Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Hebrews 11:14-16, "For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country, And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."

This morning, there is much heartache and pain in the world. There is nothing short of misery in nature, for all of it is fading, decaying, and passing away. From the time that man brought sin into the world, both plants, animals, and men began to die naturally. Therefore, if this is all that we have, we are truly of all men most miserable. When one considers the perspective from this temporal plane (under the sun), there is only one conclusion that can be reached. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

However, we are told not to consider that which is under the sun. We are told to walk by faith and not by sight. This whole chapter is devoted to talking about faith, and those patriarchs who walked therein. Now, they are witnesses of faith (not heroes or in the Hall of Fame as some might say...for that gives too much praise to man). Hopefully, it can be said of us after that we have passed that we were witnesses of faith as well. What are some of the characteristics of a witness of faith? What mannerisms do they possess? One of the mannerisms that they possess is that they do not get too wrapped up in this low ground of sin and sorrow. They are concerned for the natural well-being of their families and friends to be sure, but they declare plainly that they seek a different country.

This world is not our home beloved. Our home lies beyond this vale of tears. We should declare plainly that we seek a country that is spiritual and not made with hands. This is the country that we call home. This is the country that we yearn for and long for. This is the country that can only be seen by the eye of faith by the inner man that God has placed within all of His children while they journey here below. This country is perfect, and it is where our Saviour dwells. This city is ours! Not because of anything that we have done, but He has given it to us by grace through His Son. We are His heirs and joint-heirs with our Saviour. Therefore, everything that He possesses, we possess as well.

When we are walking by faith in hope, God is not ashamed of us. Therefore, we should not be ashamed either. It is not a shameful thing to walk by faith. It is not a shameful thing to have hope that one day you will be with your Lord. Those who belittle your faith and hope are the ones that need to be ashamed. Therefore, knowing these things by faith, let us press on letting Christ be magnified in our body whether by life or by death.

In Hope,

Bro Philip