My Life Story:

 

Two Worlds (realities) Crossed My Path

Prologue 

As I share my story be sure not to set your ears ready to hear of a messed-up life. That is, personalizing a familiar phrase of yesteryear:

“I never drank, smoked, nor chewed since a kid, Nor ran around with those who did." Thanks to my church-going upbringing, And my shyness even, Under emotional stress that may on me may press,

I give praise to Jesus—He keeps me singing.

I believe my story would not be aired on the Unshackled radio program. I lived a "good" life through the years, not a raunchy lifestyle. I don't even recall ever uttering a foul word. The worse I ever said, I believe… ah, um, was that word people would say when their dog got lost. But then, a mentor shared with me that word is a minced oath[i] at taking God’s name in vain; I never said it since.

Later, I learned that such a "good" life doesn't make one good before God. Since Genesis chapter 3, as was all humanity, I too was born a sinner, and in need of Jesus (Yeshua), our help in this temporal time and our only hope for our eternal future[ii].

Perhaps my story can be summed up as Psalm 40:2-3 (NASB) reads, personalizing, "[God] brought me [too] up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, [out of my own good life]. And He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…"

And so I share my story in three parts: (1) My Formative Pleasurable Years, (2) My Misstepped Years, and (3) My Transformative Years.

 

My Formative Pleasurable Years: Birth thru the Eighth Grade

I was first born in Toledo, Ohio. And God has known all about me—my steps along my earthly way, even my missteps[iii].

I’m the youngest of four. (I have a brother, a sister, and a second brother). I don’t know too much of Toledo, as I was very young when the family moved east of Toledo to a rural area south of Cleveland and west of Akron—to the village of Chippewa Lake in Medina County.

I was quiet (a shy guy) through the years, speaking not much to anybody.

In my youth, perhaps too much of my time was spent watching television. A shy guy, perhaps my TV viewing could have been considered my "security blanket.”  (In today’s time, perhaps with some it could be likened to the internet, social media, or that smartphone.) In considering it now, however, much of my time, spent in front of the television, was my first misstep.

My siblings and I were blessed to have been born to parents who took us to church and Sunday school every week. We attended a Nazarene Church primarily. Going to church, we learned of the Bible and Jesus all our lives.

And then at an amusement park—Chippewa Lake Park, as it was called—within walking distance from where we lived, I met a Native American who in noticing the "double crown" (hair swirls) on my head with which I was born, predicted that I would see two worlds someday. I didn't give too much thought to that prediction through the years if it met anything. For some reason, I guess God wanted me to hear it anyway, and in His time, I had realized it again in my coming to an understanding of it all—a realization of the two realities: the temporal and the eternal.

Our church occasionally would have what was called "Revival Meetings." At such meetings, I recall hearing sermons of the world coming to an end. My young mind could not imagine such a thing. The world coming to an end—what would happen to all the trees, the tall buildings, and especially Disneyland[iv]?

 

My Misstepped Years: the Ninth Grade thru Lackland AFB

I did reasonably well through school, for the most part, but then into high school, came my second misstep: I had to repeat the ninth grade. For one, my failing the ninth grade was due to my introverted temperament—my shyness.

On through high school, but I never determined what I wanted to do after I graduated.

My dad passed away when I was a junior in high school.

My senior year, and graduation, and then what? My Uncle Sam had that all figured out. I received a letter from Selective Service ordering me to report for my armed forces physical exam. Afterward, I contacted my friendly Air Force recruiter; one of my brothers was in the Navy, the other was in the Army Reserve, I wanted something different, and not the Marines.

Shortly after my physical exam, I received my draft notice to be inducted into the armed forces. And so, it was off to Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas—my introverted temperament followed me there as well. And also, there came my third misstep—I was set back to an earlier flight in basic training.

But a meningitis epidemic had broken out, and that returned me to my original unit and quarantined us. Having been set back and returned, I missed much of the activities of basic training. My flight even had to wait until the chow hall emptied of other units before we could go in and enjoy our meals.

The epidemic finally cleared; we were then personnel awaiting tech school. I was assigned to police tech school. But also came my fourth misstep—I was "kicked out" of that school. After waiting again for my next assignment, it came—ground transportation at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.

 

My Transformative Years: Patrick AFB to the Present

There at Patrick, I consider my spiritual birthplace. Thanks to my church-going upbringing (for which I’m grateful) and my shyness even, I wasn’t a carouser—sticking pretty much to myself much of my life.

