DIVINE FRIENDSHIP (Part II)

DIVINE FRIENDSHIP (Part II)

Abraham, the patriarch of faith, was accorded an absolutely superb commendation by The Almighty: “He was called the Friend of God.” (James 2:23) Just think about it.  What a supreme honor to be the designated friend of the Creator of Heaven, earth, every animate being and every inanimate object therein! 

It is important to note that Abraham’s friendship status was directly connected to his faith response to the perfect will and Word of God.  God had issued a challenging and inexplicable command to Abraham (whose name was Abram at the time and would later be changed by God): “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) Bear this in mind: God had not yet revealed a reason for this radical relocation or even a vague description of the ultimate destination.  This challenging circumstance was set up by Heaven to provoke a pure and unequivocal act of faith.  In a word, God simply said ‘Gather your stuff and start walking.  I will guide your footsteps and I let you know when you arrive there.’  Wow! 

I wonder how you and I might have responded to such a “walk by faith, not by sight” situation. (II Corinthians 5:17) Fidelity, or faithfulness to God’s Word, is an indispensable requirement of our life stewardship. (I Corinthians 4:2)

Abraham’s faith was tested in ways I could scarcely endure or imagine.  I really don’t understand how he mustered sufficient faith (with Sarah) to believe-to-conceive a baby son at the typical age of great-grandparenthood.  And I really don’t understand how he escorted their only son, Isaac, to the top of Mt. Moriah and prepared to offer him as a sacrifice to God.  What a terrifying telegram he had earlier received from Heaven: “Take your son, your only son whom you love – Isaac – and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.” (Genesis 22:2) The inner turmoil and agony must have been excruciating, even unbearable, but Abraham acquiesced to the divine will and obeyed without hesitation.  Paul penned this passage of tribute to Abraham and his demonstrative faith: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform.” (Romans 4:20-21) Double Wow!!

In fact, Abraham’s faith in God’s Word was so profound that it was “credited to him as righteousness.” (James 2:23) No wonder he was deemed the friend of God.

Whenever we review the saga of Abraham, we tend to focus on obvious crisis points that seemed to dominate his life experience.  However, we must never ignore the bountiful blessings that accrued to Abraham, his family and his nation, solely due to his unmitigated trust in God.  As a result, not only was Abraham one of the wealthiest men of his era, he became a revered Patriarch in three world religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.  In fact, his personal influence is so far reaching that it is difficult to quantify its impact on human history.  Thus, the conditional promise that God gave Abraham is verifiably accurate: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)

Herein lies a marvelous and life-altering lesson for believers.  The Word declares that we also are fully entitled to participate in such a phenomenal friendship covenant with Almighty God.  Although God’s occasional directives to us may feel quite formidable and challenging indeed, our obedience invariably connects us to His divine favor and the resultant blessings and benefits that are nothing less than AMAZING!

Most importantly, it is a signal honor and privilege to forge such intimate associations with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  According to inspirational lyrics by Anthony Showalter, each day in the life of a Christian is truly a faith adventure that can best be described as “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.”  Though there are times when we seem to walk through troubled, dark and desperate places, we are guaranteed the constant counsel and comfort of “the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

My personal affirmation during testing times is simple and sure: “I Am a Friend of God!”

Who am I that YOU are mindful of me?
That YOU hear me when I call?
Is it true that YOU are thinking of me?
How YOU love me…it’s amazing…
It’s amazing!

I Am a Friend of GOD…
I Am a Friend of GOD…
I Am a Friend of GOD…
HE calls me Friend!

May the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit surround and sustain every one of God’s friends from this time forth and even forevermore.

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

DIVINE FRIENDSHIP (Part I)

DIVINE FRIENDSHIP (Part I)

There is a praise chorus that I love, not just because of its beautiful melody or rhythmic cadence, but rather for the sheer power and synergy of its lyrics.  The song is entitled “I Am a Friend of God” by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor.

Who am I that YOU are mindful of me?
That YOU hear me when I call?
Is it true that YOU are thinking of me?
How YOU love me…it’s amazing…
It’s amazing!

I Am a Friend of GOD…
I Am a Friend of GOD…
I Am a Friend of GOD…
HE calls me Friend!

What an artful and robust reminder of our relational intimacy with the Creator of Heaven and earth!  Approaching the endpoint of his 3½ year public ministry, Jesus Christ made a life-changing announcement to his disciples (and, thankfully, it included us): “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you FRIENDS, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) Wow!

