Jim Burns Homeword Daily Devotional for Parenting and Christian Family

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!
<< HomeWord, with Jim Burns

HomeWord - May 22, 2009

Choose Something Better 
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 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 and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3

An article, "Cruise Ship Care: A Proposed Alternative to Assisted Living Facilities" by Lee A. Lindquist, M.D. and Robert M. Golub, M.D. appeared in the November 2004 issue of the Journal of American Geriatric Society. In it, the authors make a case that due to the high cost of assisted-living facilities, some seniors may actually fare better by choosing to move onto a cruise ship. There they can find many similar services to assisted-living care such as room and board, medical services, and exercise equipment while enjoying visits to exotic ports of call…and all quite possibly for less money.

Apparently, the idea is not too far fetched. Bea Muller, a retiree, has already opted for something she considers better than a retirement home: Cunard cruise line’s Queen Elizabeth 2, where she has been a permanent resident since January, 2000. Following her husband’s death, she sold her house and her possessions and booked herself on the ship where she has lived ever since. Muller said, “I've got full-time maid service, great dining rooms, doctors, a medical center (where she volunteers), a spa, beauty salon, computer center, entertainment, cultural activities and, best of all, dancing and bridge.”

Opting for something better sounds like a good plan! Too often people live their lives with only this life in view: You’re born, you live and you die. But, this life is not the end of the story. The Bible certainly makes it clear that there is life after death and that there is both a real heaven and a real hell. Everyone ends up somewhere! And, much like Mrs. Muller, we have the choice to opt for that best of all accommodations: Heaven. Choices of faith—to believe in Jesus, to love Him, to follow Him—ensure that you are booked on that fantastic journey. Be sure that you choose something better! Don’t miss the boat!

GOING DEEPER:

  1. Think about eternity. What about eternity appeals to you? What scares or disturbs you?
  2. What is your eternal status? Do you know today where you’ll spend eternity? If not, what is keeping you from choosing something better?

FURTHER READING: 

John 5:24; John 11:24; Revelation 21

Sign up here for Parenting Resources and other HomeWord publications.



More HomeWord, with Jim Burns Articles