"In my father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
-John 14: 2-3

Is There Room For You?

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father into thy hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23: 46) With these words Jesus died. To an unbeliever this is the end of the story. They might say of Jesus, 'Good man, good life, good intentions, good-bye!' But we know that Jesus' death on the cross was not the end but rather a new beginning. For Jesus arose again; to go to His Father's house to prepare a place for you (see John 14: 2-3 above). That is good news!

Does the world have room for you? Doors have been shut on me many times. How about you? Perhaps I was not 'cool' enough, 'smart' enough, to be part of the 'in' crowd. What saddens me is the realization that I have also 'closed' doors on others. There was no room for them in my life. Praise the Lord that God's way is not the world's way. In God's house there are many rooms and He will not close the door on you. No matter how many times the world closes its doors on you, there is room for you in God's house. Jesus is there now preparing a place for you!

What does Jesus ask of us in return? "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching..." (John 14: 23) Obey God's commands. Love others as Jesus loves us. I wish I could tell you that I have done well in my life following God's commands and loving others as Jesus loves me. There are times when I have (and still do) not. But we are called to keep striving. Even here we are not alone. "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth." (John 14: 16-17) When times are hard and you do not feel strong, seek the Holy Spirit. Spend time in prayer and ask for God's guidance in your life. I can tell you from personal experience that it is amazing what happens when you trust the Lord and surrender your burdens to Him.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
-Psalm 23: 6

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