Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 08 | CLEAN

CLEAN

Matthew 15:11
“It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him].” (AMP)

We like clean.  I remember my mom telling my sisters and me: “Wash your hands before dinner.” She probably said that every day… at least until we were either doing it automatically or got married and moved out!  (I remember saying this to our kids too!)  It was important to mom, and she probably learned it from her folks.  Washing those hands made eating cleaner and probably stopped the passing of many germs between family members.

But this verse, spoken by Jesus, is talking about being defiled, which is something deeper, something worse.
 
The dictionary says "defile" can mean to "make unclean or impure, to corrupt, to debase, to sully one's reputation."

Dirty hands might last a meal, but to "defile one's reputation" can last a lifetime.
 
And how does Jesus say we can defile ourselves?  By the words we speak. The false, evil, lying, harmful, manipulative words that sometimes come out of our mouths.

Now, in reality, we ALL have said things that – in hindsight – we wished we hadn't… words that were negative, unclean, and perhaps defiling.

Once said, they can hurt the one they're directed towards… but also have the potential to defile the one speaking, making them unclean.

Prayer: LORD, help me to use my words for good and not for evil.  To speak words of encouragement and not discouragement.  To speak words that YOU want me to say. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 07 | TREE OF LIFE

TREE OF LIFE

Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (NIV)

I enjoy trees. When I was growing up, we had several huge eucalyptus trees in our back yard.  They were WAY taller than our house and I enjoyed watching them and listening to their rustle when it was windy.  I enjoyed their fragrance and watching the birds nest in the branches way above the ground.

The Scripture uses many such everyday analogies which – although the Bible was written thousands of years ago – enable us to relate today.

Here, we are taught that our tongue can be like “tree of life” to others. And a “tree of life” is a metaphor referring to physical and spiritual renewal and refreshment.

Another translation says this verse like this: “When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.” (TPT)

So how would the people closest to you, rate your words?
Encouraging?  Neutral?  Negative?

For instance, I just had coffee with a brother in Christ. We ended our time by talking about the 23rd Psalm.   As a pastor, I’ve had the privilege of quoting that psalm to countless people who were going through difficulties.  Some were at home and discouraged, some in the hospital… perhaps in the ER, perhaps readying for surgery. Some of the folks were dying.  In EACH case, that psalm brought peace and some comfort.

On the other hand, if I had chosen – instead of quoting the 23rd Psalm – to read the front page of the daily newspaper, how much peace and comfort would THAT have brought?
You get it.  Healing words are like a “tree of life.”  Unhealthy words “do nothing but crush their hopes.”

Prayer: LORD, help to learn well the difference my words make and help me to always aim to make my words soothing, healing and uplifting.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 06 | NO POLLUTING WORDS

NO POLLUTING WORDS
 
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” (AMP)

I can remember – years ago – what air pollution looked like in the Los Angeles area where I grew up.  SMOG.  (Now there was a time we should have had masks!)   Back then, air pollution was normal… as was lead gas.  Catalytic converters were just beginning to be used on new cars.

But from the beginning of TIME, we’ve all had to endure polluting language including unwholesome and worthless talk.

A University of Arizona study found that most people speak around 16,000 words a day… with a little difference between men and women.

In this verse, the word “foul” is translated “corrupt” in the KJV and it refers to that which is foul or rotten such as, perhaps, spoiled fruit or rotten meat.

So here, the Apostle Paul is admonishing the Ephesians (and us too) to NOT let any spoiled or rotten words pass out of our mouths. After all, we are “born again” and such words are not in keeping with the character of being a Follower of Jesus.

On the flip side, we SHOULD use our words in a good and beneficial way towards others.  In ways that helps them with their spiritual walks with the LORD or perhaps points them to God in the first place.  We should do as Jesus did… use our words to bless and give grace to those who hear it.

Prayer: LORD, help me to keep a watch on my words and to commit to using my words to help others and bring blessing and grace to each one in some way.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 05 | OUR CONVERSATIONS

OUR CONVERSATIONS
 
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
 
We don’t usually think about it, but salt is an essential component of our food.  You go to a restaurant and on the table somewhere is… salt and pepper.  If you look at the label of the canned goods you buy at the store, there will be a listing of how much salt is in it.
 
