July 21, 2006

The Far Side Of The World

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Our citizenship is in heaven. —Philippians 3:20 Patrick O’Brian (1914-2000) is a celebrated author of historic novels. In 1969 he published Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World, a novel (later turned into a successful movie) about naval warfare during the Napoleonic War. One reason for this book’s popularity is O’Brian’s careful attention to navy lore and natural history with penetrating insights into human nature.

In one stirring scene, Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey prepares his crew for battle. He tells them: “England is under threat of invasion, and though we be on the far side of the world, this ship is our home. This ship is England.”

Captain Aubrey’s view of citizenship is based on loyalty, not location. And this conviction clearly illustrates a biblical principle. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, a Roman colony: “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

It is important for us to be reminded that though we are living on this side of heaven for now, our eternal home is the place where our loyalty should lie. We need to “set [our] mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). —Dennis Fisher

Beyond earth’s sorrows, the joys of heaven;
Beyond earth’s shadows, a glorious dawn;
Beyond earth’s battles, sweet peace unending;
Beyond earth’s sunset is heaven’s first morn. —Gilmore

As you mind your earthly duties, keep heaven in mind.

Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year: Psalms 29-30; Acts 23:1-15

I just watched that DVD last week. I saw it on big screen maybe 5 times... music great.. liked it all.. and what a good reminder re: that comment from Capt Jack..

Thanks Rus! Guessing billie is posting today? :-)

I missed garbage today. Got up at 7:30 & he had already come.. Usually pickup is 9:30=11...but they are covered. They say you MUST have your treasures out there by 7 or else you might miss it..

Fortunately I didn't have too much as I routines drop things off at community dumpster. I must have taken 20 bags this past week. So the two I have are not a problem

Anyone have a Wild Oats Market in their area? That is where my health q/a session was last night & I ended up using the 10% off coupon for various items.. got new brand of veggie burgers, some pizza (had one last night.. I truly believe it was the best I ever ate).. Brand AC LaRocco. with fresh tomato, feta, basil fresh garlic & sun-dried tomatoes. I added more fresh basil. Also bought some organic fresh veggies & green tea..

Thank you so much for these devotional readings, Mayor!

We need to “set [our] mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

A parable from our Master Jesus in Matthew 24 comes to mind:

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Also, this reminder:
"And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Luke 18...