Prepare To Move

Scripture

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down, we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands.

~2 Corinthians 5:1, NLT

Quote

You’re never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.

~C.S. Lewis

All of God’s servants are tenants, some realize it and some do not, but here on earth we are renters at best. An aging retired missionary received word from her landlord that he would not make any more repairs on the humble cottage she was living in and that she should make plans to relocate. Actually, this is good advice for all people, “Prepare to relocate.” I am reminded of the old Negro spiritual, “I ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer, ain’t a-gonna need this house no more; Ain’t got time to fix the shingles, ain’t got time to fix the floor, ain’t got time to oil the hinges nor to mend the window panes, ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer I’m gettin’ ready to meet the saints. A lot of folks are building houses on a camping spot and it’s bad stewardship. The purpose of a camp ground is to offer temporary housing such as a tent, camper or RV. It would be foolish to build a house on a camping spot.

It is not wrong or immoral for you to own a house as long as you understand two facts: It’s not really yours [the house or the land] and you are not going to stay there permanently. Your residence in temporary and you should be making plans to move. Being a pastor in the old days meant living in a parsonage but that didn’t satisfy me, I wanted to owe my own home. I’m not opposed to pastors owing their home but owning a home is not going to bring fulfillment. The fewer attachments you have to this world, the freer you are to serve. I doubt seriously that I will ever owe another home. First of all, I don’t have that much time left and secondly, by default, I have discovered a better way.

Back to the original story: the retired Missionary was upset when she first learned that she had to look for a new place but eventually it brought her a new excitement. The place where she lived was seedy and run down. She would actually be moving to a much better house in a much better neighborhood. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” {1 Corinthians 2:9}

Another busy day ahead with DBC Senior Adult Christmas: my assignment in fried apple pies. I’ll be doing them again at Grace Point on December 15. What a beautiful day yesterday: I took advantage of the sun and spent a few hours on the farm. I think it is going to rain today but I love rain. I love December, I love Christmas and I love Popeye’s chicken sandwich which my children agree is better than Chick-Fil-A or Q. Big Mama told me that the Hallmark CEO said Hallmark is open to having gays in their Christmas movies. No more Hallmark for me.

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