The Character of Abba Father’s Heart – A Loving Home
“Welcome home Pastor Tim.” Recently I heard these words during a worship service at a former church I pastored. Even though it has been a while since I lived in that city and currently call Colorado “home”, I must admit that I felt right at home on that day and at that moment. Truly the reason I felt at home was not due to the city or building, rather it was the spirit of love that filled the hearts of the people. I would have to say that Love = Home.
That is exactly what Jesus taught in John 14-17. In these chapters he shows us exactly where our home is found. “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him,” (John 14:23). Jesus’ mission was to bring us back home where the Father’s love makes us feel loved and welcomed. And this “home of unconditional love” is way better than any house you have ever lived in, that is because this home is right in your heart. Take a moment and think about that, wherever you go, the God of the universe goes right with you as His home is in your heart!
In a few days we will celebrate Good Friday and Resurrection Day; this is where Jesus opens the door for the Father’s love through His death on the cross and we are recipients of that sacrifice. Ponder the fact that Christ’s blood was poured out over the door frame of your heart to allow the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to invade every part of your being. Now that is quite a home!
As you celebrate the day when the Father resurrected His Son from the grave in order to bring Him home to His Heavenly Kingdom, believe that the Father greets you with a loving “Welcome home!” May your spirit run into the Father’s loving arms with great joy and thanksgiving shouting out, “I’m Home!”
Here is a word of encouragement from a brother who read last week’s blog and took the challenge to study John 14-17. He says, “Encourage people to read this section of scripture as if they were reading it for the first time, disregarding any traditions or theology that they have been taught, and just let it speak to them. Powerful stuff…”.
May you know this week the Father’s great love for you and that He dwells within your heart!
What an appropriate blog for today as our dog Kiah ran away and was finally brought HOME today! This dog has lived in 3 states with our family and I know for a fact that home for this “silly mutt” is where we are! Okay this may not be too spiritual, but I was thinking about how many times Kiah has run away and yet we kept looking for her (many of you have joined us in the search)and we have even paid money to get her back! How much more does our Father in heaven LOVE us and run after us and desire to dwell within our heart, soul and mind! Oh my the lessons of love learned from a dog!