IT'S NOT THAT COMPLICATED

IT’S NOT THAT COMPLICATED

Life is really not especially complicated.  Just make up your mind to do things GOD’S WAY.

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Living under DIVINE RULE grants personal peace, love, joy, power and prosperity.

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

FORGIVENESS IS MISSION CRITICAL

FORGIVENESS IS MISSION CRITICAL

There is a fascinating story-beneath-the-stories in the Acts of the Apostles.  Its principal characters are Paul, Barnabas and Mark, and the sub-plot involves hurt, disappointment, separation, reconciliation and forgiveness.  Before I explore details of this story, allow me to make an important observation.  If you have never been disappointed by the actions of others (or by your own actions), you are likely living in that gray neutral zone where you neither experience failure nor defeat because you have been paralyzed by fear and you steadfastly refuse to embrace new relationships or new experiences.  Think about it.  Disappointment and pain are part and parcel of the human experience.

The downside of intentionally focusing on the twin negative experiences of disappointment and pain is eventual personal frustration.  If there is anything worse than unresolved anger with others, it is a disquieting inward rage at one’s own self for never trying, never failing and thus never succeeding.  Over time, inward frustrations and negative feelings become festering wounds, and festering wounds are extremely dangerous wounds.  So since you must eat from the garden of your own inner thoughts, don’t grow anything there that you don’t want to consume, or be consumed by.  You and I must learn how to forgive other ‘HUMAN’ beings.  Oddly enough, our very first step toward accepting the clay feet of others is learning how to forgive ourselves for past errors and transgressions.

God’s essence is love.  Our mandate is love.  And love always involves risk.

Now, on to our story.  Barnabas was the traveling companion of the Apostle Paul and an accomplished co-laborer in the gospel.  Mark was the nephew of Barnabas, and he dearly loved traveling with the great evangelist, Paul, and his partner, Uncle Barnabas.  Perhaps, there was no kinder person in the New Testament than Barnabas.  We can infer much about the character of Barnabas from his name, which means “son of encouragement.”  On the other hand, Paul, the New Testament’s greatest missionary and most prolific author, might have seemed rather rigid and inflexible to the youthful Mark.

During one of Paul’s missionary journeys, a course correction moved them inland from Pamphylia to a place that was known to be quite dangerous.  Young Mark spoke loudly by his actions: ‘NO WAY this place is for me, and this is as far as I’m going!’ So Mark took the ‘first flight’ home, to a more secure environment.

Later on, as Paul was planning his next evangelistic expedition, Uncle Barnabas wanted to take Nephew Mark along again.  In so many words, Paul said “Absolutely not – he failed us before and might fail us again!”  Paul and Barnabas ended up separating because of their divergent views and the disagreement that followed.  Nevertheless, I love how the story ends.  In the twilight of Paul’s life, while he on death row in Rome awaiting execution by Emperor Nero, it was Mark who served as the courier for those important spiritual letters penned by the apostle.  Paul had apparently forgiven Mark and true reconciliation had occurred.  The apostle not only spoke highly of Mark, but he fully trusted him with the delivery of epistles that were destined to become a prominent part of The New Testament.  Wow!

I believe that Mark must have been on Paul’s heart when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write the following: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

True biblical forgiveness not only pardons the offense, but IT FULLY RESTORES THE OFFENDER.  All of us have heard this saying, “I will FORGIVE, but I will NEVER FORGET.”  To be completely transparent, I have spoken those words myself.  But in my times of true spiritual self-examination, I have to ask myself an important question: ‘LORD, AM I TRULY FORGIVING IF I AM WILLFULLY HOLDING ONTO AND HARBORING THE MEMORY OF ANOTHER PERSON’S MISDEED?’  The emphasis here is on “willfully” since we cannot completely control our brain’s autonomic function of memory.  Only GOD can truly forget.  I love Hebrews 10:17, where God declares: “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”  Since we lack the capacity to completely forget, we must, as AN ACT OF OUR WILL, make the decision not to continuously replay the act of offense, via our private meditations and our spoken words.

Here are some practical steps in the PROCESS OF FORGIVING:

1. Honestly confess to God your true feelings about the offense and the offender, and ask for His help.
2. As much as humanly possible, stop replaying the act of offense in the mental loop of your thoughts.
3. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts from the Word.  Speak and declare only what the Word speaks and declares about the situation and about the person.
4. Pray often for the offending party.
5. Refuse to be drawn into gossip pertaining to the offense or the offender.
6. Try to reflect on the good qualities or characteristics of the offending party, and speak them aloud, both to yourself and to others.
7. Greet the offending party with sincerity and love.  You do not have to hold extensive conversation with them just yet, but you will eventually ‘feel better’ if you do not try to avoid them.
8. Always consider your own flaws and imperfections.  This will keep you humble and more likely to forgive the flaws and imperfections of others.