Christ’s affirmation suggests that friendship is a living stream in which both parties are revered, renewed, replenished and refreshed.  Implicit in His statement is the theological concept of mutuality, i.e. there are shared rights and responsibilities that derive from (and accrue to) the crucial covenant partnership of friendship.

Typically, we believers mentally frame our friendship with God as a one-way mirror through which GOD faithfully sees and supplies our needs.  However, if the relationship is to be mutually fulfilling and authentic, would it not require a bilateral investment of love, integrity, communication, obligation and accountability by all parties?

 It reminds me of the story of two men who were stranded on a deserted island.

A voyaging ship was tragically wrecked during a powerful storm and only two men were able to swim ashore to a tiny uninhabited island.  The two survivors were very good friends, and not knowing what else to do, they agreed that they had no other recourse but to ask God for help.  However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

It seemed like the most important item to pray for would be food.  The first man did so, and sure enough, the next morning, he spied a fruit-bearing tree growing on his side of the island.  He was able to dine on its delicious fruit, while the other man’s parcel of land remained barren.

After a week or so, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife.  The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who, of course, swam to his side of the island.  On the other side of the island, there was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, some clothes and more food.  The next day, supernaturally, all of these were given to him.  However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his lovely bride could leave the island.  In the morning, he found a ship docked on his side of the island.  The first man boarded the ship and decided to leave the second man behind on the island.  He considered the other man unworthy to receive God’s blessings, since obviously none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from Heaven booming, “Why are you leaving your companion on the island?”  The first man answered, “My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them.  His prayers were all unanswered, so he does not deserve anything.”

“You are mistaken!” the voice from on high summarily rebuked him.  “He had only one prayer, which I answered.  If not for that one prayer from your friend, you would not have received any of My blessings.” 

“Tell me,” the first man asked the voice, “What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?”

The voice from Heaven whispered, “He prayed that all your prayers would be answered.”

When I first read this story, my imagination conjured up a rather unlikely scenario: ME being personally marooned on a desert island with GOD, Himself.  As I mentally re-envisioned and reconfigured the story, the peculiar picture of God and me alone on an island stirred an important question: ‘What am I doing here-and-now to validate the mutuality of the covenant with my Creator?’  In other words, is my relationship with The Lord completely self-serving, and thus all about ME, or am I bringing something to the table to assist in building God’s Kingdom, as He constantly showers benefits and blessings upon me?  Please mentally insert yourself in the story and prayerfully ponder.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

WAITING ON THE LORD?

WAITING ON THE LORD?

Sometimes, we tend to answer our own prayers, instead of allowing time and opportunity for the real answers that come only from above.  Oftentimes, in order to gratify our selfish desires or to immediately fulfil our ‘can’t wait’ agendas (that we have ‘allegedly’ laid before God’s throne of grace), we foolishly delude ourselves into thinking that GOD is speaking, when it is only a conversation we are having with ourselves.

Here’s a related story and a bit of humor to brighten your day:

After starting a new diet, I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery.  I accidentally drove by the bakery this very morning and as I approached, there in the display window resided a host of scrumptious goodies.  I seemed to hear them calling my name.  And I felt sure that this was no accident, so I quickly offered the following prayer: “Lord, it’s all up to You.  If you want me to have any of those delicious delicacies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.”  And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was!  God is s-o-o-o-o good!

The next time you pray and get an answer, consider the preceding story.  Is it GOD…or is it YOU?

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

REFLECTING THE IMAGE OF GOD

REFLECTING THE IMAGE OF GOD

This is an eye witness account of an inspirational encounter in New York City on an extremely cold and snowy day in December.

A small boy 10-year-old was standing in front of a shoe store on Broadway.  He was barefooted and shivering in the intense cold as he stood there, peering longingly through the store window.  A concerned lady approached the young lad and inquired in a warm and friendly voice, “Son, why are you looking so longingly into this window?”  “I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,” was the little boy’s sober reply.

The lady immediately took him by the hand, went inside the store, and asked the clerk to bring six pairs of socks for the boy.  She also asked if he could get a basin of water and a towel.  He replied, “Certainly,” and quickly brought the water basin as requested.  She took the little child to the rear of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, and washed his soiled feet, drying them afterwards with a towel.

