POOR YET RICH

POOR YET RICH

Recently, I came across this story by Keyur Shukla, detailing his illuminating experience of visiting a poor Indian family that really seemed to have everything:

When I was in the final year of graduate studies, I visited a friend’s home for a lunch.  Prior to this, I had no idea where he lived.  I just knew he traveled by bus to and from college.

The moment I reached his building, I noticed that it had not been painted for many years and the staircase leading up to his apartment was in total disrepair.  By every sensory measure, this was a dilapidated and impoverished dwelling.

But one of the greatest things about that day was meeting his loving parents.  We sat on the floor for lunch because they didn’t own a dining table.  Nevertheless, his mother was most hospitable, serving us delicious food and smiling throughout, with a friendly graciousness I shall never forget.

My friend’s father worked as a mechanic and I wondered silently if he earned enough money to support his family.  While we were eating lunch, his father returned home.  When he entered, his hands were blackened with oil; his clothes were soiled and greasy.  My friend did not seem to notice this and greeted his father warmly and made introductions.  How loving this family was – something so rarely seen in our generation.

My friend asked if I wanted to taste papad, a traditional Indian food.  Before I could respond, the mother apologized and said there were no papad in the house.  Although he had labored all day, the tired father immediately went out to purchase some papad for us.

As I sat there on the floor that day, I had a unexpected thought about this rather poor family.  It occurred to me that this was the richest family I have ever known!

Today, my friend is a team leader at Oracle.  He now lives in a beautiful home, but he regularly sends money home to assist his family and he pays for his younger brother’s education.

I learned two valuable lessons at that memorable lunch years ago.  Firstly, the amount of money we make will not win the hearts of others – the only way to do that is by living with real love and kindness.  Secondly, the struggles of life only come to make us strong.  If we make up our minds to work our way through them with faith and a smile in our hearts, we will be successful people in the only ways that matter.

Some moments you always cherish in life.  Whenever I speak with my friend, I remind him of one of the most remarkable days of my life, the day I had lunch with he and his parents. 

Thanks Mr. Shukla.  You have provided a wise lesson for all of us, one that actually echoes the teachings of Jesus Christ: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15, NKJV)  In other words, Mr. Shukla, we can be poor, yet rich.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

THE HUSBAND OF GOD'S DESIGN - Pt.III

THE HUSBAND OF GOD’S DESIGN – Pt.III

A Christian brother from South Africa submitted this question to me. “WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A MAN IN A WOMAN'S LIFE?”  It is imperative that we recognize that THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY is the BASIC BUILDING BLOCK of THE KINGDOM OF GOD, and THE MARRIAGE is the basic building block in THE FAMILY.  As such, we must carefully attend to the overall health and happiness of our MARRIAGES and our FAMILIES.  To briefly recap, on DAY ONE and DAY TWO of this devotional series, we explored the following:

Kingdom Principle Number One: 
FIRST AND FOREMOST, BE CENTERED IN CHRIST.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: 
LET LOVE BE YOUR OPERATING PRINCIPLE.

Kingdom Principle Number Three: 
BE WISE, BE FOCUSED, BE STRATEGIC, AND BE GOAL-ORIENTED.

Kingdom Principle Number Four: 
BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Kingdom Principle Number Five: 
SATURATE YOUR PALACE WITH PRAYER AND PRAISE.

Kingdom Principle Number Six: 
AS A MAN, NEVER FEAR MUTUAL SUBMISSION.

Kingdom Principle Number Seven: 
LOVE YOUR WIFE AS CHRIST LOVES HIS CHURCH.

Today, we culminate this devotional series with three powerful Kingdom principles:

Kingdom Principle Number Eight: 
CHERISH YOUR WIFE AND NURTURE AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP.