Salt has been an integral part of human history.  It’s vital for life… an essential part of the diet of animals, people, and even plants. Years ago salt was used as a trading medium, just as money is used today.  The Roman historian Pliny the Elder stated, “In Rome, the soldier’s pay was originally salt, and the word ‘salary’ derives from it.”
 
Here in Colossians, the apostle Paul is writing that our conversation, our words, should be FULL of grace, not just a little, but FULL.  Perhaps the image of a graceful ballerina comes to mine.  Someone who with experience and practiced moves is able through dance to illustrate the author’s story.  That’s how I see our conversations should be. As followers of Jesus, we each are dancers who need to practice our words to properly illustrate our Author’s story.

And then Paul further explains what he means by paralleling our proper conversation to a meal that was “seasoned with salt,” which we all add from time to time to make the food taste even better.

What an interesting picture Paul paints in just a few words!

Our talk – our conversations – should be graceful… kind, charming, and perhaps even fascinating… and tasty as though they had been “seasoned with salt.” The result is that people should generally LIKE being around us and talking to us.  Then, hopefully, when the time is right, we can point them to the SOURCE of our graceful, seasoned talk… our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: LORD, help me to always be graceful in my talk to others as though it was a tasty meal with just the right amount of that ingredient you created, salt.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 04 | HOW TO SEE GOOD DAYS

HOW TO SEE GOOD DAYS

1 Peter 3:10
“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.’”

God is the source of all that is good!  James, the brother of Jesus (well… half-brother), tells us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father.” (James 1:17) Further, Jesus taught that we should “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

So here, the apostle Peter is re-affirming teaching from Psalm 34 that if we want to “love life and see good days” (the PROMISE), that part of what we must do is to control what comes out of our mouths.

With all the negativity we hear today, it's so easy just to let the things we hear come back out of our mouths as we talk to others. The evil words which we must nip in the bud include words of fear, doubt, and worry as well as untruths, lies, or – as it says here – “deceitful speech.”

One of my favorite made-up sayings is: "Any dead fish can float downstream." I say that to encourage others to be courageous and determined to NOT be like everyone else… to avoid being like a "dead fish."

But the payoff is worth it!  God here promises that we will “love life and see good days.”

As this "40 Days of Words" will show, WORDS MATTER.  That old childish saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is just not true.  Words CAN hurt. Words can start a war.  Words can destroy.

Take this verse to heart and put it into practice. You'll be better off!
 
Prayer: LORD, I understand that words matter.  Please help me to use mine well and to avoid speaking any evil or lies. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 03 | HEALING WORDS

HEALING WORDS

Proverbs 12:18
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” (NLT)

It happens at different ages, but at sometime in our youth we realize that not everyone we meet tells the truth.  Further… we learn that not everyone is kind; not everyone speaks words that make you feel better and often do just the opposite.

It’s a theme we find from the Old Testament through the New, that our words MATTER. What you and I say… matters.
 
I’d like to focus in this devotional on the second half of this verse – “but the words of the wise bring healing.”

Another translation says this verse this way: “Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal.”

I remember being sunburned on and off during my growing up years.  It was obvious, by just looking at me, that I was red and burnt.   And I remember my mother soothing my pain by putting the right kind of sunburn lotion on my very red skin.  I remember the coolness and the relief that cream – and my mother – brought me, and I was most appreciative!

Wise words can also be used to bring healing and comfort to someone who – if you’ll allow the analogy – has been BURNED by the world.  All around us are people who are feeling hurt, betrayed, unjustly criticized, or in some other way stabbed by cutting remarks or actions that feel like a knife wound.

Consider this: YOUR WORDS might be used of God to bring soothing relief and to start the healing process.  Look around, be sensitive, and ask the LORD for the words to say at the right time.

Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Make me wise in the use of my words and help me to use them to bring the healing you want to those around me in need. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 02 | GOD’S DECREES

GOD’S DECREES

Psalm 119:171-173
“May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.”

Psalm 119 is impressive.  Not only is it the longest chapter in the entire Bible, but along with Psalm 1 and 19, it stands as one of the BEST chapters for exalting God’s Word.

