RANDOM LESSONS LEARNED ON MY LIFE JOURNEY

RANDOM LESSONS LEARNED ON MY LIFE JOURNEY

I thought it would be nice to share some of the random, practical, life lessons I have accumulated along the journey.  Hopefully, these observations will motivate deeper reflection as you move ahead in life.

Winning isn’t everything; it’s not even close.

If I never fail, it means I never tried enough, or dreamed enough, or risked enough.

First impressions count; consistent impressions count more.

Kind words give life, hope and energy for forward progress.

The blame game is an exercise in futility and stupidity.

Pride and arrogance are the appetizers of the last meal before a fall.

Save your shots because you have limited rounds in your proverbial weapon.

[Note: This lesson applies anywhere: groups, businesses, relationships, etc.]

Marriage isn’t a competition; it’s a covenant, a commitment and a divine partnership.

Friendships are important, but family is forever.

There is a distinct difference between the institutional and invisible church.

Never be afraid to agree with God, even if you are in the minority.

Sometimes it’s smart to be silent.

Whenever you criticize, be prepared to share a solution.

Dedication and determination are the seeds of inspiration and success.

Negativity is the progenitor of frustration and bad health.

God can supply both the needs and wants of His children.

The key to fulfillment is finding and engaging your created purpose.

If you want to change your habits and outcomes, change your thinking.

Give generously of your time, talent and treasure.

Intelligence is great; wisdom is greater.

Faith is confidence in God’s Word.

Moderation is the key to balanced living.

Saving money and having good credit really do matter.

Be courageous; stand up!

Governing your life by committee never works.

Honesty and integrity trump image and appearance.

Always forgive, even in the absence of apologies or forgiveness from others.

Only a fool reveals everything on his mind.

Reputation is debatable; character is a sure and secret covenant with God.

Be the kind of friend you seek.

You truly do get wiser with age.

Be discerning about the times because Christ will return soon.

CHRIST IS ALL.

-From my father, Bishop Joseph E. Bass, one of many lessons on maintaining balance:

“What do you have that you did not receive?”

-From my mother, Mrs. Mary Watts Bass, one of many life lessons on perspective:

“Only what you do for Christ will last.”

I would really love to hear ONE OF YOUR LIFE LESSONS, if you are willing to share.

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

ROOTED AND GROUNDED

ROOTED AND GROUNDED

It is an absolute blessing to remember and remain connected to one’s roots.  The late Alex Haley, author of the classic slave narrative, “Roots,” searched diligently for years to discover his African tribal origins.  Eventually, Mr. Haley landed in the village of Juffure in The Gambia, West Africa.  Through the oral history of a griot, the village historian, Haley uncovered his ancestral connection to Kunta Kinte, thereby affirming his own identity and place in history.

[Note: During the mid-1700s, Kunta Kinte had been captured, transported to Virginia (USA) and sold into a lifetime of chattel slavery].

The Word of God instructs us to be “rooted and grounded in love.” (Ephesians 3:17) Since GOD is love, this translates to remaining connected to HIM, and thereby to our truest and noblest selves. (I John 4:8)

Consider the story of Latiff, the poorest beggar in his village.  Homeless, he slept each night in front of a different house.  His days were passed in the shade of trees near the village square.  Nevertheless, as he w0uld partake of alms from compassionate passersby, Latiff had a faraway look in his eyes, as if he were thinking deeply and reflecting soberly on life.  Although he was dirt-poor, everyone loved him, and ironically, he was deemed by all to be the wisest man in his village.

One sunny morning, the king appeared in the village square.  Surrounded by guards, he strolled and examined the offerings of the marketplace.  The king almost stumbled over Latiff, who was dozing happily in the shade of a stately oak.  Someone informed the king that he was the poorest of his subjects, but one who was highly respected due to his vast knowledge and wisdom.

Intrigued, the king approached the beggar and said, “If you can answer my question correctly, I will give you this golden coin.”  Eying the coin, Latiff replied casually, “You can keep the coin.  What would I do with it anyway?  Let’s hear your question.”

The king felt somewhat put off by Latiff’s response, but anyway asked a question that had been bothering him for weeks.  It concerned a problem of goods and resources that his royal analysts had not solved.  Latiff's response was both wise and creative.  The king was quite surprised.  He left the coin at the feet of this beggar and continued on his way, pondering his sage words.

The next day, the king returned.  This time, Latiff was resting in a nearby olive grove.  Once more, the king posed a question, and Latiff answered rapidly and wisely.  The king was surprised to be in the presence of so much intelligence.  In an unexpected act of humility, he removed his sandals and sat down with Latiff.