Ultimately, we must never forget one mission critical fact: GOD FORGIVES US IN THE SAME MANNER THAT WE FORGIVE OTHERS. (Matthew 6:12;15)

In closing, I am firmly convinced that strife, ill-will and division are designed in hell and deployed as satanic tools that can nullify our ability to be unified and cohesive families, both naturally and spiritually.  Remember: FAMILIES ARE THE BASIC BUILDING-BLOCKS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  Our God wants to transform and showcase our relationships as clear reflections of His divine love.  In a very real sense, God’s power is on display in us.  When we fail to forgive, we actually bring joy and assistance to the powers of darkness.  When we prayerfully and lovingly forgive, God smiles and His divine favor rests upon us.  Thus, GENUINE FORGIVENESS IS MISSION CRITICAL to all we were designed to BE (and DO) in the perfect plan and purpose of God.

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

THE SPOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS

THE SPOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS

One relationship that is unquestionably valued by God is the sacramental covenant of marriage.  It is the centerpiece of the family unit, which is the BASIC BUILDING BLOCK OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  Marriage is (at once) the most fulfilling and the most challenging of life experiences.  It provides a rare and precious opportunity for the highest degree of intimacy, integrity and self-awareness.  Because no one knows you like your spouse does; and, no one can cause you to know yourself as completely via shared life experiences. 

Marriage is inherently wonderful and it is bountifully blessed when both partners share abiding love and loyalty to one another, when both hold fidelity to their sacred vows and when both live out the commitment to hold their relationship and covenant above all others.

However, some people don’t quite ‘see’ marriage this way.  Their view of marriage is an extremely negative and constrictive portrait of obligation and bondage, more so than mutual sharing and agape love.  In fact, some men even see their wives as a burdensome “PAIN.”  Recently, I read an interesting story involving that sort of perspective.  It goes like this: In Sunday School, they were teaching the children how Almighty God created everything, including human beings.  Little Matthew, a five-year-old in the Beginners Class, seemed especially attentive when they revealed how Eve was created out of Adam’s side, from his rib.  Later that week, Little Matthew’s mother observed him laying down on the sofa.  He appeared to be ill, so she inquired with maternal concern, “Matt, what’s the matter?”  Matthew had eaten too much.  Remembering his Sunday School lesson, he responded: “I have a pain in my side.  I think I’m going to have a wife!”  Hmmm.  It’s a cute and humorous story, but it is also a clear illustration of the unfortunate image that some people may have of their spouses.

Eventually all married persons discover a core truth, i.e. there are no perfect partners and no seamless relationships.  Marriage involves rigorous and intentional work.  Sometimes it feels hard. Sometimes it seems easy.  But always, it requires dedication, discipline and a firm commitment to unconditional love.  Over the years, I have attended numerous anniversary celebrations, and I’ve heard two or three spouses saying something like this: “We have been together for ‘x’ number of years, and we have NEVER had a disagreement.”  While I am usually not prone to emotional outbursts, at times such as these I am sorely tempted to jump up and shout the infamous recitation of children-at-play: “Liar, liar, pants on fire!”  Keep on smiling, but know this: NO marriage, however healthy and loving and strong - NO marriage - escapes times of testing and moments of uncertainty when either or both partners question the validity and wisdom of their original decision.

Admittedly, I am far from a pro in the arena of marriage, but I want to share what some might consider to be valuable and strategic life-lessons:

1. Your spouse will become what you affirm through your words, deeds and prayers, (or) your spouse will become what you confirm by your criticisms, put-downs and negative commentary.

2. You will get through the toughest of times if you continually pray, communicate and make the unalterable commitment that failure is not an option.

3. Since disagreements will inevitably occur, it is important to learn how to ‘fight fairly.’  That is, to learn how to focus on the issue at hand and not to bring up other issues/problems from either the past or present.  Address miscellaneous concerns separately, preferably at another time, and certainly not during the ‘heat’ of conflict.

4. When tempers flare, please take a ‘chill pill.’  That is, stop talking for a few moments, breathe deeply, and (if need be) take a time-out in another room so cooler heads can prevail and so regrettable words will not be spoken.

