Turn off the news. What is there to see? Crime, protests, rioting, wars, hatred, and mistrust. General unrest and anxiety. We’re living in a world that sin built.

The Bible says there is a place of peace and rest, and someday we’ll enter that place. We have a home in Heaven, the one prepared for us by the Prince of Peace, Jesus. (John 14:2-3)

Created in God’s image, we aren’t built to live in sin, so while in this world, we search for a place of refuge.

Jesus is the only one who can give us the true peace of God, but since I know him, I can offer some refuge in my home, my office, or in my presence—a little bit of Heaven.

From this day forward, as much as it depends on me, visitors to my home or my office will experience refuge. When they walk through my doors, they will find a little bit of Heaven. Now, this doesn’t come naturally—I’m a sinful woman, saved by grace. I’ll need to pray for it daily.

I’ll pray every day for God’s help in displaying some of the signposts of Heaven.

• Peace
  As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with all people. I won’t enter into arguments, hold a grudge, or seek revenge. (Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14)
  I will search for peace and do everything I can to maintain it. (Psalm 34:14)
  
  
• Forgiveness
  My mistakes are forgiven, so I’m asked to forgive those of others, quickly. Compassion will rule my heart. I will make allowance for another’s faults and forgive anyone who offends me. I’ll remember God forgave me much more and continues to forgive. (Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32)
  
  
• Love
  I will actively love others. Love covers all wrongs. (1 Peter 4:8, Proverbs 10:12)
  I will love even those with whom I disagree or may be considered enemies, because God gives the warmth of sunshine and nourishing rain to both the good and the evil. He says to love my enemies. (Matthew 5:43-47)
  
  
• True fellowship
  I will rejoice with those who are rejoicing—I won’t be jealous of what they have or the good things happening for them. I will be happy with them.
  There won’t be any mourning in Heaven, but there is here, so I will weep with those who mourn. I won’t tell them why they should be happy, or why they shouldn’t cry. I will mourn with them.

Psalm 23 says the Lord lets us lie down in green pastures beside still waters. This is a place of rest and of refuge. This is what I want my home to be for others, and for me, until Jesus takes me to my final home.