A Greater Cause

My Compelling Ambition

There's no hurry with God. He's never late he's never behind. He's always on time.

Even in the lateness of time, humanly thinking, it’s never too late for God to still work his plan for His people, however as he so wills that to be, until our upward taking. 

With me, oral communication not particularly my expertise, I began "blogging," as a means of expressing my faith in the Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua) through writing – my work for God’s Kingdom on earth while watching for the King’s return.

My prayer: that God will touch other peoples' lives, with the love of Jesus, as he has touched mine through my transient life experiences; that they may realize as well his global purpose and plan for them.

My writing ambition is rooted in a challenge with which I was impressed via the third verse of a favorite hymn as quoted below. Maybe other Christ-followers as well with a writing ambition will likewise accept the challenge for Christ’s cause:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

And so my continual prayer is that my writings – as well as my talk and my walk – would indeed reflect the love of God for all peoples. A more worthy goal, I believe, more so than laboring merely for the fattening of a financial portfolio that would enable one to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle in those “golden years” (see Luke 12:18-21).

Nothing holds my attention more in this physical realm these days than the things of God. Everything else here temporally – every other temporal ambition – can become mere distractions from the cause of Christ. Those laboring in his cause on planet Earth, as God has promised, have realized that he is their provider, sustainer, and enabler (see Matthew 6:25-32)

"Seek the Kingdom of above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need," (Matthew 6:33.)

Managing Our Desires

Noticing that tree there in the Garden, she observed the fruit sprouting from it certainly did look good enough to eat. Being so pleasing to her eyes, she plucked a sample from the tree and bit into it.

“Hmm, it is good and juicy,” she beamed. She then gave it to the one who was with her; that one with her ate it too.

All of a sudden where once there was no shame, now they were both humiliated. The couples' design was once a beautiful thing, as their Maker remarked, “Behold, it is all excellent in every way.” Now that thing of beauty had turned into something of ugliness, because of that pair together partaking of their desires, despite their Maker’s warning that they should not do so.

They “sinned.” They desired to have something though told it was wrong for them to have; they took it anyway.

Just as a child hides from his/her parents when s/he does wrong, that pair also had disappeared from their Maker, shamed in yielding to their desires at the deceptive snare of the evil one. Their Maker found them out anyway; nothing and no one can hide from Him.

He knew when they did wrong, and it so grieved Him. And yet He had to punish them. As a parent may take away their child’s favorite toy in punishment, so God takes away that which He gave them to enjoy. Just as a parent disciplines his/her child, so God’s discipline did not come out of hatred, but out of love.

God so demonstrated His love for that first couple way back then, long, long ago by providing a covering for their nakedness – so much better than what they could ever afford for themselves (see Genesis 3:7, 21).

Since then, we today now know good and evil; the whole world now suffers for what they have done then in yielding to their desires.

Should we desire for anything less than God’s love, His care for us? He is eternal; He promises to supply all our needs, much better than what we can do for ourselves. Why then should we desire the things of this world – the merely temporal?

“Do not love this world,” God says, “or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, [God’s] love is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes and his pride in possessions – comes not from [God] but from the world” (see 1 John 2:15-17.)

The psalmist has written, “As I delight myself in You LORD, You will give me the desires of my heart” (Psalm 37:4). 

May my delight be first in the LORD, that my desires may 

be held captive to His will.

This may also be viewed on Hub Pages

The Unfaithful Son

A short story by Charles Newcombe

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

 For what can a man give in return for his soul?" Mark 5:36-37

Life on a silver platter

There was a particularly productive man of great wealth; he earned it all from scratch – etching out a living for himself, his wife, his son, and their health. He built his own business and prospered in it. Possible it was then for his family to have everything they could ever want. He was generous, too, in giving it away to others – not hoarding it, but feeding the homeless, the poor, the needy.

His young son, however, was not the definition of the cliché “like father, like son;” perhaps the fault of having been handed everything on a “silver platter” – to be gobbled up with “silver spoons.” How he hated the chores his parents labored him with through his childhood, not realizing then all was for his good.

