#55 The Home of Righteousness – 2nd Peter 3:13-14

2 Peter 3:13-14 NIV - 13 But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.

Journal Entry # 55

Every child of God should look forward to this promise – a new universe. Not one unrecognizably different from this one, but so much better in every way. There will be no more sin – this means that not only will no one and nothing tempt us, but also that there will be nothing in us that will incline us toward sin. Then there shall also no longer be a curse on anything (Revelation 22:3-4) – no more useless toil, no more pain or death, no more sadness or loneliness. If we really do look forward to this promise of perfection and perfect fellowship with God, then we will desire to move toward it now as well as we can. This means simply that we will do what we know to do to grow in Christ likeness and in our relationship with Him. This necessitates that we spend time in genuine / heartfelt prayer, in earnest and hungry study of His Word, and intentionally bringing the Lordship and conscious presence of God into every aspect of our lives. To live as though Jesus were every moment standing beside us, for there He truly is, if only we could see it. No matter the circumstances or our feelings, He is always with us (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5-6).

Therefore, let us pray, “Our great God, Lord of heaven and earth, maker and sustainer of all things, help us to remember that You are present in all places at all times – that You not only watch over us, but You stand beside us, You live inside us, and You hold us in Your hands. Remembering this, then, help us to live within this reality – desiring to please and serve You with our lives and being free from all fear and worry, trusting in You. Place before our eyes and make real to our hearts Your promise of the complete restoration of all things where we will live in Your full presence in absolute perfection and in the joy of unbroken fellowship with You. Help us to do everything all to the glory of Your name.* Amen.”

*See the song What I’m Here For.