By that time the clerk had returned with the socks.  Placing a soft pair on the boy’s now-warmed feet, she then purchased a pair of shoes for him.  Tying up the remaining pairs of socks, she presented them to him with a smile.  She patted him on the head and said, “No doubt, little fellow, you feel more comfortable now.”

As she turned to walk away, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and with eyes sparkling with admiration and tears, he asked, “Are you GOD’S WIFE?”  This generous woman started to cry; she lovingly embraced the child and said “Goodbye, and thank you for blessing me.”

In your daily routine of life, have you ever had the opportunity to reach out and touch someone in need and somehow failed to do it?  Who knows?  Maybe someone will ask you the same question that needy little boy asked the blessed lady.  It might be your opportunity to demonstrate and display that Jesus Christ is alive and well, inside of you.

Whenever it is possible, let us strive to become the answers to the prayers of others. 

Prayerfully consider the Word of the Lord:

I John 3:17

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

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

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

GOD will somehow get our attention, one way or another.  The following story by an unknown author clearly illustrates this truth. 

The Master called out my name one day because He needed someone to go forth and be a witness.  I replied, “Lord, whenever I get some spare time, I will definitely help you look for someone else.  Between school, spending time with my husband, working from 9 to 5 and trying to coordinate a program for my community to help our children do better, I just don’t have any available time.  I know I can’t go right now because I have entirely too much to do.”

He said, “Well, where shall I find such a person?  I thought I saw your name on my list of available people.” 

“Well Lord,” I responded, “that was the prayer I prayed last year; since then things have changed.”

He said, “Like what?”

“Well I’m working on my Ph.D., and I’m needed by so many people, and my husband always wants something done, and on top of that my community EXPECTS me to help them, so…”

“Well, seeing you’re that busy so I’ll let you go, but we will talk again, when YOU have some time.”

I went on for days, weeks and months, busier than ever.  One evening, while studying for my comprehensive exams, I received a call from the hospital concerning my husband.  He had been in a terrible accident and was in critical condition.  I dropped everything and ran to the hospital where I found him hanging on for dear life.  I immediately begin to pray.  “Lord, don't take him now, I can’t bear it.”  But my prayers just echoed off the wall and returned to my ears.  The next morning, I left the hospital, tired and weary, and walked into the door of my classroom just in time to take oral exams.  As the professor began asking questions, I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing at all came out.

In my mind, I begin praying – HARD – but my prayer merely echoed again.  And I found myself terribly upset at God since He was nowhere to be found.  I could not explain to my professor; she was completely puzzled.  After leaving my exams, I called my job because I was so distraught at everything that was going on.  I explained things to my supervisor, and she insisted that I take some time off.  After visiting my husband in the hospital that evening, I went home and fell into a deeply depressed state, crying and in total despair.  Just then, I was sure that I heard someone calling my name.

“LORD…is that YOU?”

“Well, yes it is.  Do YOU have some time?   I wanted to see if we could just talk…”

Instead of waiting to hear what He had to say, I lashed out in total anger and resentment.  “How is it that when I needed YOU today, You just couldn’t be found?  And last night, I cried and cried, but all I heard were echoes from the walls.  My husband is dying; I’m flunking out of school; I may lose my job; and You just casually stop by NOW and say You want to talk?”

The Lord interrupted my foolish speaking.  “My child, when you cried out, I was very busy – looking for someone to go and tell others about My Word.  By the time I answered, you had moved on to something else.  So, I decided to let your husband rest a while, and to keep you home for a few days.  That way, MAYBE you would get in touch with ME…if YOU had some time.  You see, before your husband, your school, or your job ever needed you, I NEEDED YOU.  And since all these things take you away from ME, I had to almost take them away from YOU, in order to get a moment of your time.”

I calmed down immediately, and began to weep.  Just then, I remembered last year’s prayers of wanting to go and do some work for the Lord.  Then He said softly, “I just stopped by to check in and see if you know of ANYONE I could send to be a witness for Me and tell others of My love.  Anyone at all come to mind?” 

With tears in my eyes and feeling so unworthy I said “Lord, send me…I’ll go.”

ALMIGHTY GOD should never have to ask us if we have TIME.  When Jesus died on the cross, He put aside everything to ensure us eternal life.  We should always be more than grateful to render service unto the Lord, to tell ANYONE and EVERYONE about Jesus.  Please do not allow your “personal things” (whatever they may be) to tie you up so much that GOD becomes an annual appointment in your planner!  He has more than enough time for us.  The very least we can do is reserve quality time for him.  HE should be ‘Entry Number One’ on our life agenda!