“Having it all,” he expressed to himself one day in early adulthood, “No need for me to work – such being boring anyway. I can just take my ease now, and eat, drink, and make merry.

Tall, dark, and handsome, his features were, boldly expressing every girl’s dream man, enabling him to wine and dine with the pretty women, anyone he so desired.

“Life is great now,” he thought, lounging in the hammock, sipping a cold refreshing drink on a hot summer day.

Gone with wealth

By and by his father took ill, an unrecoverable illness. At the graveside, family and friends mourned the aged man’s passing.

“What would become of my father’s wealth now,” the son’s thought ringing through his mind, his frowning face sprouting a worried concern? “I’m the only heir,” he then realized. “I guess it’s all mine now, mom having passed away a year ago, and neither, like me, have had any siblings.” Ah, his inner countenance gleamed.

At the reading of the will, however, a rude awakening (in the son's mind) he had experienced. “Give it all to charity,” the attorney read. Handing an envelope to the son, the attorney read on, “To my son, this one manila envelope.”

With a puzzled glee, the son took it. Finishing with the attorney, he exited the office. Standing on the street corner outside that tall building, he speedily tore open the envelope; inside one slip of paper was found. Not liking what he read, however, he crumpled it up, stuffed it in his jacket pocket and down the road he trekked, head hung low.

Angered, saddened, the son walked on home, crossing the street. “I can’t afford a bus fare,” he said to himself. “I have nothing, nada, zilch; my father thought of me as such.”

Realizing the true riches

Beep, beep; honk, honk; screech, crash. Whirr-r, the ambulance rushed hurriedly the son – crushed, bruised, and beaten – to the nearest hospital.

“God has certainly been with you, young man,” the attending physician spoke to the now awakened yet still hurting son. “You could have died.”

“Maybe I should have,” the son groaned, lying there on that hospital bed still experiencing the pain.

“You must not say that,” the physician responded. “Your time here apparently is not yet finished. God cares for you, and evidently still has a purpose for you here.”

“God?” the son asked, “Cares for me? Um, that’s more than I can say for my father.”

“Ah, I’m sure your earthly father has cared for you more than you realize,” the physician said. “But trust God,” he went on. “He cares for you more than you can ever imagine. Keeping you alive now, after what you have gone through, He must want to give you a second chance.”

“A second chance, with nothing, and for what? Yeah, right. You should have let me die.”

“We’re here in this hospital,” the physician responded, “to save lives not take lives. We’re to make you well that you may move on. Here, young man,” the physician concluded, handing the son a crumpled up piece of paper.”

“What’s that?”

“The wrinkled note found in your jacket pocket.”

“Oh,” the son said, taking the paper. Opening it up, he stared.

“Read it out loud, please,” the physician said. “Curious myself, I read it. But I would like to hear it from your lips.”

The son read those words, what his father had shared with him so many years ago, “ ‘One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?’ Luke 16:10-11

“Okay, so what. That’s what my father thinks of me. He died but left me no inheritance. I’m broke, busted. No more fun. Just let me die, please.”

“Think about it,” the doctor challenged, “and how you can become that faithful person your father, and God would have you to be. In Him, the real ‘fun’ has just begun, son.”

This story is also shared on Hub Pages

Perils on the Prairie

Courageous Adventurers

Outer space, the last vast plain to conquer, to "boldly go where no one has gone before." In the past ages, it was the sea; many ambitious ones' today are still excited to explore the ocean depths. In earlier times, the African continent was considered the "last frontier."

All around the world – from the ocean depths to the depths of outer space – dangers await those spirited enough who dare to answer the call to "explore strange new worlds." If they had not expressed their zeal, their enthusiasm, and excitement – if they were not willing to risk their lives, stretching out their environment to the regions beyond, then how would progress and conquest and courage be defined: complacent?

Christopher Columbus, too, answered the call in his day. Paying little attention perhaps to any laughter or ridicule of others that might have been, he set out and proved that the world was not flat. If it were not for such as him of his courage, would we have known of the western hemisphere? He was one who ignited the flame of adventure and travels new frontiers.

