🔥 BEAUTY FOR ASHES. 🔥 Some people only see the ashes… but GOD sees what He’s rebuilding. 🙌❤️‍🔥 The pain didn’t finish you. The addiction didn’t define you. The brokenness didn’t get the final word. God can take the very places that looked destroyed and create something BEAUTIFUL from them. ✝️🌹 📖 “To give unto them beauty for ashes…” — Isaiah 61:3 If you’re standing in the ashes right now, DON’T GIVE UP. Your story isn’t over. ❤️‍🔥 👇 Comment “BEAUTY FOR ASHES” if you believe God is still working in your story! ❤️ FOLLOW FoxxFusion Ministries for faith, recovery, testimony, Bible encouragement & original Christian music. #BeautyForAshes #FoxxFusionMinistries #GodRestores #FaithOverFear #JesusChangesLives

Ellen G. White Christ is coming with clouds and with great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He will come to raise the dead, and to change the living saints from glory to glory. He will come to honor those who have loved Him, and kept His commandments, and to take them to Himself. He has not forgotten them nor His promise. There will be a relinking of the family chain... A little longer, and we shall see the King in His beauty. A little longer, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes. Desire of Ages 632

28 Beleifs # 22 CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in all aspects of personal and social life. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!*🌟 📖 Scripture: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” — Job 19:25 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – Faith That Stands in Difficult Times* Job spoke these powerful words in the midst of tremendous suffering. His circumstances gave him many reasons to despair, yet he declared with confidence: “I know that my redeemer liveth.” Job's confidence was not based on what he could see. His situation was painful and uncertain, but his faith rested in the character of his Redeemer. There will be seasons when circumstances challenge our faith. We may not understand why certain things are happening, but we can still hold firmly to the truth that God lives, God cares, and God remains our Redeemer. Today, let your confidence be greater than your circumstances. You may not know how everything will work out, but you can know Who holds your future. Your situation is not the final chapter. Your Redeemer lives! 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I boldly declare: I know that my Redeemer lives! My hope is not dead, my faith is not dead, and my future is not hopeless because the Lord who redeemed me is alive. I declare that no present difficulty shall make me forget the faithfulness of God. Though I may walk through challenging seasons, I will continue to trust the Lord because He remains my Redeemer. Today, I receive fresh confidence in God's power to restore, renew, and redeem. Every area of my life that needs divine intervention is placed into the hands of my living Redeemer. I declare redemption over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. May God redeem wasted opportunities, restore broken relationships according to His will, renew lost strength, and bring beauty out of difficult seasons. I proclaim that my past will not define my future. Mistakes, disappointments, failures, delays, and difficult experiences shall not have the final word over my life. God is able to redeem my story and use it for His glory. I declare that every season of mourning shall give way to renewed joy according to God's perfect timing. Every place where I have experienced disappointment shall become an opportunity to testify of God's faithfulness. Today, I refuse to surrender to hopelessness. I refuse to believe that my best days are behind me. I choose to believe that God is still working, even when His work is not immediately visible. I declare that my faith shall become stronger through every trial. Like Job, I shall hold firmly to God even when I do not understand my circumstances. I proclaim that the Lord shall stand for me. He shall defend me, sustain me, guide me, and establish me according to His perfect purpose. Today, I declare that my life shall become a testimony of God's redeeming power. What seemed like the end shall become a new beginning, and what appeared hopeless shall reveal God's faithfulness. My Redeemer lives! My hope lives! My faith lives! My future is in God's hands! My story is not over! Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥✝️ ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with worship: Thank God because your Redeemer lives, regardless of your present circumstances. 2️⃣ Read Job 19:23–27: Meditate on Job's remarkable declaration of faith in the midst of suffering. 3️⃣ Declare: “I know that my Redeemer lives. Therefore, I will not give up hope.” 4️⃣ Surrender your past: Give your failures, disappointments, regrets, and painful experiences to God and trust Him to redeem your story. 5️⃣ Strengthen someone's faith: Encourage someone who is passing through a difficult season with the message: “Your Redeemer lives.” 6️⃣ Refuse hopelessness: Whenever negative thoughts arise today, consciously remind yourself of God's faithfulness. 7️⃣ End the day with thanksgiving: Thank God for His redemption, preservation, mercy, and the hope you have in Him. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, I thank You because You are my living Redeemer. Like Job, I declare today that I know that my Redeemer lives! Even when I do not understand my circumstances, help me to trust You. When I am weak, strengthen me. When I am discouraged, renew my hope. When I cannot see the way forward, remind me that You are already there. Lord, redeem every area of my life that needs Your intervention. Redeem my time, opportunities, efforts, relationships, work, ministry, studies, and every good purpose You have placed within me. Bring restoration where there has been loss and renewal where there has been weakness. Turn painful experiences into testimonies and use my story for Your glory. Protect my family and establish everything concerning us according to Your perfect will. Help me never to allow my circumstances to become greater than my faith in You. Give me the grace to stand firm like Job and continue trusting You until my change comes. I know that my Redeemer lives, and because He lives, I have hope for tomorrow. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the living Redeemer arise in every situation concerning you. May He restore your hope, renew your strength, redeem your time, and turn difficult seasons into testimonies. May God preserve your family, strengthen your ministry, bless the work of your hands, establish your plans according to His will, and guide you into the future He has prepared for you. May you have the grace to stand firm even when circumstances are difficult. May your faith remain unshaken and your hope remain alive. What God has permitted, He can redeem. What He has promised, He is able to fulfill. What concerns you is safely in His hands. 🔥 Your Redeemer lives! 🌟 Your hope lives! 🕊️ Your faith shall stand! 🙌 Your story is not over! ✝️ “FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH.” — JOB 19:25 Good morning beloved and do have a blessed, hopeful, faith-filled, and testimony-producing day🙏🔥 Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

So, you're looking for a side hustle to join and try to create some extra, part-time income for yourself and your family. What are the main areas you should evaluate any potential company to join? Evaluate any network marketing company by asking key questions about its product, cost, compensation plan, and history. These factors help you see if the business is safe, legal, and truly profitable before you invest your time and money. Product and Market Is there a real product? The company must sell a real item to real customers outside the company. LiveGood currently has over 50 of the highest quality, lowest priced vitamins & supplements in the world. Is the price fair? The product must be good enough that people would buy it even without the business opportunity. LiveGood has priced each of their products at the lowest price found anywhere in the world. They are priced at wholesale price...just a few dollars over cost. Is the market too full? Check if too many people already sell this item near you. The health & wellness industry is growing at a significant rate with total market value expected to exceed $130M by 2030. Costs and Setup What are the start-up costs? Look at the price for kits, samples, and training tools. To become a LiveGood affiliate and earn commissions, there is only a $40 (once for life) fee and you must remain a member of their wholesale club for just $9.95 per month. Are there monthly buys? Many groups make you buy a set amount of product each month to stay active. LiveGood has NO monthly AUTOSHIP or monthly product purchase requirement to be qualified to earn commissions. Can you return unsold stock? A good company lets you return unused items for a refund if you quit. Since there are no product purchase requirements or entry stock requirement this is not an issue. That being said, LiveGood offers a full 90-day, empty bottle, refund on all their products. Money and Rules How do you get paid? Earnings should come from selling products, not just from signing up new members. Since LiveGood is NOT a product selling company is the normal since of the word but a membership club and commissions are paid on enlisting others to become club members (just like Amazon, Costco, SAM's Club, Planet Fitness, Netflix, etc), this also is a non-issue. Are the rules clear? The company must show a clear income disclosure statement that tells you how much typical sellers actually make. LiveGood does provide a clear, transparent compensation plan document as well as typical earnings potential of affiliates. There is NO hype or unrealistic money statements. Who leads the company? Look for experienced leaders with a strong and honest track record. This is the beauty of LiveGood. There only four corporate directors with this company...and, none of them draw a salary from the company. Additionally, the CEO and Director of Marketing have decades of successful business creation and operations in the industry. In fact, the CEO, Ben Glinsky, had left the industry because of the failures and deceptive practices of too many of the companies. Because of his friendship with Nauder Khazan, who has over 40 years in the industry, he was encouraged to create something that would revolutionize the industry. If you are ready to change your future and join over 2.5 million others who are already doing that, comment READY below for details.