Where Do You Live and Love?

"The humble soul endeavors more how to glorify God in afflictions than how to get out of them." -- Thomas Brooks

         It is said that the three basic needs of life are food, clothing and shelter.  Your shelter may be a room, an apartment, or a house.  How would you define your residence, a house or a home?  There is a difference.  Anyone can build a house but it takes more than physical strength to make a house into a home.  'Home' includes peace, love, security, emotional warmth, things you love, respect of others, and hospitality.  Unfortunately many families live in houses, not homes.  "“home” is a place we seek out, long to return to when away, and fiercely defend, whether against invaders or from the outsider who tells us that any place is better than the one in which we live." So what is missing?  God and his command to "love one another."
        "The Blessed will say 'We have never lived anywhere except Heaven.'  The Lost will say, 'We were always in Hell.'  And both will speak truly."  by C.S. Lewis
        One of the hardest places to live out the Gospel and be a true reflection of Christ is in the home.  We schedule our times with others and make sure it is a good day with a good attitude and are feeling our best.  In our homes, we see it all... the faults, the tempers, the need for personal space and just everyday reactions to life's unfairness.
        Proverbs 24:3-4  "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
        Proverbs 24:27  "[Put first things first.] Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home."
        Proverbs 11:29  "Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
    and the fool will be servant to the wise."

        The next two quotes are from Our Daily Bread...... "C. S. Lewis wrote, “Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.” We can thank God for the “pleasant inns” in life, but let’s remember that our real home is in heaven where we “will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)."

        "A loving, spiritual atmosphere is the feature most desired in a home, and that can be found in a simple one-room house or in a spacious mansion.  Yes, I think we would all agree that love for our family and the fear of the Lord can turn any house into a dream home."         As Valentines Day approaches tomorrow, lets consider how much we show Christ's love to each other both inside and outside our homes.



Give me a house to call my own,
Family and friends to make it a home,
Love and kindness that never depart,
Enough to fill a thankful heart.