Crossing the vast seas – the prairie of the water – was no easy trek. As the ships sailed the oceans, who knows what wind and rain they would face?

For the Strong, the Rugged, the Brave

In the "new world," particularly the one of my native earthly homeland, America, it was not enough for some of the colonists to remain on the eastern seaboard. In those early days, too, there were bold and courageous adventurers. And as the East crowded in population, the call to go west was heard, the challenge accepted.

But, the movement westward, too, was no easy trek. What was awaiting those early pioneers in the region beyond the Mississippi River? Would it be easy crossing the Rockies? What perils would they face in crossing those prairies?

As a ship at sea would get lost beyond the waves, so a prairie schooner – ship of the desert – could "drown" on the prairie. Some of those making the trip were not strong – their spirit may have been willing, but their flesh was weak. Only the strong and rugged and brave could meet the challenge of the prairie; the old West was a wild country, and lawless.

The Native Americans ("Indians," so named by the first sea voyagers, thinking that they had discovered a new route to India) went into the prairie being so pushed by the white settlers after they found the western world and claimed it for themselves.

Indian wars were then a peril the settlers had to combat. There was the danger of buffalo stampedes and prairie fires; perhaps such ignited by the Indians as an attempt to discourage the westward movement. It was a struggle of man against nature; man against beast; and even man against man. Such so expressed in James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Prairie.

When Facing Perils

Though a matter of "survival of the fittest," crossing the vast prairies of this great land was not an impossible trek. It was indeed for the strong and courageous. Neither is outer space impossible to explore; man has already set foot on the moon, and have sailed to the edge of the universe. This great earth and the far reaches of outer and inner space (the ocean depths) all came into being at God's spoken command. (Read the Bible at Genesis 1-2; John 1:1-5, 14; Colossians 1:15-20.)

The prairies – of lands and seas, and outer space – all conquerable, yet too all are equally dangerous. They all have their perils, yet a challenge to the rugged and adventurous. Perhaps it's not a challenge for the faint-hearted to answer, but for the strong.

There is yet another prairie, and that is the prairie of life, and there are perils too we come upon in trekking through life's meadow. Such, however, is overcome and have been so, through the Lord Jesus, the Christ (Messiah). He has said that in this world – in this time – we will experience troubles and trials and perils. "Be of good cheer," Jesus encourages. He has overcome the world.

(For further reflection read in the Bible at John 14:27; 16:32-38; 1 John 4:4; James 1:2-8.)

This may also be viewed at Hub Pages

A Total ‘Nother World

The coming of the year 2016 had also begun a new era for me along my life journey; America was heading down the better road, under our new executive administration. Yet the politically radical left continually worked through those four years plus, trying to remove that administration from office, but to no avail. Yet they continued at their shammed scheme, harboring wrong motives for America.

But then they did it, in cheating ways, and had stolen the 2020 election, intent as I’ve heard with ideas to move us toward socialism, Marxism, communism; so wrong for any nation. May it not happen; may we return to our founding—on biblical principles and conservative values, that we may know what it’s truly like to be “one nation under God”. 

Other nations, having gone through socialism, so warns America not to let it happen to us; such only destroys the freedom and individual rights of the people. I feel America has climbed a slippery slope overlooking the edge of a cliff. Never having been a world traveler, nor having taken an exotic ocean voyage—never having the wealth, hence or any desire to do so—my heart cries for America these days, my mortal native homeland.

And then the worse yet comes, the worldwide CCP Covid pandemic. And, too, the wearing of masks (not so essential in my thinking), the “planet of the apes” had become a reality.

Recalling it all, perhaps in human’s eyes it’s a time when good went bad: Lockdowns, shutdowns happened worldwide; stay at home became the norm; “social distancing” a new term; businesses closed; churches emptied. Yet, in gradually coming back churches still spaced in attendance and seating.

Through all the happenings, since then, particularly since 2016, this world has become a total 'nother[1] world, daily worsening with the ever “breaking news.” And I more realizing the two worlds as predicted I would realize someday—the temporal (mortal) world of humanity and the eternal (immortal) world of the Kingdom of God. 