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

CAN YOU SLEEP WHEN THE WIND BLOWS?

CAN YOU SLEEP WHEN THE WIND BLOWS?

Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast.  He constantly advertised for hired hands.  Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic Ocean.  They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the seashore, which wreaked havoc on buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.  Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle-age, approached the farmer.  “Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him.

“Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man.  Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer hired him since he was desperate for help.

The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt quite satisfied with his work.  Then one night powerful winds howled loudly in from offshore.  Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. 

He shook the little man and yelled, “Get up!  A storm is coming!  Tie things down before they blow away!”

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir.  I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.”

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot.  Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.  To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins.  The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred.  The shutters were tightly secured.  Everything was tied down.  Nothing would blow away.  The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed and also slept while the wind blew.

MORAL: When you’re prepared, spiritually, mentally and physically, you have nothing to fear.

Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?  JESUS DID! (Mark 4:36-41)

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

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S EVANGELICAL DESIGN: RIGHTEOUSNESS & RELATIONSHIPS

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S EVANGELICAL DESIGN:

RIGHTEOUSNESS & RELATIONSHIPS

It is of critical importance that all believers seek to understand the true intent of the gift of the Holy Spirit.   As the third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit empowers believers via the divine mandate and practical means of fulfilling the evangelical mission of the church. (Matthew 28:19-20 – Acts 1:8) In the physical absence of the ascended Christ, His Spirit endows, empowers and enables effective Christian witness.  While we are thusly engaged, He teaches us, revealing and refreshing our remembrance of divine truth.  Additionally, He guides our footsteps and provides ongoing comfort while we navigate (by faith) through a fallen and corrupt world system. (John 14:16,17,26 – John 15:26-27)

Nevertheless, there is an aspect of the earthly work of the Holy Spirit that is oftentimes overlooked.  His overarching intention is to cause every spiritual son and daughter to become “fruitful.” (Genesis 1:28 – John 15:8) It is interesting to note that our fruitfulness is not only tied to our productivity in soul-winning, it is tangibly manifested in our relationships with others.  The temporal “fruit” (outlined by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Church of Galatia) are the primary effect of the eternal cause known to us as “The Holy Spirit.”  Prayerfully consider the following passage of scripture:

Galatians 5:22-26

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

²⁴ And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

The work of the Holy Spirit is evangelical in nature, i.e. His principle concern is to win lost souls via impartations of His Word and Spirit, effectively communicated through the lives and witnesses of committed believers.  Nevertheless, in order to become become such authentic ambassadors, we must embody consistent and loving relationships that accurately reflect the character of God and the message of His Word.  In the words of Jesus Christ, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:35) Therefore, the most powerful, positive and practical proof that our GOD is real is evidenced in the authenticity of our relationships.  Does your life reflect this evidence?  Your life, that is your attitude and actions are speaking.  What does your life say? (II Corinthians 3:2-3)

When believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we automatically start producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (self-control). (Galatians 5:22) In other words, the intentional design of the Holy Spirit is to produce empowerment for Kingdom service, supported by a level of righteousness and relationships that confirm our witness authenticity.  It is the divine will that both be manifested genuinely, both with clarity and consistency.  According to the lyrics of a familiar chorus, the bottom-line is this: “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

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

THE TEARS THAT BRING JOY

THE TEARS THAT BRING JOY

Ironically the shortest verse of scripture (and arguably the saddest) is “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) It is a striking and emotional portrait of Jesus Christ, standing at the burial site of his dear friend, Lazarus.  While the number of words recorded here by John, the apostle of love, is modest; their significance is monumental.  It is the clearest and most concise declaration of one key aspect of the person and work of Jesus.  In Christ, we have a high priest who is “touched by the feeling of our infirmities.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Dictionary.com defines “infirmity” as “a physical weakness or ailment” (or) “a lack of strength” (or) “a moral weakness or failing.” As it relates to us, Jesus Christ directly connects with each part of that definition.  It is important to note that Jesus Christ is both VERY MAN and VERY GOD.   As VERY MAN, Jesus is intrinsically clothed in our humanity.  Put simply, he gets us.  As VERY GOD, Jesus has limitless power to totally transform our various conditions and circumstances.  In other words, he changes us.  Through Christ, our minds are transformed; our ailments become healings; our weaknesses become strengths; our failures (moral or otherwise) become undeniable victories.