My second brother, who was in the Navy, had contact with a ministry called the Navigators. He had book one of their Bible study series—Studies in Christian Living—sent to me. A study on the person of Jesus. At the end of that study was an invitation to receive Jesus; I read, signed, and dated the invitation. I consider that my "second birth”[v]. I continued that series on my own alone in my barracks room. I continued attending base chapel services as well.

Some months later a Navigator representative moved into the area to begin a ministry among those stationed at Patrick. My name on the Nav mailing list he looked me up. We met in a cafeteria on base. He shared with me the Steps to Peace with God by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. And again, I prayed the invitation gaining me assurance of my salvation.[vi]

For the remainder of my time in the military, I was involved with the Navigators—my then caring group—receiving help in my new/real life of faith, primarily through Bible study, prayer, and Scripture memory.

My first Navigator conference was an international happening, held over a Thanksgiving weekend, 1968, in Estes Park, Colorado—the "Whing Ding" as it was called. At the closing of the last message of the conference, the speaker gave an invitation to answer the call as Isaiah did, "Here I am! Send me,” Isaiah 6:8. I stood with several others in so responding. I had no idea then all that would mean.

Having received word from Uncle Sam that I could get out of the Air Force eight months early, I considered it. I could have re-upped, but I decided to get out. Having done so, I stayed in Florida for another year or so, still in fellowship with the Navigators. (I did have a cool job for a time—hmm, working for an icehouse along U.S. Highway 1 in Melbourne, Florida.)

In a room where I was then living, I recall a significant time in the Word one evening. Laying on the floor, I was reading from the book of Exodus. At Exodus 4:10-12[vii], God got my attention about my shyness in speech, as He had with Moses at the burning bush.

Shortly after my discharge from the Air Force, and two semesters at the then Brevard Junior College[viii], the Nav rep suggested that I apply to a Bible college[ix] in Columbia, South Carolina.  Three of us in the Nav fellowship visited the campus. We all three applied, but only one other, and I was accepted. 

And I realized why the Lord kept me in the military—for one, my expenses through Bible college were met via the G.I. bill.  I don't know how I could have afforded college otherwise— I hadn’t been raised in a “well-to-do” family.

The summer before the start of my freshman year of college, I was home in Ohio with my mom and sister; I did have a job to put away money for the start of school. In the summer of my sophomore year, I served a few weeks with the Missions to Military Servicemen’s Christian Center in Norfolk, Virginia. I worked at temp employment during the day and served with the servicemen’s center each evening; that was my home that summer as well.

During the year-end break of my junior year of college, I attended InterVarsity’s Urbana Conference, at the University of Illinois. Returning to school in January to continue my junior year, I learned of my mom's illness. I took some weeks off from school and returned home and visited her; she was in the hospital with leukemia. She had passed away a few days later.

After I graduated from Bible college in 1974, the Lord provided work for me with an office supply company in delivery and shipping. Going about that job, I was conscious of peoples' faces—my mind wondering if they knew Jesus.

My job had me in and out of offices making deliveries. As I exited one office one day, for some reason, my eye caught a plaque on a wall. It displayed a quote by Oliver Wendall Holmes that's been "forever" etched in my memory. It read, “Man’s mind stretched to a new idea will never return to its original dimension.” I have realized: my going-to-church upbringing, meeting the Navigators, and then on to Bible college, that my mind indeed has been stretched to the "new idea" of the immortal world—the eternal reality.

I was a candidate with International Missions[x] then in Wayne, New Jersey. From that experience, I had learned of Open Air Campaigners’ means of relating Bible stories via sketch board drawing. I had the opportunity to do such myself, sharing the story of blind Bartimaeus[xi] to neighborhood kids.

A few years later, I ventured out west to Pasadena, California, where I joined the then US Center for World Mission[xii]. There, I was pleasantly surprised to work as a staff writer for the Global Prayer Digest[xiii] , writing short vignettes focused on unreached people. That work helped me in developing my writing skills. On little support, however, I left that job after about five years. Still in Pasadena, the Lord provided paid employment with William Carey Library Publishers[xiv]. I continued there for about ten years. Those 15 years out west, having been employed in Kingdom work, possibly I can consider that my "career" through this temporal time.