Since then as well, a strange (maybe weird) sense had been harboring in my mind. More and more these days, hearing/viewing stories of the making up news media, I can’t help but think that this temporal (mortal) world is nearing its end—being “stored up for fire”[2].

The things of this mortal world—other than the ideas of the immortal—do indeed have little or no meaning to me now. And such in particular TV, movies, and sports; I was into such I’m sure too much of my growing-up years.  Even long-distance travel does not appeal to me so much anymore. (The one trip I most desire and look forward to now is my upper taking—individually or corporately—when I will meet Jesus (Yeshua) in the air[3]. What a glorious day that will be!)

Although such stuff—TV, movies, sports, big tech, wealth, possessions, careers, etc—is of man’s initiative it has come about through humanity’s understanding of our omniscient[4] God—the true scientist and the bringer in of all “science” and technology, to be used and enjoyed for our pleasure and God’s glory.

Hence, these days it’s indeed as living in two worlds as if I’m trekking down two roads running parallel to one another. And one lane shows off its wares making it more attractive than the other. Commandeered by the evil one, much of it promotes his schemes and distracts viewers and participants from the truer meaning for our purpose in this mortal time on planet Earth. But what’s the sense of it all, if it’s just to ease one’s manner of living, primarily through his/her later years until their passing, and a making of the way better for the next generation as if there's no end to the physical mortal timeline? (See Proverbs 27:1; Luke 12:18-21; James 4:13-15.)

Having trusted in Jesus, He assures me that I’m the better off traveling down the other road, the everlasting highway, the way to “better living” for all generations—see 2 Corinthians 5:19-21.

A “total ‘nother world”? But it’s of the temporal realm; with eternity’s values in view, how can I think only temporally anymore? Now, until the Lord’s return, may it be my one ambition laboring in prayer and speaking the Truth (John 14:6), that we (and all nations) get back to our founding and be a light bearer and salt spreader of God’s love, grace, and peace, sharing the Good News, anticipating our expectant Hope: Come, Lord Jesus[5] (Adonai Yeshua).

---

[1] Nonstandard spelling of another (determiner), used to represent speech.

“nother thing just occurred to me”

[2] Consider 2 Peter 3:6-8

[3] 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

[4] All-knowing; knowing everything

[5] Revelation 22:7-21

Compassionately Struck

A rare Friday morning

It was one of those rare mornings when I desired to go downtown for breakfast at one of those places sprouting those famed golden arches. I worked in the city anyway, and I figured the trek wouldn't be too much out of my way. And it was a Friday! That also meant that I didn't have a lot of cash in my pocket. But, then, ah, I realized it was also a payday, that meaning too that more money was on the way.

Scrounging about I managed to scrape together a little change. I desirously hoped it was enough to satisfy my craving. I then set out on my journey.

In a little while, I reached my destination. Upon entering the restaurant, I pleasantly discovered I did have enough money in my "cash pocket" to purchase a good breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, and hash browns. Soon – as what perhaps "fast food" implies – there before me on a tray was my order, ready for me to devour. Ah, but not so fast as I received the food, but to patiently enjoy my meal.

Handing the clerk my nearly last bit of cash, I then sought a table where I could begin dining. Seating myself then, yet before "digging" in, I thanked the Lord Jesus for this bit of nourishment to enable me to do my job well for His glory.

Something out of the ordinary

As I dined, I scanned the interior of the building. In my presence it was all adorned in pink; artificial plants and flowers arranged neatly throughout. Turning about, behind me there appeared another room of a little different décor than what was before me. That place was of red-colored brick and entered through a series of simulated brick archways.

Chattering voices throughout the restaurant reminded me that I was not alone in that place. Others too were there enjoying their breakfast before the start of their day of business or study, that restaurant located near the university campus. Some were reading the morning newspaper as well. Some were well dressed, some casually so. Hence, I assumed some were business and professional people; some were students.

