Where Are You?

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This has become an obvious point of debate among the world of science and theology. But perhaps when the reader goes beyond the date of when it all began to the place of where it all began to fall apart we see the essence of correct theology from a Christian perspective.

Let's just assume that the narrative of the Bible is true (Gen 1-2). Not to debate times and places based on writings or artifacts. But that maybe it really did happen the way it was written.

Adam and Eve were walking around in the Garden of Eden. Minding their own business, enjoying one another's company, eating the vegetation produced among the earth, mingling with the creatures, and responsibly displaying a deep appreciation of all that they were given.

And then one day...

There was a creature with an incredible ability not only to speak, but to cunningly and deceitfully convince these two humans to act irresponsibly by disobeying the one command given to them in the garden.

And the consequences...

They were naked and ashamed. They were already undressed yet perfectly content, but now there came a sense of shame for their deeds before ever encountering the Person whose law they had disobeyed (Gen 3).

What is so stunning is how God initiates the dialogue with Adam and Eve. "Where are you?" Consider that question as opposed to "What have you done?" I think the question God asks sets the tone of His intentions.

God's primary objective is not to question our acts of disobedience. His primary objective is to pinpoint our location. Why? Because His primary objective is not condemnation rather reconciliation (Rom 8:1).

 

Top 5 Moments from Kenya

How do I condense two weeks in Africa to "5 Top Moments?" Many people would consider a trip to Africa to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Perhaps that's true for me, too, but if the impact this trip has had on me is any indication then my intent will be to return again soon.



5. African Landscape
Beautiful! Overlooking the Great Rift Valley on Day 1 was only the beginning of many amazing views of the African landscape. I had the opportunity to hike Mt. Longonot, a 9,000 ft. dormant volcano, as well as seeing many amazing animals traveling through Lake Nakuru Park. The amazing views of God's creation accentuated the moments spent with the people of the Kenyan culture.





4. Mwi' Hangiri
"Little is much when God is in it!" This statement resounds in my head every time I think about this community. Considered an IDP camp, many of these families were forced to move to a place of nothingness. Now, living in tents and barely making ends meet, seeing their smiles produced by a joy only found in an eternal God makes spending the day with them a moment to be treasured.



3. Cornerstone Preparatory Academy
Barn turned school! In an attempt to produce individuals contributing to society, Naomi's Village is convinced of the need to educate their children. Wanting more for these kids than being farmers, sheep-herders, or hustlers, they're embracing the vision for students to pursue occupations like doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers, preachers, and lawyers. The educational highlight of the trip was the confirmation and celebration of the land purchase to build the new facilities for CPA.




2. Naomi's Kids
Smiles, smiles, and more smiles! What makes the smiles of these kids so special is hearing their stories of rescue. Lives of abuse, neglect, and fear now consist of love, provision, and security. Seeing how the NV staff continually offers nourishment, education, healthcare, and spiritual instruction has been a testament to the God-given compassion of a fine group of servant leaders. By far, my favorite moments spent with the kids were the nightly devotions and bedtime prayers.



1. That one's mine!
No question here! The most memorable moment of my trip was walking out of customs into the ATL airport lobby to be greeted by my blonde-haired, blue-eyed bundle of joy. My passion for serving the kids of Naomi's Village could only be superseded by the delight I find in holding my son!


Check out the video at the link below (Viewable on PC only)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHrrBKt9HLI

To Kenya and Back

Boarding a plane in Atlanta, I was on my way to Africa. Sure, I had my own presumptions of what I would encounter. But little did I know, my experiences would far surpass any expectations developed back in the states.

Who would have known that luggage tagged in the ATL airport would never make it on the plane to Kenya? That I would spend 10 days living out of my carry-on...

Who knew that "jet lag" was a legitimate phrase for needing to press reset on your biological clock? 

Arriving in Kenya, we made our way to Naomi's Village (NV). Bob and Julie Mendonsa and the rest of the NV staff were so welcoming and inviting for us to join the ongoing ministry of serving the kids and the surrounding community with the love of Christ.

The names, faces, and stories of these children from the NV website were now weighing heavily on our hearts as we heard their laughs, their cries, and their pleas for us to push them on the swing, kick the soccer ball, jump rope in the yard, and join them for bedtime devotions.

Our team, comprised of Georgians and Texans, took our good-spirited Southern hard work and hospitality to serve the kids of NV for two weeks. VBS, school work, soccer games, baby changing, story times, outdoor movies, bonfires & s'mores, and church services were all part of our itinerary for the duration of our stay.

Not a moment was wasted from setting out to accomplish all that we anticipated among the sights and sounds of the Great Rift Valley. While we served the children, visited the local hospital, and contributed to the needs of a nearby IDP camp, we were also afforded opportunities to see other forms of the Kenyan landscape such as Lake Nakuru, Mt. Longonot, and Nairobi.

