This world is not my home I'm just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.*
Another year has gone by and we
have rolled over into 2013. This past year was filled with good use of time God
gave me with writing projects and many hours of discipleship and teaching.
I must confess though, I spent too much time in 2012 entwined in the
affairs of this world. I devoted far too many hours to political things
and affairs of the world when the hours would have been better spent on
spiritual pursuits. When I think of all the hours I spent following primary
elections and candidates I am filled with regret.
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB)
I was reminded just last night as I despaired over current events
that this world is not my
home. Once again I needed a stern reminder that planet Earth is a stopping
place and a preparatory
class for eternity.
Dear
friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from
worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be
careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they
accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will
give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NLT)
There is no doubt the condition of the world is dire, more so than
any time in history. This is the planned and purposeful intention of God who
means to bring good out of all this evil. I was reminded (again) that He has
all of this in His hand.
The earth
is the LORD'S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. Psalm
24:1 (NASB)
Nothing is going on here that He is not in
control of.
He changes times and seasons; he removes
kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who
have understanding; Daniel 2:21 (ESV)
These words are
a great comfort to me today. If you are like me and tend to become sorrowful
over the state of things around you then please allow me to give you the same
counsel I am taking myself. Turn off the
television, throw away your paper and get out your Bible. Listen to good
preaching, pray and meditate on Scripture. Remind yourself of God’s promises
and do not fear the future.
He promises to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the
presence of His glory blameless with great joy (Jude 1:24).
My prayer for 2013 is that God would be glorified in His people.