I hope that you do not think me unkind when I admit to you that I am hilariously happy that Jesus wept.  For his tears were not only the precursor to Lazarus’ resurrection, they become the catalyst for our regeneration, restoration, renewal and rejoicing.  Because Jesus wept, we can “glory in tribulations.” (Romans 5:3) Because Jesus wept, we can “count it all joy.” (James 1:2) Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Regardless of what you are experiencing at this hour, be aware that you are the constant concern of The Compassionate Christ.  As a matter of fact, you must feel free to cast “all your cares upon him” with full assurance that (no matter what) “he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7) “Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)  So be encouraged.

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

IF...THEN...

IF…THEN…

On the day that King Solomon dedicated the newly constructed temple in the city of Jerusalem, several unique events occurred.  First of all, Solomon assembled the Levites and elders of the twelve tribes to transport the Ark of the Covenant into the temple.  Secondly, he encouraged the offering of sacrifices, which according to scripture “could not be…numbered for multitude.” (II Chronicles 5:6)  Thirdly, the Levites and the people lifted their voices in one high and harmonious praise as the house of God was immersed in divine glory and anointing.  The manifest presence of Almighty God was so powerful “that the priests could not stand to minister.” (II Chronicles 5:14) Fourthly, Solomon carefully rehearsed and renewed the covenant between Yahweh and His people.  Fifthly and finally, acting as King of Israel, Solomon offered intercessory prayer for God’s favor upon the nation and its citizenry. 

After Solomon had prayed, fire descended from Heaven and consumed the burnt offerings of the people, “and the glory of the Lord filled the [entire] house.” (II Chronicles 7:2)  To commemorate and celebrate this auspicious occasion of temple dedication, King Solomon offered personal sacrifices that were numerically monumental: 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep! 

But it may well be said that the highlight of that historic day of national temple dedication came that night via the personal appearance and promise of The Lord God:

II Chronicles 7:12-14

¹² And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

¹³ If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

¹⁴ If…my people…which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; THEN will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Beyond any shadow of doubt, we have arrived at the end-times, the final days of human history.  Therefore, our global witness is more crucial than ever.  However, in order for believers to impact the nations, we must hear and respond to God’s prescription-for-revival, which mandates four responses from His people:

-We must humble ourselves. (James 4:10 – I Peter 5:6 – Proverbs 29:23 – Isaiah 57:15 – Matthew 18:4; 23:12)

-We must pray. (Luke 18:1 – Luke 21:36 – Ephesians 6:18 – Matthew 21:22 – Acts 6:4 – I Timothy 2:1-3)

-We must seek God’s face. (I Chronicles 16:11 – Psalm 27:8 – Daniel 9:3 – Hosea 5:15 – Psalm 24:6)

-We must turn from our wicked ways. (Ezekiel 18:23 – Ezekiel 20:44 – Psalm 18:21 – Jeremiah 17:8-10)

Our participation (and effectiveness) in the promised end-times harvest of souls is entirely conditional. It is an ‘IF--THEN’ proposition.  IF we do our part (as outlined above)…THEN God will do His part.  Further elaboration is unnecessary since the voice of Almighty God is always clear, consistent and constant.  Let's just do it!

FAMILY FOREVER

FAMILY FOREVER

Three years ago, I traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to support my friend, Pastor Stephen Vaughan, who would render the eulogy at the Homegoing Celebration of his sister, Joanne Vaughan-Webster.  Since it was a funeral gathering, a powerful blend of emotions permeated the atmosphere.  But two things in particular captured my attention.  First of all, I was profoundly impressed by the positive impact Joanne’s life had on hundreds in attendance – from pastors to school superintendents, principals, teachers, co-workers, military personnel, church members and close friends.   Apparently, it was a life well lived.

One thing impressed me even more.  It was the intangible expression of love, intimacy, sincerity and warmth that I discerned emanating so freely from this family.  I felt sure that it was entirely spontaneous and genuine, and I was personally blessed by it.  But I am not naïve enough to believe that this family (or any other) could avoid dealing with the difficulties that are prevalent in any group of people with different dispositions and diverse mindsets.  Our distinctives can be both a curse and a blessing.  Think about it.