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 19–20 | Galatians 5 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 19 The Victory That Comes Through Trust 2 Kings 19 continues the crisis that began in the previous chapter. Jerusalem remains surrounded by the mighty Assyrian army, and King Hezekiah faces an enemy far stronger than anything Judah can overcome through military strength alone. Humanly speaking, defeat appears certain. Yet the chapter demonstrates that faith flourishes precisely where human ability reaches its limits. When Hezekiah receives the threatening message from the Assyrian king, he does not respond with panic or political maneuvering. Instead, he enters the house of the Lord, spreads the letter before God, and prays. His response reveals the heart of genuine faith. Rather than focusing on the greatness of the enemy, he fixes his attention on the greatness of God. Hezekiah's prayer is centered on God's glory. He asks the Lord to deliver Jerusalem so that all the nations will know that the Lord alone is God. His concern extends beyond personal survival to the honor of God's name. This becomes the foundation of true biblical prayer—seeking God's glory above personal comfort. God answers through the prophet Isaiah with words of comfort and assurance. The Lord declares that He has heard the prayers of His servant and that Assyria's pride has not gone unnoticed. The enemy may boast of its military power, but it remains completely subject to God's sovereign authority. The Assyrian king is merely an instrument whom God has permitted to accomplish His purposes. That very night, the Lord intervenes without Judah lifting a sword. The Assyrian army is defeated by God's direct action, and the invading king returns home in humiliation before eventually meeting his own end. The impossible victory belongs entirely to the Lord. Judah contributes nothing but trust. The chapter reveals that God's power is never measured by visible circumstances. What appears impossible to people is easily accomplished by the sovereign Lord. Faith does not ignore reality but recognizes that God is greater than every circumstance. Theologically, 2 Kings 19 teaches that prayer is an expression of dependence upon God. It reveals His sovereignty over every nation and demonstrates that His glory is the ultimate purpose behind His acts of deliverance. The chapter also confirms that God's promises are completely trustworthy. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly trusted the Father in every circumstance and invites believers to cast every burden upon Him. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over every enemy through His death and resurrection. The battles we face today are approached not from fear but from confidence in the triumph of our risen King. For believers today, 2 Kings 19 reminds us that our first response to overwhelming circumstances should always be prayer. We are called to bring every burden before the Lord, trusting that He remains sovereign over every situation. In Christ, we know that no earthly power can overcome God's eternal purposes. Our confidence rests not in our own strength but in the God who still delivers those who trust Him. 2 Kings 20 Receiving God's Gifts with Humility 2 Kings 20 shifts from a national crisis to a deeply personal one. After witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Assyria, Hezekiah now faces a life-threatening illness. The chapter reminds us that even faithful believers experience seasons of personal suffering. Victory in one area of life does not exempt anyone from future trials. When Isaiah informs Hezekiah that his life is coming to an end, the king immediately turns to the Lord in prayer. He pours out his heart honestly before God, demonstrating that faith is expressed through humble dependence rather than self-sufficiency. God graciously hears his prayer and extends his life, providing a miraculous sign to confirm His promise. The Lord's compassion toward Hezekiah reveals His willingness to hear the prayers of His people. While God's sovereign purposes remain perfect, He graciously invites His children to bring their requests before Him. Prayer is not an attempt to manipulate God but a privilege of fellowship with Him. Yet the chapter also reveals the subtle danger that often follows blessing. After recovering, Hezekiah receives visitors from Babylon. Instead of directing their attention to God's greatness, he proudly displays all the wealth and treasures of his kingdom. His heart shifts from gratitude to self-confidence. The very blessings God has given become occasions for pride. Isaiah confronts the king and announces that a future generation will experience Babylonian captivity. The seeds of exile are already being planted through misplaced confidence and spiritual complacency. The chapter serves as a reminder that victories and blessings require just as much humility as seasons of hardship. Hezekiah accepts God's word with humility, acknowledging the righteousness of the Lord's judgment. Even in correction, he recognizes God's justice and faithfulness. Theologically, 2 Kings 20 reveals both God's compassion and His holiness. He delights in answering prayer and extending mercy, yet He also opposes pride and calls His people to continual humility. Every blessing is intended to lead us into deeper worship rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly demonstrated humility despite possessing all authority and glory. Unlike Hezekiah, Jesus never sought His own honor but always glorified the Father. Through His life, death, and resurrection, believers receive the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and are called to steward that gift with humble gratitude. For