From the time we are born, people are talking to us; our parents, then our teachers, and eventually our bosses, politicians, the news media, angry people, happy people… all kinds of people.

Do you treat ALL the voices you hear in life the same?  Or do you value some above the others, and if so, why?

For instance, I would guess that if you heard a policeman behind you in his car using his speaker and telling you to “pull over and stop,” that you’d comply.  Whereas, if someone in another vehicle were yelling generally and loudly, you would ignore him.

Why the difference?

Because the police officer has the authority, knows the law, and is sworn to protect and serve the community. The nutcase in the next car, who knows?

The unidentified psalmist here (guessed to be David, Ezra, or maybe Daniel) is PRAISING God’s decrees. Why?  Because God’s commands are “righteous” – which means “morally upright” and “virtuous.”  Meaning: they are GOOD.

Then the psalmist essentially asks for God’s hand to be ready to help him. And why? Because the reader has chosen God’s precepts. That is, he recognizes the wisdom and value of following God’s Word when deciding how to live and act.  He realizes that God’s Words are praiseworthy, righteous, and perfect.

Prayer: LORD, Your Words, your decrees are praiseworthy and righteous.   Teach them to me and help me, Lord, always strive to be a DOER of those words.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 01 | THE WORDS WE SAY

THE WORDS WE SAY
 
Introduction

Today, the world population is estimated at about 8 billion people, and the population of the United States is about 350 million. There is one thing that all 8 billion people have in common: we use WORDS to communicate! Interestingly, the Oxford English Dictionary contains approximately 600,000 words, so there is an abundance of words! An additional factoid: the average 60-year-old American knows about 48,000 words.

I wanted to share these stats as we begin the series I’m calling 40 Days of Words.    
     
I won’t know every person who reads (or listens) to these devotionals, but there is one thing I’m pretty sure of: YOU ARE where you are in life at least partially because of the WORDS you have spoken. Kind words, angry words, inquisitive words … and on and on. Most people don’t consider this a fact, but sociologists show it is.

As you read and reflect, I am hopeful that the verses and thoughts will make a positive difference in the words you SAY.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

We’ve all done it, some of us more than others, but we’ve all done it.  We’ve said something and immediately (or soon after) regretted having said what we did.  In times like those you only WISHED you could hit “repeat” and “do-over.”

I remember playing basketball as a little kid. Sometimes you asked for a “do-over” because the shot was so bad.

Our words matter.  It may not seem that way at times… but they do.

But even MORE than what others may think of what we say, the LORD cares about what we say.
 
Are our words encouraging?  Enlightening?  Inspiring?  Uplifting? Soothing?  Instructive?  Guiding?  Or are our words Condemning? Critical? Hurtful?  Insulting?

The Lord makes it clear that our words need to be acceptable in HIS SIGHT.  He is our strength.  He is our Redeemer.

And… since we’re ALL made in the image of God, what we say to other “image bearers,” matters.

Prayer: LORD, help me with this never-ending battle of keeping my words and my thoughts pleasing and acceptable in YOUR sight.  I need your help, every day. Amen.

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Day 40 | JESUS: THE KEY TO EVERLASTING LIFE

JESUS: THE KEY TO EVERLASTING LIFE

John 3:16-18
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  (NKJV)

We live in an increasingly high-tech, artificial-intelligence world… 98% of Americans have cell phones. So it’s not surprising that many feel “religion” (of any kind) is outdated and unnecessary. Yet churches in America are thriving, and many feel a need to connect with God.

Sometimes we make our Christian FAITH more complicated than it needs to be. For example, what is required to become a “Christian”? Jesus simply told Nicodemus: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Some churches provide LISTS of ALL the things someone must DO before they can be “born again” … yet Jesus did not give such a list.

In perhaps the most well-known verse in the New Testament, John 3:16, we get what Jesus said to Nicodemus (or “Nick at Night” as I often say).  Re-read today’s verses again, slowly.

Do you want EVERLASTING LIFE?  Do you want to be with God in HEAVEN for ETERNITY?  Are you looking forward to the New Heaven and New Earth that our Heavenly Father has promised?  Then make sure you are putting your trust and belief in Jesus, the only begotten Son.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for supplying a way for me to get to heaven for eternity, and His name is Jesus. Amen.

