Longing for Home

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13,14 (NKJV) I grew up on a small reserve in northern Alberta which consisted of about 400 people. I have two sisters and four brothers, so our house was quite full when everyone was home. Every home has its dysfunctions that are passed down from generation to generation, and my home was not any different. Despite the dysfunction and issues, my home was where I always wanted to be. One of the main reasons is because it was where I felt safety and love from my parents. Whenever I had an opportunity to camp over at a friend’s house, I would start longing to be back home — so much so that I would walk in the dark to get back to my home. Now I understand there are some homes which are not places of love and safety, but I love my family, and they were the reason why I would walk in the dark just to be back with them. As born-again Christians, we should balance our view of time on earth and in heaven. Living in this world, we should desire to be used of the Lord in every opportunity, no matter how big or small. But we also should have a longing to be in the presence of the Lord in heaven one day. How do we get heaven, and the glory of the Lord, in our hearts and minds? One of the best ways is to read the Word of God daily, especially Scriptures that speak on heaven. The second-best way is to listen to and sing songs that speak about our future home in eternity. Do you spend time thinking about spending eternity with Jesus? Walk close to Jesus and talk to Him in prayer, and He will give you a desire for eternal things. — Frank Ward   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org