Devotionals by Raul Ries

TUESDAY March 24, 2026

The Faith in Seeking a Homeland

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:14-16

Faith caused the Old Testament saints not to settle in this world. Even though some had built beautiful homes, they never became comfortable. The call of God was to be sojourners––pilgrims. Their desire was not for this world; they had eternity in their hearts. They viewed this world as a temporal dwelling place, knowing God had an eternal dwelling place waiting for them. Moses declared: Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations (Psalm 90:1).

In this life, we are to seek a homeland––a dwelling place with God––heaven. God is preparing a beautiful city for us! We belong to God; He is our God, and He is not ashamed of that! We have an assurance of our salvation and no longer need to fear death. We know where we are going. Our journey’s end has an eternal destination.

As Christians, while we live, we must endeavor to serve the Lord with all of our being. Listen, we are only here for a little while, make the most of your time. Truth is, we may live and die in the faith like the saints before us, or we may be taken at the Rapture. This is when the Church is caught up and taken to heaven. There is an entire generation that will not die––amazing (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).

What we must care about is where the dwelling place of our souls will be. Consider Jesus’ soul-searching question to the people and His disciples: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37). Take your eyes off this world, and look by faith to the heavenly city that God has prepared for you.

We talk about heaven being so far away. It is within speaking distance to those who belong there. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.
~D.L. Moody~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!