 

Epilogue

From Ohio, God brought me out of my old life (a wilderness without Jesus), and roundabout my transient life, with thanks to the Navigators, God brought me to Columbia, South Carolina, particularly to Bible college where my life has been transformed, and continue so yet through these days. Perhaps I can consider my coming to Bible college my mortal “Promised Land,” and thus my continuing in Columbia through this temporal time. (Columbia has been my home since the summer of '73.)  But then came my fifth misstep—my hasty move back to Ohio. Perhaps as the prophet Jonah, so for me, I’d considered those days back in Ohio had been as eight months in a fish belly. (The story of Jonah has been in my heart, for some reason, ever since a message I've heard when I was in Bible college.)

The coming of my unemployment (07/11/2008) I believe has been the "defining moment" of my life; the Lord had turned my focus more on the realization of the "greater cause.” And less on the things of this temporal time[xv]. I have realized that I had seen two worlds (two realities), as that Native American in my youth predicted I would see.  Apart from the things of God, everything else here in this time has little or no meaning to me now, particularly my TV viewing, the Hollywood craves, and sports fanaticism.

Here now, until my eternal home-going, continuing my trek along this temporal way, I desire my life to be that of a light-bearer and salt-spreader of God’s eternal truth[xvi], I having been spewed out of that “fish belly”[xvii]

Any other money-making job should the Lord yet have for me in this temporal time, I pray that I won’t get hooked again that it’s primarily for the making of money—the supplying of my livelihood, even the fattening of a financial portfolio. As any job or career should be, for the Christ-follower, as God's provision to enable us to carry on the more real work for this time, in so realizing God, our Provider, and that’s the greater pleasure in this temporal time.[xviii]

How that greater pleasure is to be, particularly now through these most unnatural changing times. The prayer of my heart these days seems to be, since 2016 (and maybe even since the coming of my unemployment), as the apostle John expressed it recorded at Revelation 22:20, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Reflecting upon Revelation 21:1-8, I can only try to imagine that greater day in history—no greater joy will there be than that day of Jesus’ return when everything will be made new.

And so, I cannot see now how I can live my life as I had done through my pleasurable youth years, without regard for the immortal. (See Colossians 3:1-3.)

As 1 John 2:16-17 (ESL) reads, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life [or pride of possessions]—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

I had noticed a book titled Your Best Life Now. Reflecting on that title. it occurred to me that in Jesus it’s the better life now until our eternal home-going (our upper taking) and then it’s the best life forever. And thus, I composed the following poem: 

Discover for yourself the Steps to Peace with God

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[i] “A minced oath is a euphemistic expression formed by deliberately misspelling, mispronouncing, or replacing a part of a profane, blasphemous, or taboo word or phrase to reduce the original term's objectionable characteristics,” Wikipedia

[ii] See Romans 3:9-23; Psalm 14:1-3; 53:1-3) John 3:16-17; 14:6

[iii] See Psalm:139:16

[iv] Disneyland was a fun time in the years of its founding—the Walt Disney show, Disney movies, the Mickey Mouse Club—but with the changing of times and my heart, too, brought a new thinking to the purpose of it all.

[v] See John 3:3

[vi] See John 1:12-13; 1 John 5:11-12

[vii] See also Jeremiah 1:7-8; James 1:19; 2 Corinthians 12:9

[viii] Now Eastern Florida State College

[ix] Now Columbia International University

[x] Now Christar

[xi] See Mark 10:46-47

[xii] Now Frontier Ventures

[xiii] Now a part of Joshua Project

[xiv] Now William Carey Publishing—publishing books on Christian missions

[xv] See Acts 20:24

[xvi] See Matthew 5:13-16

[xvii] See Jonah 3:1-4

[xviii] See Matthew 6:25-34; cf. Luke 12:22-34

A Prayer of My Heart: Come, Lord Jesus

Daniel 2:21-22 (NLT)

²¹ [God] controls the course of world events;
    he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the scholars.
²² He reveals deep and mysterious things
    and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
    though he is surrounded by light.

 

The prayer of my heart through these most unnatural fearful and changing times, since 2016 (and maybe even since the coming of my unemployment in 7/11/2008), seems to be as the apostle John expressed it recorded at Revelation 22:20, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Reflecting upon Revelation 21:1-8, I can only try to imagine that greater day in history—no greater joy will there be then that day of Jesus’ return, when everything will be made new. 

 

Until then considering history’s timeline, God’s Word so declares, recorded at Esther 4:14, that God brought Esther, a Jew, into her position for “such a time as [her day].” Queen, when Xerxes was king of the Medo-Persian empire, Esther was not fearful to go before the king to save her people. “If I perish, I perish,” she said. (Consider Esther 4:16.)

