When I was getting ready to move from a small town in central New York state to Spring, Texas, I was pleased and happy, but also scared and apprehensive. As the day of moving arrived, I became more unsure of what lay ahead. When the huge moving truck arrived, the driver came to the door to confirm our destination and he read, “Spring, Texas! Is that anywhere near Conroe Texas?” “Yes,” I answered , “It’s the next town toward Houston.” “Well!” he exclaimed, “You’re going to God’s Country!” I wanted to say,, “I’m afraid I’m leaving God’s country,” but I just smiled and asked, “How do you know?” “I’m from Conroe, M’am,” he answered.” I know that part of Texas.”

Those must have been the words I needed to hear, because after that very brief encounter, I lost my trepidation, and managed the move with confidence; and whenever I looked back, I thought, “That truck driver was right.!”

What does it take to believe that we live in God’s Country? God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing, so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. (Genesis 1:31-2:2)

God’s creation has fallen from the moments of its first appearance, but the fall did not obliterate the vision of a pristine world. In his book of Revelation, John shows us a picture of the restored creation: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first earth had passed away. . . I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. . . and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Where is this ‘New Jerusalem’?, the kingdom that John describes; where is God’s Country? People have asked that question from the moment of their first hurtful experience on earth, from their first knowledge of injustice, pain, or sorrow; and many have found the answer. Jesus gave us his answer: . . . the Kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20) this New years Eve, let’s seek to discover the Kingdom ourselves without doubt or hesitation, for it has been known and proclaimed for at least two thousand years. In 2024 we can know that we are from God’s Country!      Happy New Year!

Love in Him,

Prue