Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

“Home” is a place where one lives. It is where we return after a day of hard work or school, it is the place that we find rest, comfort and belonging. It is said that “Home is where your heart is.”

I have lived in over thirty physical structures that I have called “home.” But there is only one place that is my true home— the place that my heart can be found and that my soul finds comfort and rest. That is in the presence and love of my God.

One of my favorite things to do is to make a house a home (and I’ve sure had plenty o opportunities to practice this passion!). I love to fill every space and corner with something that causes our family or our guests to find beauty and rest. Whether it’s our living room or laundry room, I want it to be warm and inviting. But if I did all of these things and removed the presence of Jesus it would only point people to beautiful things rather than the beautiful One!

I once met a homeless man that I drove across the city we lived in. He often came to our church with his few belongings and always a big smile. As I drove him that day I asked him what it was like to be homeless? We lived in an area where it rained a lot and winters could be very cold. When I asked the question, his face lit up and he said, “I am not homeless; I have found my home in Jesus.” Then he proceeded to tell me how he has found family among the homeless population and brings Jesus to them so that they can find a home in Him as well.

As we have all been quarantined with our “stay at home” orders I have discovered that it is not the beauty of my home that has sustained my soul but it is the beauty of His presence that has made my “stay home” order such a sweet time of refuge and peace. If Christ was removed it would merely be a house rather than a home. It would be a shelter but not a place of rest.

“My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest.” Isaiah‬ ‭32:18‬ ‭

If our houses (lives) are built upon the Rock of Jesus they will truly be “home.” They will withstand storms, seasons and be a refuge of safety.

“Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew‬ ‭7:25‬

Bedrock is defined as the solid rock underlying loose deposits such as soil. It is also defined as the fundamental principles on which something is based. Christ is our bedrock in which everything else is built upon— based upon! He is home base!

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalms‬ ‭91:1-2‬ ‭

If you come into my house I know that you will feel safe; not because of the beautiful things but because the Lord is our shelter, refuge and place of safety. He is home! Buildings, mansions or castles don’t provide home; only Christ makes a home for every heart and every life. Everything else is void of true home and true shelter.

He stands at the door of our hearts and knocks— longing to come in and dwell with us. Let Him in to every part; every corner of your life! Then you will find that “Home is where your heart is.”

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I want to thank all of my faithful readers who have stood with us with prayers and financial support during this time. You have displayed the faithfulness of Christ to us in such a tangible way. We pray for each of you by name and declare all of His promises to be made manifest in your home and family— thank you so very much!

To make a financial contribution to our ministry and lives go to: https://www.inscribeministries.com/

Or; you can mail a USD check or money order to:

Kathi Pelton (or Inscribe Ministries)

12400 Regiment Lane

Fredericksburg, VA 22407