 

As well, as I have read in Isaiah 45 (see also Ezra 1:1-4), that God “anointed” pagan King Cyrus of Persia to “allow God’s city, Jerusalem, to be rebuilt, and he would set the exiles free without expecting anything in return,” so notes the Life Application Study Bible on Isaiah 45:1-8.  So I believe I can see God’s “managing” of America’s 2016 presidential election (to the surprise of us all, the news media, and even the other side) in bringing God’s “anointed” one into the White House for such a time as this day.

 

Since 2016, thanks to America’s newly elected president, evil deeds have been exposed, and continues so, of plans long in the making, I believe, to attempt to tear down America, my mortal native homeland. To make it something else, other than what our founding fathers have intended it to be, established upon biblical principles.

 

Then, in these changing times of 2020, comes a pandemic—an outbreak of a disease—spreading a virus throughout the world, causing illnesses and the deaths of many people. And then violence (more disastrous in my thinking), anarchism and chaos rampaging throughout America’s city streets causing anxiety, despair, and fear in the hearts of many (and can I say “majority”) of America’s worthy citizens.

 

Oh, in my lifetime never before have I seen anything so horrendous. No wonder, in realizing the greater reality that there is more to life than this mortal time, the prayer of my heart is “Come, Lord Jesus.”

 

In getting through these horrendous days, may it not be a return to living our lives as if those past events had not happened; I cannot see how we can live now as if they hadn’t. (Most impressive in my mind, the end of this mortal time is nearer than ever before.) May we realize the “new thing” (consider Isaiah 43:19) God wishes to do through us through this continuing temporal reality.

 

And so I pray, as was begun (in 2016) in turning America back to the right, according to our founding fathers' ideals, may it so continue. To show us all worldwide of America’s true founding, that we for a time will know what it’s truly like to be “one nation under God.”

 

Revive Your Church, heavenly Father, throughout this land (and the world) to a greater revival then what has ever been seen in history—Your story. And may we realize to a greater extent, our gathering in our local fellowships/congregations (of which there are many of the body/bride of Christ), that we gather to go (not merely to gather) to take the Good News of Your love, grace, and mercy to all the peoples of the earth—across the street, around the town, throughout the world—until our eternal homegoing individually or corporately. It is only in You, Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua), You the greatest revivalist, restorer, sustainer, and healer. In Your precious name, I pray, Amen.

 

The apostle Paul has written, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. ² Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity,” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Restored to Follow

Previous, see Genesis chapter 20: Abraham, living in a land not his own, fears for his life. “Lest they kill me for you,” Abraham said to his wife Sarah, “say you are my sister.”

Abimelech does take Sarah for himself but commits nothing immoral with her since God has given him a warning in a dream. So even though Abimelech is not a believer, God protects him from sinning (and of course protects Sarah as well).

Giving Abraham many gifts, and returning Sarah to Abraham, Abimelech sends them away, saying, “Let this compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you,” (Genesis 20:16.) Note, though, that Abraham also did wrong. (Should he have lied and deceived to save his own skin?) Abraham prays to God on behalf of Abimelech; God restores Abimelech and his household.

Now (Genesis 21:22-34), Abimelech visits Abraham again. “It’s obvious God is with you,” he says to Abraham, “Helping you in everything you do. Will you promise me that you will never deceive me, or my descendants? Be loyal to me and this country where you are living as a stranger.”

After settling a complaint Abraham held against Abimelech about a well that Abraham had dug (Genesis 21:24), the two agree together. They settle their differences, agreeing at the well-named Beersheba, “well of the oath".

Abraham had lived for a long time a foreigner in the country of the Philistines. Yet to come: Abraham is about to face his ultimate test…

Fast-forwarding now to the New Testament era, when God walked the earth in the person of Jesus, the Son. He, too, was a stranger in the world, even that which He created. (See John 1:10-11.)  Even his own people rejected Him. (See Isaiah 53:3.) All who do accept Him, however, by God’s marvelous grace and love are born again into His family. (See John 1:12, 13; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9.) God calls them to share with the world the wondrous story. (See Matthew 4:18-19; Acts 1:8; Isaiah 6:8-9.)

Peter is one of those disciples, called – with his brother Andrew – out of his livelihood to become “fishers of men,” (Matthew 4:19-20.) Though denying three times that he ever knew Jesus, he repents; Jesus restores him – three times – and predicts how he will die. (See John 21:15-19.)

