Today's Verse: Hebrews 11:16

Thursday, November 16, 2000

Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
— Hebrews 11:16
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Hebrews 11:1-40 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything. Others even paid the ultimate price with their lives rather than betraying their faith. How did they live with such a strong faith in the face of such hostility and persecution? They were looking for a better place, a better home, a better country, a better city - a heavenly one. God prepared this better place for them. He is proud to be called their God and promised to welcome them to that better place and an enduring city to be their home with him. And this better place is also promised to us as people of faith today! Jesus promised us that he is preparing for our arrival at our heavenly home, and he will come back and take us to be where he is (John 14:1-4). If the Lord longs for us to join him in this glorious place, we can surely have a deep longing to be with him and live for him in this world. Let's desire our heavenly country and look forward to meeting our Father in the place he has prepared for us!

My Prayer...

Dear Father, thank you for all you have done to save me. Thank you for not being ashamed of me. Thank you for preparing for my arrival at home with you. With so much to anticipate, may I live a victorious life because I am confident in your grace, have faith that I have been forgiven because of Jesus' sacrifice, and am empowered to be holy by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I live and offer you this prayer. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

A City Prepared
Illustration of Hebrews 11:16
Inspirational illustration of Hebrews 11:16 -- 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Searching for A Home
Article by Tom Norvell
What are you searching for? Our true home is in heaven, it is our homeland to which we are journeying.
Accent
Article by Tim Archer
Where are you from? They had a heavenly accent. They spoke in such a way that everybody knew they were on a journey, one that would end in heaven. They knew, as the old hymn says, "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through." They were on their way to the city God
Change is Constant
Article by Rubel Shelly
How can change be a constant that ties us to the past and gives us hope for the future? Change is a constant so how we deal with it is crucial and is part of our heritage as God's people.
See All 10 Related Resources about Hebrews 11:16

Illustration

Illustration of Hebrews 11:16 — Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, November 16, 2000

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Matthew 14:30
"Sinking times are praying times with the Lord's servants. Peter neglected prayer at starting upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'I Will Put My Spirit in You!' (Ek. 37:13-14)
"[The Lord said,] "When [the Israelites return from Babylon to Judah], O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Not Seeking the Spotlight' (Jn. 1:19-21)
"This was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, "Who are you?" He came right out and...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Growing into a New Future' (Acts 1:14-15)
"[The disciples] all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of....."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse