All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
—Philippians 3:15-21

~~~~~

Unwrapped
By Jennifer Kane

The ribbon of pride is the first to fall—
loosened by grace,
slipping from fingers that once clenched
earthly ambition.
It coils at my feet like yesterday’s glory,
beautiful,
but no longer needed.

The paper of self is next—
torn gently by trials,
peeled back by surrender.
Each rip a letting go:
of what once seemed gain,
now counted loss
for the surpassing worth
of knowing Him.

The box is the world—
shiny, sturdy,
promising permanence
but hollow at its core.
I once held it close
with mind set on earthly things,
but now, with upward gaze,
I lift the lid
and find not treasure,
but a mirror.

In it I see
not yet what I am—
but what I am becoming.
Citizen of heaven,
child waiting for the Savior
who will transform
this lowly body
to be like His glorious one.

And so I unwrap the days—
each moment
a fold to open,
each hardship
a layer to peel back.
I strain toward what lies ahead,
forgetting what is behind,
my heart fixed
on the gift still coming—
Christ Himself,
the prize,
the joy,
the end of all striving.

No longer lost in the wrapping,
I press on.
And heaven,
quiet and steady,
unwraps me too.

~~~~~

Scripture: Philippians 3:15-21

There’s a gift I haven’t unwrapped yet. I don’t know what it will look like. I don’t know how it will feel or how it will move. But I know this—it was chosen for me by God. Crafted by His hands. Timed perfectly. And already wrapped in the promise of Jesus’ resurrection.

I’m the kind of person who gives and receives love through gifts. When someone gives me something they thoughtfully picked out, something they prepared just for me, it speaks volumes. It tells me I am seen, valued, and known. So when God tells me that one day, He will give me a glorified body—just like the risen body of His Son—I can’t help but feel excited.

Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just a miracle for Him. It was a preview for me. When He rose, He became the firstfruit of what’s to come. His new body—perfect, powerful, no longer bound by decay or limitation—is a glimpse of the gift waiting for me, for you, for all who belong to Him.

I may not know all the details, but I know the Giver. And that’s enough.

This isn’t just about being free from pain or sickness. It’s not just about strength or beauty restored. It’s about being fully clothed in glory, prepared for eternity, tailor-made to worship, serve, and dwell with God forever.

And like any good gift, it reflects the heart of the One who gave it. God delights in blessing His children. He’s not just giving me something practical—He’s giving me something personal. Something that says: I love you. I’ve thought of you. This is for you.

So I wait with joy. Not just for the day I’ll rise—but for the moment I unwrap the gift He’s been preparing for me since before I was born.

When you imagine your glorified body, what emotions rise in you? Joy? Relief? Anticipation?
How does knowing that Jesus already has His glorified body shape your faith in the promise of yours?
In what ways has God shown you His love through “gifts” even now, before eternity?

Write a “thank you note” to God today—not for what He’s already given, but for gifts He’s already promised. Let your gratitude reflect your faith. Keep it somewhere special as a reminder of what’s to come.

~~~~~

Father God, thank You for the promise of resurrection—not just of spirit, but of body. I don’t fully understand what my glorified body will be like, but I know it will be good, because it comes from You. Thank You for thinking of me, for planning something beautiful for me, and for loving me in ways I can’t even imagine. Help me to wait with hope and wonder. I can’t wait to open this gift. In your name I pray, Jesus, amen.

July 22, 2025