One of the greatest takeaways from our trip is the message that the NV staff continues to instill in the lives of these orphaned souls: "Hope begins when a child belongs." Life is a gift! God has, in His infinite plan, set these children on a course to encounter excellent healthcare, education, and spiritual instruction to influence their peers, communities, and country with the power of the gospel; the life-giving gift of Jesus Christ. They aren't merely being rescued from an inconceivably difficult life of abuse, neglect, or malnourishment. They are being rescued from death to life and with this life they are declaring the goodness and greatness of God to the world!

 

Practical Steps to Knowing God's Will

I once heard a guy say, "God's will is not a target to be hit but a journey to be traveled." This statement has a profound effect on many people's search for meaning in life. This thought along with a recent conversation led me to write about seeing God's will like an interstate highway. 

Sure, there are many paths we can travel, traveling at varying speeds, looking up at the signs, taking breaks along the way (see recent post). But often times we encounter situations in life where the unexpected outcome has caused us to question our decision-making skills or the closeness of our relationship with God. 

So, what are some practical steps for knowing God's will?

Read God's Word. 
You will not find God's will in People, Cosmopolitan, Home & Garden, or Muscle Fitness. Knowing God's will requires knowing God's heart and knowing God's heart requires reading God's Word. God's Word reveals His character; who He is. God's Word reveals His plan; what He does. God's Word reveals His kingdom; where He is. 

Hear God's voice.

We probably won't hear God speak through a burning bush or a stubborn donkey, but nevertheless, He is speaking through the abiding nature of His Spirit to our hearts. The real test of discernment is  disciplining ourselves to hear and respond to God's voice rather than the internal exploits of self and Satan. Knowing and doing God's will requires a humble obedience to these promptings of His Spirit. 

See God's work.

In those clueless moments to knowing God's plan we oftentimes shift our attention to some ideal that stems from our self-indulged imagination. Here's what we must remember; God is already at work in the world around us (Blackaby). He is using our circumstances and the people around us to affirm the work He is doing in our lives. Know this: God's will is always pointing toward His glory and our good.

So, today, if you're wondering about the will of God, begin reading His Word. While it may not seem clear, remember the promise that He's always there. He will not abandon you in the moment you are needing Him to be present. He's speaking, but we must learn the discipline of listening to His voice. There are also people making the same trek to know God's will that you are on so let them help affirm the work God is doing in your life.

What's Next?

Recently, I had a conversation with a college graduate who asked the question, "What's next?" In an effort to appease his inner circle of influence, i.e., his parents and their money, he completed his college degree.

Nevertheless, the myriad of questions like "What job should I choose? Where should I live? Who should I marry?" all came whirling from his tassel-ridden head following the commencement ceremonies. Legitimate questions all posed around this one thought: Is this God's will for my life?

So, here's some advice for him and the masses of people clueless about their future endeavors.Think of God's will like an interstate highway.

There are people speeding in both directions. We are choosing to drive in one of two directions; let's assume that one is the right way and the other the wrong way.

There are multiple lanes of traffic. The speed and trajectory of our travels are determined by our position and destination. Remember, slower traffic keep right!

There are guardrails along the highway. While we have some freedom to choose one of the various lanes, we know the guardrails are intended to keep us from danger.

There are road signs navigating the way. While we can't see the end of our journey, we trust the road signs to lead us to our intended destination.

There are on ramps and exit ramps. These ramps are necessary for helping make many of our decisions; decisions to stop, rest, re-fuel, re-calculate the GPS, turn around, choose a different destination.

So, what do you tell someone who's scrambling to follow God's will but admittedly has no idea what to do next? My favorite verse in the Bible is Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  

Today, if you're seeking to please God by the choices you're making in life, realize this; God has a plan for your life. While we don't always see or understand His plans immediately, this idea of faith allows us to place our trust in Him so that when we look in the rearview mirror of life we see how His plan was unfolding all the time.

I know my advice doesn't answer the specific questions my friend was asking and neither does the Bible. The Bible says "the renewing of your mind" will lead you to align your life with God's good, acceptable, and perfect will.

What are you waiting for? Get on the highway! Start moving! Pay attention! Know the conditions! The route may require some unsuspecting turns but with God navigating the journey you will end up precisely where He wills.

 

Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness pt 3

A song from the 90's says, "if it makes you happy, it can't be that bad."

 

Really?
 

Chris Gardner, (Will Smith) in the "Pursuit of Happyness," speaks of our inalienable rights and suggests the genius of Jefferson's plight with the phrase 'pursuit of happiness.' It's as if to say we have the right to train our ambitious minds to attain this emotional state of ecstasy all the while realizing that it may simply be a figment of our imagination. 
 