During the 3-hour train ride back to New Haven, Connecticut, I reflected on the meaning of family.  What is family?  What is this phenomenon that constitutes such a curious blending of life experiences?  Because, simultaneously, family is a habitation of happiness and a place of pain.  Unquestionably, it represents our legacy of love, but it is can also be blended with feelings of isolation, loneliness, or even rejection.  On the way home, I thought and thought and thought.  And then it occurred to me, like a flash of Rhema from Heaven: Family is a divinely appointed process of purification and maturation.

Much like GOD’S WORD, which cleanses and sanctifies our motives, attitudes and actions, family is also a divine agent of change in the life of every participant.  It may well be that God utilizes Family to shape us, to purge us, to mature us, to transform us – as we proactively embrace its ever present opportunities for nurture, fellowship, friendship and its diametrically opposite potentials for struggle, hurt and division.  I know it might seem to be an odd statement to make, but perhaps GOD did not intend for family to always be an experience of ease.  Because if we allow it to be so, struggle will not define or separate us, it will transform and unite us. 

On the following day, I read an inspirational Facebook posting by my daughter, Kimberly Bass.  She was giving a “shout-out” to her siblings, and reminding them that nothing (even times of disagreement) could ever alter her feelings and commitment to unconditional love.  Wow!  At that moment, I was touched and transformed by Kim’s words.

Bottom-line: Family should be (and must be) a cocoon of mutual acceptance and unconditional love.  Caterpillars develop into butterflies inside cocoons, and so it is with families.  Family is our haven, our refuge, our security, our safety net, our shelter.  To be sure, there are times when we can get on each other’s last nerve, so to speak.  There are times when we are tempted to hang it up and surrender to doubt and despair, times when we can even call into question the worth and wisdom of ongoing relationships.  Yes, there are those times.  But true love consistently calls us back to the bosom of our family.  Indeed, it is a heavenly womb for growing, nurturing and maturing our love.

We are family forever, in time and in eternity.  So never give up.

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

THE REAL MEANING OF MIZPAH

THE REAL MEANING OF MIZPAH

In the Hebrew language, the word “mizpah” literally means ‘watch tower’ or ‘look-out.’  This term has evolved over time (in common usage) and is now taken by many people to mean ‘blessing.’  However, that is an entirely inaccurate definition for the term, Mizpah.   Unfortunately, Mizpah is often confused with the word “mitzvah,” which refers to a collection of 613 biblical precepts describing the religious and moral conduct of Jews (or) any good and praiseworthy deed.   Let’s take a closer look at the biblical context and historical significance of that word, Mizpah.  Actually, it originates in a major disagreement between Jacob and his uncle, Laban.  They resolved their situation (at least semi-peacefully) by the institution of a Mizpah.

Genesis 31:44-49 (King James Version)

⁴⁴ Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

⁴⁵ And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

⁴⁶ And Jacob said unto his brethren, gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

⁴⁷ And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

⁴⁸ And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day.  Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

⁴⁹ And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

It’s important to review the back-story of the eventual split in the family of Jacob and Laban.  It goes like this.  Isaac and Rebekah named the second-born of their twin sons, “Jacob,” which means ‘usurper’ or ‘deceiver.’  God later renamed him “Israel,” which means ‘he struggles with God.’  Of course, Jacob’s paternal grandparents were Abraham and Sarah.  Laban was the son of Bethuel, the son of Nahor, Abraham’s brother. He lived in Haran, a city in Mesopotamia, which today is part of Syria.  Laban’s sister was Rebekah, who married Isaac, Jacob’s father.  Therefore, Laban was Jacob’s uncle.

Their family struggles began when Jacob and his mother, Rebekah, tricked Isaac into bestowing upon Jacob the blessing that was the birthright of his first-born twin brother, Esau.  Foolishly, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a mere bowl of stew.   When Jacob fled to Haran, and it wasn’t long before he and Uncle Laban began looking for ways to get the best of each other.  First of all, Jacob agreed to work seven years to marry Laban's daughter Rachel, but when the time was completed, Laban pulled a honeymoon-night switch and Jacob wound up with Leah, the eldest daughter.  Jacob had to spend another seven years of indentured servitude in order to marry his true love, Rachel.

Over the course of 14 years, all of the children of Jacob were born, the future heads of the 12 tribes of Israel.  After those years of service had ended, Jacob wanted to take his two wives and return home, but Laban convinced him to remain for six more years to tend his flocks.  This was a very costly mistake for Laban. During that time, Laban treated Jacob badly and changed his wages ten times.  But Jacob’s strange-but-effective management of the flocks resulted in Jacob becoming far more wealthy than Laban, all at the expense of his uncle.  The end result was that Jacob bankrupted Laban.

