Reading: Philippians 3.17-4.1 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – there’s a longing in our hearts to be with you in eternity… we are homesick for our true country. We wait for your return with power to rescue us from this present evil age. Strengthen us… encourage us… embolden us… empower us to live each day as joyful citizens of your Kingdom – that all may know you are indeed our Savior and Lord. To you be the honor and glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Hallelujah” – Newsboys

I’m looking up / Holding out / Pressing forward / Without a doubt / Longing for the things unseen / Longing for the things I believe / My true country

Click on audio for “Hallelujah” by Newsboys

We hope and wait / For the glorious day / All tears will vanish / Wiped away / On the saints this day already shines / On the saints this day already shines / It already shines

We’ll be singing hallelujah / We’ll be singing hallelujah / At the top of our lungs, halle-le-lujah / (With all our breath, halle-le-lujah) / To Your glory, hallelujah / Hallelujah, hallelujah

And I know that it’s coming / But I can’t see it now / And I’ve touched it in moments / But I can’t hold it yet / And it glows in the darkness / And it calls us away / To our true destination / ‘Til that glorious day

We’ll be singing hallelujah / We’ll be singing hallelujah / At the top of our lungs, halle-le-lujah / (With all our breath, halle-le-lujah) / To Your glory, hallelujah / Hallelujah, hallelujah