5. The most intimate details of your relationship (whether bright or dim) should stay in your special and sacred space of marital privacy.

6. Mutual trust is mission critical to matrimonial success.  Allow space for it and do not break it because it is extremely difficult to repair.

7. Forgiveness is a vital component of marriage.  Maintaining a record of past hurts is a destructive and counterproductive force in any marriage.

8. Satan wants your marriage to fail; so do your enemies.  Make all of them liars.

9. The grass sometimes looks greener on the other side of the fence, but it never is.

10. Covenant prayer is so essential that you should consider dedicating a room or a space for daily prayer with your spouse.

11. Keep doing all the things you did to ‘win’ your spouse in order to ‘keep’ your spouse.  Open the proverbial ‘windows of creativity’ in your relationship to keep freshness and newness alive.

12. Spend quality time together daily, and not always in front of a television set.

13. Listen carefully when your spouse highlights the events of the day.  Show interest.  You are her/his valued sounding board.  Don’t rush in to solve the problem that is presented; just be a good listener and your advice will be sought.

14. Try to make money and take good care of your household, but never allow money to make you.  Be wise stewards of whatever you earn or receive.

15. Husbands, show kindness to your wife and be willing to listen to her God-given wisdom.  Don’t ever ‘lord’ over her.  Wives, remain open to the God-given leadership of your husband and make him feel special and needed.

I hope these insights prove to be helpful for you; they have certainly strengthened Belinda and me, and our sacred marriage covenant.  My friends, God honors marriage so much that He compares the marriage covenant to the sacrificial love of Christ. Hear now the witness of the Word:

Ephesians 5:21-33 (NKJV)

²¹ Submitting to one another in the fear of God. ²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.  ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. ³⁰ For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. ³¹ “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” ³² This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ³³ Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

In closing, the “Spouse of Your Dreams” is no fantasy or fairy-tale persona, not at all. S/he does not have to be the most intelligent, the most articulate, the best looking, the best cook, the best handyman, the best lover, or anything else one might rate and rank as “best.”  But s/he must surely be a lover of God, s/he must live out the higher dimensions of love specified in I Corinthians 13, and s/he must be totally dedicated to you and your shared covenant.  Engage and enjoy the spouse of your dreams.  Cherish, honor and love her/him as Christ cherishes, honors and loves you.  It’s a recipe for fulfillment and success.

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

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

This one is so relevant for so many that I feel the need to repeat it from time to time.

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 or erase 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 every surface where you are used, leave your mark.  No matter what, you must continue to write.”  The pencil understood, promised to remember and went into the box with real purpose in its heart.

Now let’s substitute YOU for the pencil.  Always remember these wisdom nuggets; and, if you never forget, 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 you and the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time via various challenges in life, but you actually need this process in order to become a stronger person.

Three: With God’s help, you will be able to address and correct 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, be diligent, be resilient and be true.

Please allow this PARABLE OF THE PENCIL to encourage and energize you.  Remember how absolutely special YOU are to GOD, and to OTHERS.  And ONLY YOU can fulfill the unique purpose and destiny for which you were born into this world.

So never allow yourself to become so discouraged that life seems insignificant or there is little hope and expectation for a positive change.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “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)

And here's a divine telegram from THE PENCIL-MAKER...sent expressly to you: “Hey PENCIL, live faithfully and fearlessly.  Never be afraid of the pencil-sharpener and never ever skip the pressure and pain of the process.  You just might enable someone else to obtain life’s passing score!”  Amen?  Amen!

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

TEN REASONS WHY YOU CANNOT GIVE UP

TEN REASONS WHY YOU CANNOT GIVE UP

I read an interesting article by Seun Emmanuel Alaofin, a young writer and motivational speaker.  I thought it would be beneficial to share his insights with you.

REASON 1: You have already started.  There is no need to stop halfway.  Stopping prematurely will not bring back all the time and effort you have already invested toward achieving your goal.

REASON 2: You are almost there.  Typically, problems don’t show up until you are almost there.  Remember, it is painful to NOT achieve something that you knew you could, something that is almost within reach.

REASON 3: You are stronger than your current problems.  Your problems are not there to intimidate you, but to challenge you to get better and move higher.  That current challenge that looks like your number one enemy is actually a friend in disguise, trying to bring out the best in you.

REASON 4: You believed you could do it in the first place, which was why you got started.  You believed you could achieve it, which was why you poured yourself into it.  Why have you now decided to betray the strong belief that you apparently held in yourself?