Major division in the family resulted when Laban’s sons began saying “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s; and from what was our father’s he has gained all this wealth.” (Genesis 31:1).  Fearing that some hostile action would be taken by his cousins and his uncle, Jacob fled with his family and wealth.

Three days later, Laban discovered that Jacob had fled; and, because Jacob had to move slowly with his large family and flocks, Laban caught up to him.  Although Laban may have originally planned to harm Jacob and take back his daughters, grandchildren and flocks, God intervened and warned Laban not to do anything to Jacob.  With God watching, Jacob and Laban’s final parting was not all that friendly, but at least it was semi-peaceful.  Three translations of the mizpah covenant are included below.  The second and third translations clearly indicate that the Mizpah originated out of basic skepticism between the two family members.  The parting of Jacob and Laban commenced a covenant of sorts, but it was one that was based so much on distrust that there was a need for God, Himself, to continually look-out and watch over their broken relationship. 

Genesis 31:49 (King James Version)

⁴⁹ And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Genesis 31:49 (English Standard Version)
And Mizpah, for he said, “The LORD watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.”

Genesis 31:49 (International Standard Version)
It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD watch between you and me, when we are estranged from each other.”

This covenant of Jacob and Laban implies that The Lord, who sees and knows all, would continually watch over them (and their actions) and that The Lord would bring good or evil upon either person, depending on whether they would keep or break their covenant.  We conclude from the foregoing series of events that the Mizpah was not originally designed nor intended to be a blessing.  So, before you offer the Mizpah as a prayer-of-benediction, you must be aware of its true meaning and intent.  My sisters and brothers, today I wish for you a mitzvah …not a Mizpah!

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

SEEING SIDEWAYS

SEEING SIDEWAYS

VISION CASTING is mission critical for personal and group success.  That is, in order for us to advance in life, we must first mobilize FORWARD THINKING, which is the ability to perceive and anticipate both challenges and opportunities for future growth and development.  It occurs to me that it is also necessary to acquire PERIPHERAL VISION, which is the ability to visualize and comprehend the true nature of situations and people that surround us.  The phrase I often use to describe life’s peripheral vision is SEEING SIDEWAYS.

Dictionary.com defines “peripheral vision” as “the capacity to see side or fringe areas when one is looking ahead.” Wow…that is absolutely profound!  Carefully consider these questions: Who or what are you allowing close proximity to your life, your family, your dreams, etc.?  Who or what is spinning in your orbit and breathing in your oxygen?  Finally, how are those people, things, or situations impacting your present circumstances, your future plans and (most importantly) your divine purpose and destiny?

We are not only known and evaluated by the company that we keep, WE ARE ETERNALLY AFFECTED by the persons, things and situations that typically surround us.

SEEING SIDEWAYS requires DISCERNMENT.

True discernment transcends knowledge and intellect and lies within the realm of the Holy Spirit.  Without a doubt, the WISDOM OF GOD is indispensable to CLEARLY SEEING how we are shaped and transformed (positively or negatively) by whoever/whatever we allow to walk alongside.  How I admire the simplistic folk-wisdom of David!  In his words, “I have set THE LORD always BEFORE ME: because HE is at my RIGHT HAND, I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 16:8) David’s sage epiphany on life-success positions GOD both in front of us and on the side of us.  If GOD is there…if HE is in front…if HE is alongside…certain people, places, events, situations, attitudes and actions are automatically excluded.  Think about it.

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

A WOMAN'S WORTH

A WOMAN’S WORTH

Have you ever taken a few moments to assess the real value of you – for yourself, and for others?  One of the greatest tragedies in life to befall any of us is the unfortunate tendency to underestimate ourselves, i.e. the gifts and greatness that have been divinely deposited within us.  Both men and women alike are prone to fall into this trap of not ascribing sufficient value to ourselves.  But for today, we will focus on the women in our society, for oftentimes they fall prey to what I call, “devaluation syndrome.”  As a result of not accurately appraising their own character, accomplishments and merits, they can be victimized by men who seek to take advantage and to further their own selfish ends.  Women, exactly how much are you worth?  Consider this.

In an intriguing conversation, a woman was asked the following question by her male suitor: “What kind of man are you looking for?”

