Worldwide Revival: An 8 Day Devotional with NewsboysSample

DAY SIX: EYES ON HEAVEN

In This Life We Will See Troubled Times // But Have No Fear The King Is By Our Side // If God Is For Us // Then Who Could Be Against Us Now // Those Who Trust The Lord Will Not Be Moved // We Will Not Be Moved

In a fast-paced world full of distractions, it can be easy to walk through life feeling unfocused and unmotivated. So many noises demand our attention – social media, the news, current events, pop culture. It can be a challenge to keep our eyes focused on the eternal. The call to fix our eyes on Heaven is a foundational aspect of Christian faith, and although challenging at times, focusing on eternity instead of the world can unveil a heavenly optimism, something we all could use a little more of.

In Colossians 3, Paul writes these words.

“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:1-3

This urging from Paul is the heartbeat of the lyrics of Eyes on Heaven. An anthem for what it means to “seek the things above,” our sincere prayer is that our eyes would always be focused on heaven and our hearts would always be postured to eternity. We are completely inundated by headlines written to scare us, workplace struggles and stressors, financial burdens... whatever it may be for you, we have to intentionally rely on Christ to keep our focus not on those things, but on eternity.

1. What are the Earthly things at the forefront of your mind right now? What is stealing your attention away from God?

As Paul continues on, he gives clear instructions for how we’re able to accomplish focusing on eternity.

“Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.” – Colossians 3:5-10

The beautiful thing is that once we make intentional strides to live holy lives, we recognize that our ultimate citizenship is in Heaven. Our actions, choices, and words should reflect that. We should constantly be demonstrating kindness, gentleness, humility, and forgiveness in the exact same way that Christ is kind, gentle, humble, and forgiving of us.

2. In what ways does recognizing our Heavenly citizenship impact how we interact with others and engage with the world around us? How can we actively demonstrate Christ-like virtues in our interactions with others?

Walking around, day in and day out, with a mindset focused on eternity is the best possible medicine to a broken world. By setting our hearts on Heaven, we align ourselves with God’s eternal purposes and experience His joy and peace in abundance. May we continually strive to live in a manner worthy of our heavenly calling, keeping our focus on the things above and eagerly awaiting the day when we will be united with Christ forever.

3. How does the hope of Heaven provide strength and comfort during times of difficulty or suffering?