REASON 5: Before now, you focused on the benefits at the finish line.  Don’t you still want them?

REASON 6: Yesterday’s problems are today’s success stories.  You will be highly gratified in the future – telling everyone how you were able to prevail and succeed.

REASON 7: The problem you are now facing will give you the experience you need to get to the next level. People who learn from their problems are able to cope better during the next phase of life.

REASON 8: Your problem and your promotion are directly proportional.  In other words, the bigger your problem is, the greater your promotion will be.  The more you run from your problem, the more you lower your promotion possibilities.  It's up to you to decide; be wise.

REASON 9: Most likely, you were tired of your previous state of affairs, which was why you decided to try something new and different.  Are you willing to travel backwards, or are you determined to move ahead?

REASON 10: You have a BIG GOD who is ready, willing and able to support you.  Never lose sight on the fact that HE knows the end from the beginning.  He created you to experience an abundant life and He absolutely believes in you.  GOD has given you power and authority over everything – including yourself and your problems – so you have no reason to allow opposing forces to dominate or discourage you.

The late Joe Gladys, my high school football coach, had a penchant for sharing inspirational power phrases with our team.  One of his favorites was “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins!”  So when you are tempted to throw in the towel, always remember this: IT’S TOO SOON TO QUIT.  Hang in there, Winner-Believer, because it’s not over until GOD says it’s over!

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

HOW SHOULD WE RECORD LIFE'S HURTS?

HOW SHOULD WE RECORD LIFE’S HURTS?

Two African friends, Lesiba and Nomsa, were walking together at the edge of the Sahara Desert.  At some point in their journey, they had a terrible argument and Lesiba forcefully slapped her friend in the face.  Nomsa, who had just gotten slapped, was feeling quite hurt.  But without uttering a single word, she knelt and wrote in the sand, “Today my best friend, Lesiba, slapped me in the face.”

They kept on walking until they found a refreshing oasis; there they decided to take a bath.  Nomsa, who had been slapped, soon got stuck in quicksand and started sinking.  Naturally her friend, Lesiba, saved her life by pulling her out of the thick mire.  After Nomsa recovered from her near drowning experience, she wrote down on a stone, “Today my best friend, Lesiba, saved my life.”

Lesiba, who had both slapped and saved her best friend, Nomsa, asked a very important question: “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you have written my good deed in stone.  Why?”

Nomsa replied with a knowing smile, “When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand, where the winds of forgiveness can erase it, but when someone does something good for us, we must always engrave it in stone, so nothing can ever erase it.”

Today, we must learn to write our hurts in sand and to inscribe our blessings in stone.

Some people tend to record the faults and failures of others on what I call an EMOTIONAL ABACUS.*  That is, they make conscientious efforts to mentally record personal offenses, and this stored information influences their future associations and interactions with others.  However, the New Covenant constrains us to react to our hurts in a decidedly different way.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, TRUE LOVE “does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (I Corinthians 13:5-7, NIV)

My friend, here is a mission-critical point for you to ponder: How is your LOVE LIFE?  If the all-seeing GOD inspected your emotional abacus (and He does), would it be more reflective of offenses or blessings?

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

(*) An ABACUS is a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move about and record numerical values. 

BROKEN, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

BROKEN, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Just because something in your life breaks, it does not mean that you are through! 

Italian violinist, Niccolo Paganini, is thought by many to have been history’s greatest exponent of his art.  As he swept through Europe in the early 1800’s, his fame was something like that of Beatlemania in the 1960’s!  His level of musical skill was so extraordinary that rumor had it that he must have gained his ability from a pact with the devil.

One summer evening Paganini was performing before a packed house.  As he embarked on the final piece one of the strings on his violin snapped.  Undeterred, Paganini kept playing.  A few moments later, a second string snapped.  Again Paganini persisted with his performance, at this point reduced to playing a classical masterpiece with just two strings.  And then the unbelievable happened – a third string snapped.  Yet Paganini continued and finished the piece beautifully, on just one string.  So brilliant was his violin performance that the audience simultaneously rose to their feet and gave him a long standing ovation.

Paganini was not finished for there was the encore to come.  Raising his violin above his head Paganini called out to the audience “Paganini, and one string!”  With that the orchestra joined in and Paginini completed a phenomenal encore on just one string.

The musical maestro had a magnificent violin, but it experienced a catastrophic failure that night.  Yet even with three strings broken this master musician was able to extract magnificent music.  Paganini’s situation only seemed broken, but his boldness and proficiency resulted in profound and awesome beauty.

