THURSDAY: HEAVEN IS MY FOREVER HOME

Nov 17, 2022
2 min read

Lord, I’m beginning to feel the effects of understanding Your grace. I am thankful; I feel like rejoicing, and Your peace has come over my heart. Thank You, Jesus!

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

How I wonder what Heaven will be like! Here is what I know: it’s my forever home. While this body on this earth is only a temporary covering for my eternal soul, it is the Holy Spirit’s home in me. When God calls me home, He will transport me into a new heavenly body—one that will last forever.

I wish I could stop groaning and complaining. Life is hard, and at every turn, I find new challenges and burdens. What should I do? The answer seems to be in this passage. When I borrow something, I’m sometimes asked to leave something behind, guaranteeing that what borrowed will be returned. This is called collateral. Jesus has left His own collateral behind—the Holy Spirit, to dwell in my heart and guarantee He will return for me. The Holy Spirit is a guard on my heart, guiding and directing me, so I will fulfill God’s purpose for me on this earth.

God promises when I reach heaven, He has a new eternal dwelling for me, one in which I will not groan or be burdened. I will continually praise Him then, but I also have the opportunity to praise Him now. While I am on earth, the Holy Spirit clothes me in the righteousness of Jesus (Isaiah 61:10), as well as with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: As I think about what Heaven will be like, I stand in awe. I think about the temporary nature of this world—things break, are destroyed, rust, and are eaten by moths. The things of Heaven last forever—they are eternal. Heaven is also where Jesus lives, and I will get to dwell with Him forever…in my forever home. How great is that!

I also think about corruption, fraud, slander, and all the deceitful things in this world. None of these exist in Heaven—there is no deception since there is no sin.

Lord, please help me maintain this eternal perspective daily, so I remember the only reason I can go to Heaven is because You paid the price for my sin. Thank You, Jesus!

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman