Angie and I returned on Sunday from Kentucky. I performed the wedding for our niece and her husband on Saturday. It was a beautiful fall day in the Bluegrass State. The wedding went well and was beautiful. What a joy to serve and minister to our family! I presented the Gospel to those in attendance, shared what God’s Word says about Christian marriage, and celebrated the two lives God joined together (Mk. 10:9).
As we drove home from Kentucky, I thought about the twists and turns of life. My mind constantly seeks to connect biblical principles to everyday life. Eleven hours in the car allowed us to talk and think. The radio was off the entire drive home. Here are five of my recent thoughts.
1. Things that seem out of style may come back in style. I remember the day when police cars had a single, round light on top. Guess what? They’re back! Georgia State Police cruisers have returned to that former style. For the record, I didn’t see the light on in my rearview mirror (smile). In a Gospel context, our message never changes. However, our methods do (and should) change. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
2. Life changes in the blink of an eye. On Interstate 75, accidents were plentiful. Life changed for those folks in the blink of an eye. Life is that way. All seems to be going smooth, and then, the doctor speaks the word cancer, the employer says Friday is the last day, or a spouse seeks to end the relationship. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
3. Seasons in life require waiting. If you travel Interstate 75, especially south of Atlanta, be prepared to wait. In an impatient, fast-paced world, waiting is hard. Waiting seems like a waste of time. However, our heavenly Father sees spiritual value in leading us to wait. He wants us to slow down, rest in Him, and learn to trust His timing. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
4. Our nation needs a mighty move of God. It’s impossible to travel right now and not see political candidate signs. Looking at those signs reminds me that our nation needs to hear from God and change directions. We’re desperate for revival! As you and I pray for discernment and wisdom to vote in less than a month, let’s ask God to revive our lives and land. Psalm 85:5-6 says, “Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”
5. Home is a wonderful place. Exit 99 is a great sign on Interstate 75. That exit reminds me that I’m two hours from home. It’s good to get away. However, it’s wonderful to come home. Dr. Billy Graham wrote a wonderful book entitled, Nearing Home. As believers in Jesus Christ, this earth isn’t our home. Our citizenship is in Heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:20). As each day passes, you and I are “nearing home.” We’ll see His face one day (Rev. 22:4). John 14:1-4 says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
I hope these five thoughts encourage you to enjoy the journey and yearn for home. Our God uses the twist and turns of life to conform us to the likeness of His Son.
I see you looking more and more like Jesus! Thank you for growing and maturing in Him!
“Nearing Home,”
Pastor Ronny
Revelation 21:1-4