Never fear.  F.E.A.R. is False Evidence Appearing Real.  Think.  What would you DO, if you KNEW you couldn’t fail?

You and I are just like that flawed instrument, providentially positioned in the loving hands of The Master.  It’s a grace thing.  No matter how fragile and flawed we might be, as we surrender our time, talent and treasure to Him, bountiful blessings will “overtake” us. (Deuteronomy 28:2)

Your destiny as the BROKEN is to become a BOLD and BEAUTIFUL channel of God’s grace, mercy and love.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” (II Corinthians 4:7-9)

In the wise words of Our Lord, “If you CONTINUE in My word, then are you My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)

Winner-believers never quit.  Persevere!

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

LIFE CONTRASTS

LIFE CONTRASTS

Life is an unpredictable adventure of tests and triumphs, of battles won and lost, of laughter and tears, of heartbreak and happiness.  Notwithstanding this, the wise come to realize that every single moment of life is precious, its delights and disasters, its joys and its sorrows.  Yesterday, I read a fictional story that speaks so eloquently of the ‘see-saw’ nature of the human experience.

A young man once stood on a street corner, opened his coat and cried out, “Look at my heart, look at my perfect heart!”  A large crowd soon gathered, impressed by the physical condition and contours of his perfect heart.  They stood in awe of a human heart that seemed to be devoid of blemishes – perfect and complete in every way.

An elderly man stopped to see what the commotion was all about.  When he heard the younger man proudly proclaiming his perfect heart, the older man pushed his way to the front to get a closer look.  But when he saw the young man’s heart he gently scolded him.  “Son, that’s not a perfect heart.  If you want to see a perfect heart you need to see mine.”  With that the old man opened his coat and revealed an aging, knotted and disfigured heart.  It was loaded with bumps and bruises, and pieces of it were cracked and broken.

The crowd just laughed at the sight of it, but the old man raised his hand patiently and began to speak.  “See this bump” he said.  “That’s when I met my first love.  Oh, how the sun shone that day, how bright the colors of the leaves, how sweet the singing of birds in the trees.  What a memorable moment!  Ah, but see this hole?  That’s when my first love and I broke up.  It pained me then and it pains me still.  But that hole once ran much deeper.  The years have managed to fill it in a lot.”

“See this bump, son.  That’s when I met the woman who became my wife.  Oh, what a wonderful life we had – year after year of shared companionship, love and laughter, tears and joy.  This scratch here is when we had a blazing argument that almost ended our marriage, but we made up and moved on.  Over here, a piece of my heart has broken; this is when she passed away.  Oh the ache of it!  Yes, it still aches, even today, for she took part of my heart with her to the grave.  But I trust she will return it to me someday.”

“Ah, but here’s an earlier bump.  It’s when we began our family.  See the hole beside it?  That’s when we learned we could not bear our own children.  How painful a reality to live with, how hard it was to accept.  But the blessed bump beside it is when we met our adopted daughter, a wonderful child we loved and raised as our own.  And yes, there are scratches and dents around that beautiful bump – the times we fussed and fumed.  But always we learned to forgive, so this bump is bigger and stronger.”

The old man went on to describe many other bumps and holes and scratches on his heart.  When he finished his life story, the crowd grew hushed and silent.  “You see, son” he said, turning to the young man with the unblemished heart, “yours is not a perfect heart, for it has not yet been fully tested.  It has not yet been touched by tears of joy and sorrow, love and pain, hardship and celebration.  Only when you have experienced these inevitable ups-and-downs of life will you be able to look upon a gnarled and battered heart like mine and see it as a perfect heart.”

Indeed, the monumental contrasts of life make it marvelous and memorable.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

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

WHO WILL IT BE...BOAZ OR BOZO?

WHO WILL IT BE…BOAZ OR BOZO?

My brother, Bishop Edwin C. Bass, is the Chief Operating Officer of the Church of God in Christ. He is also an anointed preacher.  I love his theological treatment of the sacrament of marriage, particularly as it relates to those mission critical destiny-decisions that are made by women regarding their future spouses. 

My brother’s sermonic exegesis contains a brilliant analogy that goes something like this: In the field of mathematics, we classify integers such as 1, 2, and 3 as WHOLE NUMBERS.  Invariably, whenever a WHOLE NUMBER is multiplied by a FRACTION, the PRODUCT is something substantially LESS.  For example, if you multiply the whole number “10” by the fraction “1/2” – the answer [the product] is “5” – which means that the whole number “10” has been greatly reduced by its interaction with the fraction, one-half. 