Christ’s requirement that husbands “love their wives as their own bodies” is spiritually consummated and visibly manifested whenever we NOURISH and CHERISH of our wives in the same way that JESUS loves and nurtures His own bride, THE CHURCH.  Let there be no doubt: LOVE IS A VERB.  True love is far more than emotion; it is action.  LOVE IS A SPIRIT…because GOD IS LOVE. (I John 4:8)  As such, HE motivates and mobilizes us to become PROACTIVE PARTNERS in the covenantal grace of marriage.

The question is begged: ‘On a practical level, HOW do we cherish and nurture our wives?’  In other words, WHAT DOES THAT KIND OF LOVE LOOK LIKE (on a daily basis) and how is it MADE REAL in our relationships?  The answer is quite simple.  Christ’s foundational principle (commonly called THE GOLDEN RULE) must be fully operational within the marriage covenant.  “As ye would that [your spouse] should do to you, do ye also to [her/him] likewise.” (Luke 6:31)  MUTUAL RESPECT is a necessary prerequisite for fulfilling Christ’s marital mandate.  MUTUAL TRUST is another important key.  MUTUAL SERVICE is an indispensable component.  When these three are applied systematically (and simultaneously), the result is always MUTUAL AFFECTION AND INTIMACY. 

There can be no bona fide or fulfilling intimacy in the presence of harsh and hateful spirits.  This is so vitally important that it bears repetition: There can be no bona fide or fulfilling intimacy in the presence of harsh and hateful spirits.  Whenever we genuinely CHERISH and NURTURE of our wives, we fully mobilize “the fruit of the Spirit” within the marriage covenant: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance.” (Galatians 5:22-23)  Marriage is a mystical and spiritual phenomenon whereby TWO BECOME ONE.  When Adam first laid his eyes on Eve, he declared “This is now BONE OF MY BONES, and FLESH OF MY FLESH.” (Genesis 2:23)  In recognition of the presence of their Creator and in realization of the spiritual significance of their marital covenant, our fore-parents were able to be “naked…and not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:25)  Truthfully, there is no other relationship on earth that creates or sustains this level of mutual trust, respect, communication and intimacy.

Kingdom Principle Number Nine: 
LEAVE YOUR BIRTH-HOME (FULLY)…AND CLEAVE TO YOUR WIFE.

In order to sustain a scriptural and successful marriage, it is necessary to depart and detach one’s self from home.  Think about it.  Abram could not become “Abraham” nor realize his divine purpose and destiny within the womb of his birth-home. (Genesis 12:1-4)  Neither could Jesus walk in the fullness of his earthly mission and ministry within the confines of his birth-home.  Jesus reported that “a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Matthew 13:57)

Of course, leaving home does not diminish respect and regard for one’s parents or siblings.  It merely positions your marriage in its rightful place of absolute priority.  Therefore, the MARRIAGE COVENANT demands a LEAVING (FROM THE BIRTH-HOME) AND A CLEAVING (TO THE WIFE).

“Therefore shall a man LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER, AND SHALL CLEAVE UNTO HIS WIFE: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

“But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.” (Mark 10:6-8)

As previously stated, we husbands must take care of and provide for our wives and families.  To wit, our God-given assignment is to be HOUSEHOLD PROVIDER and FAMILY PRIEST.  However, WE CAN ONLY GROW UP AND DEVELOP INTO THIS DIVINELY DESTINED ROLE in absentia from our parents.  Indeed, it is impossible for us to become MEN if we hold steadfastly to our mother’s apron strings or our father’s coat tails.  Regard them.  Respect them.  But move-out-and-move-on to fulfill the unique destiny that GOD has in store for you and your spouse.

Kingdom Principle Number Ten: 
DISCOVER THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL UNION AND POWER OF UNITY.

