s you, What are you doing here, or why are you here? A relevant question we should be asked every day as a son of God. The truth is, the more we stand out, the easier it is to stand for God. There is no shrinking into the background and shadows, you have to answer for yourself and your purpose here.

Thank you Heavenly Father for this tremendous opportunity... we ar

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Strangers and sojourners... it is interesting to be truly living that now. What do I notice? Not everyone is pleased to have strangers in their midst. Most are gracious and welcoming, but others are clearly disdainful from the onset. So you wonder if those who are welcoming are so out of their gracious customs toward people in general... or are they truly pleased to welcome you?

Our cultural differences can cause offense as well... we do not know the subtleties which offend or put people at ease. We are clearly separate and apart in our manners and customs, and even trying to adopt the new mannerisms seems like an ill-fitted suit.

But most of all... we cannot hide in the masses here. This is the best lesson of all. We stand out as different before we even utter a word. So should we be as disciples of Christ... unable to blend into the surroundings of this world. Is the first thing someone asks you, What are you doing here, or why are you here? A relevant question we should be asked every day as a son of God. The truth is, the more we stand out, the easier it is to stand for God. There is no shrinking into the background and shadows, you have to answer for yourself and your purpose here.

Thank you Heavenly Father for this tremendous opportunity... we are

d have had opportunity to return.

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Strangers and sojourners... it is interesting to be truly living that now. What do I notice? Not everyone is pleased to have strangers in their midst. Most are gracious and welcoming, but others are clearly disdainful from the onset. So you wonder if those who are welcoming are so out of their gracious customs toward people in general... or are they truly pleased to welcome you?

Our cultural differences can cause offense as well... we do not know the subtleties which offend or put people at ease. We are clearly separate and apart in our manners and customs, and even trying to adopt the new mannerisms seems like an ill-fitted suit.

But most of all... we cannot hide in the masses here. This is the best lesson of all. We stand out as different before we even utter a word. So should we be as disciples of Christ... unable to blend into the surroundings of this world. Is the first thing someone asks you, What are you doing here, or why are you here? A relevant question we should be asked every day as a son of God. The truth is, the more we stand out, the easier it is to stand for God. There is no shrinking into the background and shadows, you have to answer for yourself and your purpose here.

Thank you Heavenly Father for this tremendous opportunity... we ar

and welcoming, but others are clearly disdainful from the onset. So you wonder if those who are welcoming are so out of their gracious customs toward people in general... or are they truly pleased to welcome you?

Our cultural differences can cause offense as well... we do not know the subtleties which offend or put people at ease. We are clearly separate and apart in our manners and customs, and even trying to adopt the new mannerisms seems like an ill-fitted suit.

But most of all... we cannot hide in the masses here. This is the best lesson of all. We stand out as different before we even utter a word. So should we be as disciples of Christ... unable to blend into the surroundings of this world. Is the first thing someone asks you, What are you doing here, or why are you here? A relevant question we should be asked every day as a son of God. The truth is, the more we stand out, the easier it is to stand for God. There is no shrinking into the background and shadows, you have to answer for yourself and your purpose here.

Thank you Heavenly Father for this tremendous opportunity... we ar

n our manners and customs, and even trying to adopt the new mannerisms seems like an ill-fitted suit.

But most of all... we cannot hide in the masses here. This is the best lesson of all. We stand out as different before we even utter a word. So should we be as disciples of Christ... unable to blend into the surroundings of this world. Is the first thing someone asks you, What are you doing here, or why are you here? A relevant question we should be asked every day as a son of God. The truth is, the more we stand out, the easier it is to stand for God. There is no shrinking into the background and shadows, you have to answer for yourself and your purpose here.

Thank you Heavenly Father for this tremendous opportunity... we ar

s you, What are you doing here, or why are you here? A relevant question we should be asked every day as a son of God. The truth is, the more we stand out, the easier it is to stand for God. There is no shrinking into the background and shadows, you have to answer for yourself and your purpose here.

Thank you Heavenly Father for this tremendous opportunity... we are truly blessed.