A Place!

Yesterday I joined in with others sweeping, mopping, cleaning, sterilizing, etc. to prepare the place that will be used beginning next weekend for our sixth season of our local winter shelter. I have enjoyed my involvement with this program because it helps meet a real need during the cold winter months. However, it is not a permanent place to be settled into. Though a place is provided to receive some good meals and a safe warm place to sleep -- and though the shelter guests always express their sincere appreciation for what is provided -- it is not home. Our hope is for these individuals to ultimately find a more permanent place for themselves. It has been encouraging to know how some in the past seasons have been able to connect with other programs, find work, and permanent housing.

Though we may be blessed with having a roof over our head all year round, how settled in are we to life? We may have prepared a good home for ourselves and family (and that is good), but do we ever lose sight of the fact we are not home? Do we keep in mind there is a place BEING PREPARED for us and that where we are now is only temporary?

Jesus told His disciples. . .
"(1) Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU? (3) And if I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." ( John 14:1-3 ESV)

And the Hebrew writer noted the example of the life perspective of others to encourage looking beyond this realm where he wrote. . .

"(13) These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (14) For people who speak thus make it clear that they are SEEKING A HOMELAND. (15) If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. (16) But as it is, they desire A BETTER COUNTRY, that is, A HEAVENLY ONE. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for HE HAS PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY." ( Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV)

Yes, where we live now -- as simple or lavish as it might be -- is only temporary. Therefore, we need to be careful how much at home we become here. Paul encouraged those at Thessalonica to keep looking ahead to the Lord's return when they would meet Him in the air and so always be with the Lord. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV) Was that not the encouragement Jesus gave His disciples in telling them "that where I am you may be also."? ( John 14:3) May we keep our heart focused heavenward; toward the eternal home that is BEING PREPARED for us by the Lord.

Have a great day CONTINUING TO JOURNEY TOWARD HOME!
Carl

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