Fundamentally, THREE TIERS OF UNION comprise the marriage covenant.  These are distinctive covenant bonds like none other: SPIRITUAL, EMOTIONAL and PHYSICAL BONDS OF LOVE.  Genuine and enduring UNITY only takes place when all three are actualized together.  This mystical ‘joining together’ of husband and wife is of divine origin.  The Word of God confirms this truth: “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be JOINED UNTO HIS WIFE, and THEY TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH.” (Ephesians 5:31)

On a practical note, WE MUST MAKE IT HAPPEN.  WE!  Proactive partnership in marriage means both spouses working diligently together (day and night…night and day) to achieve all of God’s purposes.  Remember: THE FAMILY is the BASIC BUILDING BLOCK of the KINGDOM OF GOD and THE MARRIAGE is the BASIC BUILDING BLOCK of THE FAMILY.  As such, our marriages and families are designed to be viable and visible representations of Heaven-on-Earth!  There is an awesome power that is released from such loving and lasting unions that saves our children and blesses every generation that follows.  

In closing, here is an important point for both marital partners to prayerfully ponder: ARE YOU…OR ARE YOU NOT…FULLY COOPERATING WITH GOD’S PLANS AND PURPOSES IN THE DAILY EXECUTION OF YOUR MARRIAGE COVENANT?

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

THE HUSBAND OF GOD'S DESIGN - Pt.II

THE HUSBAND OF GOD’S DESIGN – Pt.II

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This devotional series is repeated due to numerous requests.

A Christian gentleman from South Africa submitted this question to me. “WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A MAN IN A WOMAN'S LIFE?” First of all, it is imperative to recognize that THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY is the basic building block in THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  Of course, MARRIAGE is the basic building block of THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY.  To recap yesterday’s devotional, we briefly explored the following Kingdom principles:

Kingdom Principle Number One: 
FIRST AND FOREMOST, BE CENTERED IN CHRIST.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: 
LET LOVE BE YOUR OPERATING PRINCIPLE.

Kingdom Principle Number Three: 
BE WISE, BE FOCUSED, BE STRATEGIC, AND BE GOAL-ORIENTED.

On DAY TWO, we move forward with four additional Kingdom principles.

Kingdom Principle Number Four: 
BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

In order to maximize our capacity to be THE HUSBAND OF GOD’S DESIGN, we must proactively maintain a positive relationship with Christ In order to do so, it is imperative that we be “filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)  This intimate indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which Christ calls “the spirit of truth,” edifies believers through daily direction and comfort, while empowering believers for Kingdom service. (John 14:16-17 and Acts 1:8)  The Apostle Paul stated that the Holy Spirit fills us “with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (Colossians 1:9)  In a word, HE imparts SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT i.e. heightened awareness and sensitivity regarding ourselves, others, and the Mind of God, all of which are indispensable to our intended role as effective husbands and family priests.

Kingdom Principle Number Five: 
SATURATE YOUR PALACE WITH PRAYER AND PRAISE.

It has often been said that “the home is a man’s castle.”  Obviously, this old saying implies a rather ‘kingly approach’ to family matters.  While Christ indeed confirms that believers are “kings and priests,” whenever we approach our role as husbands with KINGLY ATTITUDES AND AUTHORITY, we miss out on opportunities to serve and edify our spouses in a Christ-like manner. (Revelation 1:6)  Since wives are not our pawns or our property, instead of using a ‘castle metaphor’ to describe the home, we should think of the home as a PALACE in which ALL PARTIES ARE RIGHTFUL BENEFICIARIES OF ROYAL TREATMENT.  Whenever I am personally tempted to assume ‘kingly authority,’ I have discovered that the immediate pursuit of PRAYER AND PRAISE totally changes the atmosphere…by TOTALLY CHANGING MY OWN PERSPECTIVE.  In our own home, we have a room that is devoted solely to family prayer.  It is necessary that husbands and wives pray together consistently, and that they also spend quality prayer time with their children.  Additionally, WORD STUDY is an integral component of the covenant partners’ ongoing connection with Christ.  These key spiritual fundamentals result in a total saturation of the ‘palace’ with the presence and power of Christ.

Kingdom Principle Number Six: 
AS A MAN, NEVER FEAR MUTUAL SUBMISSION.

