It was Paul's wish for all Christians "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Ephesians 3:17).

The word "dwell" in this verse brings forth a powerful concept concerning our relationship with Christ.  According to Robertson's New Testament Word Pictures, the root of the word in the Greek means "to make one's home, to be at home."  Isn't that interesting?  Jesus is not only to make His home in our hearts, He is to be at home there as well.

The question to ask ourselves in light of this is:  "Is Jesus "at home" in my heart?  Some people only want Jesus in their heart as a visitor.  But Jesus wants to dwell in our hearts and be at home with all we feel, say, and do.  This brings a whole different perspective into the picture.

Our whole lives extend from what our heart desires.  We must keep our hearts pure and sincere.  Jesus will then "be at home" there and many good things will come to our lives as a result.  How do we make our heart so that Jesus feels at home?  The text tells us:  "Through faith."

Wouldn't you love to face eternity with confidence?  You can!

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4: 6-8).

Paul knew a glorious welcome awaited him!

He knew he would hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

He knew his name would be acknowledged before the Father (Matthew 10:32).

He knew God's Grace was bigger than his sin.

He knew the mercy and love of the Lord was more powerful than his rebellion.  

He knew it was not how he started (persecuting Jesus and the Church, Acts 9:4), it was about how he finished.

The good news of Jesus Christ:  We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), but Jesus died and rose again offering us home (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Ephesians 2:12-13).

When it comes to running the race of life (1 Corinthians 9:24), it is not about how we start, it is about how we finish.