BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT STRANGERS

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT STRANGERS

Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, admonished us to adhere to what we know call The Golden Rule:  “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:31)  The Apostle Paul stated it another way, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)  The following true story is a powerful illustration that you never know who you are encountering during the regular course of your day.  These events occurred during the turbulent American civil rights movement, in the southern state of Alabama.

One night, around 11:30 pm, an African-American woman was standing on the side of a highway trying her best to endure a lashing rain storm.  Her car had broken down and at the time she desperately needed transportation.  Although she was nervous about seeking the aid of strangers, she was soaking wet and in urgent need of help, so she decided to flag down the next car.  A young white man stopped to help her, which was generally unheard of during the conflict-filled 1960s.  This kind man drove her to shelter, helped her to get assistance for her vehicle, then safely ushered her into a taxi cab. 

This unidentified woman seemed to be in a really big hurry, but she took time to write down the man’s address, to thank him profusely, and then she departed.  Seven days later, a knock came at the man’s door.  To his utter surprise, a giant combination console color television and stereo record player were delivered to his home.  A special note was attached, which read as follows.

Dear Mr. James:

Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night.  That terrible rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirits.  Then you came along, and because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away.  God bless you for helping me and for so unselfishly serving others.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nat King Cole

IT ONLY LOOKS LIKE AN OBSTACLE

IT ONLY LOOKS LIKE AN OBSTACLE

Today, I am encouraged to be an encourager. [Feel free to plant a smile right here!]  I have learned something valuable in my 61 years on Planet Earth.  It’s called Perspective, and it is much more than an experiential phenomenon; it is a God-revelation.  Perspective teaches us that situations and circumstances are not always what they appear to be.  It reminds me of the automobile warning label printed on the front side mirror, cautioning us that the actual distance of passing vehicles may be considerably different from that which is calculated via visual perceptions.  After all is said and done, perspective is never about us seeing anything.  No, it is all about making a conscientious decision to observe and process life-events, from God’s point of view, i.e. The Word of God. 

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed in the middle of the roadway.  Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.  Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants simply walked around it.  Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clearer and safer, but no one did anything about getting that troublesome stone out of the way.  Finally, a poor peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables.  On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road.  After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.  As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been.  The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.  The peasant learned what many others never understand.  every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve the conditions of all people, including your own.

So here are your choices:  1) You can fret and fume about your condition.  This is a negative passivity which typically culminates in frustration and failure. 2) You can look for the positives.  Something of value is discernible in each situation, if you carefully search for it.  Your cup is not half-empty; it is half-full.  3) Through praise and prayer, you can reflect confidence in God’s providence and provision.  Actually, worship is another way of saying, ‘Lord, I trust You!’

Sisters and brothers, move that rock!  Just do it…even though you might not appear to benefit one iota from your personal investment of time, talent and treasure.  Remember: the manifold blessings of God lay hidden in every life situation.  move that rock.  You already possess the spiritual authority and the power.  Jesus Christ decrees and declares…you can do it!  (Matthew 17:20)

Your act of sacrificial service is an automatic qualifier for divine favor.  Don’t delay…don’t doubt…don’t whine…shine!  move that rock!  In truth, you are someone else’s miracle, and the way you respond will ultimately position you for stagnation or success.  If I were you, I would start moving…right now!

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

I love this simple and creative parable, so I decided to share it with you.

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

“Before I send you out into the world,” he told the pencil, “there are five important things you must know.  Never forget them and you will become the best pencil you possibly can be.”

“One:  You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.”

“Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become better.”

“Three:  You will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.”

“Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.”

“Five: On each surface where you are used, leave your mark.  No matter what, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now let’s substitute YOU for the pencil.  Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you possibly can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand.  Also, you must allow people to access the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you will need it to become a stronger person.

Three:  With God’s help, you will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.

Five: Wherever you walk, leave your mark.  No matter what the situation, be faithful and true.

Allow this parable of the pencil to encourage and energize you.  Remember how absolutely special you are to God, and to us.  Only you can fulfill that unique purpose and destiny for which you were born and now exist.  Never allow yourself to become so discouraged that life seems insignificant or there is little hope or expectation for positive change.  Be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

- Author Unknown

DIVISION DESTROYS

DIVISION DESTROYS

The epistles penned by the Apostle Paul contain numerous references to God’s mandate that our relationships be undergirded by love and peace.  Love lifts and liberates; division discomfits and destroys. 

In the words of St. Paul…:

Galatians 5:14-15

¹⁴ For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

¹⁵ But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, requires effective Kingdom service.  Our Christ connection and global witness are only authenticated in the presence of healthy and authentic relationships.  “By this,” Jesus insists, “shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)  Therefore, any attitude that portrays apathy, indifference, coldness, resentment or unforgiveness is typically deployed as a satanic weapon which seeks to nullify our ability to serve God and to win lost souls. Our Lord commands us to shine forth as “light…[and] as a city that is set on a hill [which] cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14)  I quote this scripture often, because it bears repetition: “If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” (II Corinthians 4:3)

One rabbit and one mouse learned (the hard way) that division can be a deadly phenomenon.

The rabbit dug a hole under a tree.  He said “This is my house.  I shall live in it.”  And that rabbit happily began to live in his house.  One day the rabbit went to see his uncle.  He lived with his uncle for one week.  There he had lots of carrots to eat.  After one week, the rabbit came back to his own house.

Upon his return, the rabbit found a mouse living inside his house.  The rabbit shouted angrily at the mouse, “This is my house!  I made it!  Get out of my house at once!”

The mouse quietly disagreed.  “No, this is my house.  It was empty, and now I live here.  Go away from my house.”  So the two began to fight.  Then the rabbit said, “Let us ask somebody else if it is my house or yours.”

“All right,” said the mouse.  They came to a river.  Near the river they saw a cat.  She sat resting at the river, and her eyes were closed.  “I think this is a good cat,” the rabbit said. “Let us ask her.”

“Oh no,” the mouse said.  “I am terrified of her.  She will eat me up!”  The cat heard what they said.  She remarked in her soft voice, “Come my children, do not be afraid of me.  I am not like other cats.  I do not eat meat.  I eat only fruit.”  So the rabbit and mouse believed her and pressed their claims.

The rabbit spoke first.  “Aunty, I dug a hole under a tree.  I lived in this hole for many days.  Then I went to see my uncle for a week.  When I came back, I found this mouse inside my house.  Please tell him to leave my house immediately.”

“But it is my house,” the mouse interjected.  “The hole was empty, so I went in.  And now I live there, so the house is mine.”  The rabbit hopped up and down and shouted over and over, “NO…it is my house!”

“Oh dear,” whispered the cagey cat.  “I cannot hear what you are saying.  I am old, and my ears have gone bad.  Please come a little closer and tell me again.”

The rabbit and the mouse thought the cat was good, so they approached ever closer to the cat to recite their dilemma again.  But as soon as they came near, that sleepy-looking cat quickly came to life and leaped on top of them.  She caught the rabbit with her teeth, and the mouse with her claws. Then she killed them both and had a delicious dinner!

Lesson learned: “If ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Galatians 5:15)

God IS love.  Therefore, love, which is our only true pathway to peace, is not only our commandment, it is our legacy, our lifestyle, our source of strength, our place of safety and, indeed, Our Creator.   Therefore, sisters and brothers, “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)