Many Christian men are quick to recite Ephesians 5:22, which requires wives to submit to their husbands.  However, it is of vital importance to read and incorporate the important truth in the verse that immediately precedes it (Ephesians 5:21), which says “submitting yourselves ONE TO ANOTHER in the fear of God.”  This scripture verse clearly mandates MUTUAL SUBMISSION.  If we men MUST consider ourselves as KINGS, then our spouses ought to be honored as QUEENS.  And since husbands are scripturally designated as family priests, we must conscientiously resist the impulse to become “lords over God’s heritage.” (I Peter 5:3)  The process of MUTUAL SUBMISSION involves what I call THE MINISTRY OF LISTENING.  God gave us two ears and only one mouth.  The implication is that we should LISTEN…at least twice as much as we speak.  As we exercise SELF-DISCIPLINE, which is one fruit of the Spirit, we learn to HEAR THE HEARTS of our spouses. (Galatians 5:23)  And now comes a challenge for many men: We must actively participate in the maintenance of our houses.  One of the greatest lessons I have learned as a husband is honored privilege of MUTUAL SERVICE.  In a word, I have learned to love SERVING MY WIFE.  A host of benefits are accrued from willing and cheerful service.  One of the more obvious is the JOY that this brings to the wife, which increases the JOY that the wife displays while attending to any and all of her husband’s needs.  Mutual submission might be culturally abhorrent to some, but it is indeed the tone and tenor of the gospel.  Remember this: Mutual submission is much easier when both partners submit (first) to JESUS CHRIST. After all, HE is a key partner in the marriage covenant; so don’t forget to consciously include HIM.

Kingdom Principle Number Seven: 
LOVE YOUR WIFE AS CHRIST LOVES HIS CHURCH.

This is a challenging requirement since at first glance it seems virtually impossible to emulate either the quality or quantity of divine love.  Think about it.  God-in-Christ possessed sufficient love to reconcile the entire world to Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)  This constituted an act of ABSOLUTE SACRIFICE – a free and full offering of His life for the benefit of our salvation.  Since the Word commands husbands to love wives in a similar manner, what should our practical response be?  Just like Christ, husbands must proactively “SANCTIFY” the marital covenant (and its participants) via THE WORD. (John 17:17)  Put simply, if we want a success marriage, we must STAY IN THE WORD!  Also, we must love our wives as much as we cherish our own lives and bodies. (Ephesians 5:25-29)  In practical terms, this means that the husband serves as THE COVERING, DEFENDER and PROTECTOR of his wife.  This means, first and foremost, that the husband is PROVIDER-IN-CHIEF.  We must be ready, able and willing to provide for THE TOTAL NEEDS OF OUR FAMILIES: supplying spirituality and security, along with emotional and financial stability.  This requires our utmost effort, i.e. our determination, diligence, patience and persistence.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

THE HUSBAND OF GOD'S DESIGN - Pt.I

THE HUSBAND OF GOD’S DESIGN – Part I

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This devotional series is repeated due to numerous requests.

A committed Christian gentleman from South Africa submitted this question: “GREETINGS MAN OF GOD, PLEASE HELP ME HERE...WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A MAN IN A WOMAN’S LIFE?”  Since the Word has so much to say on this matter, it is an excellent topic for a devotional series.  I am cognizant of the fact that all men are not presently married.  Nevertheless, for Christian men, the process of dating and courtship should have one end-goal: to discover the woman of God’s choice and to enter into the mutually binding covenant relationship of marriage.  Therefore, my general response to this question is that ALL MEN should strive diligently to become THE HUSBAND OF GOD’S DESIGN.  During the next three days, let’s explore scriptural specifics, utilizing St. Paul’s admonitions to the Church of Ephesus as our primary text.

