From my Aunt
I just <3 her. *sheds a tear*
THE PROMISE OF A HOME
_________________________
John 14:1-7 (NRSV)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In
my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I
have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that
where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I
am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me,
you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen
him."
_________________________
Happy are those who live in your house [O Lord], ever singing your praise.
-- Psalm 84:4 (NRSV)
_________________________
MY parents divorced when I was a teenager. I was separated from my father,
with my mother unhappy because I wouldn't side with her against Dad. I
wanted a home with both parents and loving relationships.
During this period someone invited me to church. The evangelist preached
from John 14:1-4. He spoke about a place that was being prepared for those
who believe in Christ. I saw in this promise the hope of a lasting home,
acceptance, and loving relationships. I also saw guidance for how to reach
that place and how to live my life.
Later I attended a friend's church closer to where I lived. They sang,
"This world is not my home." The song reminded me of the sermon I had heard
in the other church, and it strengthened my faith. Before I left, an
elderly man told me, "The Lord will never leave you or forsake you, Honey."
(See Hebrews 13:5.) I didn't know it then, but this was also a promise from
Christ. I came to realize that his kindness was the beginning of many
loving relationships given to me by the Lord.
Through the years, Christ has given me more reasons to hope in that prepared
place -- little deposits of the greater pledge. How remarkable my final
home must be!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the sure hope of a home with you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God offers each of us a loving, secure home.
-- Wanda Hartley Butts (West Virginia, U.S.A.)
THE PROMISE OF A HOME
_________________________
John 14:1-7 (NRSV)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In
my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I
have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that
where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I
am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me,
you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen
him."
_________________________
Happy are those who live in your house [O Lord], ever singing your praise.
-- Psalm 84:4 (NRSV)
_________________________
MY parents divorced when I was a teenager. I was separated from my father,
with my mother unhappy because I wouldn't side with her against Dad. I
wanted a home with both parents and loving relationships.
During this period someone invited me to church. The evangelist preached
from John 14:1-4. He spoke about a place that was being prepared for those
who believe in Christ. I saw in this promise the hope of a lasting home,
acceptance, and loving relationships. I also saw guidance for how to reach
that place and how to live my life.
Later I attended a friend's church closer to where I lived. They sang,
"This world is not my home." The song reminded me of the sermon I had heard
in the other church, and it strengthened my faith. Before I left, an
elderly man told me, "The Lord will never leave you or forsake you, Honey."
(See Hebrews 13:5.) I didn't know it then, but this was also a promise from
Christ. I came to realize that his kindness was the beginning of many
loving relationships given to me by the Lord.
Through the years, Christ has given me more reasons to hope in that prepared
place -- little deposits of the greater pledge. How remarkable my final
home must be!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the sure hope of a home with you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God offers each of us a loving, secure home.
-- Wanda Hartley Butts (West Virginia, U.S.A.)