Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

21 August 2025

Reading From I Corinthians 4

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.”Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you!”—I Corinthians 4:5-8

We are to judge between right and wrong here and now based on the knowledge and wisdom provided for us in His Word illuminated by His Spirit. The time has not yet come for us to judge and rule with Him over the Earth. For now, He is preparing us for our roles in the New Heaven and the New Earth where we will enjoy perfect unity with Him and function in His power and authority without the hindrances of sin and its corrupting effects.

He prepares us by giving us tasks which are small in comparison with the future glory we will share in the New Eden to see what and how we will do with those tasks. Will we stand upon His promises? Will we surrender to Him, yielding to the influence of His Spirit and allowing His love and power to flow through us? Will we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him? Will we build our own kingdoms or seek to glorify Him and advance His Kingdom of Light?

These are questions that are answered based on our responses when we are given commandments, commissions, gifts, opportunities, callings, blessings, etc. He is testing us and growing us and stretching us and molding us into who He wants us to be; transforming us from glory to glory to become more like Him. Along life’s journey, if we will allow Him, He will prune away distractions and aspects of character which are unlike Him and train us to be conformed back into His image for His glory and our good.

It is vital to stay within the protecting guidanceof the written record of His divine revelation contained in the Old and New Testaments. Seeking the whole counsel of the Word of God and interpreting it in a holistic, healthy, balanced way will help us remain solid and growing in faith, hope and love. As we try to make sense of the past, present and future, “Do not go beyond what is written” with excessive speculation and avoid false teachings. Remaining faithful to the path laid out in the Scriptures keeps us focused on Him and putting His principles into practice prepares us for the marvelous adventures waiting for us in the New Eden!

“Heavenly Father, thank You for providing for, protecting, and preparing us for or eternal destiny with You. Make us more like You. Empower us to function in Your authority as we see Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Show us what that means as expectation of glory builds within us. Bring us together in greater unity with one another and increasing harmony with You and Your will. Teach us to be prophets, priests and kings; prophetesses, priestesses and queens in Your Kingdom. You are the Perfect Prophet, Great High Priest and King of Kings. All glory belongs to You, Lord. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.—Exodus 19:6

⁶ And you will be called priests of the Lord,
    you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
    and in their riches you will boast.

—Isaiah 61:6

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.—I Peter 2:9

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

—Revelation 1:6