Heavenly Belonging, Earthly Calling
We journey through this world as pilgrims, carrying the confidence of our heavenly citizenship in Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above by Miles Stanford
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Miles Stanford reminds us in today’s devotional that our true identity and inheritance are not tied to this earth, but to Jesus in the heavens. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs. This reality is not reserved for some distant future; it is our present possession in Christ. Too often we are tempted to measure God’s love by earthly blessings or comforts, but the Spirit lifts our eyes to see the risen Lord in His heavenly environment, drawing us from darkness to light.
Stanford makes clear that true love does not leave us clinging to earthly securities. Instead, Jesus’ love works in us to remove whatever would block fellowship with Him. He begins by advancing us spiritually, not necessarily by elevating us in earthly position. That is why Paul urges us to put on the Lord Jesus and make no provision for the flesh. Our old man was crucified with Him, and though the flesh remains in us as a foreign element, it no longer defines who we are. We are not identified with Adam, but with Jesus, the spotless One who represents us before the Father.
This reality reshapes the way we live. We are heavenly citizens, called to walk on earth as pilgrims and strangers, carrying the fragrance of another world. Our inheritance is secure, for we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. That means even when suffering comes, we can endure with confidence, knowing glory is the final chapter of our story.
Stanford gently but firmly reminds us that the Christian life is not about clinging to what is temporary, but resting in who we already are in Jesus. To live from our union with Him is to walk as new creations, defined by His perfection, not our flesh. It is both a mansion there and a mission here.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I bear witness with your spirit that you belong to Me. You are My child, and as My child you are also My heir. Your inheritance is not rooted in this world but is secure in Me. Do not measure My love by the shifting conditions of earth, for My love is proven in Jesus who died and rose again for you.
Your old man was crucified with Him. Though the flesh is still present, it is no longer your identity. You are not in Adam but in Christ. You are seated with Him in the heavenly places, even as you walk through this world. I call you to put on the Lord Jesus, to walk as the one you truly are, a citizen of heaven who carries the life of eternity in the present moment.
Do not be disheartened by trials, for suffering with Him is the pathway to sharing His glory. I am drawing you ever upward, turning your focus from what fades to what endures, from earthly striving to heavenly rest. Walk in confidence, knowing you are identified with the perfect One who stands before the Father on your behalf.
Scripture References: Romans 8:16-17, Ephesians 2:6, Romans 13:14, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:1-4, Philippians 3:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Timothy 2:12.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a traveler passing through an airport terminal. They may sit in the waiting area, stand in line, or walk through the shops, but none of these places are home. Their ticket and passport prove they belong to another country, and their journey is only a temporary stop along the way. In the same way, while we live here, our citizenship and inheritance are not tied to this passing world.
When I am tempted to anchor my worth in earthly success or to fear the uncertainties of life, I can quietly rest in the truth: “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me right now as a citizen of heaven, free from the pull of this world.” That posture turns my focus from what fades to what endures.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I am Your child and heir. My inheritance is secure in Jesus, and my identity is no longer in Adam but in Him. I rejoice that I am seated with You in the heavenly places, even as I walk as a pilgrim on this earth. I rest in the truth that Your love advances me spiritually, drawing me ever closer into fellowship. I walk today in confidence, grateful that You have already provided everything I need for life and godliness.