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Day 39 | ARE YOU READY?

ARE YOU READY?

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 is, IMHO, the MOST familiar, popular, and comforting Scripture in the Bible.  I’ve quoted this psalm countless times at memorial services, to people in the hospital, to those who had just lost a loved one, and to people who were dying.  I’ve read it to Christians and to people with no faith, and I am in awe of how it has touched people wherever they are in life.

And you, dear reader, is the LORD your Shepherd? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?  Are you ready for ETERNITY?   I do hope you will be with us all in Heaven for eternity! It’s going to be amazing and FOREVER!

Prayer: LORD, I’m praying today for every person reading these devotionals, asking for Your Holy Spirit to comfort them about their salvation or to convict them of their need for Your Saving Grace. Amen.

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Day 38 | ETERNITY

ETERNITY

1 John 2:17
“And the world is passing, and its lust, but he that does the will of God abides for eternity.”

Arthur Stace was born in Australia and joined WW1 at age 16. He fought and was injured in Europe, then returned home. He lived on the streets and worked part-time. One evening, he stumbled into a church for a free meal, heard the message of salvation, and believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Later, he heard a sermon on ETERNITY, and it became his life goal to share his one-word sermon – ETERNITY – with as many fellow countrymen as possible.

Between 1932 and 1967, Arthur wrote the word Eternity – in yellow waterproof chalk – over 1/2 million times on streets, walkways, bridges, and tunnels throughout his hometown of Sydney. He usually started before sunrise and wrote throughout the day in elegant “copperplate” handwriting. He became known as “Mr. Eternity.”

Even after his death, his legacy lived on when the iconic Sydney Bridge was lit with “ETERNITY” on New Year's Eve, 2000, during the millennium celebration! Later that year, a special re-creation of the bridge and “ETERNITY” was featured at the Sydney Summer Olympics.

So, allow me to be “Arthur” for a moment.  Allow me to ask the question that led him to do something extraordinary.  Let me ask: ARE YOU READY FOR ETERNITY?

Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for your salvation?
 
 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Prayer: Lord, I pray that every person who reads this will have made Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior and will therefore be ready for eternity in heaven with YOU. Amen

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Day 37 | NEVER PERISH

NEVER PERISH

John 10:27-29
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”  (NLT)

The SECURITY of Jesus’ sheep (which WE are, if we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior) does NOT rest with US but with our Heavenly Father, Almighty God. Consider that term: Almighty. God the Father IS Almighty, and no one can steal us – you and me – out of His hand once we have received the amazing gift of salvation and are “Born Again” (a term from John 3).  

Paul confirms the same in Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The KEY to this “ETERNAL LIFE” is being Born Again and voluntarily becoming one of God’s SHEEP. We do that by believing and trusting in Him for the forgiveness of our sins, our salvation, and – eventually – our eternity with Him in heaven, forever. We shall “NEVER PERISH.”

Right now, whisper a prayer of THANKS to your Father in heaven.

Prayer: LORD, I am so thankful to be born again and to have obtained eternal life in You.  Thank You, Amen.

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Day 36 | SEEING THE KING

SEEING THE KING

1 Corinthians 13:12
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Revelation 22:4
“They will see His face”

I remember growing up in Los Angeles and listening to Vin Scully, the LA Dodgers iconic announcer back then.  This was WAY before baseball on TV was commonplace, and even though I had gone with my Boy Scout troop to a few games, I had never seen Mr. Scully.  But I had an idea in my mind, I guess, of what he looked like from listening to him on the radio.

THEN, when baseball on TV became a bit more popular, I saw him. He was NOT what I had in mind!
 
As the song says, “I can only imagine” what God looks like.  Even Moses was not allowed to look at God directly, but we are told in today’s verses: we will see Him “face to face” one day.

I wonder what different ideas people have about what Almighty God looks like?  Why Moses couldn’t look at him.  Why people COULD see Jesus when He was on earth, but then again, only because He put on a human body for his 33 years or so on earth.

Are you looking forward to SEEING the Trinity?  God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?

Today, we imagine God – as only a “reflection” or “dimly” or “darkly” or “blurred” (in various translations). The point is… we don’t know. It’s like trying to see your own face in the bathroom mirror when the mirror is all fogged up.

Seeing His Face – seems unbelievable!

Prayer: LORD, I so look forward to seeing You face to face.  Amen.

Bonus: another thing that won’t be in heaven… debt collectors

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Day 35 | MAKING NEW FRIENDS IN HEAVEN

MAKING NEW FRIENDS IN HEAVEN

Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”

Today’s verse follows a list of the 144,000 who were sealed in Revelation 7.  This does not necessarily mean we’ll be wearing white robes, but it reminds us of ALL the children of God who will be with us in heaven!  Think: what will it be like to MEET 144,000 will people… and remember their names?!

Consider also getting to talk to the famous men and women of the Bible. You’ll be able to meet King David and ask him how BIG Goliath really was! Or how about talking with Adam and Eve, or Sarah, or Noah, or Moses? I don’t know if we’ll be drinking coffee in heaven or not, but I would love to have a morning cup with ANY of those folks… or thousands of others! And then there’s the nearly unlimited number of conversations we will be able to have with people who lived blessed and fascinating lives here… who are now with us in heaven forever!  (And don’t forget all your saved family members and those in your lineage you’ve never met.  It’s fun to imagine!)

If you’re a bit of an introvert and find meeting all the new people uncomfortable, don’t worry. The LORD will take care of you, and you’ll have plenty of time to ease into it. : )
 
Prayer: LORD, the more I ponder heaven, the more real it seems and the more exciting it becomes.  Thank YOU for Your marvelous plan. Amen.

BONUS: something else that won’t be in heaven… hunger.

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Day 34 | WILL WE SING IN HEAVEN?

WILL WE SING IN HEAVEN?

Isaiah 38:20
“We will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord”

I think singing will be a big deal in heaven. Consider that Jesus sang with His disciples (Mark 14); Paul told the Ephesians to sing to the Lord (Ephesians 5), and James said, “Those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord” (James 5).
 In John’s Revelation, the 144,000 redeemed during the tribulation sang a “new song” before God’s throne, the four living creatures, and the elders.

Which songs will we sing? It’s hard to predict, but very possibly the BEST of the songs we sang on earth… assuming they are theologically accurate and praise and worship the Lord God. Maybe we’ll sing some of the older songs written by people like Charles Wesley or Isaac Watts; or maybe “A Mighty Fortress” by Martin Luther; or perhaps Handel’s Messiah. The key will be that songs MUST be accurate, truthful, and lift up the Majestic Names of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

But we will also sing NEW SONGS in heaven (Rev 5 and 14) and on the New Earth. Isaiah 42:10 says… “Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth.” It’s not hard for me to imagine MILLIONS of gifted songsters writing new songs throughout eternity for us all to sing (with PERFECT voices). Imagine the overwhelming songs and sounds of praise reverberating throughout the New Heaven and New Earth.

Prayer: LORD, as a musician pondering music in heaven, I am overwhelmed.  As good as some of the music we have here is, it may pale by comparison.  Thank You, Lord!  Amen.

BONUS: something else we won’t have in heaven… hospitals.

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Day 33 | WILL WE SEE ANGELS IN HEAVEN AND WHAT WILL THEY BE DOING?

WILL WE SEE ANGELS IN HEAVEN AND WHAT WILL THEY BE DOING?

Revelation 5:11-12
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.’”  (LSB)

We WILL see and be with the angels when we get to heaven. It appears they may also be leading us in worship! Consider this: angels, like those who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds in the field, who comforted Jesus after His temptation by Satan in the wilderness, and who accompanied the poor beggar who had faith in God to heaven… these same angels – and thousands more – will be with us in heaven forever!

Angels, who are NOT “heirs of salvation” nor sons or daughters of God, but special, created spirit beings, will be with us, worshipping the same God and His Son, Jesus the Christ. We are never to worship them, but they will join us in worshipping the One True God of the Universe and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for Your marvelous plan.  I look forward to seeing angels in heaven and perhaps meeting the special one You assigned to me.  Your plan is amazing, and I look forward to singing Your praises – with the heavenly host – in heaven! Amen.

Bonus: Something else that won’t be in heaven… jealousy.