And so, in the Bible book that bears his name, Peter admonishes and warns, “[We, too,] as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ [in this world should] keep away from worldly desires … [And] be careful to live properly among [our] unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse [us] of doing wrong, they will see [our] honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world…” (1 Peter 2:11-12.)

And as Jesus has called the twelve, so He calls us as strangers in this world, “Follow me.” Answering the call, we can be assured that

He will lead us all the way;

He will teach us what to say.

(See Exodus 4:11-12.)

Fast-forwarding now to the 18/19^th Century we meet Henry Martyn – “pioneer missionary to Muslims.” Previous: Born in Cornwall, England, in 1781. Graduated with top honors from Cambridge. Turned from God in his youth. But the death of his father, plus the influence of family, friends, and the writings of David Brainerd transformed him spiritually; and gave him a vision for Christ’s Kingdom work on earth.

Continuing: In his desire to glorify God, Martyn set out to practice self-denial. Also, celibacy, seeing how the single life offered greater opportunities for “heavenly-mindedness.” (See Colossians 3:1-4.) Later, however, he found himself distracted by affection for Lydia Grenfell, his cousin’s sister-in-law, six years older than him. But, convinced he can serve God most effectively unmarried (See 1 Corinthians 7:32.), he bids farewell to Lydia (though he will keep in touch by letters), and sails for India.

A deep confidence in Scripture, translating the New Testament is Martyn’s passion. But he is not unhindered by hostility (the evil one continually working to disrupt Christ’s Kingdom work on earth). Of such Martyn writes, “I wish a spirit of inquiry may be excited, but I lay not much stress upon clear arguments. The work of God is seldom wrought this way.”

Finally, frail in health he seeks rest and recuperation. At this time, he hopes to renew his relationship with Lydia. But before that can happen, he dies in Asia Minor, "a stranger in a strange land", in 1812. Upon his first arrival in India, Martyn had written, “Now let me burn out for God.”

“… We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus [restored to follow] so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10.)


Coming next month Tested and Tried

Do Not Be Afraid, God Cares

The Scripture for this post is  Genesis 21:8-21 and Matthew 1:18-25.

Time-traveling to the Old Testament era, we find Hagar in the wilderness with her son, Ishmael. Having been driven out by Abraham (because of Sarah's jealous demand); she is wandering and about to perish. Her water container (given to her by Abraham when he sent her away) is empty. Afraid, Hagar abandons her son; she doesn’t want to see him die. She weeps.

Flashback: “I heard you walking in the garden," Adam replied to the LORD God, “so I hid because I was afraid, being naked” (Genesis 3:10). And so fear enters the world of mankind, seemingly for the first time.

Before Genesis chapter three, however, Adam and his wife, Eve, walked with God in peace and harmony (hence, no need to be afraid). But then, since mankind’s disobedience, God has to remind His created beings, “Do not be afraid.” And God continually reminds us through His Word that we have nothing to fear, but can trust in His care.

Returning to Hagar: (Genesis 21:17 – Hagar was Sarah's maidservant): Hearing her crying, God sends His angel to her: “Do not be afraid, Hagar. God cares for you. Go back to the boy. Be assured of God’s promise: He will make a great nation from your son’s descendants.” (Genesis 21:18.) God provides a well full of water there in the wilderness. Hagar refills her container and gives her son a drink.

(This is not the first time, however, Hagar was driven from Abraham and Sarah’s presence. Earlier (Genesis 16 we saw Sarah’s impatience at not being able to have children. We also saw there God’s care for Hagar, the same care He has for all of mankind whom He created in His own image [even though that image was distorted through Adam and Eve’s one act of disobedience]. Thus, that one act sets up God’s continual plea to us, “Do not be afraid. I’m your God who cares for you.”)

Our "time machine" takes us now to the New Testament era, and to Joseph’s dream (Matthew 1:18-25) He is that Joseph who is engaged to Mary, the mother-to-be of the promised Messiah, Jesus.

“Do not be afraid, Joseph, to take Mary as your wife,” the angel of the Lord says to him, “For the child within her is of the Holy Spirit.”

Waking up, Joseph obeys the angel and lets stand his betrothal to Mary. She gives birth to her son on that blessed Christmas morn in the little town of Bethlehem – the city of David – south of Jerusalem (while she is still a virgin) Luke 2:8-11.

.

Then, the news rings out to the shepherds abiding in their fields. The angel of the Lord encourages them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people…” (Luke 2:10.)

