6/27/2025
Hebrews 11 is the hallmark of fame of holy travelers who were remembered for their faith in God. Abraham is the forerunner of our faith, because when God told him to leave his family and his country and travel to an unknown destination, trusting Him to guide his way, without hesitation Abraham obeyed. It is through Abraham that the Hebrew line began, and God's covenant with His people was made. In Christ, believers also inherit these blessings and the mystery of a life following God's leading. There will be times in our life where we may not be given advance information, so we simply have to launch out into the deep. When I moved back to Virginia, all I had was a message to "get into the boat and sail to the other side." It took awhile, but I eventually did just that. Because of wrong decisions made previously, my entire family has faced dire consequences of not heeding God's "not yet," so I really needed to make sure this was God speaking. Obedience requires trust, but He does not promise a perfect ride. That's the journey.
This morning in our short devotional a question was asked regarding why people preferred living in cities to country living. The obvious reason is the convenience of having everything you need within a short distance. We have become an "instant society." Everything is made easier for us. Kids don't have to check out books, because they have chrome books or ipads. The fast food industry makes it easy to grab a meal and keep running. No more family meals around the table, discussing how the day went for all. No one goes outside to play, because they can play games on their devises, and they can have "AI" friends or companions. Personally, I lean towards the country lifestyle, and it doesn't bother me to have to drive an hour to a grocery store. I love the quiet, the clean air, the country smells, and the beauty of God's kingdom. I'm still waiting for that dream home or shack, I don't really care. I would accept a hobbit burrow in a hill, just so I could rest and dream. I live at the edge of country, with a row of crepe myrtle trees lining the back yard where I have situated my retro red metal chair, hidden from view, where I can enjoy the tranquility of nature. I had it positioned too close to the bird bath, so we fought for the location. My chair got the hits, so I moved it to a better area. I remember my daddy sitting out under the big maple in the back yard. It is still shady, but it is much taller now. He loved to rest in the cool of the evening. These are the simple things and ways, but few appreciate simplicity any more.
It's fun to study the history of civilization, noting how people lived, how they felt about their lives, the changes over the centuries. There are places, people who still live a simpler life style. The Amish people probably sticks out in people's mind, as they do not have any modern conveniences, living simply, in community, where they help each other in time of need. If one suffers, they all suffer. That sounds like how it was in the Acts 2 church. I admire the Amish people, because they work hard, and they actually enjoy it, plus they never go without anything they need. God provides.
I pulled out an old movie just to escape for a brief time, and to dream a bit. Divergent is about a futuristic world in which society is divided into five factions based on the characteristics of those within each faction. 1) Abnegation - included those who put others before themselves, lived simply, depriving themselves of unnecessary or self-serving pleasures. Even a mirror was not allowed, because it could lead to pride. 2) Amity - included those who lived peacefully with others, kind, avoiding conflict. 3) Candor - included those who believed in living honest, transparent lifestyles, devoid of any form of deceit or idleness. 4) Erudite - included elite members of society who prided themselves on their educational prowess and understanding. They considered themselves enlightened and obvious leaders. 5) Dauntless - included the peacekeepers, without fear, never afraid to take a risk, reckless in their attitudes and actions, resolute.
The title "Divergent" if acknowledged by those who administered tests was never disclosed, because it would bring death. These people were feared by others, because they did not fit into one faction, they had the characteristics of all five factions, so they were feared and eliminated. In reality, those within this all inclusive group, who possessed the qualities of all five factions, were the perfect balance all in one person. Who else would be better equipped to be the leaders in a society than one who shared all the characteristics of this society. It's an interesting study of people and what they consider the answer to living in balance.
The Lord gives us personality traits or "gifts of the Spirit" as we each have a plan and purpose for being on this earth. It's nice to know the gifts and callings of Holy Spirit, so we are able to walk in our purpose and be a blessings to all others. I was forced to take a spiritual gifts test a couple of years ago, and I really didn't fit into one category, rather they were all bunched up together. It's hard to say what I feel is more important than another. I've never bee a good test taker. I just did what I felt God was calling me to do, or if there was a vacancy in the church, I just stepped in to teach or do whatever was needed. I never considered myself particularly "gifted," but this didn't keep me from helping where needed. But, I do have dreams that never die, and I think that could be a good thing.
From time to time I revisit the question of fulfilling my purpose, so Max's quotation from his book got me thinking again, as did other prompts. So, who knows what tomorrow may bring. Perhaps I'm on the verge of a miracle?!
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