The spiritual application is simple, yet quite profound.  Instead of seeking and submitting to the wise counsel of GOD, many women (who start out in life as WHOLE NUMBERS), choose to join in marital covenant with a FRACTION (a broken, immature, undisciplined and ungodly man) and thus their PRODUCT (the results that are produced) are significantly less than what they started out with and what GOD ultimately intended for their lives.  WOW!

It reminds me of the biblical story of a young woman by the name of Ruth who had the courage to abandon her cultural roots in order to align herself with a righteous woman by the name of Naomi.  Originally, Naomi’s family members were citizens of Bethlehem of Judah.  Yet they spent a decade in the nation of Moab due to a severe famine in Israel.  In the intervening years, her husband died.  And, after marrying two Moabite women, her two sons also died.

Ultimately, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, although she was now poverty stricken and penniless.  Ruth loved Naomi and sought to do all she could to comfort and sustain her mother-in-law in her old age.  Ruth’s story is both fascinating and providential.  One of the directives God had given Moses to observe was that the harvesters of grain or grapes would leave a portion of their fields unharvested so that the poor would be able to glean the remnants and have food provisions. (Leviticus 19:9-10) While Ruth was gleaning for grain, a wealthy landowner by the name of Boaz noticed her.

What initially caught the attention of Boaz was not Ruth’s appearance, but Ruth’s dedication, focus and industry.  Boaz then directed his harvesters to deliberately drop ample amounts of grain in Ruth’s vicinity so she could gather them without undue labor or embarrassment.  Boaz was a type of Christ.  As a family relative of Naomi, he was a kinsman.  As a gracious benefactor, he was a redeemer.  Thus, Boaz is a Kinsman-Redeemer, a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah who, as our Elder Brother, i.e. “the firstborn among many brethren,” redeemed us from the power, practice and penalty of sin. (Romans 8:29)

Because of Ruth’s HEARTFELT DEDICATION to doing things the right way, she was positioned and empowered for a covenant connection with BOAZ and with GOD.  To wit, both Boaz and Ruth’s names are included in the family genealogy of Jesus Christ: “Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, 6 and Jesse begot David the king.” (Matthew 1:5)  Indeed, they were the great-grandparents of King David, a direct ancestor of JESUS CHRIST!

One final thought…

RAHAB, the mother of Boaz was a PROSTITUTE who did not allow her past to get in the way of choosing the right side, GOD’S SIDE. (Joshua 2:1-21)   Despite Rabab’s past, she is afforded a very honorable mention among those whom GOD designates as heroes of the faith. (Hebrews 11:31) You see, it’s not what you are going THROUGH that counts so much.  It’s what you are going TO that really matters to God!

Regardless of your past choices, conduct, or character, you are now in living in a DESTINY MOMENT.  And you have the gracious option to make wise and Godly decisions from this point onward.  So ladies, who will it be?  Boaz or Bozo?

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

WHAT ABOUT TOMORROW?

WHAT ABOUT TOMORROW?

In a world where supreme emphasis and confidence are all too often invested in the here-and-now, what thought have YOU given to the possibility of meeting your Maker, either today or tomorrow?  What will it be like to see JESUS and inherit the benefits of an eternal fellowship with Him and all the saints of the ages?  Harry Blamires offered an apt description of the afterlife in his article entitled “The Eternal Weight of Glory,” published by “Christianity Today” in June, 2003.

Blamires confirms the grand and glorious hope of a resurrection for all believers in Christ Jesus.  But he wonders (in his article) what the resurrected body would actually be like.  Not surprisingly, Blamires offers the helpful illustration of the butterfly.  As the caterpillar is to the butterfly, so our present body is to the resurrected body. There is continuity but there is also difference.

Just as the caterpillar’s body is suited to the realm of the ground, and the butterfly’s to flight through the air, so our present bodies may be suited to this world of sin, but our resurrected bodies will be suited to the life of the Spirit, existing in a world that is eternal and without limits.  And just as it would be impossible for the most intelligent caterpillar to begin to imagine what life would be like as a butterfly, so we struggle to imagine the resurrection life.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “we know in part.” (I Corinthians 13:12)

But we may be absolutely sure that it will be a superlative experience.  The Word tells us that “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which GOD has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)

When we think of the caterpillar, we think of its life in terms of it morphing into a butterfly.  We define its present existence by its future.  So too, our present existence is defined by the future God has in store for us.  Hold on, my friend.  It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

Keep your eyes on the prize!

