In 2010, four of us from Nigeria were accepted to do doctoral work in Washington, DC.  The paperwork was complete, and all we needed were our visas.  I was the last person to go for an interview.  Because the other three had gotten their visas, I felt confident I would as well.  As the day for the interview drew near, I stood before my congregation to bid them farewell.  I said goodbye to my family too because I was to leave on my flight immediately after receiving the visa.  On the day of the interview, I went to the embassy confidently, but I was denied the visa.  I felt dejected, and I could not understand why I had been denied.  How could I face my congregation and family? What would I tell them?

Two years later, I applied again.  Thankfully, I was given a visa and eventually earned my degree.  

Today’s text shows Paul’s confidence in his own citizenship in heaven and assures us of ours.  Paul had been entrusted with a task and he had been faithfully doing it.  He awaited the day when his body would be transformed and he would enter the place of his heavenly citizenship.  I thank God that we don’t need to apply for a visa to get into heaven!  We can live each day assured of our citizenship in heaven, with our heavenly home always in sight.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to remember that our stay here is temporary.  Thank you for the hope of an eternity with you.  Amen.Thought for the Day: God’s grace assures me that I will be welcomed as a citizen of heaven.