believers today, 2 Kings 20 reminds us that every answered prayer and every blessing should deepen our dependence upon God rather than our confidence in ourselves. We are called to receive God's gifts with grateful hearts and use them for His glory. In Christ, we have received blessings far greater than earthly treasures, and our greatest privilege is pointing others not to ourselves but to the Savior whose grace has transformed our lives. Galatians 5 — Standing Firm in the Freedom of the Christ Galatians chapter 5 is one of the clearest New Testament passages describing the freedom believers have in the Christ, the Son of God, and how that freedom is to be lived out. Paul moves from defending the doctrine of justification by faith to explaining its practical application. The redemptive plan does not free believers so they can live for themselves; it frees them to live by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the character of the Christ in every area of life. The chapter begins with a powerful call to stand firm in the freedom that the Christ has secured. The Son of God has broken the chains of sin, legalism, and condemnation. Believers are warned not to return to any system that attempts to earn God's acceptance through human effort. Christian living begins with grace and continues by grace. The redemptive plan is complete in the Christ, leaving nothing for human works to add. Paul explains that attempting to gain righteousness through religious performance separates a person from the very grace they seek to improve upon. Salvation is received entirely through faith in the Christ. Once believers understand this, they are free to serve God from love rather than obligation. The Son of God calls His people into a relationship marked by joyful obedience rather than fearful striving. The chapter then emphasizes that Christian freedom is not permission for selfish living. Freedom has a purpose. Believers are called to serve one another in love because love fulfills the heart of God's commands. The redemptive plan transforms self-centered hearts into servant-hearted people who reflect the compassion and humility of the Christ. Christian living expresses itself through love because the love of the Son of God has first been poured into His people. Paul warns that selfishness, conflict, and division destroy fellowship within the body of Christ. When believers focus on their own desires rather than on loving one another, the unity purchased by the Christ is weakened. The Son of God calls His church to pursue peace, humility, and mutual care as evidence of His transforming work. The chapter then introduces the contrast between the flesh and the Spirit. These two influences are opposed to one another. The flesh naturally pursues selfish desires, while the Holy Spirit leads believers into lives that honor the Christ. Christian living is a continual choice to yield to the Spirit rather than to the old sinful nature. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but empowers believers to live differently. Paul identifies the works of the flesh as evidence of a life governed by sinful desires. These actions produce brokenness, division, and spiritual death because they flow from humanity apart from the Christ. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit reveals the character of the Son of God. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not human achievements but the natural result of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. The image of fruit is significant because fruit grows naturally from a healthy relationship with its source. Believers do not manufacture Christlike character through determination alone. As they abide in the Christ and yield to His Spirit, His life becomes visible in them. The redemptive plan produces inward transformation that is demonstrated through outward character. The chapter concludes by reminding believers that those who belong to the Christ have crucified the old way of life. Since they now live by the Spirit, they are called to walk by the Spirit every day. Christian living involves continual dependence upon the Son of God rather than self-reliance. Pride, rivalry, and envy have no place in the life of one who has been transformed by His grace. Throughout Galatians chapter 5, the Christ remains the center of true freedom. He has delivered His people from both the bondage of sin and the burden of legalism. Through His Holy Spirit, He enables them to live lives that display His love and holiness. The redemptive plan is fulfilled as believers increasingly reflect the character of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly in the freedom the Christ has purchased for us. Christian living is not about earning God's favor but about walking daily in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded to reject both legalism and selfishness, choosing instead to serve others in love and bear the fruit that reflects the life of the Son of God. As we walk by the Spirit, our lives become visible demonstrations of His grace, revealing the beauty of His redemptive plan to the world around us. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Friday, August 21 📜 OLD TESTAMENT RUTH 1 — Naomi and Ruth 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Judges! Today we begin the book of Ruth. ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 1 JOHN 3 — Children of God & Love for One Another 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 32 — The Righteous King 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Ruth 1 Ruth chooses to remain with Naomi despite the uncertainty ahead. Her loyalty and commitment demonstrate the beauty of faithful love and trusting God even when the future is unclear. ✝️ 1 John 3 John reminds us of the incredible love God has shown by calling us His children. Genuine faith is demonstrated through righteousness, obedience, and practical love for others—not merely through words. 🌿 Isaiah 32 Isaiah looks forward to the reign of a righteous King and the transformation that comes with God's Spirit. It points us toward a life marked by justice, peace, righteousness, and security in God. ✨ KEY VERSE “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us Your children and showing us what true love looks like. Give us hearts like Ruth—faithful, loyal, and willing to trust You even when the road ahead is uncertain. Help us demonstrate our faith through our actions and live under Your righteous rule. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Show someone genuine love through your actions today. Be faithful in your commitments, trust God with your future, and let your life speak louder than your words.

The Bible’s Big Story The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah. Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people. Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises. Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love. Prophets (17 books): Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end. The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever. The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things. Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection. History (1 book): Acts. Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord. Letters (21 books): Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him. General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude. These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living. Prophecy (1 book): Revelation. This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth. How the Two Testaments Fit Together The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King. Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns. If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

Heaven Will Be Worth the Wait There is a day coming for every child of God when faith will become sight, hope will become reality, and the long journey home will finally be over. Whatever trials we endure in this present life, whatever tears we shed, whatever prayers seem to wait unanswered, there is a glorious promise before us: Heaven will be worth the wait. The Bible does not describe eternity as an endless existence floating upon clouds. It presents something far greater—a restored creation, the presence of God, the glory of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of our bodies, the reunion of God’s people, and a world where sin, suffering, death, and sorrow are gone forever. The Greatest Gift: We Will See Jesus Above everything else, Heaven is glorious because Jesus will be there. Paul wrote that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus Himself promised His disciples: “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” —John 14:3, KJV Imagine that moment. The One whom we have trusted without seeing, we will finally see face to face. The One whose name we have worshiped, whose Word we have believed, and whose grace has carried us through our darkest days will stand before us in glory. The Apostle John tells us: “We shall see him as he is.” —1 John 3:2 Every question about faith will be answered by His presence. Every doubt will disappear. Every struggle will seem small compared with the glory of being with Christ. Jesus is not merely the One who gets us to Heaven. Jesus is the treasure of Heaven. We Will See Our Loved Ones Again For those who have died in Christ, death is not the final goodbye. The Christian hope is resurrection. Paul comforted believers who were grieving their departed loved ones, telling them that Christians should not grieve “even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He then described the great day when Christ returns and the dead in Christ are raised. “And so shall we ever be with the Lord.” —1 Thessalonians 4:17 What a promise. The Christian does not believe that death permanently destroys the relationships God has given us. We look forward to the resurrection and the gathering together of God’s people in the presence of Christ. Can we imagine embracing a loved one again—without sickness, without separation, without the fear that another goodbye is coming? The reunion will not be marked by hospitals, funerals, tears, or graves. It will be life. And it will be eternal. No More Death, Sorrow, or Pain Perhaps one of the most beautiful promises concerning eternity is found in Revelation: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” —Revelation 21:4 Think about everything that causes us grief in this present world. There will be no more death. No more funeral services. No more cancer wards. No more broken hearts. No more loneliness. No more betrayal. No more fear. No more sin. No more crying ourselves to sleep. God Himself will wipe away the tears. The hands that created the universe will personally comfort His children. The New Heaven and the New Earth Scripture points beyond simply going to Heaven. God’s ultimate plan is the renewal