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking, “Do you really want to know?”

Semi-reluctantly, he responded, “Yes.”  So she began to expound on the matter.

“As a woman in this day and age, I am in position to ask a man “What can you do for me that I cannot do for myself?”

I pay my own bills.  I take care of my household without the help of any man, or any woman for that matter.

So I am in position to ask, “What can YOU bring to the table?”

The man gazed skeptically at her.  Clearly he thought she was referring to financial matters.

She anticipated and quickly corrected his thought: “I am not referring to money.  I need something more.  I need a man who is striving for excellence in every aspect of life.”

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.

Without pausing, she said, “I need someone who is striving for excellence mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation.  I don't need a simple-minded man.

I need someone who is striving for excellence spiritually because I don’t need to be unequally yoked.  A believer blended with an unbeliever is a definite recipe for disaster.

I need someone who is striving for excellence financially because I don’t need another financial burden.

I need someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I need someone who has integrity in dealing with relationships.  Game-playing and lying are not the character traits of my ideal man.

I need someone who is family oriented – one who can be the leader, priest and provider for the lives that are entrusted to him by our God.

I need someone I can respect.  In order to be submissive, I must respect him because I cannot be submissive to a man who isn’t taking care of his business.  I have no problem being submissive; he just has to be worthy.

And by the way, I am not looking for him.  He will find me.  He will recognize himself in me.  He may not be able to explain the connection, but he will always be drawn to me.  God made the woman to be a helpmate for the man.  And I cannot help a man if he cannot help himself.”

Having completed her answer, she looked over at her suitor who just sat there with a puzzled look on his face.

Finally he responded, “You are asking a lot.”

She replied, “I am worth a lot.”  And she knew right away in her spirit that he was not the man that GOD had dispatched to find her.

Of course, women, you too have a responsibility to prepare and equip yourselves (in every way) in order to be ready, able and willing to lovingly embrace the man that God sends.  Ask yourself this important question: “What am I doing to prepare for this divine appointment?”  Ruth, have you identified your Naomi, the one who will assist you in becoming sufficiently grounded in the faith so that you can recognize your Boaz when he arrives?  And Boaz, are you asking God for wisdom to gaze beyond the exterior and glimpse the very heart of the woman of God’s choice?  [Editor’s Note: Please reread the Biblical book of Ruth].  Until your kairos moment arrives, stay focused and faithful.

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

RESILIENCE

RESILIENCE

It may well be that resilience is the most powerful lesson we can glean from the life of that statesman extraordinaire, the late President Nelson Mandela of the Republic of South Africa.  Born amidst the most challenging and agonizing of societal situations, apartheid, he purposefully persevered.  Mandela was unjustly imprisoned on Robben Island for 27 years, but he never allowed his incarceration to enter his soul or to sour his spirit.  Rather, he chose the path of forgiveness and reconciliation, thereby healing a nation and its people.

Arguably, President Mandela traded his youth, his family life, his marriage and a myriad of things we may never know about to invest sacrificially in the liberation of South Africans and humankind.  When the poet laureate, Maya Angelou, penned her epic prose, “Still I Rise,” she might well have been personally inspired by the life and legacy of “Tata Madiba,” as he is affectionately known to his brothers, sisters, daughters and sons in his beloved South Africa.

“Still I Rise” – by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,

Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don’t you take it awful hard

‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise.

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise.

I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise.

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise.

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise,

I rise,

I rise.

How grateful Belinda and I are to have resided in South Africa as long-term missionaries, and to have personally visited Mandela’s incarceration sites, both in Johannesburg’s Section Four Prison and Cape Town’s Robben Island Prison.  Most importantly, we observed first-hand the awesome and ongoing transition of a phenomenal nation that is destined to be a major conduit of spiritual, political and social change on the continent of Africa. 

Today, it is our signal honor to salute this world-shaker, this dreamer, this visionary, this revolutionary, this social prophet, who was duly deputized and dispatched by Almighty God to love and liberate an oppressed people.  Rest in peace, President Nelson Mandela, rest in peace.  From our hearts, we thank you, as we solemnly honor and joyously celebrate your rare and magnanimous contribution to human history.  We collectively resolve to emulate your courage, your compassion, your consistency and your conviction.  We will remain ready, resilient, focused, hopeful and free, notwithstanding challenging socio-political circumstances.  No matter what, still we rise!

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