The Journey of OkayNext (ON) – Seeking Context in Scripture and Guiding Each Other in Faith
OkayNext (ON) began simply as a ministry for some close friends and for my sons—a space to check in every few days, share a verse, and offer encouragement. It didn't take long before these check-ins became more frequent, eventually leading to daily posts. But as I continued sharing verses, I realized something deeper was needed. I saw firsthand how easily Scripture could be taken out of context, whether through oversimplified interpretations or by attaching personal stories that veered away from the true message. I needed to give "context" to the verses I was sharing, not just for myself but for those looking for guidance.
As I leaned into this, God started guiding me toward something greater. I began to recognize that context was essential—not just for avoiding misinterpretation but for truly living out Scripture. When verses are grounded in their full, intended meaning, they carry a transformative power that isn't diluted by personal opinion. So, I started expanding on each verse, giving background and historical setting and exploring its deeper message. This approach quickly resonated within our ON community. It wasn't just about quoting a verse; it became about understanding how to apply it meaningfully.
This journey eventually led us from daily texts to a WhatsApp community and now to a website and blog where we explore Scripture deeply. As God continued to speak to me, He revealed a calling for me to be a chaplain—one who offers spiritual guidance, support, and instruction. The chaplain's role is unique, rooted in a calling to serve and walk alongside others, whether they are struggling, seeking direction, or needing encouragement. It's about meeting men where they are, connecting with them in their journey, and helping them discover how Scripture and faith can be applied to every facet of their lives.
As a chaplain, I am not just a teacher or spiritual leader. I am a fellow traveler, someone who is as much a student of faith as those I am called to serve. This is a humbling position, one where I, too, seek mentorship from the men around me. ON has become a space for mutual growth, where we sharpen each other, as Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." In this dynamic, I find myself being both a mentor and a mentee, and the community itself reflects that reciprocal journey. We guide each other, correct each other when needed, and offer strength when one of us stumbles. This is not a one-sided ministry—it's a brotherhood where we lift each other up.
Through ON, I strive to create a space for honest, meaningful conversations about what it means to be a man of faith in today's world. Together, we break down the Scriptures, finding ways to apply them authentically to our lives. As I continue this path as a chaplain, I am reminded that my role is not to have all the answers but to offer God's Word as a guide while we walk this journey together. My prayer is that ON will remain a source of "context" for the Word and a source of strength for all of us—myself included—as we continue to grow in faith.
Love You Men - Mike
"Context in Faith – The Founding of OkayNext (ON)"
Verses
Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Historical Setting and Author Background
Psalm 119, a psalm of devotion to God's law, is traditionally attributed to King David or another Israelite poet during a time when God's Word was central to the faith. The psalm is structured as an acrostic, with each section beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, highlighting the completeness of God's Word. The Apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy around AD 67, just before his martyrdom, to encourage Timothy, a young leader facing persecution and false teachings. Paul emphasized that Scripture was essential for equipping believers. Proverbs 27:17, part of the wisdom literature attributed to Solomon, focuses on the value of relationships that challenge and refine one another, a key aspect of a godly life.
Hebrew Word Origins and Pronunciations
- Psalm 119:
- "Lamp" (נֵר, ner): Symbolizes guidance or light in darkness.
- "Light" (אוֹר, or): Denotes clarity and direction in one's spiritual path.
- 2 Timothy 3:16:
- "Scripture" (γραφή, graphē): Sacred writings viewed as authoritative.
- "Profitable" (ὠφέλιμος, ōphelimos): Something advantageous for growth.
- Proverbs 27:17:
- "Iron" (בַּרְזֶל, barzel): Indicates strength and resilience.
- "Sharpens" (חָדַד, chadad): To hone or refine, symbolizing growth through challenge.
Greek and Hebrew Meanings of Significant Terms
- Lamp (נֵר, ner): Reflects how God's Word illuminates personal paths, guiding us through darkness.
- Scripture (γραφή, graphē): Signifies sacred, God-breathed texts.
- Iron (בַּרְזֶל, barzel): Represents strength that reinforces and sharpens others.
Major and Minor Themes
- Major Theme: God's Word as a source of guidance, refinement, and truth, equipping us for growth and godly living.
- Minor Theme: Personal responsibility to seek depth in Scripture, sharpening ourselves and others in truth and understanding.
Modern-Day Example of Applying These Verses
In today's world, verses are often taken out of context, diluting their impact or applying them in ways that miss their true meaning. As a leader within ON, I saw this need for context and depth in Scripture, not just for my own understanding but for guiding others in faith. Now, Proverbs 27:17 plays a central role in how we operate within ON. Just as iron sharpens iron, each of us in the ON community challenges and strengthens one another. This journey isn't just a one-way path of guidance; it's a mutual sharpening, helping us remain grounded and steadfast in faith.
Connections to Other Biblical Passages
- Old Testament Connection: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 encourages teaching God's Word diligently. ON began as a way to instill God's Word in my sons and close friends, aligning with this command.
- New Testament Connection: James 1:22 calls believers to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. This reflects our goal in ON—to act on Scripture's full meaning, not just quote it.
Summary
As ON evolved from check-ins to a WhatsApp community and now a website, the mission has been to understand God's Word in its entirety. With God's guidance, I saw the need for context, moving beyond surface-level engagement. Proverbs 27:17 inspired a deeper brotherhood within ON—one where we truly sharpen each other in faith. Now, as a chaplain (a role of spiritual guidance, support, and instruction), my calling is not only to guide others but to be guided. Together, we find the context that brings Scripture's richness into every part of our lives, supporting each other in our journeys with God's Word as our foundation.
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