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

NEVER ASSUME

NEVER ASSUME

During a commencement speech at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, Gloria Steinem related an important life lesson gleaned during her student years.  On a geology field trip, she spotted a sizable turtle that had hauled itself up some steep Connecticut River embankments and appeared to be on a direct trajectory to the road.  Fearful for the turtle’s life, Gloria pushed and shoved it all the way back down to the river.

Observing this, her geology professor informed her that the turtle had likely spent days of exhausting effort navigating those steep embankments to arrive at its nesting spot.  And now, one naïve student (who surely thought she was doing a noble deed) had thoughtlessly turned it around.

It’s a simple story with a very valuable lesson.  As outside observers, we should be ever so careful to avoid making quick assumptions.  Sometimes the methods and motives of the other party may not be as apparent as they seem.  So before we decide to intervene with uninformed action, let’s pause for a moment.  Think.  Communicate.  Pray.  It just might be that the other person is not as wrong or off course as they seem.  Not knowing their full story, could it be possible that WE simply don’t understand?

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

THE MEANING, MESSAGE AND MANDATE OF PENTECOST (Part III)

THE MEANING, MESSAGE AND MANDATE OF PENTECOST (Part III)
[Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:18-24]

Leading up to PENTECOST, we have been presenting a three-part sermon series, with the intent of providing resource material for any ministers who are readers of our devotional. Others may find this information useful as well. Pardon the length of these posts as we explore the meaning, message and mandate of Pentecost, while offering insight on the origins of the Jewish Feast of Pentecost which predates and prepares the way for the “DAY OF PENTECOST,” the ‘BIRTHDAY’ OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. (Acts 2:1-4)

In order to successfully find our way back to the spirit and power of that original Christian Day of Pentecost, there are THREE MOUNTAINS that we planned to traverse. First of all, we have scaled MOUNT SINAI to ascertain the facts and foundation of Pentecost. There we witnessed the presence of God. Secondly, we have climbed MOUNT CALVARY to encounter the Messenger and message of Pentecost. There we observed the gracious sacrifice of God. Thirdly, we make our ascent to MOUNT ZION to receive the mandate and the power of Pentecost. There we will access and internalize the power of God.

Today (in Part III), I invite you to journey along with us to MOUNT ZION – which I also call MOUNT KINGDOM. Hear now the words of JESUS CHRIST concerning MOUNT ZION…a.k.a. MOUNT KINGDOM…and the coming of the Holy Ghost, or the Paraclete, the One who walks alongside us.

John 14:25-27
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 15:26-27
26 But when the Helper [the Comforter] comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

John 16:7;13-14
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

John 14:12-13
12 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Don’t become confused about the meaning of this. JESUS did NOT say or mean that you and I would ever be empowered to do GREATER WORKS (QUALITATIVELY) than Him. There is absolutely NO WAY that we could ever surpass the QUALITY of Jesus’ ministry. There is NO WAY that we could gain GREATER SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY than He who has all spiritual authority…or greater WISDOM than He who is all-wise…or greater POWER than He who has all power in Heaven and earth. ALL POWER…ALL AUTORITAS…ALL EXUSIA…IS IN JESUS’ HANDS! (Matthew 28:8)

Shall I prove it? Acts 10:38 says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing ALL that were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him.” Now who can top that?

Jesus did not mean you would have GREATER QUALITY in ministry. Jesus was simply saying this: Since I am with you always…since my Spirit resides in you…YOU WILL BE EMPOWERED TO DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST – Who strengthens you. Jesus was simply saying that since I inhabit the lives of ALL BELIEVERS…and since this includes “a number that no man can number”…if we were to somehow add up the collective work of all these recipients of Holy Ghost power…on every continent…in every nation…in every era…by sheer numbers your works would be greater…not in quality, but in quantity. So don’t you every ‘trip’ on this, because after all is said and done, IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS! It’s all about THE ANOINTED ONE AND HIS ANOINTING, because without HIM we can do NOTHING!

John 15:26-27
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, HE WILL TESTIFY OF ME. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

We must take special note of something here. While speaking in other tongues is biblical and necessary, both for your PRAYER LANGUAGE and for certain PROPHETIC UTTERANCES, speaking in tongues was never intended to be the BE-ALL or the END-ALL of the PENTECOSTAL EXPERIENCE. The fact is that tongues can be counterfeited and copied. But you can’t fake or duplicate LOVE. You cannot counterfeit THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT or THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. In addition to the gift of tongues, these are also positive proofs that the genuine Spirit of God is operative in one’s life. Ask yourself: 1) Have I received the Holy Ghost since I believed? And 2) What is the EVIDENCE?

