Today's Verse: Hebrews 11:16

Friday, November 16, 2012

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

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Hebrews 11 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything — some even paid the ultimate price — for their faith. How did they live out such a strong faith in the face of such difficulty 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 welcome them to that better place. And this better place, this better country, is also promised to us as people of faith! 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 is longing for us to join him, then surely we can have a deep longing to be with him. Let's desire our heavenly country!

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for all that 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 look forward to, may I live a victorious life because I am confident in your grace, forgiven because of Jesus' sacrifice, and empowered to be holy by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus I live and offer you this prayer. Amen.

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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.

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.