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Day 32 | DUAL CITIZENSHIP

DUAL CITIZENSHIP
 
Philippians 3:20-21
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”

Historically, citizenship referred to a city whose citizens’ names were kept on a register. Heaven is the place where God dwells and where Christ is present. It is the home of all Believers, where their names are registered… “but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

For Christians, our primary allegiance is to God’s Kingdom, which is both spiritual and eternal. We DO maintain allegiance to our earthly governments and have responsibilities, such as praying for the leaders, paying taxes, and seeking peace and prosperity for their nation.

While Christians are called to be dutiful citizens, their loyalty remains undivided. If earthly authorities demand disobedience to God, believers are called to obey God rather than men. “But Peter and the apostles answered and said, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 5:29)
 
Prayer: Lord, I better understand and gladly accept my Dual Citizenship, with my country temporarily, AND with heaven, my eventual eternal home.   Help me to make a positive difference while I’m here, for Your honor and glory.

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Day 31 | TELL ME MORE ABOUT OUR GLORIFIED BODIES

TELL ME MORE ABOUT OUR GLORIFIED BODIES

1 Corinthians 15:44
“It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body”

Floating as disembodied spirits appeals to almost no one, and Scripture never asks us to imagine such a thing. The Christian hope is bodily resurrection. But what kind of bodies will they be?

Paul addresses this directly in 1 Corinthians 15, the most detailed passage on resurrection in all of Scripture. “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” (v. 44) By “spiritual,” Paul doesn't mean ghostly. He means animated by the Holy Spirit rather than mere flesh. Just as a seed bears little resemblance to the flower it becomes, our glorified bodies will be recognizably ours yet immeasurably more.

Our current bodies decay, tire, and fail. By contrast, our resurrected bodies will be durable, radiant, and strong... sustained by God Himself. "We will all be changed," Paul declares (v. 51), and this change is not destruction but an upgrade.

The clearest preview we have is Jesus Himself. After His resurrection, He ate fish, walked on roads, and invited Thomas to touch His wounds. Yet He also appeared behind locked doors and was initially unrecognizable. His body was physical and tangible, yet it operated under new rules. John later assures us, "We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)

C.S. Lewis captured this beautifully: "The letter of Scripture turns out to be not merely a metaphor—the literal meaning is far more exciting than the metaphorical." Our resurrected bodies are not less real than our present ones; they are more real, more substantial, and more alive.

Every ache that reminds us of our mortality will be replaced by strength reflecting the glory of the risen and everlasting Christ.

Prayer: LORD, I am so looking forward to my renewed body. Amen.

Bonus: something else that won’t be needed in heaven… dentists.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 30 | WILL THERE LITERALLY BE STREETS OF GOLD IN HEAVEN?

WILL THERE LITERALLY BE STREETS OF GOLD IN HEAVEN?

Revelation 21:21
“The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”

For centuries, Christians have pictured glittering golden pathways leading toward God's throne. But does Scripture intend for us to take this description literally or symbolically?

Many theologians favor rich symbolism. John Calvin observed that apocalyptic literature often uses earthly treasures to point beyond themselves… gold representing purity and glory rather than material wealth. C.S. Lewis wrote, "In heaven we shall find that the reality surpasses the symbols,” suggesting that these images offer glimpses of truth rather than architectural blueprints.

Tim Keller offered a helpful balance: “Whether the streets are literally gold doesn't matter as much as what they reveal—that heaven has value beyond anything we can comprehend here.” 

The passage also emphasizes transparency; the gold is like glass, suggesting something more heavenly than an earthly precious metal.

Consider what Revelation reveals alongside the gold: the city's foundation is set with precious stones, its gates are pearls, and no temple exists because God Himself is present. Taken together, these images speak of worth, beauty, and divine accessibility… not investment portfolios.

Really, we don’t yet know exactly whether resurrection bodies are physical and glorified... so maybe the New Jerusalem actually includes golden streets? As Dallas Willard reflected, "God is real. His kingdom is real. Why wouldn't the materials reflect that?" Both interpretations honor Scripture's grandeur.

What matters most isn't whether we walk on literal gold but where we're headed. The streets lead home to “my Father's house” (John 14:2). Whether symbolic or material, this promise assures us that eternity will surpass every treasure we prize—and that our true destination holds incomparable beauty beyond anything we can imagine.

