My mother Nancy loved every aspect of preparing for people to come into our home.  If you were one that was graced by her gift of hospitality, you know exactly what I mean. From the moment the invitation was given and accepted, either last minute or months ahead, she was preparing to make that visit memorable thinking through every detail from meal planning, shopping, food preparation, and cleaning.  My mother also loved preparing our home for just our family.  One way she did that was by decorating for the seasons.  One season would be taken down and the next season put up; pumpkins & amberina in the fall, decked halls at Christmas, crystal, silver, & brass in winter, glass baskets in spring, and multi-cultural art in summer. She made things fresh and new all the time, truly making our house a home.  If my mother prepared for those who accepted her invitation to come into our home, how much more does Jesus prepare for those who have accepted His invitation to come to Him.  He is, at this moment, preparing a place for us making all this new.

John 14:1-6

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Isaiah 65:17

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.

Revelation 21:3-5

I (John) heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 

This world apart from Christ has absolutely nothing to offer long term.  I John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

If you are trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and living your life for Him then know that you are doing the will of God and will abide forever.  So, fear not, humble yourself, pray & seek the Lord, turn from your sin, know the signs of the times & be found ready trusting the Lord that He is preparing a place for you where everything is being made new.  As you wait, may you ‘be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.’ (Romans 12:12)

Blessings to you,

Heather