THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME

This week the world became a more dangerous place in which to live.  The terrorist attack in Boston has made us realize how vulnerable we have all become to terrorists.  That came amidst threats of nuclear war from North Korea where a young leader's actions has alarmed the world.  And of course you have the growing nuclear presence of Iran and the rise and impact of Islam around the world.  Locally, shootings and home break ins have become almost daily events One doesn't know what to expect next.  Then, domestically, we see more and more attacks by various government agencies on Biblical principles.  Religious freedoms are being threatened even in our country.  As I viewed the pictures from the Boston area a thought and song kept going through my mind - "This World Is Not My Home".  The reality of this truth has captivated my thinking this week and I decided to change my hymn choice for this week to this song which in the past was often sung by gospel quartets. There are many different opinions about the author of this song, but many attribute it to Albert Brumley (1905-1977), a popular songwriter from Arkansas.  I have been reminded of the great faith chapter, Hebrews 11.  After giving many examples of faith from Old Testament characters, the writer says this in verses 11 - 13, "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."  And while we now live in a world which has become very dangerous and even hostile to believers, we, too, have the hope of a better country that has been promised to believers.  And we need to remember that we are really just pilgrims who are tenting here.  Be reminded of that truth this week.

(1)   This world is not my home, I'm just 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.

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.

(2)   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 through, though I am weak and poor.

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.

(3)   I have a loving Savior up in glory-land,

I don't expect to stop until I with Him stand,

He's waiting now for me in heaven's open door

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.

(4)   Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally.

The Saints on every 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.

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