Verse of the Day - Ephesians 3:17

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
~ Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

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My mom has a saying about house guests, them being like fish...they stink after three days! :-) Having people in our homes is fine...for a short while. But we like our space and our privacy and our way of doing things, and house guests tend to upset the apple cart, so to speak, even if you get along. Heaven forbid you have issues with each other -- then they're more like take-out pizza...here for an hour and then the box goes out in the trash!

So, how do you feel about someone getting on the inside of you? That happens in relationships, and sometimes it isn't what it's cracked up to be. People can get wrapped around your heart and yet, they're not good for you and you end up making decisions and habits that leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed. They're a heart guest that doesn't make the bed and leaves dirty dishes lying all over the place!

There is one person who makes the perfect heart guest -- His name is Jesus, and He longs for an invitation to come and stay. But that invitation from you has to say on the front, "I trust You, Lord..." . . . (Did I just hear the screeching of tires, as you slammed on the brakes?)

When we confess our sins and become a believer in Jesus Christ, He truly does come and live in us through the Holy Spirit. But I think this verse talks about a more intimate dwelling connection. To make oneself at home is different than someone just 'hanging out'. It's restful and connected. "Mi casa es su casa" -- my home is your home. Or rather, my heart is your home. And that comes through trust in God. Real, honest-to-goodness, lay-it-on-the-line trust, relying on God to take care of you, guide you, and love you. That's when it begins to feel like God is "home" in your heart.

I have a friend who has recently been experiencing God at home in her heart as she's had to make some difficult life decisions. Moving across country and starting her life fresh seems scary, but she is reveling in God's love in her heart. She has chosen to trust Him, and she knows deep down that He is there, within her! It is a blessing to witness God setting up housekeeping in her life, bringing a peace that passes all understanding, especially when many would wonder how in the world she can be so at ease, with all the changes going on in her life. But trust has brought God home in her heart. :-) So very cool...

If you want peace and strength in your heart, I have the perfect house guest for you -- One who loves you and knows just how to put your heart home in order. Trust God to be that person in your life. You'll never regret it or wish He'd leave.

Love,
Joelene