What we see here is temporary! What we can't see is permanent!

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18 NIV)

Everything we see is temporary!

In my early childhood I lived in the Northern California redwoods in the little community of Alton. It was a wonderful place to live! It was located next to the Van Duzen River, which ran along a lush mountainside with blue-green pools of water for us to swim in. A row of beautiful walnut trees grew next to our house. My brother David and I would climb them to build amazing tree houses and pretend we were Tarzan. At age twelve, I moved from there to Alaska. Many years later I returned to Alton for a visit, but I could barely recognize it. Everything had changed! Our house and walnut trees were gone. The river had shifted from its original location and no longer ran alongside the mountain. The beautiful swimming holes no longer existed. It looked nothing like the wonderful place I had loved so dearly in my childhood. There was nothing familiar left except for my memories! It was shocking and very sad.

But, it's a picture of the way things are going to be here on earth eventually; nothing we can see now is permanent. But, this world is not our true home. We are only passing through!

The Word of God is permanent!

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”(Matt. 24:35 NASB)

“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matt. 5:18 NASB)

People are like Grass!

“A voice says, "Call out." Then he answered, "What shall I call out?" All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass.” (Isa. 40:6-7 NASB)

We have a permanent home in heaven!

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Heb. 13:14 NLT)

"Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have lqaid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!" (Psalm 31:19, NKJV)

 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 24:3 NIV)