I woke up feeling heaven-bound—a citizen of that holy city. And that, all by grace. Bright and shimmering like the stars above. Wondrous and light like a gleaming future hope. And that is what we have—a brilliant future. I forget that future sometimes, when I am anxiously slogging through present questions and doubts. When I am faced with my own sins. But, a brilliant future. Let’s not forget it, huh? He wore a crown of thorns that we might be invited into His city with crowns of reward. And He rewards what He Himself empowers in us. How good is our God to reward the righteousness that He bestows and empowers!

When I consider that life is by a view of heaven, everything changes. I am not afraid. I feel established. I fight my sins with joy. I consider life with brevity. I am confident in the cross to go before a great God. The gift of heaven changes everything. And, truly, deeply, richly believing that I am heaven-bound alters my thinking. I don’t know why God would want to save someone like me, a sinner. But He does. And He did. And He wants me. That is itself better than a thousand rewards—to know that Jesus values me. That, the basis of life itself. I love you, Jesus.