Ephesians 5:1-2;15-33
1 Be ye therefore FOLLOWERS OF GOD, AS DEAR CHILDREN;
2 And WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.
15 See then that ye WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY, not as fools, but AS WISE,
16 REDEEMING THE TIME, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE WILL OF THE LORD IS.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT;
19 SPEAKING TO YOURSELVES IN PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 SUBMITTING YOURSELVES ONE TO ANOTHER in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE BODY.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, EVEN AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought MEN TO LOVE THEIR WIVES AS THEIR OWN BODIES.  He that loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but NOURISHES AND CHERISHES IT, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND SHALL BE JOINED UNTO HIS WIFE, and they TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so LOVE HIS WIFE EVEN AS HIMSELF; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

To gain broader insight into the HUSBAND’S GOD-GIVEN AND GOD-DESIGNED ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES, our series will address the following Kingdom Principles:

DAY ONE
Kingdom Principle Number One:

FIRST AND FOREMOST, BE CENTERED IN CHRIST.
Kingdom Principle Number Two:

LET LOVE BE YOUR OPERATING PRINCIPLE.
Kingdom Principle Number Three:

BE WISE, BE FOCUSED, BE STRATEGIC AND BE GOAL-ORIENTED.

DAY TWO
Kingdom Principle Number Four:

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Kingdom Principle Number Five:

SATURATE YOUR PALACE WITH PRAYER AND PRAISE.
Kingdom Principle Number Six:

AS A MAN, NEVER FEAR MUTUAL SUBMISSION.
Kingdom Principle Number Seven:

LOVE YOUR WIFE AS CHRIST LOVES HIS CHURCH.

DAY THREE
Kingdom Principle Number Eight:

CHERISH YOUR WIFE AND NURTURE AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP.
Kingdom Principle Number Nine:

LEAVE YOUR BIRTH-HOME (FULLY)…AND CLEAVE TO YOUR WIFE.
Kingdom Principle Number Ten:

DISCOVER THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL UNION AND POWER OF UNITY.

Please pardon the length of our initial devotional for this very important series.  It is necessary to include our entire scriptural text, as well as a series overview.  Let’s begin!

Kingdom Principle Number One:

FIRST AND FOREMOST, BE CENTERED IN CHRIST.  

We are mandated to walk daily before God “as dear children.” (Ephesians 5:1)  The implications are clear.  First of all, we must enter into a sincere and enduring covenant relationship with Christ.  It is imperative that both partners to the marriage be fully engaged in A DUAL COVENANT RELATIONSHIP, both WITH CHRIST (who sanctifies, guides, blesses and balances the marriage) and obviously WITH ONE ANOTHER.  Since marriage is GOD-ORDAINED, it must be GOD-ORDERED, in both the INITIATION-PHASE and the ACTUALIZATION-PHASE of the union.

The question is begged: “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)  Hence, it is a foolish and disastrous notion to expect marital success when partners are “unequally yoked,” and thus out of lock-step with Christ (and each other) in the fulfillment of the nuptial covenant.  In St. Paul’s words, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  And what communion hath light with darkness?” (II Corinthians 6:14)  To even enter into a time of courtship with an unbeliever is dangerous and disastrous.  Two questions are begged: “WHY?  And to WHAT END?”  We must allow any potential partner to independently develop their relationship with Christ.  This allows assurance that their motives for pursuing a relationship with the Lord have nothing to do with entering into a marriage.  WISDOM is in order, as well as PERSONAL DISCIPLINE.  Both should be the object of earnest prayer, fasting and Word study.

Kingdom Principle Number Two:

LET LOVE BE YOUR OPERATING PRINCIPLE.  

Since GOD is love (I John 4:8), love must epitomize all our attitudes and actions.  Refer to I Corinthians, chapter 13, for a ‘snapshot’ of true-love-in-action.  The Message Bible translation is marvelous in this connection.  It says, “Love never gives up.  Love cares more for others than for self.  Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.  Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.”  WOW!  If we can live with that caliber of conscientiousness regarding our attitudes toward (and our treatment of) our wives, overflowing family success will be reserved for us.

Kingdom Principle Number Three:

BE WISE, BE FOCUSED, BE STRATEGIC, AND BE GOAL-ORIENTED.  