"How can you say that happiness could be just a figment of our imagination? After all, doesn't God just want us to be happy?"
 

Here's what I know. Happiness can be an elusive creature that causes pain and heartache if it's promise isn't fulfilled.  

God created everything to be good; hence, happiness implied. But man's struggle to be satisfied by such perfect harmony resulted in a rebellious notion to sin. This attempt for a lifestyle of superficial happiness in the garden, in turn, led to a disappointing end.  

While we have continued to pursue our own means of happiness God has unveiled His redemptive plan to secure His original design; a relationship with Him. But why? Where Jefferson and Gardner fail to clearly explain this course of happiness, God continues to declare that our greatest joy is found in Him alone.
 

So, if happiness is not meant to be the climactic pursuit of this life, then, what is? If the apex of man's existence is not some moment of emotional ecstasy, what shall we say?

Perhaps God is wanting to chart a different course for us; the pursuit of something greater than the warm feelings of a happy heart. "Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace...from a pure heart" (2 Tim 2:22). When our pursuit of God navigates our thoughts, emotions, speech, and actions, we will find the greatest satisfaction known to man.

Don't seek to be happy! Seek God in His holy splendor and trust that when you find Him [yet, when He finds you], you will find all your heart ever longed for!

 

They Call Him [Big] Poppy

I know, I know. Anybody that knows anything about Major League Baseball would assume these few lines are to be filled with the latest stats or rants by the Dominican born slugger for the Boston Red Sox. I'm sorry if I let you down!

Poppy is the name my dad bears among his grandkids. He's the guy responsible for handing down our family name and a few traits, habits, and tendencies that I've grown to either enjoy or despise. Nevertheless, he's my dad and I wouldn't trade that for anything in this world. 

Growing up, I was a daddy's boy. Everywhere he went, I went. To the neighbors' house, church, grocery store, to feed our dogs. I was tagging along on the heels of my hero.

Dad's Passion
By passion, let's simply say a love and joy for life. Dad is a working man, a family man, a man's man. He hasn't been lethargic, uninvolved, or emotionless. He has shown great enthusiasm toward a variety of interests such as working, sports, and hunting. His passions have been influential in shaping our interests and it's allowed us to pass those interests on to the next generation of our family.

Dad's Presence
Most of my favorite childhood memories occurred at the sports fields, hunting fields, and church yards. There were days when his arrival home from work had awaiting him at the door a ball and glove enticing him to go back outside to play. And almost always, he gladly obliged. As a father, he has unquestionably fulfilled his responsibility to be present.

Dad's Provision
Growing up, we never did without; we always had enough. Like many other families, we experienced the difficulties of financial strain, but dad (and mom) always provided for us kids. His commitment to providing for the family created a sense of security that allowed us to rest comfortably in his care.

Now That I'm A Dad
Now that I'm a dad I can look back and see, perhaps, there has been some wisdom gleaned from my dad's influence in my life. So, son, until you can read this on your own, here are some things I want to be sure you know.

By God's grace:
1. I will love you with all my heart.
2. I will be present in every season of your life.
3. I will provide the basic necessities of life.
4. I will teach you to work hard, play well with others, and rest often.
5. I will lead you where I believe God is leading me.

Happy Happy Happy!

The month of June marks the beginning of summer for most. It's a time to enjoy sunshine, sleeping late, trips to the beach, and weekends with family and friends.

Yet, for others it is simply a continuation of the never ending cycle of working in this 'rat race' we call life just trying to get by. 

So how do we, as Phil often suggests, learn to live life being "Happy, Happy, Happy!?!"

Free your heart from hate.

Hatred stems from prolonged bitterness which finds it's root in pride and fear. A heart filled with Jesus will constantly pour out a love that's void of such condemning hate.

Free your mind from worry.

Anxiety is the pressure we place on ourselves when we try to carry the overbearing weight of living up to the world's expectations. The person who acknowledges the all-sufficient power of God's grace will learn to rest in Him rather than work themselves into the cycle of worry.

Live simply. 

Living simply rests in the realization that God is the giver and the gift. It's understanding the difference between needs and wants. It's realizing that people are more valuable than possessions. It's knowing that eternal treasures are more to be desired than earthly ones.

Give more. 

To say we are blessed is to realize that we have found true happiness not in what we attain but in what we choose to give away. God gives with the expectation that we will steward it well. Our grip on our possessions, time, and even our very lives speaks volumes to how much we trust the God we claim serve.

Expect less. 

The world that God created to be good and whole no longer exists. So it's unreasonable to expect the seamless reality of a perfect world because of man's decision to pursue a cheap substitute. Man's futile attempt to satisfy and be satisfied by this world is quite burdensome. Remember that this world is the training ground for the sanctifying work God is doing in us to prepare us for a perfectly eternal home with Him.

