Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Heaven


by Leave a comment

My Father’s House

Scripture for Today: John 14:2 “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

We had the privilege of living in the Loire Valley of France for three years.  It is an area known for its fabulous châteaux.  The Chambord is probably the most recognizable as it is six times the size of most.  What is so amazing is the number of rooms.  Although only eighty are open to public viewing, there are 440 in what started out as just a hunting lodge!  I cannot even imagine having so many rooms!

In our verse for today, rooms are being readied in preparation for the arrival of God’s children.  Each is being especially prepared by our loving Father.  The number of rooms in His house are too numerous to even be counted!  Yet, I imagine that each one is stamped with the personality of the one who is to live there.  The rooms will be perfect.  The style will suit us.  The comforts will be exactly right.  But the best part is that there will be uninterrupted time with the Owner of the house.

I love that the Lord uses this image of a house.  It will feel more like home than anything we have ever experienced on earth.  The idea of a perfect home is not the size or the number of rooms but the love and warmth that this place can encompass.  Just because it is perfect does not mean that it is cold or impersonal.  It will be filled with love and laughter and eternal joy in His presence!  There will be music and running and skipping on those golden sidewalks!

Thank you Lord, for the room You are preparing for me!

 

 


by Leave a comment

Thank You Notes

Scripture for Today: Revelation 5:12 “In a loud voice they were saying, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.'”

It seems everyone enjoys receiving a thank you note.  It feels nice to be appreciated for a service rendered or a gift offered.  Of course, we tell ourselves we do not do something in order to be thanked, but it certainly does not hurt to be acknowledged.  However, sometimes a “thank you” can feel uncomfortable.  Someone who gushes or repeatedly brings up their gratitude can make us squirm.  It can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing when someone goes on and on with their thanks.  Why is that?  Probably because we know we do not deserve all that praise.

Our verse for today describes the scene in Heaven where Jesus as the Lamb of God is given all the honor, glory and praise that is His due.  There is no One who is more deserving.  The phrase, “I cannot thank you enough,” will for the first time be absolutely true!  We can never thank Him enough for our salvation and what it cost Him.  We will spend all eternity praising Him and even then, it will never be enough.

The Lord does not engage in false humility as we do saying, “Oh, don’t mention it.”  He accepts our continual praise and gratitude because He deserves it.  I can never come to the end of thanking Him because He continually gives.  I can never thank Him too much because I am so undeserving.  I do not merit any of what He so graciously gives me.

Lord, may my life be a continual thank you for all that You do for me!


by Leave a comment

Snails

Scripture for Today: John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”

For some, snails are a delicacy.  When I see a snail in my garden, I do not think of eating it.  I am annoyed at all it eats.  They are disgusting creatures who I suppose have their place in the food chain.  But one advantage snails have is they never have to move!  They carry their house on their back.  No change of residence, no packing boxes and no moving van.

I am feeling very nostalgic about the home in which we currently live but are soon to leave.  As I go through every cupboard and closet, I come across items that bring to mind precious memories of our eight years here.  Our time in this home of over one hundred years has been unique.  Will I ever again have a home that creaks as much, sleeps as many or has as many stairs?

Our verse for today talks about a future home that awaits those who belong to the Lord.  Jesus told His disciples that during their coming separation, He would be preparing a place for them.  As Jesus prepares a place for me, I wonder what it will be like.  For one, it will be eternal.  There will be no need to move.  When I enter this dwelling place prepared especially for me, I imagine breathing a deep sigh of relief and contentment.  It will immediately feel like home because I will be with its Builder!  No earthly house can ever compare to that sense of coming home.  It will be so perfect.  It will feel so right.

Thank you Lord, that my future “dwelling place” will be my true home!

 

 


by 6 Comments

Letting Go

Scripture for Today: Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I am not ready to let my Dad go.  Even though he has enjoyed a long life of ninety-two years and suffers from severe dementia, I still want him around.  Regardless of the circumstances and age of a loved one, it always seems too soon to let them go.

I know I am being selfish.  Everything wonderful awaits him in Heaven.  This butterfly reminds me of the new life and new body he is enjoying.  He is now experiencing “astonished joy!”

Our verse for today promises joy and peace for the one who puts their trust in Jesus.  Instead of experiencing despair, God fills the heart with hope.  Even when anticipating death, there is hope.  It is not natural.  It is supernatural and it is the Holy Spirit who produces this hope.  It can only happen through His power.  And it can only happen as we trust in Him.  The more I can trust Him and His plan, the more I can experience the joy and peace coming from this hope.  How can anyone face suffering and death without the sure hope we have in Jesus and the eternal home He has planned?

I am sad.  But there is peace and joy as I think of where my Dad is now, and that one day we will be reunited.  It is never the end.  I thank my wonderful Heavenly Father for this living hope that sustains me.  May this same hope sustain you, the reader, in whatever you are facing today.

 


by 1 Comment

Colors

10559200_10203545280864367_20298450_nScripture for Today: I Corinthians 2:9 “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ – the things God has prepared for those who love Him.'”

The colors of the sky can be breathtaking!  The colors in God’s pallet continually amaze me!  His use of color is bold and startling.  I have trouble putting red and orange together but not Him!  In looking at furniture for sale on line, I am often confused about color combinations.  But our God is creative and masterful with color.  As He will be the only source of light in Heaven, I often wonder what different hues He will create there.  It is difficult to even imagine new colors.

Our verse for today speaks of our limitations in understanding what is prepared for us in Heaven.  Our earthly senses and even our imaginations cannot fully grasp the colors, light and sounds of our eternal home.  But the passage goes on to say that believers can have some spiritual understanding because we have residing in us God’s Spirit.  Our physical senses and our mental imaginings can only go so far in understanding spiritual truth.  We need the revelation of His Spirit.  It is because of His Spirit we can understand what He has so freely given us (verse 12).

So much of what He has so freely given to us is in our future.  But He has painted our world with the beautiful colors of His love now!  We see that color with spiritual eyes.  Surely it is the color of the sunset.  Am I seeing the color of His forgiveness?  It must be dazzling white!

Lord, open my spiritual senses to see and hear and feel all You have given to me today!