Hurrying to the village, where they find Mary and Joseph, the shepherds’ faces brighten in seeing the baby Jesus lying in the manger. It was just as the angel had said to them about this child: “The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today…” (Luke 2:11.)

Witnessing this great event in their lives, the shepherds return to their flocks, giving glory and praise to God, and telling everyone their story, to the astonishment of all those who heard (Luke 2:16-20).

Flash forward: The Jews in Corinth resist the Apostle Paul’s message to them about this Jesus, who was born their Messiah and Lord (Acts 18:1-11). Paul is discouraged. Then, while sleeping one night, in a vision the Lord encourages Paul – and Christ-followers today in sharing the Good News to their neighbors, co-workers, and the ‘nations’: “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city [and around the world] belong to me” (Acts 18:9-10.)

Ours is to Go, as Jesus commissioned, and find His people (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20)

  

We zoom ahead once more, now to the 18^th Century, and meet Henry Martyn. As Ruth A. Tucker puts it in her work From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, he is “sometimes described as the pioneer Protestant missionary to Muslims.”

He is born in Cornwall, England, in 1781. Completing his formal education, he enters Cambridge University, graduating from there with top honors in mathematics.

Flashback: Martyn drifts from God in his youth. However, the death of his father, the

David Brainerd

 influence of family and friends, and in particular the writings of David Brainerd, bring about his spiritual transformation and a vision for missions.

Of Brainerd, Martyn says, “I long to be like him. Let me forget about the world and be swallowed up in a desire to glorify God.”

And so in 1805 Martyn sails for India. He serves as a chaplain with the East India

Company. He then meets William Carey who recognizes Martyn’s brilliance and encourages him to do Bible translation. This becomes the yearning of Martyn’s heart.

Martyn serves on military posts, preaches to Europeans and Indians, and establishes schools. He also finds time to work on translating the New Testament into Urdu, and later into Persian and Arabic; his closest assistant is a Muslim convert.

Henry Martyn persists in the work God has called him to despite difficulties (even hostility) and ill health; he is not afraid. At only 31 years of age, Henry Martyn departs the physical realm (through death) from Asia Minor in the autumn of 1812.

As the Apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy, so it is for Christ-followers today, as we labor in Christ’s cause for the ‘nations’: “Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. [He’s your God who cares for you.] Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you” (2 Timothy 4:5.)

Nearer Than Ever Before

An article I've written of my reflection upon these times. I first published on Hubpages 

“…  But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power…” 2 Timothy 3:1-5; cf Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 4:5-6.

More to Life Than the Mortal Time

It’s evident that we are living in a far different world than ten years ago; evil is on the rise today more so than ever as it seems. Well, at least as far as I see it viewing from my timeline. Corruption has been rising since humanity’s fall (see Genesis 3:22-24) in the Garden of Eden, somewhere in the land of the four rivers – the Pishon,  the Gihon, the Tigris, and the Euphrates (see Genesis 2:8-14). And evil continues to be the culprit of rousing rebellious and untruthful schemes. Many have fallen to the lies of the evil one (see Ephesians 2:1-3; First John 5:19), who is desirous that everyone else falls with them.

Wow, I’m sure glad there’s more to life than this mortal time; other than the immortal, life would make no sense. Ah, then what is the meaning of our mortal existence?

Finding God’s Direction

For me, my life’s meaning after finishing high school, obviously some decades ago, I had not truly discovered it then. My fault, perhaps, but I’m glad now I waited until I got further down the road in finding God’s direction for me. (See Proverbs 16:9.)

And yet now, my mind entertains a thought: the end of this mortal time is nearer than ever before. These days, how can we look very far “down the road” in making plans as to what to do next. These days, I’m catching most appropriately the meaning of “one day at a time.” There’s nothing wrong with planning, of course, except as the saying goes, “should the Lord tarry.” Meaning, I think, it’s good to plan, yet with the end in view. As the Scriptures read, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that,” James 4:15. (See the context James 4:13-17; cf Proverbs 27:1; Job 7:7; Psalm 39:5; 144:4). 

Of course, for the Christ-follower, whatever we do – job, career, vacationing, playtime – living in this mortal time, it’s to be as a witness of our faith, I believe. As all through the years, our schedules should incorporate. Of course, if all there was to life was the mortal time, it would not matter what job or travels to take. All that mattered then would be fattening  a financial portfolio, maintaining our earthly “mansion,” and enjoy a “vanity fair[1].” (Consider Luke 12:18-20.)

And so as I consider it, let this be my prayer that whatever my daily tasks may it be as God’s enabling to carry on in the higher cause until Christ's return, and then comes the best life. (See Matthew 6:25-34.)

The Real World Discovered

My life has been renewed, and the real world discovered. In viewing these “signs of the times,” however, (see Matthew 24:4-7; 2 Peter 3:3-4), I can’t help but realize more so now that the end and the Lord’s return is near.

Yet, consider Matthew 24:36-37, "...concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son[2] but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah [see Genesis chapter six], so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

With me, viewing the current events, I can’t imagine another 20, 30, or 40 years, or more, maybe not even ten years. But, thinking biblically, until all peoples hear the Good News – every nation, tribe, and language. (See Matthew 24:14.)

Nevertheless, eager for that day, praying, "Come Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua). Make all things new." (Consider Isaiah 43:18, Isaiah 43:19, Revelation 21:5, Isaiah 65:17.) But until then, in so watching, let us keep our lamps trimmed and burning, and shining brightly that the “nations” (peoples), too, may discover God’s (Elohim’s) direction for them. (See Matthew 25:1-13; Philippians 2:12-18, Ephesians 2:1-13.)

Philippians 2:10-11 (TLV) “…that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow,[3] in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue profess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord—to the glory of God the Father.”

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[1] Vanity Fair “(in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress) a fair that goes on perpetually in the town of Vanity and symbolizes worldly ostentation and frivolity. (often lowercase) any place or group, as the world of fashionable society, characterized by or displaying a preoccupation with idle pleasures or ostentation,”

[2] Matthew 24:36 Some manuscripts omit nor the Son

[3] Philippians 2:10; cf. Isaiah 45:23

Where Has the Joy Gone

An article I've written of my reflection upon these times. I first published on Hubpages 

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory," Colossians 3:1-4.

Horrendous Times

No March madness – um. The NBA, as well as the NHL, has canceled the remainder of their seasons – um. Baseball, too, has delayed the opening of its season – um. Lots of businesses, offices, retail stores, dine-in restaurants, theatres, have been ordered to close – even houses of worship – um. Because of it all, many people have lost their jobs, becoming unemployed. All because a vicious virus has attacked. A "pandemic" as it is called, unlike anything today's world has ever seen spreading across the globe. Fears, panic, and anxiety grip the human soul, um – what'll we do now? When seemingly all is going well, then suddenly, the "bottom drops out" – will there be a starting again, or is it the end of it all? A loss of joy?

Yes, these are horrendous times, yet driving home to me the truthfulness of God's Word. I have realized it in these days now more than ever. And so, learning it, the more purposeful reason, I believe, for living in these times is setting our affections on the things above – the immortal, eternal world, not on earthly things – the temporal, perishing world, as the Bible so tells us. (See Colossians 3:1-3.) And sharing the joy of the soon return of the King of kings. (See Colossians 3:4, cf. Revelation 22:12-13.)

If all there was to life was this mortal time, life would not be worth the living; living for eternity is all that matters. "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child [focused mainly on this mortal time], I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up [the least important" (1 Corinthians 13:11 [brackets mine]). Apart from knowing the Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua) in this mortal time, there is no real joy.

Two Worlds

Source

Ah, yes, two worlds there are, indeed, since Genesis chapter three. That evil one kicked out of Heaven because of its pride in wanting to set himself up above God. There in the Garden of Eden, he tempted a couple – Adam and Eve – and they yielded, sending the entire human race into rebellion against God. Where pride, self-will, "I did my way," morality, religion, philosophy had become the order of the day.

It was not so in the beginning. Then, God spoke everything into perfect being for His glory (Genesis chapters 1 & 2). Then, there was real joy and rest, as God intended it to be, even in our labor. God still calls people to come back (through Jesus – Yeshua – His Son) and once again enter His rest (see Hebrews 4:9-11; Matthew 11:28; John 1:1-5; 12-14). There, harvested the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Lasting Joy

Living solely for the things of the temporal world, as in a play, when the curtain drops, the show ends. The joy, too, is lost except for the good things of it all remembered for a time.

Living for the eternal world, thanks to the curtain torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51) and the stone rolled away (Luke 24:1-3), the joy continues for all time and eternity to all who believe and receive, coming to faith in the Lord Jesus (John 1:12-13, cf. 1 Timothy 4:9-10).

And so, this I pray, come Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua). In the meantime, let it be our one fixation to live for Your cause till all peoples hear.

