Hotdogs, Heaven and Hope, Huh?

What do hotdogs, Heaven and Hope have in common? Mystery, for one thing!

Hotdogs are the summer holiday mystery meat. We’re not quite sure what goes into making one, even the ‘all meat’ kind. But on lazy June, July, and August afternoons, many whole-heartedly chow down on the delightful flavors of an outdoor grilled ‘dog tucked into a warm bun and smothered with tangy mustard, sweet relish, spicy chili, shredded cheese, or bits of crisp onion.

However, much of the mystery of Heaven and Hope is revealed through 637 (New American Standard) Bible verses.

God resides in heaven. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven,” Matthew 5:16

Heaven is near. “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 4:17

Heaven offers rewards. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great,” Matthew 5:12a

Heaven is to be our focus. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal,” Matthew 6:20

Heaven is exquisitely precious. “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field,” Matthew 13:44.

Heaven is the Christian’s homeland. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20

Jesus resides in Heaven. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first,” 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Heaven is the Christian’s destination. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen,” 2 Tim 4:18

So where does Hope fit into God’s equation?

Hope is found in Jesus Christ. “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,” 1 Tim 1:1

Hope is found in the glory of God. “Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:2

Hope ushers in encouragement. “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us,” Romans 5:5

Hope is found in the Bible. “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope,” Romans 15:4

Hope grounds us. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast,” Hebrews 6:19a

Hope is to be held tightly. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful,” Hebrews 10:23

Hope is active and alive. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3

Hope connects with grace. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 1:13

Jesus’ resurrection grounds and grows hope. “Who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God,” 1 Peter 1:21

Mystery surrounds hotdogs, Heaven and Hope but, other than that, I imagine not much else connects them! Hotdogs simply provide good eats and a bit of nostalgia, but Heaven and Hope reveal God’s glory and greatness.

Let’s set our Hope on God in Heaven rather than that which readily disappears and disappoints.

Blessings of hope fixed rightly on God this week! Prayer requests?

“Dear Lord, help me to reject the temporal and choose Your Eternal every time. Thank you, Amen.”

Placing Heaven and Hope in Proper Position and Perspective, PJ

COPYRIGHT ©2015 PJ Gover http://www.PJGover.com (blog) http://www.citygirlgoincountry.wordpress.com http://4homestore.com/devotionalbook.html (PJ’s devotional book)