In the words of the Apostle James, “…the WISDOM that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)  To wit, HUSBANDS MUST SYSTEMATICALLY PURSUE HEAVENLY WISDOM.  We must be WISE ENOUGH, FOCUSED ENOUGH, STRATEGIC ENOUGH, and GOAL-ORIENTED ENOUGH that OUR WIVES WILL WANT TO FOLLOW US.  There is nothing more tiring and more pathetic than a leader (of any stripe) who has to constantly announce, “I AM THE BOSS!”  Husbands must always be in possession of AN EFFECTIVE ACTION PLAN and we must maintain sufficient grit and determination to execute that plan, with integrity, sensitivity and consistency.

Bottom-line: THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE FAMILY LEADER THAT WARRANTS AND ATTRACTS HEARTFELT HONOR!  Our wives will then have respect for us as MEN OF GOD, in the literal sense of that phrase.  In the absence of such mutual respect, marriages often deteriorate into “envying and strife [which generates] confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:16)  REAL MEN never have to announce or underscore their status.  Our WORK ETHIC (naturally, emotionally, relationally, spiritually) should speak clearly for us.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

THE TOMORROW TRAP - Pt.II

THE TOMORROW TRAP (Part II)

What is the biblical perspective on TIME?  What does GOD have to say about TIME and our relationship to it?  First of all, there are GOD-ORDAINED SEASONS that are divinely ordered and strategically positioned within our lives.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “to everything there is a SEASON, and a TIME to every purpose under the heaven.”  This scripture mandates SPECIFIC TIMES – to be born, to die, to plant, to harvest, to kill, to heal, to break, to build, to weep, to laugh, to mourn, to dance, to throw, to gather, to embrace, to refrain, to gain, to lose, to keep, to cast away, to rend, to sew, to be silent, to speak, to love, to hate, to make war and to make peace.  One practical definition for WISDOM is “the ability to be time-conscious and time-sensitive.”

Kingdom Principle Number One: GOD ESTABLISHES COVENANT WITHIN SPECIFIC TIME FRAMES AND DEFINED BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS.  Sarah bore Abraham a God-promised son – at a set time. (Genesis 17:21 and 18:14)  God rested and thereafter mandated our weekly rest – at a set time. (Genesis 2:2-3 and Exodus 20:8)  Every male in Israel was commanded to appear before God in certain ways – at set times. (Exodus 23:14-17)  Jesus Christ died for our atonement in a particular manner – at a divinely set time. (Romans 5:6)

Kingdom Principle Number Two: WHENEVER WE FAIL TO OPERATE ON GOD’S CLOCK, WE ARE SETTING OURSELVES UP FOR FRUSTRATION AND FAILURE.  We cannot afford to get ahead of God; neither will we achieve optimal blessings when we do not step forward (boldly, confidently, immediately) at His command.  Abraham became blessed and a blessing because “he staggered not at the promise of God…but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” (Romans 4:19-21)  Despite the fact that Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah’s womb was long since “dead,” he believed God and acted in accordance with divine revelation and timing.

Kingdom Principle Number Three: DELAY IS A SATANIC STRATEGY FOR PERMANENT DENIAL.  Had Moses responded doubtfully (or casually) to God’s command to ‘cover’ every Jewish home with lamb’s blood, the firstborn of Israel would have perished alongside the firstborn of Egypt.  Had Bartimaeus been hesitant to call out to Jesus at the precise moment he was passing by, that blind man would have lived out his remaining days without vision.  Had Jairus not moved with a confident and expeditious faith in the direction of The Great Physician, his daughter likely would have died.  Hebrews 4:7 informs us that even God’s grace and mercy operate within the framework of preset seasons.  Consequently, man’s temporal delay can ultimately result in eternal separation from God.  There are hundreds of scriptural exemplars where THE OPERATION OF TIMELY FAITH MOVES GOD and thus transforms human circumstances.

