Not Our Home
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 5/28/2023
Jesus said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18).
Recently, I experienced an unusual event regarding a part time service I provided for the past two decades. Because of this event, I can no longer provide work for the particular company which employed me. You may be asking yourself "Was he incompetent in the performance of his duties? or “did he slander someone?” or “did he assault a someone?” or “did he threaten someone by his actions?” or “perhaps he stole another’s belongings?” The answer to these questions is NO. Emphatically.
The dastardly and incomprehensible deed was to mention the name of Jesus during my orientation to the students and His word when a possible issue was brought up. Frankly, I do not even know what it was about however, God’s word will roll off the tip of my tongue frequently, without thinking. As a preacher of the Gospel of Christ, I haven’t changed my training methods for 20 years since I was asked to teach there. These are perilous times (2 Tim 3:1) which men call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). As followers of Christ, we all see it happening all about us.
Although this situation will cost me some, financially, God allowed this incident to happen. He gave me the teaching assignment, and He now has allowed it to be removed from me. But, He has again, reminded me that this world is not my home. God is my Provider, and if you trust Him completely (Pro 3:5-6), He will be your Provider also. And to add to that, God will restore to me what I need. I am confident of that (Joel 2:25).
Jesus said : “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake” (Matt 5:11). Losing a job or position is a minor thing compared to people losing their lives for Christ, which is happening even this week in parts of Africa. But most of all, the sinless Christ (God in the flesh) giving His life on the cross for our sins, is the supreme example of persecution.
Let us never get too comfortable here on earth. We are Not of this wicked world. It is Not our home. We are Heaven bound very soon.
I’ll see you there.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:2).
Thanks for “Taking 5 • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www.iamnotashamed.com • God bless and bless GOD