SCRIPTURE UNION DISCOVERY DEVOTIONAL (USA)
Scripture Union Discovery 1st June 2023, Thursday Devotional Message
TOPIC: Head in the Clouds?
Read 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-10
Awaiting the New Body
5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Read full chapter
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect:
It has been said that a person is not really ready to live until she or he is ready to die. What do you think?
‘You are so heavenly minded, you’re no earthly use.’ Not infrequently I have this spoken over me, having neglected some basic domestic duty because ‘my head was in the clouds’! Perhaps you can identify with me.
Paul’s head (and heart) are most certainly in the clouds as he passionately expresses his desire to depart this life and be with Christ. His passion for what is to come puts to shame my own easy satisfaction with my material existence.
But, of course, it is not a question of either/or. Paul explains that the Spirit of God is given to whet his appetite for the life to come, and at the same time to focus his mind on pleasing God in Corinth! So it is for us. The more our heads are in the clouds, the greater should be our desire to please God on earth, here and now. Today. With his head so in the clouds, can he focus on the here and now? Well, yes. There is the small matter of having to give account of his life before the judgment seat of Christ. It is in fact a very large matter and should concentrate our minds not in fear, but in joyful abandonment to please God every day.
Apply:
In what ways do you see yourself living with your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground?
Closing prayer:
Gracious Lord, it has been said that in Christ, “We can live fully now, and one day we will live forever”, (Lloyd John Ogilvie, 1930-2019). Praise God for this glorious gift.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY
