THINKING ABOUT A NEW HOME?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in
is destroyed, we have a building from God, an
eternal house in Heaven, not built by human hands.”
(2 Corinthians 5:1)

MEDITATION:
Death is not a popular subject for discussion, is it? Most people
would rather not think about it, let alone discuss it. But the truth
is, death is a reality that we will all face at some point. Many surveys
tell us that death is the number one fear of all people.

For those who do not believe in God and His plan of salvation, death
is a point of finality. In other words, when they die, they will not live
again. To be cast into the lake of fire and suffer eternally while being
separated from God, is not living, it is dying forever with no end in
sight.

However, for the believer death is a point of continuance. It is a
crossover from living in a world where we don’t belong, into a
new world where we do belong. We exchange our frail and flimsy
physical home that is subject to disease, pain and peril, for a new
home which will never deteriorate or crumble.

Can you even imagine how fantastic that will be? Those who are
part of God’s family, will arise each day feeling good, with no
worries or anxieties, and no threats of being harmed, saddened,
or sick.

We have the assurance that the God who has amply provided for
the living, has made even greater provisions for the dying. When
God creates anything, it fits together perfectly. Look at these
words from the Psalmist about the Lord’s presence in those
living in the world today:
    “I remain confident of this: I will see the
      goodness of the Lord in the land of the
      living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and
      take heart and wait for the Lord.”
      (Psalm 27:13-14)

Think of the times you have moved into a new house here on earth.
Remember the excitement you felt as you began the ‘nesting’ process.
Sometimes, after you have been in your new home for a while, you
start an “I should have…” process. You find out that some things
could have been bigger, better, or arranged differently.

But, whenever we arrive at our heavenly home, it has been designed
especially for each individual. And, since God created it, we will enjoy
our new residence without thoughts of improving it – it will be perfect!

We may wonder what each day will be like in Heaven. What will we
spend time doing each day? Will we have jobs similar to what we
have on earth? Will we recognize our friends and family? How will
we interact with others? Will all people gather together daily and sing
praises to God? Will we have farms that we maintain to provide food?
Will we be able to have conversations with those we have read about in
the Bible?

Some people have said they have a list of questions for God when they
arrive in Heaven. But, I suspect that everyone will be so overwhelmed
by the magnificence of heaven, and the way that everything fits together
perfectly, that any questions we have on earth will remain on earth.

The questions can go on and on, but if these questions start invading our
minds, we need to remember this – whatever God creates to be enjoyed
by His children, will be perfect! Our daily lives might be different than
our lives on earth, but if they are, we will welcome our new way of living.

ACTION:
What is your personal destination after death? Will you experience a
finality that terminates your life (as you begin an eternal suffering and
separation from your Creator), or will you have a continuance of life
(as you are welcomed into Heaven and your new home)?

Will you be separated from God forever, or will you enjoy being in His
presence for eternity? If you miss out on Heaven because you failed to
accept and embrace His offer of salvation, will you suffering intensify
as you see the paradise you lost out on?

Do you need to make changes in your life so you can start enjoying
a closer relationship with God here on earth? Have you accepted His
gift of salvation? Have you considered that your life on earth could
be preparation for fellowshipping with God in Heaven? We could be
enjoying a relationship with an ‘unseen’ God now, so we will be able
to fully enjoy fellowshipping with a ‘seen’ God in Heave,

If we have not chosen to accept His offer of salvation now, and if we
have not made a commitment to follow His Son, Jesus, then how can
we ever expect to meet Him in His heavenly home and move into a new
residence He has prepared for each member of His family? If you have
accepted His gift of salvation, and are following Jesus, are you looking
forward to your new home?

I had a friend who once said,
    “If you have a knee that is hurting and one
      that is not, then think about the good knee”.

This is good advice for those who believe Jesus and are following Him:
    “If you have a home that is temporary and in need of repair,
      and a home that is perfect in every way, then think about the
      good home that has been promised for those who love God”.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I pray that You would keep me mindful that
as a child of Yours, my real home is not on this earth, it is one
You have created for me in Heaven. Whenever I am saddened
or discouraged, remind me that one day I will exchange this
temporary home of mine for a house made by You in Heaven!
Help me to learn more about Your promises so they will always
be a comfort to me during times of distress!”

BLOG: utvolwoody.com