Continuing to look around, I enjoying my meal, suddenly something out of the ordinary caught my eye entering that McDonald's restaurant. Somewhat different from what was already inside, a tall, slim figure of a man—gray-haired and gray-bearded. His hair was uncombed, probably windblown. He wore a light-colored topcoat, dirty and wrinkled. He held a dollar bill in his fingers at chest level, perhaps having been given him by someone on the street.

The man approached the counter and waited in line, still holding that dollar bill before him. A nervous gesture slightly twitched his head. Shortly it was his turn. He placed his order and handed the girl behind the counter that bill. She took it and turned away. She soon returned, however, giving that man a regular cup of coffee with a package of cream and sugar.

With one hand he grasped the cup of coffee; with the other, he dropped the change from that dollar into his coat pocket, after examining it a bit. He turned about and returned to the direction of his entrance. Vanishing out of my sight, he seated himself on the other side of a wall—the last I could see of him.

 

Finished with a sigh

Hm-m, I sighed, finishing up the last bit of my meal that morning at that breakfast table in McDonald's. Suddenly I was struck with compassion for that man with the dollar bill in his hand.

If I had the money would I buy that man a breakfast such as I had bought for myself? Would Jesus? (I believe He would.)

How many other people in that restaurant could have afforded to buy that man a decent breakfast such as they bought for themselves? How many would?

I finished my dining. Disposing of the trash in the proper, provided receptacle, I headed toward the exit. As I left the restaurant, I glanced at that man fondling the now empty coffee cup.

"Oh, Lord Jesus, compel me more with compassion like Yours that would reach out to others as that man that would touch their lives with Your love," I prayed as I left that McDonald's restaurant with my satisfied appetite.

This can also be read on Hub Pages

The Blessing of Blessing

Attack! In the dark of the night, Abram’s 318 men attack in all directions, pursuing Kedorlaomer’s army as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. Abram is victorious, rescuing his nephew Lot and his possessions, and all the other captives. (See Genesis 14:15-24.)

In the valley of Shaveh (the king’s valley), Abram meets the king of Sodom.  (This is also where Melchizedek meets Abram, and blesses him by God Most High. Abram returns the blessing by giving Melchizedek a tenth of everything.)

So the king of Sodom is approaching Abram. “Give me the people,” he says to Abram, “and you keep all the goods for yourself.”

Sounds like a deal Abram for sure won’t resist.  But what’s this? What is Abram saying to that king of Sodom? Listen: “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High,” Abram says, "and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, O, King, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich,’" (Genesis 14:22-24).

Before the king of Sodom, Abram acknowledges his God, Creator of heaven and earth, as the true Victor, and his King of righteousness and peace.

Fast-forwarding now to the New Testament/New Covenant era, we see Jesus (Yeshua). A babe in a manger, born of a virgin on that first "Christmas day"--so widely known as to what most people of the world considers that day, reflecting on the time when God (Elohim) became one of us (see Luke 2:1-7; John 1:1-5, 14; Matthew 1:18-25.) Yet he was born to die (see 1 Corinthians 15:5-8). And rising again from the dead, he is our Victor over death and hell, and “priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (See Hebrews 7.)

During his time on earth, Jesus (Yeshua) related a story of a certain rich man (see Luke 12:16-21.).  That man was so rich in material goods that he didn’t know what to do with it all, other than building bigger barns to store it.

Jesus (Yeshua) told his disciples, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions,” (Luke 12:15). He continued, “This is what the pagans do. They run after all such earthly things.  But you, child of God, run after God’s Kingdom first, and His righteousness [for the sake of the peoples of the world], and He will provide all your earthly needs.” (See Luke 12:22-31; Matthew 6:25-33.)

Journeying on through history to the late 1800s, we meet Henry M. Stanley, the man who uttered the popular quote, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.” He is a most unlikely candidate for missionary service.

Henry Stanley, illegitimately born in Britain, has fled the cruelty of a workhouse master and gone to America, settling in New Orleans. There, a wealthy merchant adopts him.

