Category Archives: Home

Bible, Home, Longing, Love, Scripture

A DEEP LONGING

PHILIPPIANS 2:26

“because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.”

I normally really enjoy my trips overseas, especially to my second home of Kenya. I have such dear friends and colleagues there. However, my last trip was a long one and I began to long for home. I missed my wife and my new grandson. It was the first trip that I can remember that my wife also missed me greatly, lol. Seriously, she had not been feeling well so she really wanted me home. I pledged then to not make these trips last more than two weeks from now on.

Homesickness is a real thing, and Epaphroditus experienced it while he was with Paul. As Paul mentions here in today’s verse, Epaphroditus had fallen sick, and word had reached the Philippian church about this. He was “longing for” his home and his church family. He was committed to being with Paul, but his heart was pulling him homeward.

APPLICATION

Paul had used this word for “longing” earlier in this letter (1:8) when he said, “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” So, Paul understood Epaphroditus’ desire to return home. He did not begrudge him that. In fact, Paul sends him home. He doesn’t just let him go. He gave Epaphroditus a mission to accomplish – return home and bring news of me to the church.

But I really like how Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 2:2. “…and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,…” That should be our true longing, amen? The word “longing” means to have an intense yearning for something. Do you have that kind of desire for God’s Word?

My grandson has been taking his mother’s milk since he was born. Now that he is ten months old, he has been introduced to other foods, but that mother’s milk is still nourishing him each day. He needs that to grow strong. The “pure milk of the word” will nourish and sustain you. Whether you are longing for your physical home, like I was last year in Africa, or your heavenly home, long more for His Word. That is what will lead and guide you here on earth.

Lord God, I do long for my heavenly home but give me a stronger yearning for Your Word.

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Bible, Church, Home, Scripture, Worship

YOUR HOUSE CHURCH

COLOSSIANS 4:15

“Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.”

There is some disagreement whether Nympha was a man or a woman or a family name. In this day of gender disorder, I don’t want you to be confused about this. Nympha comes from nymphe which means “young woman” or “bride.” That is probably the best reason to say this was a Christian woman who had opened her home up as a house church. The name is not the important thing. The important thing is what she did.

Paul obviously knew her or knew a lot about her. In the early church period, people met in homes for worship. Where else would they go? Jewish believers couldn’t worship Jesus in the synagogues. Gentile believers couldn’t enter a pagan temple and worship Him. They bonded together in their homes, sharing meals and praising the Lord. Nympha’s home was a well-known gathering place, and Paul sends his greetings.

APPLICATION

Today, we don’t see a lot of house churches in the West. We have built thousands and thousands of church buildings ranging from mega churches to small country chapels. There has been a movement to start house churches but only out of desire, not necessity.

In many parts of the world, however, house churches are a necessity. For instance, in China house churches are the norm. People have to move from house to house to avoid detection by the Communist government. Christianity is frowned upon, and people can be imprisoned for gathering for worship. House churches there take on the same atmosphere as the first century churches.

Why the history lesson? I want to ask you to make your home a place of worship. I don’t mean that you have to start a house church. But let worship spread through your home, giving glory to Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Let all who enter your home know immediately that Christ reigns there. Don’t wait to go to church on Sunday to worship. Worship every day right in your home.

Father, I commit my home to You to use as You see fit.

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Abiding, Building, Church, Dwelling, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Home, Indwelling, Kingdom, Scripture

GOD’S DWELLING PLACE

EPHESIANS 2:22

“in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

My wife and I recently bought a new bed for our guest room. It is nothing fancy, just a metal headboard and footboard with side rails and middle support braces. When I finally got around to putting it together, I opened the box, laid out all the pieces and checked them off against the parts list (how many times have you come up short a piece without doing this?). Then I brought all the pieces inside, laid them on the bedroom floor and began the tedious process of trying to figure out from the drawing what part went where. In the end, I achieved my goal. We now have a bed someone can rest on when they visit.

Why do I use that illustration? Because the phrase “being built together” is exactly that. God has taken all the “pieces” and put them together to make His “bed,” His dwelling place. Once again, this Greek word has the preposition sun which is that permanent “with.” We are being built up together with other believers into a place where God says He will dwell here on this earth until one day we will dwell with Him in His kingdom in heaven.