Prayer: Lord, following any road that leads to You will be more than enough! Amen.

Bonus: Another thing we won’t need in heaven… Kleenex.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 29 | WILL WE HAVE JOBS OR WORK IN HEAVEN?

WILL WE HAVE JOBS OR WORK IN HEAVEN?

Revelation 22:3
“The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.”

This question often surprises us, yet Scripture suggests that labor is not merely a consequence of the fall but also a part of our original design. Before sin entered the world, God placed Adam in the Garden "to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). Work, therefore, predates the curse and is an expression of human purpose.

In today’s verse, the Greek word for “serve,” implies sacred service or worshipful labor. We are not there to idle; we are there to serve.

C.S. Lewis hinted at this continuity, suggesting that our earthly passions and vocations, when redeemed, will find their truest fulfillment in eternity. Similarly, Pastor Tim Keller argued that if our current work reflects God's image, its essence cannot be lost. In his words, "The work we do now, if done for God's glory, will be transformed, not discarded." The exhaustion, frustration, and futility of sin-induced toil will end, but the joy of stewardship and creation will last and the last.

In heaven, we will not "slave away" under the sun. There will be no deadlines, no burnout, and no enemies to defeat. Instead, imagine tending gardens of unimaginable beauty, composing music for the King, or exploring galaxies with wonder.

We will work without weariness and serve without strife. The questions we ask today about our purpose will finally be answered by the work we love most: our joyful labor serving the Lord we love.

Prayer: Lord, the more I learn, the more heaven looks wonderfully amazing! Amen

Bonus: Another thing we won’t have in heaven… hospitals.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day  28 | WILL WE BE MARRIED IN HEAVEN?

WILL WE BE MARRIED IN HEAVEN?

Matthew 22:30
“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”

That single sentence has brought comfort to some and heartache to others. If you've loved a spouse deeply, the thought of that bond dissolving can feel like a loss. But notice what Jesus didn't say. He didn't say we won't know each other. He didn't say love would disappear. He said the institution of marriage, as we know it, won't continue… and then pointed to something far greater.

Marriage on earth serves beautiful purposes: companionship, family, and a living picture of Christ and the church. But it also exists because of our brokenness and mortality. We need a spouse to endure hardship, raise children, and stave off loneliness. In heaven, none of those needs remain. God Himself will dwell among us (Revelation 21:3). Every ache that marriage mitigates here will be healed completely there.

Paul reinforces this shift in Ephesians 5:31-32, quoting Genesis – “the two shall become one flesh”– and revealing that marriage has always pointed beyond itself: “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” Earthly marriage is the shadow; union with Christ is the substance.

Will you recognize your spouse? Yes! The rich man in Luke 16 recognized Lazarus and Abraham across the chasm. Our identities aren't erased, they're redeemed. But the exclusive covenant of marriage gives way to a wider, deeper communion… a community of perfect love where no one is left out and every relationship is whole.

If you think heaven feels like subtraction, look again. Jesus promised we'd be like the angels… not stripped, but gloriously free. What we lose in earthly marriage, we gain in unbroken closeness with God and all His people.

Prayer: LORD, although I don’t understand it all yet, I am looking forward to Your perfect plan!  Amen.

BONUS: something else we won’t have in heaven… worry.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 27 | WILL WE EAT FOOD IN HEAVEN?

WILL WE EAT FOOD IN HEAVEN?

Luke 22:16
“For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 24:42-43
“They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.”

 The Bible suggests that while the nature of our existence will be transformed, the act of eating is not erased, but redeemed.

Jesus Himself answered this question through His resurrection. After rising from the dead, He ate in front of the disciples. This was not because He needed sustenance to survive; rather, it was a profound physical demonstration that He was truly alive, tangible, and present.

In Revelation, we see further imagery of a great banquet. John writes of the "marriage supper of the Lamb," a grand feast celebrating the union of Christ and His people.

Revelation 22:2 – “Down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.”
 
Once again, God provides abundantly!

