Only half of Americans prepare wills. Fewer people plan their own funerals, though it would spare their families of this added difficulty. Though death’s a difficult topic to consider, it’s important to be prepared. And how much more important is it to plan for eternity?

It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.

Acts 23:6

John 3:16 guarantees eternal life if you believe in Jesus…and though good works will not save you, the Bible teaches they will affect your life in heaven. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Though having a good life here on Earth is important, eternal things matter so much more. Research “reward” in a Bible concordance. List practical ways you can store up treasures in Heaven and begin doing them. Start by praying for this nation, particularly those you know who haven’t put their hope in Christ for their eternal future.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 14-18

Had you walked the streets of any of America’s eastern cities during the second half of the nineteenth century, you would have soon been approached by a farmer or entrepreneur offering to sell you land in the west. A brochure would be presented containing a map illustrating an impressive new town complete with schools, stores, factories, churches and many fine homes. Literally thousands of Americans found this offer irresistible. Unfortunately, after leaving everything behind and making the journey west, buyers usually found the land they had purchased was real enough, but the “town” existed only on paper. They were in the middle of nowhere.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Psalm 33:22

Doubters may say trusting in Christ and a future home in Heaven is a blind hope – like buying land sight unseen. But yours is a much more substantial hope than that. “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths,” writes Peter, “but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (II Peter 1:16) And God promises to make the truth known to all those who diligently seek him (Proverbs 8:17).

Today, pray that America’s leaders might turn away from myths…and to the truth of God and His Word.

Recommended Reading: John 8:31-38

Slugs are the bane of many gardens. At night, they’ll ooze their way through your plants, chewing off leaves and fruit. They’re sneaky little gastropods, say extermination experts: baiting them, trapping them, even sending in lizards and chickens might help. Still, slugs won’t go away. They can only be managed.

We desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end.

Hebrews 6:11

The writer of Hebrews cautions that you not become sluggish, but earnestly imitate faith’s heroes. There are ways to avoid becoming a spiritual slug. Make a daily habit of spending time in the Bible – diligently read, study, and journal your thoughts to expand your knowledge of God and the certainty of His promises. Then pray. Your prayers are a sweet aroma to the Lord (Psalm 141:2). Be ready also to give an answer to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that you have (I Peter 3:15).

Pray today for the leaders in your church working to manage the spiritual slugs in the midst. Include in your prayers Christian members of the Obama Administration, Congress and the judiciary who know the Lord to develop the same earnestness and share their hope.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 6:1-12

Death is seldom a pleasant topic – and when it must be discussed, there’s an endless list of synonyms available. Words like “corpse” and “coffin” are often avoided in favor of softer terms like “deceased” and “casket.” Christians prefer to focus on the promise that a brother or sister “went to be with the Lord.” One preacher, it is said, fumbled his graveside eulogy when he motioned to the dearly departed and said, “This is only the shell…the nut is gone!”

God, who raised him from the dead…so that your faith and hope are in God.

I Peter 1:21

When your faith and hope are in God, you have nothing to fear from death. Yet it’s often only when you face a brush with eternity – the loss of a loved one, a stark diagnosis, perhaps a near miss on the highway – that you learn just how real your belief really is.

Today, take time to meditate on the great miracle of God’s incredible love for you…a love that can never be shaken, even by death. And as you pray for America and its leaders today, ask for wisdom in sharing His love with those who live in fear of an unknown and foreboding future.

Recommended Reading: John 11:38-44