“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3 NASB 1995).
Have you ever wondered what your heavenly home will be like? Have you ever walked into a place that felt like home?
Last fall a friend offered her beach cottage to us for a week. The timing couldn’t have been better. My daughter and I had planned a trip, but she broke her toe the week we were to leave. With schedules already cleared, on the day we’d planned to leave, Larry, my daughter, and I headed to Morehead City, NC.
We pulled into an older neighborhood that reminded me of “Leave It to Beaver” and “Ozzie and Harriet” for those old enough to remember those TV shows. My friends had renovated the house but had kept as much of the original as possible.
We opened the door, and I smiled. Original boards covered the great room’s white walls and ceiling. Comfortable seating circled an old fireplace. Vintage blue and white china, lovely oil paintings, and baskets warmed the space. I’d stepped into a story book.
The house backed up to the Bogue Sound with its own private beach and dock. My daughter only had to hobble a few feet to enjoy the sunshine and perfect fall temperatures. Flowerpots overflowed with fresh flowers. I inhaled the beauty and enjoyed my books by the sound of lapping water.
Our Heavenly Home
This week as I meditated on Jesus’s words in John 14, I thought of our week in the beach cottage. I’m drawn to charming cottages. But I like space to store books and clothes too. So, I imagined charming wardrobes that worked like the photo app on my phone. They held everything I could possibly need without taking up much space. I had only to click the outfit, and it materialized before me. I could change fresh flowers, summon sweet breezes, try new linen patterns with the touch of an app.
Of course, what makes a place special is who we share it with. Knowing the difference relationships make, God promised that our loved ones who died in Christ will be with us. And best of all, we’ll be with Jesus!
What will your heavenly home be like? I can promise you that it will be better than anything you can imagine.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT).
Ladies Fall Bible Study
Join me this fall on Zoom as we go through 1 Samuel. 1 Samuel covers some of the most exciting stories in the Bible. We’ll look at the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, and the early years of David, a man after God’s own heart.
When: Tuesday evenings from 7:10-8:40 p.m. EST
- Begins on September 10: Welcome and intro.
- I’m using a Bible journal in the CSB translation.
It also comes in ESV and in a spiral form. You can use also your own Bible and notebook. I’m enjoying this one because my notes are next to my reading.
- Space is limited. Reserve your place by contacting me here.
Want to form your own group or have a personal Bible study? All of my books come with leaders guides. Click here to learn more.
What will your heavenly home be like? I can promise you that it will be better than anything you can imagine. #faith, #hope, #heaven Share on XClick here to comment.
Blessings,
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The cottage sounds absolutely gorgeous and so calming and relaxing. I often think about what heaven and life with Jesus in the new earth will be like and you’re so right – it’s going to be so amazing our finite earthly minds cannot begin to imagine it. But I’m looking forward to it.
Me too, Ann! We can only imagine.
I was just studying John 14, and I was so taken aback by one commentator’s observation that when Jesus said he was going to prepare a place, it wasn’t because God’s house is incomplete now. It emphasizes Jesus Christ as the WAY, for he prepared the way for us, and I chuckled because it is almost as if we picture Jesus sheet rocking and hanging curtains!
Michele, that is a different emphasis. I picture a family preparing a nursery. They are so excited about the new family member and want everything ready for they day he/she arrives. If Thomas hadn’t asked the practical question, “How do we know the way?” would we have that wonderful verse, “I am the way…” There are many places I wish the disciples had asked more! And I’m glad He’s promised to personally escort us home.
I love reading chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation when I am discouraged. This beautiful description of what awaits us transcends anything we can imagine here on earth. Discouraging thoughts leave when we see what God has prepared for us.
Barbara, I love that description too. No more tears, no more night! Thank you for reminding us.
I don’t tend to think in particulars when I think of my heavenly home. I tend to think of the people I will be reunited with and never need be apart from again. If Jesus is preparing the home, it will definitely be perfect in every way. The photos of the beach cottage are beautiful, no wonder it felt like home!
I think what I’m struck with is that it will feel like home, what we were made for!
That cottage sounds just wonderful!
Elisabeth Elliot wrote (I’ve forgotten where) that perhaps one of the reasons God didn’t tell us many details about heaven is because if we knew, we’d be so excited in anticipation that we couldn’t get anything done here. 🙂 I love that thought. And I love the thought, too, that it will feel like “home” to us.
Barbara, I love that thought too! And I think that when we get there we’ll feel completely at home.
Your escape to the coast was probably just the relaxation and renewal opportunity you needed. The pictures you shared are lovely. We are reminded that heaven is gong to be beyond anything we can imagine. Oh, how wonderful it will be! I’m so looking forward to seeing my loved ones again.
Me too, Katherine. I believe the Rapture of the church could happen at any moment. I can’t wait!
I love to escape to a cabin in the mountains and I hope we have mountains in heaven. When I see the beauty in nature around me, I can’t even imagine how beautiful heaven will be. Thank you Debbie
Yvonne, I think those special moments give us glimpses of the joy we’ll experience. Thanks, Yvonne.
Debbie, your beach retreat sounds heavenly, but I know heaven will be much better. Like you, I’m longing for that place.
Annie, I think the better we know Jesus the greater the longing becomes. Thanks so much for adding your thoughts.