There’s No Place Like Home

20 / Sun  | Read Hebrews 13:14

Overview: “Home” means different things to different people, and usually it’s something good. But, despite its perks, the bible tells us that we are just passing through this world. Our true home will be with God.

21 / Mon – Welcome home  |  Read 2 Peter 1:10-11

What is your favorite memory of home? Was it your mom’s cooking or the way your family celebrated holidays? Maybe you didn’t like to hang out at your house, but really did at a friend’s because it felt more like a home? What makes any of these memories special? Home here on earth is not always what we might wish, but there is a day coming when you get to move to the perfect place, and it will be a better home than you can even imagine. Keep looking up, friend.

22 / Tue – From your house to mine  |  Read Luke 19:1-10 / 1 Samuel 16:7b

Zacchaeus was not a respectable person. He wanted to hear more of what Jesus was saying, but he knew he was not worthy to approach. Jesus solved the problem by inviting himself to Zacchaeus’ house. It was actually scandalous in the eyes of the religious leaders. However, Jesus could see beyond a reputation to a seeking heart. In essence, he said to Zach (the sinner)…I’m coming to your house so I can invite you to mine. What insight and compassion! Is there someone for whom you need to look past your first impression? Ask the Lord and start watching for opportunities.

23 / Wed – Hallmark of hospitality  |  Read Hebrews 13:2

It can be easy to judge people by first impressions, and you might be tempted to be more hospitable to those who look important, but then neglect or brush aside the ‘commoners.’ As is often the case, God’s ways are the opposite of our natural inclinations. It is the strangers we are to reach out to. Who are the ‘strange’ people in your life? The ones you avoid because they seem, well, strange. The least likely people are the ones God will use because of their humility. Your hospitality might be the key that opens the door of their heart for Jesus to walk in.

24 / Thu – Those who can’t go home  |  Read Hebrews 13:3 / Matthew 25:34-40

Some people can’t go home because of past unforgivable actions. They reside in jails and prisons. Some are there temporarily, others for years, and still others will never leave. They are the ones society forgets, but Jesus does not. Two thousand years ago, he made it clear that his people were to care for those folks as though caring for him. Would you consider answering the call to bring His love to the ones who can’t go home?

25 / Fri – High-fives  |  Read Matthew 25:21

Have you ever sent a kid on an errand? Someone you trusted? What did you say when they came back, having completed the task? ‘Great job!’ Or maybe you gave them a high-five. Jesus gives tasks to all his disciples, different ones for each according to their abilities. Some of those responsibilities may not be completed until just before they walk through the door of heaven. That might be you. And when you get there, Jesus will be waiting to high-five you because he knows the sacrifices you made to accomplish his purposes for you.

26 / Sat – Working here for the future there  |  Read Psalm 32:8 / Isaiah 30:21

When you truly understand that your real home is Up There, you will tend to focus less on what’s troubling you here. It is all temporary. Nothing lasts forever but God’s word and the investments you have made in the lives of others while down here. How could that perspective help you make choices on how to use your resources in the present? As you trust the Lord and listen to His direction, you will have a rich inheritance waiting when you finally get Home. Will you do that?