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).

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[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.

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