Your Daily Devotional for November 19, 2006

 

November 19, 2006

 

 

Giving Thanks: For Heaven

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

John 14:2-3

 

I heard the story of a man who visited Portugal some years ago on an evangelistic tour. He was delighted to find many believers who were “spiritual giants.” Among them was a missionary named Eric Barker, who had spent over fifty years in Portugal preaching the Gospel, often under adverse conditions.

During World War II, Barker was advised to send his wife and eight children to England for safety. His sister and her three children were also evacuated on the same ship. He remained behind to carry on God’s work.

On the Sunday following their departure, he stood before his congregation and said, “I’ve just received word that all my family have arrived safely home!” Later in the service, the full meaning of his words became known to his people.

Just before the meeting, he learned that a submarine had torpedoed the ship that was carrying his family. Everyone on board had drowned, but he knew that because all were believers, they had reached a more “desired haven” (Psalm 107:30). They were truly home. Although overwhelmed with grief, he was able to rise above the circumstances by the grace of God and keep on working for the Lord. The knowledge that his family was enjoying the bliss of Heaven comforted his heart.

How could this man have such peace in a time of loss and hurt? How could he go on even though he had lost everything? He had peace because he knew that his family was with God in Heaven. He knew that he would one day see them again.

 

Not everyone has the hope of seeing their deceased loved ones again. Not everyone has the peace of knowing where they will spend eternity when they die. Don’t take for granted that if you have trusted Christ as your personal Saviour, you can have the peace of knowing where you will spend eternity!

 

Don’t let the word Heaven become so commonplace to you that you do not realize the magnificence of it! Not only is it a beautiful place with streets of gold, but God Himself is there! We, as Christians, will be with Him for all eternity!

 

Take time today to thank God for preparing a home for you. Thank Him for creating such a beautiful place for us to spend eternity with Him! Also, don’t forget that not everyone has the hope of a home in Heaven! Let someone know today that God loves them and has prepared a home for them!

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