A Forever Home

Devotional for Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Lynne Phipps

Adoption kennels all over the world are advertising pets who need forever homes. Those who work with animals realize how important a forever home is, even for a pet. Pets need the stability and love of a forever home if they are to feel secure and grow in trust for their human caretakers. Having run an adoption shelter, I can attest to these truths. So, as I once again saw that slogan this past week, it brought great joy to my heart to remember the forever home that God has promised His children.

When the disciples of Jesus felt grief over the impending loss of their Beloved, He comforted them with these words:

John 14:1-3 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 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. (NIV)

At present, as Christians, we have the promised Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Jesus went on to state:

John 14:23 - If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (NIV)

These words remind us that our forever home has, in fact, already begun. We are in Christ, and He is in us, even amidst these one-room earthly tents we now call home. Thus when that day of death arrives for us as God's children, our hearts can truly rest in peace. Why? Because we are not leaving our forever home at all. We are simply moving with Christ from the only room we have thus far known into the expanse and joy of the complete floor plan.

Prayer: Heavenly Father and gracious Lord, thank You that we are already at home in You and You are at home in us who have received You. Thank You also that there are yet many more rooms that You have prepared for us within our forever home, rooms into which one day You will welcome and receive us. Bless those this day who may be preparing for such a move. Grant them faith, emotional poise, dignity, and peace, as the door of their present room opens to reveal the wonder of the entire floor plan. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phipps <lynnephipps@hotmail.com>
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada

E-mail This Devotional to a friend without subscribing them, or give a Gift Subscription.
Today's Music:     He's Been Faithful.  

Previous Devotional: The Power Of The Tongue

Next Devotional: Teaching, Preaching, And Healing