Therefore, the answer is most likely yes, but the experience will be elevated. We will likely eat not out of necessity but out of gratitude, fellowship, and delight. The meals of heaven will be gatherings in which we share in the presence of our Creator, savoring the goodness of a restored creation.

Until that day, may we treat every earthly meal with thanksgiving, as a foretaste and a small reminder that God is good and that His kingdom is a place where no one goes hungry.

Prayer: LORD, heaven is going to be much more than I can think or imagine, but I know it’s going to be amazing and wonderful. Thank You, amen.

BONUS: Something else that won’t be in heaven… politics.
 

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 26 | DO PETS AND ANIMALS GO TO HEAVEN?

DO PETS AND ANIMALS GO TO HEAVEN?

Genesis 1:30
“And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it”
 
Genesis 7:15
“Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark.”

Though the Bible does not explicitly address our pets, we can make a reasonable guess. When God created the world, He made mankind and animals. We are made in His image, but both species have the “breath of life” from God. Consider Noah, the ark, and the flood. God saved the animals (“two by two”) so that they – and people – could continue to live and populate the earth after the flood.

After creation, God looked at everything, including the animals, and said, “It is very good.”

Romans 8:19-21 says: “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.”
 
Animals (and pets) were part of God’s creation, and He breathed LIFE into them as He did to us. True, animals don’t appear (in Scripture) to have souls as we do; nonetheless, they are special, made by the Creator God by His grace and for our benefit. It is thus VERY likely that we’ll see animals in heaven (there are Scriptures for that), and it has been said: “Seeing our pets in heaven wouldn’t surprise me, given how extravagant our Lord God is.”

Prayer: LORD, whatever You have planned will be amazing and inexhaustible.  Amen.

Bonus: Something else we don’t have any of in heaven… liars.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 25 | WILL WE BE ABLE TO SEE THE TRINITY IN HEAVEN?

WILL WE BE ABLE TO SEE THE TRINITY IN HEAVEN?

Revelation 4:2-6
“There before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.  And the One who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.”

The Trinity will be in heaven, three persons, the Father, Son, and Spirit … yet ONE God.

Bible scholars see this scene in Revelation 4 with the Father (“the One who sat there”) and the Son as the “rainbow that shone like an emerald.” In Revelation 5, the LAMB (Jesus Christ) stands at the center of the throne, clothed in brilliant white. Given that He was visible after His resurrection, this gives confidence that we’ll be able to LOOK at Him in heaven. The Holy Spirit – from descriptions of Him on earth – can take various forms… a dove, tongues of fire, and so on.
 
The KEY is that in heaven, we will be with Almighty God forever.
 
It makes me think: Are you spending much time here on earth getting to know the Lord personally and deeply? I was thinking about how my wife and I LOVE spending time together, which is exactly as God designed it. And marriage here on earth is a foretaste of the relationship we are to have with the Lord Jesus, both here and in heaven. (See Ephesians 5.)

Prayer: LORD, I look forward to SEEING ALL that is in heaven, especially YOU. Amen.

Bonus: Something that you won’t see in heaven… TEARS.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 24 | WON’T I BE VERY SAD IF ALL MY LOVED ONES ARE NOT THERE?

WON’T I BE VERY SAD IF ALL MY LOVED ONES ARE NOT THERE?

Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

It’s hard to imagine, but our perspective will dramatically change in heaven. Our limited, earthbound perspective will be replaced by a new heavenly one. But the key to this is today’s verse: NO MORE death, crying, sadness, pain, mourning, fear, doubt, worry… all the negatives we face here on earth.

God will make all things NEW, which, of course, from our perspective here and now, seems like a fairy tale. But… IT WILL HAPPEN!

Further, our thoughts will be washed and made new.  We will agree with God about everything, and with that washing (and making new), we will see that everything in heaven will make perfect sense and will bring us JOY.
 
Our goal here on this planet should be to do everything we can to point our loved ones to Jesus. In light of this, I often think of 2 Peter 3:9… “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Each of us should do all we can to encourage those around us – especially our families and loved ones – to come to Christ while there is still time.

Prayer – LORD, thank You for Your plan. Help me to follow You and speak the TRUTH in LOVE about Your salvation and the benefits of becoming a Christ follower. Amen.

Bonus: Something we won’t see in heaven… pharmacies.