of creation. John saw: “a new heaven and a new earth.” —Revelation 21:1 The Christian hope is not ultimately an escape from God’s creation but the redemption and renewal of creation. Peter likewise speaks of looking for: “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” —2 Peter 3:13 Imagine a world where righteousness dwells completely. No corruption. No injustice. No violence. No exploitation. No pollution. No decay. No sin. Everything will finally exist as God intended it to exist. The curse will be gone, and creation itself will be brought into glorious freedom. The New Jerusalem And then Scripture gives us one of the most breathtaking visions in all of the Bible—the New Jerusalem. John saw the holy city descending from Heaven: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” —Revelation 21:2 The description is magnificent: gates of pearl, foundations adorned with precious stones, streets of pure gold, and the glory of God illuminating the city. But even these incredible descriptions point toward something greater. God Himself will dwell with His people. Revelation says: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” —Revelation 21:3 The greatest beauty of the New Jerusalem will not be its gold. It will not be its gates. It will not be its walls. It will be the presence of God. And there will be no temple in the city, because: “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” —Revelation 21:22 The Lamb is Jesus Christ. The One who died for us will be at the center of eternity. We Will Finally Understand There are things we cannot understand now. There are prayers we do not understand. There are disappointments whose purpose remains hidden. There are losses that still hurt. There are seasons when we wonder why God allowed something to happen. But Heaven will bring clarity. Paul wrote: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.” —1 Corinthians 13:12 One day we will see clearly. We will understand that God never abandoned His children. We will understand the meaning of grace. We will understand the purpose of perseverance. And perhaps many things that caused us to weep on earth will appear completely different when viewed from eternity. Heaven Will Make This Journey Worth It Paul, who suffered imprisonment, persecution, beatings, rejection, hunger, danger, and hardship, wrote: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” —Romans 8:18 That is an extraordinary statement. Paul was not saying that suffering is insignificant. He was saying that future glory is infinitely greater. Whatever you are facing today, it will not last forever. The sickness will not last forever. The grief will not last forever. The struggle against sin will not last forever. The tears will not last forever. This present age is not the end of the story. There is a resurrection coming. There is a Kingdom coming. There is a New Jerusalem coming. There is a new heaven and a new earth coming. And, most importantly, Jesus is coming. Keep Going Sometimes the Christian life feels long. Sometimes the road is difficult. Sometimes faith feels like walking through darkness while holding onto a promise. But keep going. Keep trusting Christ. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep your eyes on eternity. The writer of Hebrews tells us to run the race with endurance, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). The finish line is closer than it has ever been. And when we finally cross it, we will discover that every sacrifice made for Christ was worth it. Every prayer was worth it. Every act of obedience was worth it. Every tear was worth it. Every moment when we chose Christ over the world was worth it. Because on the other side of this life is not emptiness. There is glory. There is resurrection. There is reunion. There is righteousness. There is the New Jerusalem. There is the new heaven and the new earth. And there is Jesus. The Best Is Yet to Come Christian, do not let the temporary darkness of this world make you forget the eternal light that is coming. Jesus promised to prepare a place for His people. He promised to return. He promised resurrection. God promised to make all things new. And John heard the voice from the throne proclaim: “Behold, I make all things new.” —Revelation 21:5 One day, the journey will be over. One day, faith will become sight. One day, we will stand in the presence of the One who loved us enough to die for us. One day, we will see those who have gone before us in Christ. One day, there will be no more graves to visit because death will be gone. One day, there will be no more tears to shed because God Himself will wipe them away. One day, we will enter the fullness of the inheritance Christ purchased for us. And when that day comes, we will understand something with absolute certainty: Heaven was worth the wait. Until then, keep your eyes upon Jesus. The road may be difficult. The night may be long. But morning is coming. Christ is coming. And for those who belong to Him, the best is yet to come. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” —Revelation 22:20

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3 NLT ____ God invites us to experience intimate fellowship with Him. Walking in the light is our response to His call. ____ Begin the practice of allocating more time in prayer to giving thanks ____ Dear God, please help me see Your breathtaking beauty. ____ “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again. Isaiah 43:25 NLT