But, Stanley, a troublesome teenager, is sent away to work on a plantation. During the American Civil War, he serves in both the Confederate and Union armies. Later, he joins the Navy only to desert. He becomes a freelance journalist. This career takes him to Asia and then to Africa, where he finds David Livingstone, through whom he also finds Jesus (Yeshua), the Christ (Messiah).

Livingstone becomes Stanley’s hero. With a determined passion, he pleads for missionary volunteers through his writings.

At the hearing of Livingstone’s death, Stanley writes, “May I be selected to succeed him in opening up Africa to the shining light of Christianity!

And God continues His search today for other "Henry Stanleys", who will likewise consider their gifts and abilities as from God to be used for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom to all peoples of the world.

Consider the book How I Found Livingstone.

Coming next month In God We Trust

Realizing Eternity

Disenchanted with the Perishing Vision of Mortality 

“Two worlds crossed my path,” so states my testimony. Reflecting on it further, having come to realize the more important immortal reality, I charted the illustration that appears below; I call it “Eternity,” depicting our journey through this time: the temporal and the permanent. Jesus (Yeshua) defines the two ways in His teaching as “the broad and the narrow.[1]” As well, consider John Bunyan in his writing (some 300 years ago) The Pilgrim’s Progress; he defines the two ways as Passion and Patience[i]. And as believers in the Messiah (the Christ) our purpose is so defined, as we trek along the narrow way, as light-bearers and salt-spreaders sharing God’s eternal truth[2].

Eternity is a never-ending journey, through life and death. Depending on the route—the narrow way or the broad way (the way of patience or passion)—a person chooses to travel through this temporal time will determine his/her experience: joy or devastation[ii]

Only one road to begin with[3]—the man and the woman enjoying fellowship with their Creator, the Almighty Three-in-One God, not as robots, but with the freedom to choose[4].

We are all creatures of eternity, more than this mortal time, as God so formed us in our mother’s womb. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…”, Jeremiah 1:5 ESV[iii]  As well, “…Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them,” Psalm 139:16 ESV.

But then as we read in the Bible, God’s holy life-giving Word, at Genesis chapter three[iv] the man and the woman are tempted by the devil (the evil one—that “fallen angel,”[5]) to choose his way—the “I did it my way” choice of pride, self-will, lustful pleasures, and passions.[6] Disobedience to God (sin) then becomes the addiction of their lives and all humanity throughout the world, going the way of the unholy trinity—me, myself, and I.

Realizing the immortal, how disenchanting is the perishing vision of mortality, and how so meaningless. Ah, but I, too, was once caught up in its meaninglessness.  Going along with the crowd so to speak, enjoying life as if trekking this mortality was the forever road, only until “death do us part.” Then what?

 

Familiar with the Bible stories of Jesus all my life (for which I’m grateful), perhaps I’d considered then that church-going was just another one of those joyful Sunday gatherings people would do. Other such doings included my TV viewing, enjoying an occasional movie, sports, dining out, and vacations with the family. Even perhaps some would consider as essential, saving financially to enjoy life through those so-called “golden years” of retirement. But, realizing the immortal, the truer golden years come when this mortal time is finished—“It will happen in a moment”.[7]

Except for having gone through wars, nine eleven, stolen elections, pandemics, fires, earthquakes, famines, and such, then the times were so much pleasanter. Happenings happened throughout history (since Genesis chapter three) but people got over it, or even enjoyed their life going through it all, believing better days are ahead. But not so as the Bible declares, worse days are yet to come, and even now—in this lateness of time—are here so it seems.

Matthew 24:38-39 (NLT), “In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. ³⁹ People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away...”[8]

“Signs of the times,” so to speak. And in this lateness of time, my having come to realize the greater reality I’m tired of it all, as I trek through this mortal time hearing the news of the disruption and criminal activity of mortal humanity’s seemingly breaking the law moreso than ever before. And seeing the filth even of mortal humanity’s seeming unconcern as to where they throw their trash—viewing it all scattered along the highways.