APPLICATION

I love what Ellicott’s Commentary says here. “This verse seems primarily intended simply to emphasize the truth already enunciated in Ephesians 2:20, that the Ephesians themselves are now being made part of the Church of Christ, ‘being built up together in Christ.’ But it may also illustrate to us the character of the unity of the Church, as, primarily, a direct individual unity with Christ—each stone being itself a complete and living stone—and, secondarily and indirectly, a unity with others and with the whole.”

Did you get that? We are individually the dwelling of God through His Holy Spirit, and we are part of the corporate dwelling of God as part of His church. Ain’t God good? Two houses in one. Only God can do that. And God’s house has no flaws. There are no plumbing leaks or cracks in the foundation. His building warranty is eternal.

Okay, enough building metaphors. Simply put – we are God’s dwelling here on earth. He chooses to live in and through us. What an honor! Are you keeping His dwelling presentable? Can others see Him in you? As the cliché goes, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.”

Live in me, Lord. Shine Your eternal light through my eyes so that others are drawn into Your dwelling.

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Abiding, Access, Bible, Citizen, Home, Loyalty, Scripture

CITIZENS

EPHESIANS 2:19

“So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,”

I was born in the U.S., so I am a natural born citizen. I am proud to be a citizen of the U.S. We aren’t perfect, but I think we’re the greatest nation in the world. Millions of people around the world want to come to the U.S. for many reasons. Most of them want to become citizens. It is a long process to do that. Classes and tests are required. But if they persevere, they can become naturalized citizens with the same rights and privileges I have.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that we are “fellow citizens.” We belong in “God’s household.” That’s pretty special. The word Paul uses for “fellow citizens” is sumpolitéswhich only occurs in this verse. This is a compound word coming from sun (that inseparable “with”) and polites (citizen). In other words, this citizenship is undissolvable. God made us citizens, and no one can change that.

APPLICATION

Wherever you live, think about your citizenship. What does it mean to you? Do you value it? Would you rather be a citizen somewhere else? Some people have dual citizenship. They have rights in both countries. Unfortunately, many Christians try to live that way. They want to live in the world and also as a Christian. All through God’s Word we see pictures of that. It simply is not possible. You must choose.

Jesus said we cannot serve both God and mammon. In Matthew 6:24, He says this. “‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” That’s pretty clear. Where is your citizenship – with God or with the world?

Like I said earlier, we are now in God’s house. We can dwell with Him. I have no idea what God’s house is like. It doesn’t matter. As long as He is there, I am content. I want to dwell with Him forever, don’t you? I am so glad I know He has counted me in His number.

Lord, Your promises are true – I will dwell with You forever!

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Abiding, Access, Bible, Blessing, Eternal Life, Eternity, Heaven, Home, Scripture, Seated

THESE ARE GOOD SEATS

EPHESIANS 2:6

“and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” 

Man, there is nothing like getting good seats for an event, whether that be football, tennis, basketball or a concert. When you are in that seat you can see the players better. You can watch the action better. Shoot, you might even get some of their sweat on you, lol. Being up close and personal makes the event that much more memorable.

What do you think Paul is describing in today’s verse? We are going to get front row seats with Jesus. The phrase “seated us with Him” is sugkathizó, means to sit in company with someone. It’s in the Aorist Indicative, which means it is a factual event that has been done once. Paul is telling the Ephesians (and us) that this action has already been completed. We have guaranteed, reserved seats with Jesus.

APPLICATION

I have a friend who gets season tickets to a minor league baseball team’s games. Those seats are right behind the dugout between homeplate and third base. Great seats. He lets me use them. They are paid for. They are guaranteed. No one else is going to take my seat. No one can stop me from sitting in them. He has paid for them.

Jesus has paid the price for our reserved seat with Him in heaven. He is just waiting for us. He’s seated next to His Father, at His right hand, and is waiting for us to join Him. Colossians 3:1 tells us that’s where He is. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Can you just picture it? You enter heaven and Jesus waves you down to where He’s seated. “Make room. Make room. My child is here. He has a seat reserved in His name.” Of course, I am just making this up. I don’t know what it will look like in heaven. But I do know one thing. I’ve got a seat. How about you?

