“As for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus,.. to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:11-19
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3
God knows the power of a carrot, the enticement of something wanted to spur on motivation and effort. Throughout Scripture He gives glimpses of His majesty, splendor, and the future glory that awaits His children to keep us groaning, substantially hoping, and pressing on. Our present charge to keep is ignited by the joyous expectancy of presenting His Majesty crowns when inapproachable light welcomes us home into its splendor. His Spirit within inspires anticipation of all that is truly life and the joy of beholding our Savior’s face. (Exodus 3:1-6; 33:18-23; Psalm 17:15; Romans 8:19-23; 2 Corinthians 11:2-4,7-10)
In the drudgery of day to day, we might feel malaise at routine or waning enthusiasm, or fatigued by relentless pressures or sad circumstances. If we need a shot of spiritual adrenaline, consider what lies ahead beyond the challenging rhythms of earthly life. When we take moments to savor the promises of heaven, meditate on the eternity the Lord has won and is preparing for us, and imagine gazing at our Savior’s love-filled eyes, melancholy is replaced by motivation. Sure hope awakens zeal to be ready. (John 14:1-3; Revelation 4:2-11)
A glimpse at heaven’s eternal riches loosens our hold on those of this world. Contemplation of no barriers, divisions, vitriol, or hurt softens present prejudices, grudges and angst. What hope motivates me to pursue holiness, reconciliation, fruitfulness? How will a fresh view of Christ- serving, crucified, victorious, glorified- spur fervor to express gratitude, resolve differences, proclaim truth, give away, love more, press on? (Matthew 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 3:11; Revelation 21:4
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25
Lord, keep me longing to see You and living faithfully as though it could be any moment.
As the rain and snow 
The hope of being with Christ face to face, at any moment, surely does spur me on. He alone preserves me so that I persevere. Thank you for this good encouragement as I needed it.
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