our Lord is the highlight of the season, let us note the teaching concerning heaven in the very familiar narrative many of us read each Christmas. The angelic choir is identified as "a great company of the heavenly host". Following their exclamation of praise they returned to heaven. "When the angels had left them (the shepherds) and gone into heaven" (Luke 2:15).

The second daily text is a solemn warning from the book of Hebrews, that wonderfully inspired letter whose human author is not identified. We do well to read it again slowly. "See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven?" (Hebrews 12:25).

I find it helpful to personalize such a verse with resolve, "I must see to it that I do not refuse Him who speaks. If they [unbelievers] did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will I, if I turn away from Him who warns me from heaven?"

I don't want to refuse the One who speaks, but rather I want to accept His plan of salvation and serve Him. I don't want to turn away from Him who warns us from heaven but rather I want my life to be turned toward God in heaven. That's my challenge for each reader today.

I conclude with a personalized adaptation from Colossians 3 that expresses my heart today. Perhaps it will yours as well. "Since, then, I have been raised with Christ, I set my heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. I set my mind on things above, not on earthly things. For I died, and my life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is my life, appears, then I also will appear with Him in glory."

Heaven-bound is used to describe one who is headed for heaven. There is certainty in their heart that upon death they will go to heaven for all eternity. Hallelujah, I'm heaven-bound! Are you?

Hallelujah what a day it will be
For at home with You my joy is complete
As I run into Your arms open wide I will see
My father who is waiting for me

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Jesus, I pray that You would fix my attention on those things that really matter. May I focus much more on the person of who I am than the things of which I own. May I strive more for being the child of God You are pleased with than acquiring a title, position or award that will impress others. Lord Jesus, may my aspiration take me to spiritual height and depth that will bring the heavenly view into clearer focus day by day as I walk with You hand in hand. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Here's a photo of our new bedroom before the painting, which is scheduled over the next several days. The doors are now on. The door to the right divides our bedroom from the office space; that's why our podcast listeners have put up with the intermittent construction noise over the past several weeks. Special features we enjoy are the large windows and high cathedral ceiling. Beyond the door to the right (not seen) is the bathroom and a closet.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"One Day (When We All Get To Heaven)" Watch on YouTube Matt Redman

"On That Day" Watch on YouTube CityAlight

"Heaven Song" Watch on YouTube Phil Wickham

"Hymn of Heaven" Watch on YouTube Phil Wickham

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
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495 Kraybill Church Rd
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