Carvin Winans, the twin brother of Pastor Marvin Winans, penned a thought provoking gospel song entitled “Tomorrow.”  One portion of the song lyrics: “Tomorrow…who promised you tomorrow…better give your life today…for tomorrow very well might be too late.”  It would do well for those of us who serve the Lord to remember that ‘The Manana Syndrome’ is not only a satanic tactic to prevent our personal salvation (Isaiah 55:6), it is also a delaying strategy designed to marginalize and minimize God’s Kingdom, that is, to keep believers from rescuing the perishing. (II Corinthians 4:3)  So please…please…do not delay!  One little known secret behind David’s success was his determination to act in timely obedience to God.  Concerning King David’s response to the King of Kings, he wrote “I made haste, and DELAYED NOT to keep thy commandments.” (Psalm 119:60)  Jesus Christ sums it up so well: “I must work the works of him that sent me, WHILE IT IS DAY: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

Prayerfully consider this: Are you presently caught in a chronic holding pattern – a place of persistent procrastination and daily delay?  Think carefully.  Examine yourself.  Do it now!  Consider your motives, your motivations, your priorities and your daily agenda.  What specific strategies do you have in place NOW (or what can you immediately put in place) to hold your feet to the fire?  What choices will you make TODAY to be responsible and accountable for performing YOUR KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT with precision and punctuality?

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and (above all else) make sure that you are ready to meet our soon coming King.  Maranatha!

THE TOMORROW TRAP - Pt.I

THE TOMORROW TRAP (Part I)

Many 21th century people are trapped in and victimized by what I call ‘The Manana Syndrome.’ How so? Because life these days is inundated by a host of demanding tasks and activities that monopolize our time and drain our energy. We are busy, busy, busy – and even while insisting that we are MULTI-TASKERS, we typically feel overextended and we truly struggle to handle the multiplicity of ‘stuff’ that is thrown our way simultaneously. Three primary casualties emerge from these crowded daily agendas: relationships with God, relationships with loved ones and our overall state of health.

In the Spanish language, the word “manana” means TOMORROW. BECAUSE WE ARE SO OVERBURDENED WITH MINUTIA, WE TEND TO PROCRASTINATE! Suffering from sensory overload, and failing to properly prioritize time, talent and treasure, we put off for tomorrow those mission critical objectives that should be accomplished today. A wise adage suggests to us that “procrastination is the thief of time.” And it is. However, on the flip side of the coin, we do not allow ourselves the ‘luxury’ of stopping our roller-coaster ride for just 30 minutes a day to think deeply about what we are doing, or not doing. As I often say, we are too busy being busy!

A beautiful brown baby hippo named Daisy was grinning and floating happily on her back in a water-filled mud hole in Central Africa. Daisy’s Mom, Mrs. Penelope Hippopotamus, was trippin’ out! You see, Mrs. H was very time conscious and consistently punctual. With a busy schedule for the morning, including a planned shopping expedition to Hippos-R-Us, Mrs. H had no time to waste with her Daisy’s shenanigans.

“Daisy! DAISY!” she shouted frantically, “Where are you child?” No answer. Before long, Mrs. H discovered Daisy at her favorite hideaway, bathing lazily in the intense African sun. I don’t have to tell you that she was outraged! Mrs. H stood for a moment glaring down at Daisy, then voluminous vexation spewed freely from her lips: “DAISY! Child, you’ll never amount to anything lying around like this! What you doin’ down there gal? We got THANGS to do!” However, Daisy just lay back, floating on her muddy river of ease.

Adjusting her position ever so slowly, Daisy smiled up at her mother and offered an excuse: “Uncle Bobo says things will get better SOMEDAY…and I figure he ain’t talkin’ about TODAY…so I’m just chillin’ here, waitin’ on TOMORROW! Yeah Momma, TOMORROW is my FAVORITE day! Take it easy…we’ve got TOMORROW.” [Serious Question: HAS YOUR MOTHER EVER DRILLED A HOLE IN YOUR FACE…using nothing but her eyeballs as power tools? Answer: YES! And your Momma’s non-verbal communiqué assured you that there would be grave consequences for any failure to comply with her wishes!] Well, in the heat of such a piercing maternal glare, Daisy was seriously reevaluating her original game plan. Just then she heard Momma’s volcanic voice: “DAISY…if you don’t evacuate that mud hole pronto…I’ll make your TODAY so HOT…it will BURN UP the BACKSIDE of your TOMORROW!” Daisy recanted her proposition and headed for Hippos-R-Us forthwith!

