No Place Like Home

There is no greater comfort than knowing that you can go home. The word "home" produces all kinds of images of comfort, warmth, family, love, joy, and happiness. Home is a place where you can relax and be yourself. You are surrounded by your favorite things and the people you love.

Home is a place unlike anywhere else. Home feels like a giant hug. If your home on earth makes you feel wonderful, can you imagine what it will be like to finally arrive in your home in Heaven? Your Heavenly home will be a place of great joy, peace, and love as you experience bliss like you cannot image. You will be at home with Jesus Christ and believe me, when that is the case there really is no place like home!  

"At that time, I will gather you together and bring you home again, and give you a good name, a name of distinction among all the peoples of the earth, and they will praise you when I restore the fortunes before your eyes." Zephaniah 3:20

Greatest Reward

Everyone loves rewards. There are so many to achieve. You can be rewarded for frequently flying, shopping, and even eating. Rewards can validate an accomplishment, acknowledge artistic ability, or be the exclamation point to a job well done. Rewards can motivate, encourage, and provide incentive. After all, what can be better than getting a reward? Rewards make you feel happy, successful, and yes, even special.

When it comes to rewards, there is none that can compare to receiving the reward of eternal life with Jesus Christ. There is nothing greater! Best of all you do not have to comply with any rules, complete any paperwork, or sign up for any affiliation. Christ has completed everything that needed to be accomplished. All you need to do is to accept Him as your Savior and follow Him. Now if you have already done that, you know how amazing it is to belong to Christ. If you have not yet accepted Christ, don't let another day pass without saying yes to His great promise. Jesus Christ is the greatest reward of all the ages and His Kingdom has no end.

"As a reward for trusting me, I will preserve your life and keep you safe."Jeremiah 37:18

Delighted

What does it take for you to be delighted? Not sure? Perhaps you are delighted when you are with the ones you love most or on a long restful vacation. You could be one that delights in long bubble baths, a walk in the sun, or a drive along your favorite scenic stretch of country road or seaside location.You may delight in the success of a child, the accomplishment of a job well done, or from hearing the laughter of friends and family.

You may be one that has found it difficult to be delighted about much at all recently.  Maybe circumstances have lead you to a point where you find yourself spending more time being frustrated, worried or even resentful. Perhaps you have been ill or out of work, maybe even in a unsettling relationship. Don't be discouraged! Today is a great day to be delighted in the Lord. Wherever you are and whatever you are in the midst of the Lord is right there. He knows your every thought, desire and circumstance. He wants nothing more than for you to know Him and delight in Him. Sing praise, shout for joy, give thanks and acknowledge all the Lord has done and is doing in your life. No matter what has you down or trouble, the Lord will lift you up and provide you the insight to allow you a whole new perspective. Now that is something to be delighted about!

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

God of Miracles and Wonders

I don't know how you do it Lord. You fill me up when I am empty. You bring me joy when I am dismayed. You set me on the right path when I stray.You find the perfect intervention in a word, smile, or voice from a loved one when I need it most.

Aside from this loving kindness you surround me with miracles and wonders like th beautiful faces of my family and the peace of knowing all of them are home safe and sound. You meet my needs and embrace me with more than I could ever imagine. You provide the best in my life. In times of trouble and challenges you deliver me from fear and anxiety. You are wonderful, glorious, mighty and grand. Wonders never cease and so, I stand in awe of you. 

Thank you Lord for your gift of love, joy, and peace.

Amen!

The Word on Fear

God's Word has much to say about fear. Here is just a brief summary to encourage you:

Do not fear or be dismayed. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. So, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest. Your father knows what you need before you ask him. So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts