Outlook!

It’s been nearly a month since the election and the results are still being debated; regardless of which candidate you listen to, their perspective of the results leans their way, lovely. 

A democracy gives us the freedom to believe and vote for what we believe in and I pray come thru Jesus. 

 I understand the frustration, no one likes to lose or admit they’re wrong. The truth is we each have different views on life and different values that shape us.

My best friend and I got in a debate over the election, yet remain, friends, because we listen to one another. Before the election, I had a heart-to-heart with my mentor who didn’t agree with me. 

I explained to him,he looks at politics through a business perspective, but I look at it through a spiritual lens, after he listened, he understood my perspective. The older we get in life, the more it shapes our worldview and priorities, and it shows what we love. 

What I believed when I was younger isn’t the same as my Outlook on life now, I’ve had to let go of most of my favorite things. 

 Outlook! 

 An Outlook is a person's point of view or general attitude to life. In college I was a seeker of whatever made me happy; it was a selfish view on life, gimmie gimmie After my accident, my disability gave me another view on faith; I decided Jesus, I will trust You. 

Growing up as an Army brat opened my eyes to other cultures; I enjoyed learning new things and growing; it taught me to listen. 

 From a Christian perspective, that was part of God’s plan from the beginning when he made Adam and Eve different and then put them together. 

God’s creativity in making different things isn't just a Christian belief; Genesis is the first book in the Jewish Torah. 

The book is important because it prophesied the coming King who would crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15.) Later the Jewish prophecies about the Messiah formed when Israel’s kings failed to save them. 

 There is the problem, the Jewish beliefs about the Messiah didn’t line up with God’s. Their views of power and greatness weren’t the same as God's perspective; even with all of the Jewish writings about how God’s ways aren’t man’s (Isaiah 55:8-9)—they still chased their selfish desires. 

 Growing up in church, I didn’t understand the difference between God’s way and man’s until I got involved with Promise Keepers after my accident, Godly men poured into me their wisdom.

 A brother urged me to read a book on Christianity through the Jewish perspective, ever since then my worldview hasn’t been the same.

 There are a lot of Jewish character flaws within the Christian community: pride, self-righteousness, materialism, and pursuit of greatness. Each of which King Solomon warned against (Proverbs 23:4-5.)

Don’t go berzerk trying to be somebody great. When the baby Jesus arrived, some Jews thought their time had come. But, as Jesus grew, His teaching contradicted the religious leaders of His time, He beat a different drum.

 Jesus even confronted them about their teachings, He said their works were of their father and he was a liar from the beginning, thus Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Genesis about striking the snake (John 8:44.) The Pharisees were popular Jewish teachers and Jesus called them out for their flawed perspective. No wonder they wanted Him gone.

 He threatened their authority. The knowledge they wielded was just to show off, not serve others. Jesus wasn’t the conquering King the Jewish people wanted; He wasn’t interested in earthly prosperity, He stood for Heavenly blessings. 

This is why I could not vote for a leader who put money before lives, who consistently lies to the people to push his agenda, not America's and certainly not God's (Proverbs 6:16-19, James 4:5-6!) Jesus put people before money and taught humility over greatness. 

The truth is most Christians have bought into the lie of the enemy, they fail to realize just because it is POPULAR, doesn’t mean it is Biblical; they follow popular goats who teach self-gratification instead of Christian foundations of sacrifice, patience, and humility.

 Most popular “teachers” only spew poison about how God wants to make believers rich and famous. We can’t change the world if we are living like it, make war with it. 

The gift of the Messiah is He saves us from ourselves and the trappings of this life by His grace—not that He gives us everything on our Christmas wish lists. 

When my parents were battling cancer, I brought them takeout from one of their favorite restaurants; I enjoyed watching my father enjoy his meal. When he didn’t eat his favorite dessert, I was puzzled. He shared with me sugar can cause cancer cells to multiply and spread. 

 This is relevant because it shows that what we crave and desire isn’t necessarily good for us and our Heavenly Father knows this; His perspective is eternal, not earthly. Do you hear what I hear when Jesus says deny yourself (Matthew 16:24?)

 I know! 

Last month I attended a Christian writer’s conference. One of my favorite keynotes was given by a former military pilot. He shared that as writers, we are called to handle the truths of God correctly; because as leaders, we will be held to a higher standard than others (James 3:1,) O’ come all ye faithful.

When I was young there was a saying, “You need to know that you know you are saved.” Now that I’m older I understand there is more to just knowing, it’s letting what you know shape how you live. If what you know doesn’t change your perspective, then your knowledge is useless; your love for the things of this world should die (1 John 2:15.) 

A New York Times best-selling author also performed a skit to illustrate this truth. A greeter was waiting at a gate for new arrivals. When a woman arrived holding her side as she looked around the beautiful setting. She asked the greeter why she was in pain because there wasn’t supposed to be any pain in Heaven.

 The greeter changed the subject by pointing out a room containing the treasures she had stored up. She had an unlimited spending account, more than enough to last for eternity. She was excited. He pointed out a room of harps for her to learn to play and make the big man happy.

 After grabbing her side she expressed her inability to play the harp, so the greeter pointed out the choir room where she can get her rob. 

 When the woman asked about her husband, she learned he didn’t make it and she wanted to talk to him, but that wasn’t allowed.

 Finally, the greeter said her husband was with God. The moral of the story is to make sure you have the right perspective on truth. 

 I had dinner with an older Christian and had a discussion about the difference between popular Christianity and Biblical Christianity, she was clueless. Wrong teaching leads to wrong beliefs and wrong beliefs lead to wrong living. In the scope of eternity that is not a good Outlook!

Better Together!

 

Recently I arrived at my church home early and sat in the foyer talking to an elder member of the church, as we looked at each other over our facemasks; we shared common concerns about the pandemic and what Jesus can do.

Although we’re from different generations, we share the same beliefs. We discussed our thoughts on the state of the church, our community and our political concerns.

I learned when I was youg to respect and listen to my elders, I understand their wisdom is invaluable (Leviticus 19:32.) This teaching started within my own family, but it applies to whatever community I am a part of.

Especially within the church community, since I have a deep desire to grow in my faith, I am eager to learn from the senior members of my church. Even if we don’t always agree on everything, we can still learn something from each other, dare to believe differently!

Typically, I don’t discuss my political views or conservative beliefs. But this particular Sunday morning the subject came rather naturally with the woman. She shared that in her nearly 80 years of life she had never Witnessed the country, our party or our community so divided.

It broke my heart as I listened to how she felt forgotten and belittled. Perhaps even betrayed by a party she has supported over half her life. She remembered a time when the nation and party stood together in unity. Like me, she never imagined America could be so divided!

 

 

While working on this blog, I went on a weekend getaway to North Georgia for some hiking and biking. While there I crossed the Eastern Continental Divide, an imaginary line that separates the easterly Atlantic Seaboard watershed from the westerly Gulf of Mexico watershed. Although the line isn’t visible, the direction of which way the water flows is obviously divided.

Divided!

America has always had its differences, but stood together as one nation. However, the stress of the pandemic has caused more divisive issues; we are more divided than ever by a Criminal-in-chief.

Decisive issues like abortion and gay rights have never divided America like it is now. Liberals are divided; conservatives are divided and even families are divided. Yet, we must all maintain the title of Americans, indivisible.

It was that way through the Civil War, Vietnam War; but now it is a war on America, not just our beliefs. The American Way, American livelihood has been politicized to the point of choosing between the economy and lives of the citizens; which is monsterous.

That is why I’m not a big fan of politics, politics are based on appeasing people; as a conservative I am more focused on pleasing God, that’s the Christian faith (Proverbs 16:7, Matthew 10:28.) God only knows what tomorrow holds.

If you don’t know me, I have never been a people pleaser. I stand on my convictions and my faith, yet respect the beliefs and differences of others at the same time; I pray you can give me respect  too. I have good friends and colleagues whom I don’t agree with on many things, but I don’t push them away because I look at differences as an opportunity to learn from each other and strengthen our bonds.

 

 

Unless of course they are headset on their views and refuse to even hear what others have to say. The church proves it is possible for different people with different abilities to work together for a greater good; all things beautiful aren’t the same.

Unfortunately, in America today there are many who only seek their agendas that cause divisions, when personal agendas take precedence over serving and helping each other; my friends regardless of your political party, this is not a Christian teaching or a wise way to live, it’s your love that allows you to listen to others and love brings healing.

One of the core principles of Christianity is a community, which is empowered by love and service to others, not self (John 17:21-24.) The Trinity of the Godhead embodies how we should work together.

Jesus stated that our ability to work together as one in the church is evidence of our faith (John 17: 21.) Unity is a very Jewish teaching most of Jesus'’ followers would relate to (Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.)

While God uses our differences to strengthen us, Satan uses them to divide. This is the truth Jesus taught to the Pharisees about how God’s Kingdom works (Matthew 12:22-28.) Satan’s plan has always been to divide and conquer, he did it in Heaven and he is trying to do it here.

Satan can even divide our attention and hearts. When I was younger I was constantly chasing every selfish dream. I was so busy that it was hard to hear God’s still small voice.

 Perspective?

 That isn’t the Holy Spirit working in our hearts, it’s Satan dividing hearts from knowing God’s will. When I was in my 20s an elderly couple I sang with in choir invited me out for lunch.

I declined because I didn’t want to miss out on a bike ride. I was saddened a few days later when I showed up for choir practice and learned that the elderly wife had suffered an aneurysm and died. I’ll never get the chance to sing or sit with her again on this side of Heaven. Why wait for Glory to get along?

That incident changed my perspective on doing what I wanted like a Puppet. It reminded me to slow down and listen to what God is saying through others.

Since God made all of us different, I am free to believe what I choose because we each have a unique perspective. This gives us an opportunity to learn from each other.  I have learned to hear God speaking through other Christians I respect, our Jewish forefathers understood the importance of listening to others —especially older believers (Proverbs 12:15, Ecclesiastes 3:7.) I am thankful we are better together!

The Hallowed!

Recently my mentor’s 96-year-old mother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. Still, she courageously fought the devastating disease for four years. She was like a grandmother to me. I remember going to North Georgia and staying with her for weekend visits and talking to her about her late husband who served in World War II.

Listening to old stories about how life used to be and how much things have changed. We would even exchange agricultural goods sometimes. She would give me fresh blueberries or jam from her garden and I would take her bags of pecans that I had picked up.

We shared excitement for nature. We also shared the same faith and it was an honor to sit down and interview her for my first book before the disease entered her mind. It was just the two of us in her home on the family farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 

 

Being a great grandmother who survived the Great Depression, she understood what it meant to sacrifice, there’s nothing to lose. I asked her how she sacrificed for her family. She looked at me in confusion and said, “It’s not a sacrifice when you do it for the people you love. You do the best you can for them and hope they turn out right.”

She understood the joy of sacrifice and its purpose. I witnessed the same sacrifice in my parents’ marriage. How my father often went without his desires for the sake of the family and how he was willing to risk his life health to make my mother happy.

Personal agendas cannot exist in a compromise. This is why Jesus taught His followers to deny themselves and take up their crosses daily, there is no best of both worlds (Matthew 16:34!) There are no excuses for Christians not to sacrifice in faith—unless of course, they're not Christians. The Bible is full of stories about the hallowed Saints who gave everything for their faith.

Hallowed?

Hallowed is a spiritual term, it simply means to be made holy or sacred, greatly revered. Remember when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-23?)

Not only was he walking on sacred ground, but Moses also became sacred because God had chosen him and would use him for God’s plan, not men—not Israel’s. He became great in the faith not because he was pursuing greatness, but because God chose him, until then he was exiled and hiding in the desert from Pharaoh.

 Moses sacrificed his position in Egypt for the good of his people and then God chose this willing servant. God knew Moses understood what it meant to give everything up for Him. Sacrifice puts self aside to pursue a greater good; I know it can set me free from my selfishness.

Sacrifice is part of living, as I write this our government is struggling to come up with a bipartisan package to help struggling Americans, there’s a struggle because some people just don’t know how to sacrifice or compromise, it’s selflessness to the core and it says take on me.

Selfishness snuffs out servanthood, it’s not the character of Christians. Throughout the Bible we see stories of believers who suffered for the faith; the first-century church is the blueprint for the church in the 21^st century.

On His way to the cross, Jesus told His followers that everything He was doing, they would do also all. All of those early followers did what Jesus said, they suffered and sacrificed and even gave their lives for their faith.

Sacrifice isn’t a popular or feel-good teaching, but it is a Biblical truth, it’s what believers do. As Kyle Idleman notes, “There’s a difference between being a fan and a follower of Jesus." Followers sacrifice, fans just say “Christian” things and attend church on Sunday morning, there’s a difference.

The Difference?

Jesus Himself knows the difference, which is why one day He will separate His sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-46.) Sheep follow the shepherd no matter what, goats have a mind of their own and only seek to satisfy themselves. I have learned that only God can restore me.

A goat eats whatever it sees, as long as it thinks it will satisfy the hunger inside, even harmful things. Goats often lead sheep to their death when left together, over a cliff or into dangerous territory; hence, the need for a shepherd to separate them.

Interestingly, this month many will celebrate Halloween. Traditionally, the holiday started as a spiritual one to remember the Saints of old, November 1st is All Saints Day and Halloween is the eve of celebrating the Saints who have gone home to our Father’s house.

 

 

While some refuse to celebrate the holiday like the world, others tend to miss the beauty in celebrating the sacrifices of our forefathers, they don’t play cheap.

Followers, true Saints, will follow Jesus to the cross no matter what; fans and goats pursue their own goals and dreams. They are unwilling to sacrifice like, the Saints, who are hallowed!

 

 

 

The Fall!

As I began to write this blog, news broke of Jerry Farwell Jr’s resignation from Liberty University. It has become another glaring black eye on the face of Christianity. How much is enough?

Over the centuries there have been many prominent Christian leaders who have compromised the faith. I am not surprised, because the saints are only human.

We will sin and make mistakes; the Bible is clear anyone who says otherwise is lying (yet another sin!) One of the clearest messages of Scripture is we are sinful by nature (Job 15:14, Proverbs 20:9.) I am painfully reminded by my past, how easy it is to turn from God to our selfish desires.

Our fallen nature naturally seeks self-gratification as a default, you can’t tell me nuthin’. As long as we live in this world, we will have the capacity to sin, especially while trying to be great; it has been that way since the dawn of creation and the fall of man (Genesis 3:1 – 24.)

The Fall?

After God’s prized Angel, the bright and morning Star became proud and strived to be higher than God, he was cast out of heaven; that was the first fall (Isaiah 14:12–15.)

Perhaps as an act of rebellion, this fallen Angel deceived the first Adam in the garden by promising him (Genesis 3:1–7.) All in the pursuit of being great, this was more than just a result of the fall, it originated as self-gratification and glorifying self in Heaven. I don't believe a man can handle greatness wisely without God.

The first Adam sought self-gratification, the second Adam, Jesus, sought and taught self-denial (Matthew 16:24, Luke 14:33.) Jesus came to restore the damage done to God’s creation by the first Adam.

It’s interesting to note that everything was fine while Satan was content with being God’s creation in heaven, but when he sought greatness, everything went amok. This is because only God can have the glory. And I don’t mean that in a contrite false humility Christian way, “To God Be the glory.”

God’s glory is His regardless or else He isn’t God. Over and Over Biblical legends have fallen from power after they sought greatness or when God made them great. There is only one way to go from the top and that is to fall back down.

God even allowed His anointed kings Saul and David to fall from power once they became proud and sinned against Him; don’t think God won’t drive you out of where He has you.

Even the Apostle Paul was humbled by God once he became proud and persecuted God’s people. The fall is humbling and helps put our role and place into right perspective. Only from there can we see what matters.

What Matters Most

Henry Lord Beecher said, “It’s not what we take up, it’s what we give up that makes us rich.” I want to be clear, it's not just the proud and arrogant who are called to deny self. Self-denial is expected of all believers, this is what it means to be faithful.

The author of Hebrews gives testament to this by listing a who’s who of fallen Saints of the faith who never received fame or fortune and sometimes daily needs. The author notes that these patrons of the faith would receive much better things in the new Heaven (Hebrews 11:36–40.)

These Saints may have been the least of this world, but they fixed their eyes on what matters most, not life here where everything is fading away right before our eyes (1 John 2:17.) Learn to see the beauty in dying to self—in becoming nothing just our Lord did (Philippians 2:6-8.)

Theologian and author Andrew Murray notes, “Christ Jesus came to breathe his spirit into us, to make us find our highest happiness in living entirely for God, just as He did.”

Ideally, we already do it every day in our relationships with others. Successful relationships require sacrifice by both parties, meaning there are times we don't get exactly what we want, and yet we can still be happy and celebrate more.

Because of self-denial, we can maintain and coexist; it’s a beautiful analogy of taking up our cross daily to follow Christ—to live for Him. The older I get the easier it is to see the beauty in self-denial.

This month we will see it in nature as the leaves begin to change and die, as the leaves die, they become more beautiful than when first growing. Perhaps it’s God’s way of showing us the beauty of self-denial, the beauty of humility. Strangely, we may have never known it, if it weren’t for the Fall.

No Vacay!

For the 4th of july weekend I wanted to take a daytrip to Athens, Georgia to grab lunch at one of my favorite eateries and to go sightseeing. It seemed like a simple way to celebrate the holiday weekend, I’m with you.

Normally, by this time of year I’ve taken numerous road trips North Georgia to get together with friends and explore the North Georgia, I’d be going to the top now—the pandemic has changed things.

After speaking with my mentor, I was convinced the best thing to do was to stay and enjoy the celebrations at home.

By no means was taking a trip a sin. But, the Christian life requires sacrifices at times; these sacrifices reveal what matters most to us. Despite what popular Christianity teaches, Christians aren’t promised to be drowning in everything they want in life.

Jesus made it clear His followers must be willing to deny themselves daily, that is how we take up our cross. Not by saying the right things—Christian love is doing the right thing, even when it doesn’t make sense.

A decade ago I began taking actions to move back to Colorado where I grew up and feel at home. It didn’t take long for God to close the door. Sure, I could’ve gone anyway, but that would’ve been disobedience. I believe God has kept me in the south for a reason.

I am reminded of what Georgia pastor Bill Purvis once said, “I’d rather be in hell and be in God’s will than be in Heaven out of God’s will—because being out of God’s will, would be hell to me.”

No matter how undesirable the situation, if it is God’s will then it is good for us, and no matter how desirable a situation is, if it isn’t of God, then it is bad for us. That is how God changed me through my accident (Romans 8:28.)

As I post this blog, I was supposed to be on my way to Colorado to visit some friends. Obviously, due to the pandemic that would be foolish and probably do more harm than good. There are times in life when it’s not wise to take a vacation, we just gotta live one day at a time, not 10K days.

Vacation?

Vacationing is a curious thing, according to the dictionary it’s, “An extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling.” The implication here is that there is no work to be done. Hence, breaks from a vocation.

However, through a spiritual lens, things look different; this world isn’t our home and God has made it clear that the church has work to do in this dark world.

Jesus taught the heart of Christianity is humility and service to others. If we’re alive, God has work for us to do in this wicked world. We are the salt and light of humanity which is more than just being positive—it means penetrating the farthest reaches of a fallen world, count me in.

He told His disciples to go out into the world and be the change; we can’t stay in our comfy little bubbles and let the world go to hell (Matthew 28:16-20.) Our job is to make sure God’s kingdom increases, not our bank accounts, which is crazy if you actually study the Bible.

When the church focuses more on believers than God, it’s no longer Christianity—it is paganism. The world seeks to satisfy itself and never has enough, so when the church seeks its own securities; it is mimicking the world, not Jesus. Our blessings aren’t Earthly, but Heavenly, we live forever.

Jesus taught His disciples to seek treasures in Heaven, not on earth. It breaks my heart that the 21st-century church has gotten our Lord’s teaching backwards.

Backwards?

Years ago John Piper declared, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” When the church focuses more on things of this world and being great here, we take our eyes off of heaven and Jesus. Our Lord taught the kingdom of heaven works opposite of this world (Matthew 9:30.)

• The least is the greatest.
• Humility is power.
• Less is more.

The church should not compare itself to a world that is quickly fading, Heaven is infinity. After Pentecost the church grew as individuals sacrificed for each other, which would heal my heart too.

They were persecuted for being different and washed in the Blood. They never tried to fit in with the Roman society because they were brave and knew they were different. As I look at the state of this world, the church needs to go and get busy, now is not a time for no vacay!

Liberty?

While working on this blog, a riot broke out in Atlanta over an act of a hatred that is out of control. I do not condone racism, which is a door that swings both ways; it doesn’t justify rioting, which isn’t freedom of speech—but further violence, that’s about it.

Growing up as an Army brat I experienced different cultures, those experiences that taught me how to treasure our differences, to understand they are opportunities to learn from each other.

When my family settled in the South, I didn’t fit in because my experiences were different. In college I was again treated to snapshots of different cultures: East Indian, Jamaican, Caribbean and European.

On one occasion I witnessed the hatred between a group of Muslims towards my Hindu best friend, all because he danced with a Muslim girl at a party in Atlanta. America has always been a melting pot of culture, things only melt when things get hot and as racial tensions increase around the world, we will see more conflict. In a way these growing pains are good; although many tend to abuse their liberties.

Liberty?

When I was a kid my father used to say, “Give people an inch and they take a mile.” I guess I was kind of a bad little boy; it is human nature (sin) to take advantage of our liberties.

The dictionary defines liberty as, “The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.” Herein lies the problem of liberty, it is both good and bad—you can feel it in your heart.

When we abuse our freedoms, we infringe on the freedoms of others. This is why we must learn to respect and understand our differences. But, the real problem is much deeper than social, political or economic statuses.

The real problem is we are sinful; it’s that sinfulness that leads to selfishness. And when we’re selfish, we become slaves to ourselves—no longer free (Isaiah 58:6, Romans 7:15.)

In Christ, we’ve been set free (Galatians 5:1.) I know I am free (John 8:36.) But not to use my freedom for however I choose. We are free from our wild sinful nature, but not from God.

We are free to express our opinions, but we don’t define what is right or wrong—only God does that. To know what is right or wrong, study God’s Word, but not for the sake of being right, but saved for the sake of knowing God.

The purpose of knowing is doing, I’ve learned that just because a person says all the right things doesn’t mean they are a Christian. The simple truth is a lot of professing Christians simply do not understand what it means to surrender to God.

They just don’t want to give up their desires, yet forfeit their rights to the kingdom of God. We don’t have the freedom to do as we please like the wild things we are.

Freedom?

Jesus set us free from this world’s cares. Andrew Murray cautions, “Then there is the tongue! Just think what liberty many Christians give to their tongues. They say that they have a right to think and say what they like: and when they speak about each other, when they speak about their neighbors, when they speak about other Christians, how often there are sharp and cruel remarks!”

Americans we pride themselves in their freedom of speech, but there is a catch 22. Freedom is an entitlement to everyone based on the 1st amendment; unless of course we don’t like it or agree with it, then it’s an infringement on others’ rights.

I think that last part is in the Constitution, it seems most Americans believe that and it is beyond me. When freedom works against us or isn’t ideal for our lives, that is considered hatred, someone hit the cray button.

Take for example wearing facemasks during this critical time in history, nobody likes wearing them; but we are all called to do our part to help end the spread of this virus. Sure you have a right not to wear one, but nobody has a right to risk the health of others, that is selfishness.

America was built on the sacrifices of our forefathers: white, black, brown and tan. To think we no longer need to make sacrifices because we’re free is unAmerican.

The beauty of America is we are all different, we haven’t always agreed, yet there has never been division like there is today.

The problem is we’ve been fed the lie of only “feel good” and “positive” garbage and if what we hear goes against that, we feel our freedoms are at risk. I know this is going to make me sound like a bad guy, but this no negativity only positive garbage makes me sick to my stomach, it is just Dum Dum. The psalmist declared we can trust wounds from a friend (Psalm 27:6,) that is how we let love lead.

If a person only wants to hear what they want, then they are self-centered and immature, God made all of us different for a reason. The analogy of the church the Apostle Paul gives is a great picture of how we use our differences together for good (1 Corinthians 12:4-12,) even the tongues of Angels which is for the lost, not the church.

Recently I had a discussion with a fellow Christian writer who was bothered by our differences. They even went as far to ask me not to comment on social media, unless of course it was “positive.” This is why American Christianity isn’t biblical; it has become consumer Christianity at best.

The Christian life isn’t a permanent vacation, no, Jesus promised we would face troubles in this world (John 16:13.) As Christians, we don’t wobble—we can’t pick and choose the parts of the Bible we want to believe, we don’t have that liberty.

Not of This World!

One of my favorite parts about being an Army brat was traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. My family lived in four different states and three different countries; each place contributed to who I am.

Our surroundings influence our character—this can be a good or bad thing. The Bible warns us to be careful about who and what we let into our lives, God is enough (Psalm 1:1-4.) While the travel was fun, it did have drawbacks.

I never made any good friends until after my family settled down in the south, second, I was an outsider and never fit in anywhere which didn't feel good. This contributed to me being more of a loner. Its part of the reason I’ve never felt led to settle down in the South, I know this isn’t my home.

When I started college, I began the process of fitting in with the southern culture and worldly living became my focus, it was pretty sad. Deep in my gut, I knew I was broken, but I didn’t have the courage to walk away from the world. I was a wanderer.

If left to my own devices, I would have gone too far. But, true to His word God called me back to Himself after my accident. The changes in my life since have been undeniable and miraculous.

I’ve left the partying lifestyle for over 20 years and I’ve stayed committed to God’s plan. Ironically, after spending most of my life in the South, I still don’t fit in and don’t know want to, since we are not of this world that faces extinction.

Not of This World?

After my accident I saw the light and made a covenant with God that if He healed me and allowed me to walk again, I would be committed to Him and His plans for the rest of my life; I wanted to be the man He wanted whatever it took.

I don’t have enough time to explain all of the things God has taught me since that humbling time in my life. But, you can see how God has blessed me physically and other miracles by keeping up with my Instagram page.

As I look back over the last two decades I can see how God has shaped me into the servant He wants me to be. This isn’t just for me, the church is called to be set apart for God—we live on earth, but we are not like it.

We are called to be set apart from the world to serve God, Scripture calls us royal priests (1 Peter 2:9.) Andrew Murray explains it this way, “we are members of that sickly body, and the sickness of the body will hinder us and break us down unless we come to God, and in confession, separate ourselves from partnership with worldliness, confess our coldness toward each other and give ourselves up to be entirely and wholly His. “

While we are on this earth, our flesh will crave what this world has to offer. But, the spiritual-minded person focuses on God, not this world. The early church and even the Apostle Paul struggled with this (Rom. 7:15-20,) we goin’ be alright in these hard times.

Jesus paid too high a price for us to remain slaves to this world—a price to set us free from it, not indulge in it; because we are no longer of this world, there is no need to chase that to be happy.

Before Jesus bore the agony of the cross, He told us He would prepare a place for us in His Father's house (John 14:1-4.) We don't have to fear the pandemic, economic crisis, or the senseless violence of this world, because this is not our home and one day we will leave it.

Jesus gave the decree; we will face many trials here, particularly in the last days. This is why we shouldn’t be surprised by the adversities we face now. We won’t be fully freed until we are home with Jesus.

The apostle Paul described his longing to be freed from the cares of this world, he knew to be absent from this rotting world is to be present with our Lord, it’s not goodbye.

Freed?

For the lost, death is a scary thought, for believers, it is a joyous thought, cancel the APB. The apostle Paul explained to be absent from this world is to be present with Jesus in our Heavenly Father’s house (2 Corinthians 5:1-3.)

A couple of years ago I attended the funeral of my high school sweetheart and the pastor’s message resonated with me. “While we grieve, she is rejoicing in the presence of Jesus.

Indeed she has been freed from her cancer-ridden body. As long as we wear our fleshly bodies, we are stuck in a strung out world. The apostle Paul tells us even creation groans for our eternal home (Romans 8:22-23.)

I was the primary caregiver for my parents as they battled lung cancer; I watched their earthly bodies waste away to nuthin’. My father was so ready to die he refused any treatment for his cancer.

I had a tough conversation with him before he died about whether not he knew for sure he was right with Jesus. He couldn’t talk well, but smiled and nodded his head. My last memory of him is knowing he was not of this world.