Galatians 5:22-25
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

I Corinthians 12:4-13
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

You see, one primary purpose of the HOLY GHOST is to get to MOUNT ZION where GOD can establish COVENANT and KINGDOM…both IN US and THROUGH US. That’s why MOUNT ZION may also be properly called MOUNT KINGDOM. Now hear this! You have been praying “THY KINGDOM COME” for a long time – but what are you DOING to BIRTH THE KINGDOM in your family, in your community and in your nation? Are you not aware that you are called to become a MID-WIFE in order to bring forth KINGDOM BABIES? So get to work! What did JESUS say? “My FATHER HAS BEEN WORKING until now, and I HAVE BEEN WORKING.” (John 5:17) “I MUST WORK the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

For all of His earthly days, JESUS lived and labored on MOUNT KINGDOM! Indeed, WE don’t have to LABOR for our salvation because JESUS did! JESUS GAVE ALL…and JESUS PAID ALL! But how about us? We seem to be more interested in becoming ‘couch commandos,” watching the next episode of some off-beat, prime-time soap opera than investing our time, talent and treasure in building the KINGDOM OF GOD! We seem to be more interested in RISING IN THE CHURCH HIERARCHY than in serving THE KINGDOM OF GOD! But the Kingdom is neither about our self-centered ambition or our carnal enjoyments. “For the KINGDOM OF GOD is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.” (Romans 14:17-18)

THE HOLY GHOST, as the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, moves and ministers in the earth on behalf of the Father…in place of the Son. HE is mission critical to forging intimate relationships with Christ, for empowering believers for Kingdom service and for destroying the satanic yokes that hold many in bondage.

THE FIRST ACT OF JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY SUMMARIZES THIS KINGDOM WORK.
(Luke 4:18-19)
And He [JESUS] was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

THE FINAL ACT OF JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY PROMOTES AND EMPOWERS THIS KINGDOM WORK.
(Acts 1:1-8)
1The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

THE HOLY GHOST DEMONSTRATES THE POWER OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
(I Corinthians 4:20)
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

THE HOLY GHOST IS CHRIST’S MINISTRY EXTENDED THROUGH US!
(Mark 16:20)
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

THE HOLY GHOST IS THE PRODUCER OF THE NEW BIRTH!
(John 3:6-8)
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR SIN CONVICTOR!
(Acts 8:12-13)
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR COMPLETE SANCTIFIER!
(I Thessalonians 5:23)
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR ANOINTED COMMUNCATOR!
(Ephesians 6:19 ~ II Thessalonians 3:1)
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.

THE HOLY GHOST IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH AND A LIE DETECTOR!
(I John 5:6 ~ Acts 5:1-5)

6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR DELIVERER!
(Acts 12:3-11)
3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. 5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR HEALER!
(Acts 3:1-9)
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR DISCERNER!
(I Corinthians 2:14)
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR MIRACLE WORKER!
(Acts 2:43)
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR PROBLEM-SOLVER!
(Acts 15:1-3)
1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR POWER FOR EFFECTIVE WITNESS!
(Acts 1:8)
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR ASSURANCE, CONFIDENCE AND BOLDNESS!
(I Thessalonians 1:5 ~ Acts 4:29-31)

5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

THE HOLY GHOST IS OUR JOY!
(I Thessalonians 1:6)
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.

THE HOLY GHOST IS THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD!
(II Corinthians 3:3)
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

THE HOLY GHOST WILL ONE DAY RAISE US FROM THE DEAD!
(Romans 8:11 ~ I Corinthians 15:25-26;51-58)

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

CHURCH, BE STRENGTHENED AND ENCOURAGED! YOU ARE WINNER-BELIEVERS! the last lines of the last chapter of the last book in the BOOK OF BOOKS declares to us that at the coming of Christ, WE WIN!

Revelation 22:12-13;20-21
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

WINNER-BELIEVERS HAVE SUFFICIENT FAITH TO ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE VICTORY!

I John 5:4
This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

II Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

In light of our ultimate triumph, it is now incumbent upon us to courageously “fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life.” (I Timothy 6:12)

BOTTOM-LINE: LET THE CHURCH BE THE CHURCH! THIS IS THE MEANING, THE MESSAGE AND THE MANDATE OF PENTECOST.

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