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 (John 11:2 NKJV).

Many translations use the word “rooms” instead of “mansions.” Either way, Jesus is telling us that there is plenty of room in His Father’s house for all the redeemed. He also tells us that He is preparing a place for us. Jesus is the King of kings, the Son of the living God, yet He continues to do the work of a servant. He is preparing a place for His people. Why would He not allow angels to do that work? I suppose He could have done that, but He wants to do the work in person.

Do you ever wonder what it will be like when you are in the Father’s eternal home? The details are scant, but if Jesus is preparing our eternal home, you can bet it will be wonderful beyond words. I enjoy life on this earth despite all the pain and heartaches that come to all of us. The Father’s house will be pain-free for all eternity. How He must love us! He was willing to take the judgment for our sins on the cross, and now He is busy preparing a place for us. I am sure whatever He is preparing for us it will be exactly suitable for our needs. And so we sing in one of our hymns, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” 

Father, I am amazed by Your love for us. You have done everything for us. You provided a Savior for us. You gave us new life. You have blessed us beyond words. And now we learn that our blessed Redeemer is preparing a place for us in Your eternal kingdom. I bow before You in gratitude, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, August 23, 2021

In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me (Psalm 120:1 NKJV).

We all face times of distress. I don’t know anyone who ever sailed through life without having a problem or two! This verse reminded me of a time years ago when I was trying to drive home in a blizzard. No sooner had I prayed for help when my engine conked out! I think God must have been saying, “Stop driving in a blizzard, stupid!” Well, God would not use the word “stupid,” but you get the idea. A nice man in a pickup truck stopped and helped push my car off the road and drove me to a small town where I waited out the storm in a tavern! (Any port in a storm, they say).

When we are distressed, our first thought should be to turn to God in prayer. His answer may surprise us, but He will always listen and answer the prays of those who trust in His Son. You are probably wondering, “Why did Richard’s engine quit?” The snow was blowing so hard it blew into the engine, packed around the spark plugs, and they stopped sparking! The answer to my prayer was not what I expected, but I thank God he sent a friendly person in a pick up truck to deliver me from my distress.

Father, thank You for being there to help us when we are in distress. You may answer our prayers in unexpected ways, but You always hear those who trust in You. We thank You for Your watch-care over us, In Jesus name, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, August 22, 2021

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 6:1, ESV).

As redeemed Christians, we are called to live a life of good works. We are to strive to honor God daily. Being a Christian is a 24/7 calling. We do not carve out a place for God, and the rest belongs to us.  We are to walk with Him, including Him in every aspect of our lives.  However, Jesus cautions us not to go out of our way to practice our righteousness so that others notice. If we do good things so that others will notice how good we are, we lose our reward.

God has promised to reward faithfulness in heaven. Heaven itself is a gift given to all who trust in Jesus. However, loyalty to God will be rewarded in heaven. The point is that as we live the Christian life, we are oblivious to others and what they may think. Our focus is on serving God, not gaining praise from people. Our motive must never be to gain the recognition of others.

Yes, sometimes our good works are noticed by others, but that must never be our motive. If it is, you can kiss goodbye to God’s rewards.

Father, I do want to be a person who practices righteousness. Therefore, help me to serve You out of love for You, oblivious to what others may think. If the good I do goes unnoticed by others, I know that You are aware of what I do. That is all that matters. I do thank You for the gift of eternal life and for the promise of rewards in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION. August 21, 2021

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (John 6:66).

We looked at this verse recently. I believe it is worthy of a second look. Why do we follow Jesus? Why did the disciples in the above verse abandon Him? Jesus was popular when He fed the 5000 and when He healed the sick. But, when He spoke things difficult to understand, many forsook Him. He spoke of having come down from heaven. Who can believe that? He spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. No way, said many. We are not cannibals.

Why do I follow Jesus? Do I expect Him to bless me always? Will I turn away if I read a passage in the Bible I do not understand? His most audacious claim is that He is the Savior of the world. He said that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Doesn’t that seem arrogant? If He is the Son of God, He is not arrogant but factual. If He is the Son of God, He may say and do things that puzzle me. Many disciples of Jesus abandoned Him. Will I trust and follow Him no matter what? Will you?

Father in heaven, I do trust in Your Son. I do believe He is the Savior of the world and my Savior. Therefore, when I encounter things in the Bible which puzzle me, I pray for understanding.  May I never be a disciple who walks away from Him. In His name, I pray, Amen.