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you'" – as salt spreaders and light-bearers of His eternal truth. (See John 20:21; Matthew 5:12-14; Philippians 2:12-18.)

Trusting God: Turning Our Worries, Doubts, and Fears into Laughter and Joy

“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14.) Absolutely nothing. He brought everything into being at His spoken command. He can do anything He desires to do with, through, and for His creation. He can do it in His way and in His time. He can make bread from bricks, dissolve pain with a gentle loving touch, cause the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. He can dispel evil, storms, famine, pestilences with the breath of His mouth. With Him, there is no such thing as an impossible task.  What is my impossibility? I must give it all (my all) to Jesus (Yeshua), the Christ (Messiah).

He performs the impossible for His glory. And in the process, he gives us laughter and joy. This is what he does for Abraham and Sarah. He had promised them the impossible, and we read here in Genesis 21:1-7 of his delivery: Sarah gives birth to a son for Abraham in his old age (he's 100). This baby comes just as God had promised many years earlier (Genesis 21:2; cf. Romans 9:9). Abraham names his son Isaac.

Sarah too (at 90), is far beyond the age for childbearing. (Indeed, she was already far beyond childbearing many years earlier when God made the promise!) “God has brought me laughter,” Sarah declares.

Yet, why does Sarah laugh, being so surprised? If she had simply believed God in the first place, her worry, doubt, and fear would have dissolved and she'd have been relaxed in God’s peace; as we see, God does fulfill his promise, howbeit "in the fullness of time", according to God’s schedule, not ours.

Zooming ahead now, to the New Testament era: We hear of another birth to be (two, in fact) which comes just at the right time (See Galatians 4:4.) – according to God’s perfect plan, not ours.

The angel Gabriel comes to a virgin named Mary and says, “Don’t be afraid, Mary … for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31.)

But before this, Gabriel had already appeared to Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin. Elizabeth is, like Sarah of old, advanced in age, beyond the age of childbearing.

Zechariah is shaking in fear at Gabriel's appearance. Gabriel assures him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! …Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.” Gabriel goes on, “At his birth, you will have great joy and gladness. Many others also will rejoice” (Luke 1:12-14).

Yet, it is the birth of Mary’s baby, Jesus, which will mean greater joy for all ‘nations’ (peoples of the earth), as the baby within her is of the Holy Spirit, the child of the promise – God Himself becoming one of us to set us free from the curse of the Law. (Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Galatians 4:21-31.) (Indeed, the baby who was bringing such joy to Elizabeth and Zechariah, this yet-to-be-born baby himself, leaped with joy at Mary's news of the coming Savior of the World!)

And herein is our laughter and joy – we who believe – as Elizabeth proclaims concerning Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed … you are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said” (Luke 1:42, 45.)

And we are blessed who take God at His word – the God of the impossible – and proclaim this Good News of great joy to the ‘nations’ (peoples of the earth).

Moving forward now to the Nineteenth Century and to the South Pacific islands as we look in on Florence Young, a native of Sydney, Australia. She is teaching a Bible class to the South Seas plantation laborers.

Having studied the Bible since early childhood suits Young well for her teaching ministry now. Thus, she finds her niche in God’s will for her life. Her first class of ten men, meeting on Sunday, soon grows to eighty, about half that number comes to her class each evening during the week.

The men have been imported from the islands through trickery and kidnapping – "blackbirding” – to work on the plantations. Even though laboring long hours in the scorching sun, they “sacrifice their hours of rest to come [to Young’s Bible class] and hear the gospel” (From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, by Ruth A. Tucker). No impossible task with God. He works even through that blackbirding business to open doors in the Solomon Islands for the spread of His Good News.

So overwhelmed and encouraged at the response, trusting God, Young branches out to other plantations on Queensland, where some 10,000 laborers live. Receiving a monetary gift from George Mueller she begins the Queensland Kanaka (imported laborers) Mission. With the help of other missionaries, thousands of laborers enroll in classes. Some eventually carry the message of God’s love back to their own people.

God performs His work: Through His people. Yielded to His cause (regardless of the works of man – good or bad). And, there are no worries, doubts, or fears in our walk and work of faith. Let this be our endeavor, therefore, in proclaiming God’s love to the ‘nations’ (all peoples of the earth): Simply take God at His word – trust Him – and relax in the laughter, joy, and peace He gives, implementing 1 Peter 3:15!

“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the LORD has done for them’” (Psalm 126:2.)

Coming next month Do Not Be Afraid God Cares