Home Where I Belong

I am somewhat of a “home-body”. I do travel some with my job and I like going away on vacation, but after about 4 days away, I’m always ready for my regular bed, pillow and chair. I love where I live – simply, but blessed. When I drive a good ways off, I’m always glad to see the “We’re Glad Georgia’s On Your Mind” sign when coming back home. I get even more excited to see the sign for Carroll County. I feel like home is where I belong. I love being with family at home – there is nothing quite like it.

The Philistines had captured the Ark of The Covenant in a battle with the Israelites. They had had the Ark for 7 months. Since they had it, they had been hammered as country with tumors and an infestation of big rats. They figured that they had really ticked of the God of Israel. (duh!) The Philistine leaders devised a plan to send the Ark back to Israel. Check this out…

10 So they did this. They took two such cows and hitched them to the cart and penned up their calves. 11 They placed the ark of the Lord on the cart and along with it the chest containing the gold rats and the models of the tumors. 12 Then the cows went straight up towards Beth Shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing all the way; they did not turn to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed them as far as the border of Beth Shemesh.

13 Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight. (1 Samuel 6:10-13 NIV)

The Philistines decided that if the cows (who had never been trained to pull) wandered home to Beth Shemesh (the closest town in Israel), then the God of Israel was the One Who had caused the tumors and the rats. The plan worked and the Ark of The Covenant was returned to Israel.

I’ve decided that I don’t ever want to be on the opposing side of God. He is the Creator of All. He can do anything He wants, when He wants. I’ve learned to respect His Authority completely. As I read His Word, I also see His heart of Love, Mercy and Grace. On the one hand, I see His strong hand of discipline and on the other hand, I see His heart of love for us. I love this simple song by Phillip Phillips called, “Home”.

When I’m close to the Lord, I feel like I’m home. It’s a safe place to be. He makes me feel welcome. He comforts me. I’m reminded of Psalm 23. Check this out…

1 The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. (Psalm 23: 1-6 NKJV)

I want to be home with Him wherever I live and wherever I travel.

Pressing On!

Dwayne