 

Hence, I’m tired of seeing the living of life simply for the mortal timeline as if it was the forever time. Seemingly, when all the troubles get settled down (but only for a time), all humanity goes back to that “normal” way of living (like the way it’s been since Genesis chapter three) as if nothing tragic had happened. (Hmm, another sense perhaps, as some may see it, that the broad road—the way of passion—is the way to go.) But I pray when the troubling times of 2020/21 clear up it will not be a return to that “normal” way of living as it once was, but a re-awakening revival to our truer purpose for our being as God ordained it to be.

 

Now there are enjoyable times even amidst the difficulties, nevertheless. But, imagining, what would living be like these days if there was no Genesis chapter three? Hmm. Would life be as it is, continuing the way it has been yet without wars and rumors of wars, storms, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, diseases, and such? Would there be high school days with students trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up—should they go to college and train for some profitable profession perhaps, to continue at it the rest of their days, or should they just continue in the working world to find their niche in life that way?

 

“Que, sera, sera,” so goes that popular song of yesteryear, “whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see…” Perhaps the future is not for us to see (only one day at a time). But following Jesus (Yeshua) along the narrow way we are as His lights[9] sharing the greater reality with the lost dark world until Jesus' return. The broad road will then be no more; the evil one banished[10].

 

 

At some point, along the way of any person’s journey, as happened with me, he/she will come to a crossroad where they will have to decide for his/herself as to which way is truly the better way to go, determining their everlasting destiny.

 

For myself, I have realized the better way of living is for the immortal, trusting in Jesus, my Savior and Lord. And sensing these tiring days, as mentioned above, I’m ready to see the brilliance of the new day of Christ’s return and the entrance of the Father’s eternal immortal Kingdom, where tiredness will be no more.

 

 

Two roads (realities) there are along one’s path. Choosing the one less traveled by makes all the difference for all time and eternity, so realizing the greater reality. Nothing else should matter in traveling through these tumultuous times, except investing our time, talent, and treasure for the Kingdom of God[v] (truly the greater investment than playing the stock market or the lottery)[11] while watching for the Lord’s return.[12] But until then, it is my one prayer and expectant hope, “Come, Lord Jesus.” So was the apostle John’s in closing the book of Revelation[13]. Jesus (Yeshua) Himself shared three times, “I am coming soon”[14]. Until then, yet nearer than ever before[15], may my (and my fellow Christ-followers) primary responsibility and ever-present mindset be to speak the name of Jesus at every opportunity afforded us by the Holy Spirit, so wishing everyone a blessed day.

Journeying through this dark evil world, Eternity in view, realizing the greater reality as if seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, how can we go on living now as if those MANufractured artifices—those “towers of Babel” (costly high-rises: offices and apartments, TV,  the Hollywood craves, careers, desired possessions, passions, wealth, etc.) of this mortal time was all that mattered (see Matthew 6:19-21[vi])?

Considering Colossians 3:1-3[vii], the words of a familiar hymn may come to mind: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus  Look full in His wonderful face  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim  In the light of His glory and grace”

 

Hence, all that's happening in the world today, particularly my mortal native homeland, I see the world as a whole different world than I had known it in my pleasurable youth years and before all the current happenings had happened. My driving about, the freeways and surface streets, about my errands, etc., viewing the structures of humanity’s doings, my mind considers, “it’s a perishing world, all being stored up for fire.”[16]

Construction, destruction, re-construction has been happening throughout history according to the advancement of technology. Shopping centers, malls, stores, businesses, etc, so looking forward to the “grand opening,” but who knows when/if that grand closing will come. Structures and highways wear out as time passes and in need of repair, updated, or torn down to keep up with the current time. (Yet, “Jesus Christ is the same [and most essential] yesterday, today, and forever. ⁹ So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas…” Hebrews 13:8-9, NLT [brackets mine]) Ah, nothing else indeed matters except the works of God—consider 2 Peter 3:9-13[viii].

Thank you, God, for getting me to realize the more important reality. I’m so looking forward to meeting Jesus in the air. What will that be like? Until then, realizing the absolute for the relative, may I never again get so wrapped up in the things of this temporal time. “The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death,” Proverbs 12:28, NLT.