Father, You have promised me so many great things. I look forward to my front row seat.

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Eternity, Heaven, Home, Promises, Scripture

UP ABOVE

GALATIANS 4:26

“But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.”

As I write this blog, the U.S. is preparing for its first total solar eclipse since 2017 and the last one for another 20 years. I may or may not see the next one, depending on how long the Lord allows me to linger here on earth. It’s too bad that all those people wearing those special eclipse glasses won’t see what is really happening in the heavenlies. Let’s talk about that.

Paul is referring to the heavenly Jerusalem when he says “the Jerusalem above.” The word “above” is the Greek word ano, which means things above, heaven, the heavenly region. Paul’s eyes were fixed heavenward, not on the earthly Jerusalem which represented the law and slavery and burdens. He wanted the Galatians to look up at their heavenly home which is accessed only through Jesus.

APPLICATION

There are several verses that point us to that heavenly Jerusalem or heavenly abode. Colossians 3:1-2 tells us, “1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Jesus told us in John 8:23 that He was not of this world. He was from above. “And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.’”

Then we have direct mentions of the heavenly city in other passages. John told us in Revelation 21:2, “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” One more – Hebrews 12:22. “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,”

Do you see it? Are you looking up? Let the solar eclipse that happened remind you of the heavenly city that awaits us as believers in Christ. We need to keep looking up, but not be so heavenly minded that we are not any earthly good. We need to share this message of God’s heavenly kingdom and the way to access it. So, take off those eclipse glasses and see who you can invite.

Lord, I am thankful my home is not here. I will live one day with You in that heavenly city.

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Accountability, Age, Bible, Enslavement, Family, Home, Maturity, Responsibilities, Scripture

A CHANGE OF POSITION

GALATIANS 4:7

“Therefore, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”

From time to time in life we have the opportunity to change positions. What do I mean by that? Well, we move from son to father to grandfather (which is the best, by the way). We may move from employee to employer. And for many young ladies, they may move from bridesmaid to bride. All significant changes. All involve a change in responsibilities. But they all also carry with them a change in how they are seen by others.

Paul goes through a progression in today’s verse – slave to son to heir. Of course, Paul is speaking in spiritual terms regarding each of these. We all were once a slave to sin, bound under the chains with no hope for freedom. But as believers in Jesus, we each became sons (or daughters) to our heavenly Father. We are in His family now. And as such, we are now heirs to all our Redeemer possesses. We are called joint-heirs with Christ in Romans 8:17.

APPLICATION

As I mentioned, with a change in position, comes responsibility. In each stage of my life, my responsibilities changed from son to father to grandfather. As a believer, I have responsibilities as part of this family. Billy Graham once said, “Our faith becomes stronger as we express it; a growing faith is a sharing faith.” Do you believe that? Look at these verses.

In Mark 16:15 Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Paul told Philemon in his letter to him (v. 6), “and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” One more. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15-16, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

One of our major responsibilities as believers is to share our faith, to tell others the good news. Will you do that today? Ask the Lord to give you one person to share with today. Ask the Lord to help you lead one person to Jesus today. Share the greatest story ever told. Share how He has changed your life. Do that today.

O Lord, I go so many days without sharing my faith. Give me someone today to talk to about Jesus.

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Adoption, Bible, Family, God's Will, Home, Scripture, Uncategorized

GOD’S KIDS

GALATIANS 3:26

“For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Being a part of a big family can be a good thing. My wife, for instance, is one of eight siblings, two boys and six girls. They are all pretty close and spend a lot time talking through social media or, in the case of my wife and some of her sisters, hours on the phone. I am so thankful we have unlimited minutes now on our cellphones, lol.

But better than our earthly families, we are part of a large, multiracial, multi-continental family. That’s God’s family. Paul reminds the Galatians, who were for the most part a Gentile audience, that they too were part of this family. It wasn’t just a Jewish thing. Their common faith in Jesus as Lord has brought them all into the same family – the family of God.

APPLICATION

Application for this verse is so apparent. We need to do all we can to bring more into the family. John 1:12 tells us, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,…” And then there is another verse by John in 1 John 3:1. “See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are. For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know Him.”

