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John 14:2 – 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. (NIV)
Since I have moved into a new facility where my needs are met, I am frequently asked how I am enjoying my new home.
It has caused me to think about what is required for a "home". Firstly, there is a physical structure. Unfortunately, some people who live on the street or whose home has just burnt down are described as "homeless". It is very sad.
Although I am living in a lovely physical structure, by far the most important aspect of a home is the people. I was blessed throughout my life by the people around me. But my biggest surprise since moving in to my new home is the quality of the people. The staff range, without exception, from good to outstanding. They are always pleasant and helpful. I sometimes think that they are doing their jobs because they want to, and not just because they are being paid. This leads to a happy atmosphere among the residents.
In turn, this makes me realize that it is important for me also to be pleasant, kind, and helpful, and always to choose to be positive and show the love of Jesus to others. We all have varying degrees of aches and pains — much about which to complain — but the positive atmosphere here makes my new home a pleasant one.
The challenge for me and you is to relate to the people in our lives, particularly in our homes, in a helpful, loving way. God demonstrated the ultimate gift of love by giving us His Son, Jesus, who taught us that in turn, we should share His love with others.
- This world is not my home
I'm just a-passing through
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue
Oh Lord, you know
I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home
Then Lord what will I do
The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore
– Jim Reeves
This brings me back to today's Scripture verse. I eagerly look forward to my best home ever, where Jesus has invited us to live with Him.
I am laying claim to one of the rooms in His mansion!
Prayer: Dear Father, we can't thank You enough for all the blessings that You give us here on earth. But mostly, we want to thank You for Your Son Jesus, who has opened the way so that by belief in His sacrifice, we can have the hope that one day, we will be at home with You. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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Amen Vincent!
Thank you for your enjoyable devotional today!
What a great attitude, Vincent. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Vincent for a devotional that is very special.
Amen, Vincent! Press on!
Blessings on your day.
Vincent, thank you for sharing your faith filled devotional with us. What an encourager you are! Blessings.
Sounds like a lovely place until you go to your heavenly home, Vincent. May God continue to bless you!
Thanks, Vincent. It’s true that our attitude can have a huge impact on our situation. I’m glad you found a good “temporary” home.
Dear Vincent, you have such a positive attitude, I am sure you are blessings to others and to God. Thank you for sharing about your journey to your “best home ever”.
Dear Vincent, As I read the devotional, before I reach the end, I always know who has written it. Your thoughts are often my thoughts. Thank you for sharing your special home with others. What a devoted Christian you are!
Hi Vincent,
I am glad that you are settling down into your new home well. Thank you for the reminder that our true home is with our Lord. I definitely needed to hear that today.
Blessings.
Hello Vince,
Many thanks for another special devotional. Truly our best home will be with our loving Saviour and the words in the song by Jim Reeves, who left this world early in life, are very fitting. I always appreciate reading your contributions to the morning devotionals.
(B.C.)
Perhaps people are kind and pleasant to you, because that is how you are, to them, as Jesus taught.
Vincent – I always so enjoy your devotionals. God Bless you for sharing with us your insights about our homes – both here on earth and in heaven.
“Any place I hang my hat is home,’ Vincent. That’s the name of a song but your attitude to this change in your life makes me feel sure that God is right along there with you, keeping, helping and guiding as he has always done. Yay for your continued writing of these splendid devotionals. Helps me.
Thank you, V. Walter, for a beautiful message of looking toward our “forever home.”
It brings us right back to the first Bible Verse we ever learned, John: 3:16.
Keep writing.
I was feeling very discouraged until I read your devotional. Many years ago, my husband and I bought a century old house and restored it and furnished it with care. We have always respected and taken care of everything God has blessed us with. A few years ago we turned over a large part of the house to our children, especially our daughter and her family. I had been feeling discouraged of late, because she and her family have been so careless that much of the furniture and house have been badly damaged. When I read the poem/song in your devotional the words “my treasures are laid up in heaven”, it was like God had turned a big spotlight on my priorities. Thank you.
Hello Vince
Thank you for your “Daily Devotional”. I thought it captured an important item in the life of all seniors. After having lived a full and active life with family members and friends close by it is very difficult to find themselves living with a lot of senior people who they do not know. Suddenly they find the adjustment very difficult to make. Often, they become despondent and feel unloved and it becomes difficult for them and for all the people they are living with and particularly for the staff.
Your message throws a whole new light on the situation. Your writing outlines the benefits of their new surroundings. The opportunity it provides to assist others who are most likely to be suffering from this change in their lifestyle. You also make a great point when you encourage them to recognize to staff and be friendly because in so many cases that doesn’t happen.
Vince you are doing great work for which I congratulate and thank you.
I bet you are a wonderful, considerate neighbor wherever you live. From the devotionals you have posted, that attitude comes through loud and clear. Because you are satisfied in Him, you bring Him glory no matter where you happen to be.
One of my very favorite choruses is “This World is not My Home” and growing up we sang it often in youth group. So, thank you for adding that one!
Blessings to you
(NV)