John 14:1-4, New Living Translation

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

Location! Location! Location! “That’s what it’s about,” it is what I heard someone say, location. It maybe not what it’s all about, because it’s really all about Jesus, but it’s a connection to Jesus worth us knowing, thinking about, and meditating about!

Jesus is the way to the Father. He tells us And John 14:1-4 (NLT), “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” Jesus is from heaven; He came from heaven to earth and returned to heaven to make a way for us. If we are to return with Him to heaven, that makes us a citizen of heaven! Jesus tells us in John 17:16 (ESV), They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” And Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:19–20 (ESV), “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” With the scriptures in mind, now knowing that we are citizens of heaven, I believe we should be thinking, speaking, and believing from the Kingdom mindset!

Luke 21:34–36 (NLT), Says this, “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” This scripture spoke to me. If we let our circumstances or our feelings guide us, we can quickly be consumed by worry, fear, anxiety, depression, and the list can go on. These things are like quicksand, one wrong move, and you can be overcome by it. We may not see it that way at first, but before we know it, it’s an unexpected trap that could consume us. But we are given the warning, be alert! Be awake! Keep watch! Pray! We need to be vigilant and be prepared! Jesus is coming back; the kingdom of God will be established on the new earth. Are we ready? 

We are reminded in Luke 21:19 (NLT), “By standing firm, you will win your souls.” What does standing firm mean? Here is a collection of answers: to persevere, to persist, to keep one standing, to stand firm, to hold one’s ground. We must keep the Kingdom’s mindset. The times and days we live and will be filled with challenges and trials as a Christian. It’s not going to be an easy life. But it will be a life worth living, and it will be a rewarding life to live.

Matthew 10:26–28 (NLT) says, “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

We cannot be Christians only when it is easy or feels good. We must remain a Christian and continue to walk it out daily, even when it’s hard. Don’t let the enemy deceive you and make your heart dull! Remember your reward! Remember what Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. In my Father’s house are many mansions.” That means there is a dwelling place for you and for me!  Revelation tells us there won’t be any tears, pain, sickness, or sorrow! Can you imagine what eternity will be like?! Stand fast! And remember what we are commanded, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT) Keep your heart and mind on Jesus!