I could continue to rattle off dozens of verses on us being the children of God but let me encourage you to do a little digging. Just google “verses about being called children of God.” You will find plenty. As children ourselves, we are called to expand the family. We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ and invite the world to come in. There is plenty of room in God’s house.

Who in your earthly family right now needs Jesus? Pray daily for them. Share the gospel with them every chance you get. Will they get mad with you? Maybe, but what is worse – them getting made or them going to hell. And above all, live like Jesus. Sometimes words are even necessary in sharing our witness. The love of Jesus in us can draw them to Him. Be His obedient child.

I am so thankful to be in Your family, God. I know You will always be my heavenly Father.

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Battles, Bible, Conflict, Correction, End Times, Family, Fighting, God's Will, Home, Love, Relationships, Scripture

FATHERS AND CHILDREN

MALACHI 4:6

“‘He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and strike the land with complete destruction.’”

One of the things we teach in the ministry I am serving with, Every Man A Warrior, is father-son and father-daughter time. Most men don’t spend time with their children, thus the breakdown of relationships. When fathers do spend time with their children, they need to do a few things. They need to make it safe, ask questions, make it about them, pray with them, shut up and listen and finally, speak building blocks of truth in their lives.

Isn’t it amazing that Malachi talks about father and children in his very last sentence? He is still speaking about Elijah (whom we mentioned in yesterday’s blog). We are not told how he will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children or the children’s hearts back to their fathers, but he does. Why? So the Lord “will not come and strike the land.” Let’s look closer at what this means.

APPLICATION

When family units breakdown, society crumbles. I am not just talking about the single households. I am talking about the extended families – Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, Parents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins. The biggest breakdown today is faith, or should I say lack of faith. When one person in the family is walking with the Lord and others are not, it can cause extreme division.

Lest we be surprised, our Lord talked about this in Matthew 10:21-22. “‘21 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”

Another passage is in Luke 5. Verses 51-53 are Jesus’ words again. “‘51 Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; 52 for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’”

Now, before you decide to throw in the towel, look back at today’s verse. The Lord says through Elijah He will draw families back together in faith. I believe that. I know faith unites. May we all pray that for all of our families. May we be united in the love of Jesus and rejoice in what He has given us.

Father, thank You for this final promise in Malachi. Praise You for families and what they mean to You and eachother.

P.S. For my frequent followers, I will be taking a short break after today’s blog. I will pick back up on January 1. Pray that the Lord shows me where to go to next in our daily study. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Abiding, Bible, Following, Home, Return, Safety, Scripture

HOW DO I GET HOME?

MALACHI 3:7

“‘From the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,’ says the LORD of armies. ‘But you say, “How shall we return?”’”

Sometimes we get lost, don’t we? When was the last time you got lost on a trip? I know, with GPS systems and Google Maps, it is harder to get lost. Even when you get off course, those systems will reroute you and bring you home. But back in the days of paper maps, you might have had a harder time finding the right path back home.

The Lord says as much to the people in that last sentence of today’s verse. “But you say, ‘How shall we return.’” The people were truly off course. They didn’t have a GPS to bring them back into alignment with their God. They had strayed so far away that they had forgotten how to return, much less which way to go. Their fathers had strayed, and so had they.

APPLICATION

I have discovered a little secret to prevent getting lost and not knowing how to return. Stay home! Now, I don’t mean you can’t ever leave your house. I mean stay home with Jesus. Stay close! Continue to have your daily quiet times. Talk to Him daily. Spend time listening for His voice. Follow Him wherever He leads you.

I will let you in on another little secret. If He is leading you somewhere, you can bet that He is not lost. He knows exactly where He is going and leading you. I love that old hymn that says, “Where He leads me I will follow, Where He leads me I will follow, Where He leads me I will follow, I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.”

Can you say that? Can you avoid that return trip home by staying close to Him? The first half of James 4:8 says, “Come close to God and He will come close to you.” It’s interesting that the Greek word for “come close” means immediate imminence. It almost has the idea of “it is here.” That’s where I want to be with Jesus. How about you?

I truly want to be wherever You are, Lord. I will follow!

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