Civilization is getting this country plumb ruined.”
–Eugene Manlove Rhodes (Bransford of Rainbow Range)
“Here indeed, in this [present abode, body], we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over [we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be fitted out] with our heavenly dwelling.”
–2 Corinthians 5:2 (AMPC)
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Just when the world can’t seem to get any more crazier–it does. If a person would stop, take a moment, and just try to reason some of the things that are happening they would be embarrassed. But then again, shame has been removed from our thinking. Maybe it’s my age, maybe it is the things I see going on, but more and more I’m looking forward to the hope of glory. Kenneth Osbeck calls it “the homing desire for heaven.”
“This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thru.
My treasures are laid up some where beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
–A.H. Howard
I mean, literally, people are stupid. More than two genders? Cows causing global warming? Illegals are legal and law-abiding citizens are second-rate? I have wondered what it was like for Lot to be sitting in Sodom. He must have maintained some vestige of righteousness or the Lord would not have sent angels to rescue him. “Christians are not citizens of earth trying to get to heaven–but citizens of heaven making their way through the world.” (Vance Havner)
“They’re all expecting me, and that’s one thing I know,
My Savior pardoned me and now I onward go;
I know He’ll take me thru tho I am weak and poor
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
Pardon! The record is clean. Sins were bore by Jesus on the cross–all sin. The sins of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. That boggles me. He knows what is going to happen tomorrow; the issues and temptations that may come our way. He knows what we are going to do and if we succumb, He is there to accept our repentance for the sin was borne at Calvary. Beyond comprehension!
“Just up in gloryland we’ll live eternally,
The saints on ev’ry hand are shouting victory,
Their song of sweetest praise drifts back from heaven’s shore
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
O Lord, You know I have no friend like You,
If heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
Whooeee, do I hear the hinges on those pearly gates groaning as they begin to open? We shout the victory down here, but when we finally get to Gloryland, well, the shout will cause the earth to tremble for we will know the fullness of our victory. This world is troublesome, but we have a Friend who walks the way with us. No matter our turmoil, trouble, toil, and despair He is there beside us leading us onward and upward.
Come on friend, we can’t just stop here, one more time before going on.
“O Lord, You know I have no friend like You,
If heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”