Just Passing Through

Written By Betty Predmore

1 PETER 2:11 - 3:7

(November 24)

Today is Thanksgiving, that day when we focus on the things we are thankful for in this life. What comes to mind when you consider what you have to be thankful for? Most of us think of our family, our friends, our home, our health, our job. I am thankful for all of these things.

Even more, I am thankful for my salvation. I am thankful that, because of Christ, I am just a "temporary resident and a foreigner" (verse 11), and that this shattered and broken earth is not my forever home.

As believers, our real home isn't here ... it is with God. Life in heaven is not a cartoon or fairy tale, it operates according to God's principles and values, and it is eternal and unshakable.

Heaven first came to earth in symbolism with the Jewish sanctuary (tabernacle) where God's presence lived. With the coming of Jesus, heaven became present even more. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, heaven was able to permeate the world as the Spirit dwelt within each new believer.

After the judgment of God and banishing of all sin, the kingdom of heaven will rule over all the earth. That is OUR home. That will be our final place of residence. This earth is only a temporary place to dwell until God's timing places us in our eternal home.

Many blessings come with resting in the assurance of being "not of this world." But with it also comes responsibility ... to live like Christ, to honor others even when they don't honor me, to submit to authority even when that authority seems wrong, and sometimes suffer and endure the unjust things of the world in order to be an example of Jesus.

WHEW! That's a lot! But it is necessary if we want to be followers of Christ. Jesus set the example of humility for all of us, an example that we must make every effort to follow. We have to JUST SAY NO to ungodliness and enjoy the freedom we find in Christ.

Peter tells us that as wives, we must accept the authority of our husbands. Does that apply to husbands who are not believers? Yes, it does. That is our opportunity to speak the gospel to them through our actions instead of our words, as they observe the life of faith we live.

We should be far more concerned with that type of living than we are about the way we look on the outside. Our gentle and quiet spirit is far more beautiful than our made-up faces, styled hair, or sparkling jewelry. It is that spirit that truly makes us beautiful. This is what shows the self-giving love that Christ showed the church.

What about the husbands? Are there any instructions for them? There sure are! They are to honor their wives and treat them with gentleness and understanding, as an equal partner in life.

On this day of giving thanks, aren't you so grateful that you are just passing through?

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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