FRIDAY - OCTOBER 30

Read. Philippians 3:17-21
17 Brothers and sisters, become imitators of me and watch those who live this way—you can use us as models. 18 As I have told you many times and now say with deep sadness, many people live as enemies of the cross. 19 Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in their disgrace because their thoughts focus on earthly things. 20 Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ.21 He will transform our humble bodies so that they are like his glorious body, by the power that also makes him able to subject all things to himself.
Reflect. Citizenship defines identity and determines belonging. When one is a citizen (or becomes a citizen) in the United States she or he can vote, run for office, be eligible for many federal jobs, bring family to the United States, and not worry about being deported. In the ancient Roman world in which Paul wrote these words, Roman citizenship was prized because it too offered many privileges and protections. Roman citizens had the right to vote, to own property, to be exempt from some taxes, to a legal trial with an appeal process, to get married, and to be spared from extreme forms of punishment. 

• Citizenship is a powerful thing. What do you think it means to be a citizen of heaven? What do you imagine the rights and responsibilities of a citizen of heaven are? How does being a citizen of heaven influence your life and faith? 

Pray. Lord Jesus, citizenship is a powerful thing. Help me to experience the honor of being a citizen of your kingdom. Impress on me the duties you desire for me, and help me to be faithful to this calling. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family. Nancy Ryan & family. Bobby Roberts. Elizabeth May & family. Melvin Rinehart. Susan Rogers. Brandon Haugh.