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UPGRADES

Written by Pastor Eric Everhart

Trucks are everywhere, especially here in West Michigan. Some are used for farming, others for work purposes, and most are just used for personal transportation. With it being a very popular form of transportation, there are also a lot of opinions about which one is best. I know that this is going to cost me a few “cool points” but I believe that the Toyota Tundra is one of the best trucks made and the most reliable around……there I said it, bring it on!! 

I have owned three of these Tundra’s myself and it would be tough for me to part from it and go in another direction. I remember buying the brand new 2010 Tundra I own today. I didn’t think you could do anything more to make the truck better than it was, but I was looking to trade in my older model and get an upgrade. In 2010 the Tundra made big changes to the body style and it was made to be 20% bigger inside and out. The salesperson spent about an hour showing me around the new model, giving me the grand tour of all the new upgrades. Sliding glass rear window, heated side mirrors, larger bucket seats, more room in the backseat, beefed up suspension, improved fuel injection for better gas mileage, larger towing capacity, and even 3 brand new and beautiful colors were just some of the amazing upgrades! 

As I sat inside the showroom model, all I could think was WOW, it’s so much to take in but I have to have one! It was hard to fathom all the improvements and upgrades that Toyota had made on my favorite truck! And that “New Car Smell”, I think it was upgraded too! I sat there like a little kid in a candy store, imagining all that was in store for me and my new upgrades. 

In Men’s Life Bible study, we are going through the book of Revelation. This morning we found ourselves in chapter 21, the New Heaven and New Earth. We give thanks to God for the many blessings he pours out on us every single day. We stand in awe of the world he has created and marvel at the grandeur of his mighty works. Even though the world is flawed and broken we cannot help but be filled with gratitude for the beauty of a rising sun, the smell of a thunderstorm, the power of the ocean waves, the brilliant colors of fall, the gentleness of  falling snow, the delicate wings of a butterfly, the tiny hands of a new born baby, the heights of the tallest mountains, the vastness of a sky filled with stars, and the list could go on. There are a lot of opinions but we wouldn’t trade it in for another….or would we? 

In Revelation 21, John gives us a glimpse of the “upgrades” to come! If you think what we have is grand, and it is, you are going to be speechless at the upgrades God has in store for those who have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 21:27). Just read through this chapter and marvel at the upgrades that will leave you speechless, even hard to understand! An upgrade in quality, a brand new heaven and earth. 

A Holy city coming down from the Heavens, God dwelling with us everyday, no tears, no fear, no pain, no sickness, no death or mourning! A city larger than our imagination, made of solid gold, pure as glass, and covered in every precious stone known to man. Streets covered in gold, and gates made of giant pearls which are forever open.  Most importantly, our upgrade will include eternal life with our Heavenly Father, flowing from the never ending river of his glory!! Victory is his, and it is ours through Jesus Christ!      

Are you feeling worn down, tired, or just in a funk of hopelessness? Does the world have you by the nape of the neck, is the devil whispering lies in your ear, or is the brokenness of this life just weighing you down? 

Brothers and sisters, be encouraged, have hope, look up, persevere, and keep focused on the upgrades that are on the way! Take in the promises of Revelation 21 with all your senses, find joy and encouragement in the ‘new car’ smell of the upgrades God has in store for the New Heaven and New Earth!! 

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new! … Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Revelation 21:5

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You

-Mercy Me “I Can Only Imagine”

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