Carefully consider this: Equally as bad as being OVERWHELMED by busy and overcrowded schedules is the prospect of being UNDERWHELMED by inactivity and idleness (e.g. Hippo Daisy). Indeed, time is paradoxical; it can be spent and wasted, but never saved. It can be lost, but never found; that is, once lost, it cannot ever be retrieved. The prolific author of children’s books, Dr. Seuss, once asked this comical question: “How did it get so late…so soon?” While his question sounds rather humorous to us, it is a deadly serious matter. William Penn, the founder of my home state of Pennsylvania, declared “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” A famous fellow Pennsylvanian, Benjamin Franklin, said “You may delay, but time will not.” In other words, time is the most precious human commodity. The irony is that we spend far too little time or effort ORGANIZING OUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET: THE GIFT OF TIME. Only in hindsight do we measure and treasure its true worth; for example, after a loved one has transitioned, we typically regard our shared moments with a higher degree of awareness and sensitivity.

Here’s an important observation (in the form of a question) that I pray will be taken to heart by each and every reader: ‘Have you ever stopped for one moment and thought about the fact that you are now __ years old, and you that sometimes you have difficulty remembering what has happened in the last 5, 10, 20 (or more) years?’ In a sense, it feels like you have been in a curious sort of coma, passing through YEARS with little or no awareness of what is really going on! It’s frightening isn’t it? I mean, when you stop to think, it feels like mere MOMENTS AGO that you were age 15, or 21, or 30, or 40, or whatever. And you ask yourself: ‘Where did it all go…how did it pass by so quickly…and what have I noted, learned, done, or accomplished along the way?

That kind of ‘awakening moment’ brings us to a critically important question. What is the biblical perspective on time? That is, how does GOD see TIME and our relationship to it? In the next installment of this series, I will provide a few practical scriptural insights, but here is one clue. The late humanitarian, Mother Teresa, said this about time: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

GET READY!

GET READY!

The most important thing that any of us can ever accomplish in this life is to diligently prepare ourselves for the second coming of Jesus Christ.  Today, let us allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our spirits.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29 – Revelation 3:6,13,22)

Revelation, chapters 20-22 (NKJV)

Satan Bound 1,000 Years

¹ Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. ² He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; ³ and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.

The Saints Reign with Christ 1,000 Years

⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Satanic Rebellion Crushed

⁷ Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison⁸ and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.⁹ They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.¹⁰ The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The Great White Throne Judgment

¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. ¹⁴ Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  ¹⁵ And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

All Things Made New

21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. ² Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  ⁵ Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”  ⁶ And He said to me, “It is done!  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. ⁷ He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.⁸ But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem

⁹ Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” ¹⁰ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, ¹¹ having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. ¹² Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: ¹³ three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. ¹⁴ Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. ¹⁵ And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. ¹⁶ The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. ¹⁷ Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.¹⁸ The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. ¹⁹ The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

The Glory of the New Jerusalem

²² But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.²³ The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. ²⁴ And the nations of those who are saved^[p] shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. ²⁵ Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). ²⁶ And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. ²⁷ But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The River of Life

22 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. ² In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³ And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. ⁴ They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.⁵ There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

The Time Is Near

⁶ Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. ⁷ “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” ⁸ Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. ⁹ Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” ¹⁰ And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. ¹¹ He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

Jesus Testifies to the Churches

¹² “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

¹⁴ Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” ¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A Warning

¹⁸ For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; ¹⁹ and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

I Am Coming Quickly

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”  Amen.   Even so, come, Lord Jesus!  ²¹ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!