To the Least of These

A couple of summers ago I was able to hear one of my favorite singers perform the song "Kings & Queens" by the Newsboys. The song was written as a testament to the grace of God that has been shown to the weak, poor, and often socially unacceptable around the world. Songs, sermons, and scripture have led to a transformed heart by God's Spirit compelling me to serve 'the least of these.'

Naomi's Village
This summer I have the opportunity to shine the light of God's grace among the people of Kenya. Our team will be working with Naomi's Village, an orphanage founded by Bob and Julie Mendonsa located more than an hour from Nairobi, to "provide warm nurturing love, full nutrition, healthcare, excellent education, leadership training, spiritual care and counseling, and exposure to the world at large."

Our goal will be to join the mission established by the Mendonsa family to love the children and equip them to become the 'pace-setters' of God's kingdom in their own country. We will work directly with the staff of Naomi's Village, Cornerstrone Preparatory Academy, and Cure Hospital. My hope is to see the people of Kenya through the lens of God's love and to encourage others who are spreading His love through the work of Naomi's Village.

Why Go?
God has called.
As a seven year old kid, God radically changed my life when He saved me. As a fourteen year old teen sitting on the beaches of the Gulf Coast, God placed a call on my life to 'preach the gospel.' So, for me to abandon that call would be insanely forfeiting the experience of His grace.

God has equipped.
God has allowed me to experience the joys of success and pains of defeat to prepare me for a day like this; a day when my accomplishments pale into insignificance compared to the work He's done in me. God is using every day to prepare me for the next day; and so I'm choosing to use my experiences to help equip others to experience the joy of knowing Him.

God has promised.
God's plan is to use His church to make His name known among the world. So, when I go, God promises that His fame will be raised throughout all generations. I cannot surpass the opportunity to see how proclaiming His name will mark this generation.

How You Can Help
The most desirous gift I could request is for my Christian brothers and sisters to commit to pray for our team and the individuals we will interact with during our stay. My prayer is ultimately for God to reveal Himself in a powerful way. Additionally, we want to pray for the salvation of Kenyan souls, encouragement for all believers, safety and good health for the team, and patience and understanding for every circumstance that we may encounter.

Another way that you can help is through a financial gift to help to support the efforts of our team. While I'm certain God has commissioned me to go, I also believe He has called upon the body, His church, to participate through praying, sending, and sharing. Even the smallest financial gift would be greatly appreciated to help ensure the message that our team will be sharing, the message of Hope experienced through God's Love, is spread through the reach of Naomi's Village and beyond.

Additionally, you can follow me on various social media outlets to help share my experience with others. While internet access will be limited in Kenya, I will update my Facebook and Twitter feeds as often as possible. I will also attempt to use my blog to give a more detailed narrative of our experiences while on the field.

If you would like to make a financial contribution please mail your gift to the address below:
Kortney Jones
PO Box 1608
Chatsworth, GA 30705

Thank you in advance for your prayers, support, and gifts and I look forward to sharing with you the work that God is doing around the globe!

God Bless,

Kortney Jones

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness pt 2

"They may take our lives, but they'll never take our FREEDOM!"

Every man who's watched the gut-wrenching, adrenaline pumping story of William Wallace in the movie Braveheart knows there's a fight worth fighting, namely for freedom.

Many have forsaken the intent of freedom to mean entitlement. We have traded hard work for a handout and have neglected responsibility in the name of being the victim. There's an expectation that we are owed a return without making a true investment.

One author wrote, "Liberty is not to do as we wish but rather to do as we ought." To do otherwise is simply an abuse of our liberty. 

Abusing our liberties is a form of selfishness. A misplaced view of freedom leads to selfish behavior. We are granted certain freedoms as an opportunity to be contributors to society not merely to escalate personal gain. "Do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond slaves for God" (1 Peter 2:16).

Abusing our liberties forfeits influence. When influence is neglected we jeopardize the opportunity to speak truth into the lives of others. When influence is minimized we miss the opportunity to empower others for the greater good of any worthy cause. "You were called to freedom but do not let your freedom be turned into an opportunity for the flesh but through lover serve one another" (Gal 5:13).

Abusing our liberties discounts the gospel. When our liberties become law we discredit the foundation of the gospel. Our liberties, at their core, are merely gifts. When they are abused they misrepresent the good news Jesus proclaimed. Our first and primary liberty is the liberty we find in Christ Himself. And we must learn to function by this paradigm, "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed" (John 8:36).

As Christians, we must see our liberties as gifts from God useful for building up the community of faith as we serve the Lord's purposes. Many of us need to be reminded that life is not about doing what we want, when we want, as we want. Christ didn't purchase our life to do as we please! The sooner we realize the truth of Christ's freedom for us the more meaningful our life will become. "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).