THE JOY OF HAVING

John 16:24
Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
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My father was orphaned at an early age. Since then, he lived with his grandmother. He would tell us stories of his life with our “lola sa tuhod” (fore-grandmother), as she is really very strict. He would also tell us that he received no inheritance, whatsoever, from his parents or his grandmother. All he inherited was the good memories (and pain) of growing up and the wisdom he gained through the years.

I was, therefore, luckier than my father, for we inherited a house (just a house since the lot, we lease). But since there was no will of inheritance, we ended up selling the house and divided among us, his children, and went on with our own lives. So, the real inheritance I got from my parents is wisdom through education. Up to now, I am really very thankful that they, as much as they could, really pushed us to study and study hard for our future, working very hard so they can provide the money for our tuition fees, uniforms, shoes, allowance, jeepney fare, payment for field trips and more.

If for these little inheritance, I am already joyful and thankful, what more with the promise of inheritance that our Lord God prepared for me, for us all – the inheritance of Heaven and eternal life. This can make me a very rich man. How about you, are you ready to inherit Heaven?

Almighty Father, I yearn for the riches of inheritance that You prepare for me. I yearn for the mansion in Heaven that You would give me. As I was born to a living hope, I pray that I would continually live in Your spirit so my hope would never die and even flourish through faith, and one day would blossom in fulfillment.

Oh Lord, strengthen us in faith so that we do not deny Jesus’ work for us and in us. Strengthen our faith so that we see the incomparable riches of the glorious inheritance reserved for us in heaven. Strengthen our faith so that we give up all in order to receive that inheritance.

“There can be no consolation in earthly things I have.
As for me, my only treasure is the fullness of Your love.”

All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with cries of gladness.