Serving until the Lord's return in the cause so stated in Matthew 6:33[ix], we serve in His care. “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?... Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:26, 33 NLT

What is (Real) Life?

(Real) Life Is (faithful) Followers of Elohim—God, the Almighty three-in-one Creator, who brought everything into being by His spoken command. Real L I F E, is proper living through repentance and faith, in the Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua), the Christ (Messiah); living to the praise and glory of God, trusting for His provision as we journey through this temporal time, as light-bearers and salt-spreaders sharing the Good News, that the (other) world, too, may realize the real L I F E = Living In Fellowship with Elohim. (Real) life is more than the often frivolous fascinations of this mortal time.

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[1] See Matthew 7:13-14

[2] See Matthew 5:13-16

[3] See Genesis 1-2

[4] See Genesis 2:15-17

[5] See Isaiah 14:12-15

[6] See Genesis 11:1-9; cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-9

[7] See 1 Corinthians 15:52-57

[8] Cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

[9] See Matthew 5:13-16

[10] See Revelation 20:7-10

[11] See Luke 12:20-22 12:18-21

[12] See Matthew 24:36-51; Mark 13:31-37

[13] See Revelation 22:20

[14] See Revelation 22:7, 12, 20

[15] “nearer than ever before” = no prediction, just a weird sense. Praise God that there’s more to life than this mortal time; if mortality was all there was to life there would be no real meaning to living.

[16] See 2 Peter 3

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[i] From The Pilgrim’s Progress, “…that the highway up which Christian was to go, was fenced on either side with a wall and that wall was called Salvation. (Isaiah 26:1) Up this way, therefore, did burden Christian run, but not without great difficulty, because of the load on his back…” Consider viewing Revelation Media’s animated film of The Pilgrim's Progress.

 

[ii] The Life Application Study Bible (LASB), notes on Genesis 2:7, [brackets mine], “…[Our earthly] body is a lifeless shell until God brings it alive with the ‘breath of life.’ When God removes his ‘life-giving’ breath our bodies once again return to dust. Our life and worth, therefore, come from God’s Spirit. Many boast of their achievements and abilities as though they were the originator of their own strengths. Others feel worthless because their abilities do not stand out. In reality, our worth comes not from our achievements but from the God of the universe, who chooses to give us the mysterious and miraculous gift of life…”

[iii] Note on Jeremiah 1:5, “God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that he has a purpose in mind for you,” LASB.”

[iv] Note on Genesis 3:1, “Disguised as a shrewd serpent Satan came to tempt Eve. At one time, Satan had been a glorious angel. But in pride, he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. As a created being, Satan has definite limitations. Although he trying to tempt everyone away from God, he will not be the final victor. In 3:14,15, God promises that Satan will be crushed by one of the woman’s offspring, the Messiah,” LASB.

[v] Note on Matthew 25:24-30, “…We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. If God is our Master, we must obey willingly. Our time, abilities, and money aren’t ours in the first place—we are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished,” LASB.

[vi] Note on Matthew 6:21, “Jesus made it clear that having wrong treasures leads to our hearts being in the wrong place. What we treasure the most controls us, whether we admit it or not. If possessions or money become too important to us, we must reestablish control or get rid of the items. Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen eternal values over temporary, earthly treasures,” LASB.

[vii]  Colossians 3:1-3 NLT, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ² Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. ³ For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

[viii] Note on 2 Peter 3:13, “God’s purpose for people is not destruction but re-creation (see Isaiah 66:22; Revelation 21-22). God will purify the heavens and earth with fire; then he will create them anew. We can joyously look forward to the restoration of God’s good world” LASB.

[ix] Note on Matthew 6:33 [brackets mine], “To ‘seek the Kingdom of God above all else’ means to put God first in [lives], to fill [our] thoughts with his desires, to take his character for [our] pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything. What is really important…? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important to [us] if [we] don’t actively choose to give God first place in every area of [our lives],” LASB

Consider the Steps to Peace with God; see how to cross over to the narrow road.