“Latiff, I need you,” the king admitted.  “I am overwhelmed by the decisions a king must make.  I do not want to harm my people, and neither do I want to be an evil king.  Please come to the palace to be my adviser.  I promise you will want for nothing, you will be highly respected and you can leave whenever you want.  Please come.”  After thinking a few minutes, Latiff accepted the proposal of the king.  That evening, he arrived at the palace and was assigned a luxurious room.  His room was close to the king’s room and contained every imaginable amenity.

During the following weeks, consultation with the king became habitual.  Every morning and evening, the monarch spoke with his new adviser on issues of the kingdom, and on personal or spiritual matters.  Since Latiff always answered with clarity and precision, he became the favorite counselor of the king.  Within three months, no decision was made by the ruler without first consulting his trusted adviser.

Their close relationship unleashed jealousy from others in the royal court.  They saw this ‘beggar’ as a threat to their own influence.  One day, several of them requested a private hearing with the king.  With great care and gravity, they reported, “Your friend Latiff is obviously conspiring to destroy you.”

Saddened, the king replied, “I cannot believe it!”

“Then you must confirm it with your own eyes,” they continued.  “Every evening at five o’clock, Latiff enters the south wing of the palace and heads into a darkened room.  He is meeting someone secretly, and when we asked where he goes every evening, he gives only vague and evasive answers.  His attitude suggests that there must be a conspiracy going on!”

The king felt defrauded and hurt, but he needed to confirm their bad report.  That evening, precisely at five, he waited out of sight underneath the stairs.  He saw Latiff approaching the wooden door, looking around, then quietly entering a darkened room.  Accompanied by his guards, the monarch loudly struck the door. “Who is it?” Latiff asked from the inside.  “It’s the king” he answered.  “Open this door immediately!”

Latiff opened the door, but there was no one else inside.  The room had no secret doors, no windows and no place where anyone could hide.  Inside, there was only a worn out wooden plate, an old walking stick and a shabby tunic.

“Are you conspiring against me, Latiff?” the King demanded.

“Why would I do that, your majesty?” Latiff replied with surprise.  “Six months ago, when I arrived, the only property I had was this tunic, plate and walking stick.  Now I am so used to the beautiful clothes I wear, so comfortable with the bed that I sleep in and so honored by the respect and influence the king affords me, that I must come here every single day.  I touch my old tunic to…REMEMBER…WHERE I CAME FROM.

My friend, as you progress in life, never forget to stay connected to your old tunic.  Intimate connections with God and family are mission critical.  So, never ever forget your roots.

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

24 WISDOM KEYS

24 WISDOM KEYS

A while back, I came across these simple wisdom keys:

1. Your presence is a present to the world.

2. You are unique indeed, one of a kind.

3. Your life can and will be what you truly want it to be.

4. Live in the moment.

5. Count your blessings, not your troubles.

6. Stop, listen, think, pray; then act.

7. Within you are many answers, ask questions.

8. Be yourself, stop imitating others.

9. Do not impose limits on your horizons.

10. Dream big and set goals, with timely objectives.

11. Make timely and wise decisions.

12. Never compare yourself with others.

13. Worry is a waste of time and energy.

14. The longer you carry a problem, the heavier it gets.

15. Let go of ego and hold on to agape love.

16. Life is full of significant choices.

17. Be energetic, enthusiastic and excited about your life.

18. Your challenges have been solved by others.

19. You get what you give, so love and receive love.

20. Your thoughts are powerful, so regulate them.

21. Remember that it is never too late to start anew.

22. Do ordinary things faithfully to become extraordinary.

23. Know that small daily effort adds up to large results.

24. YOU ADD THE 24TH WISDOM KEY: ____________.

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

EXPONENTIAL

EXPONENTIAL

Although the term, “EXPONENTIAL,” has mathematical roots, in common usage it means “growing, increasing, expanding, spreading and ascending.” (Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com)  It is a powerful portrait of Christ’s GREAT EXPECTATIONS for all His disciples who proactively labor to build THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

THE PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM, set forth by our Savior during His earthly ministry, are clear reminders of the EXPONENTIAL GROWTH and EXCEPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS that are part and parcel of THE KINGDOM. The Parable of the Sower, The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, The Parable of the Mustard Seed, The Parable of the Leaven, The Parable of the Hidden Treasure, The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price and The Parable of the Dragnet altogether remind us that being a CHRISTIAN means far more than showing up for worship services or a legalistic conformity to religious creeds and codes of conduct. (Matthew, chapter 13)

CHRIST COMMANDS THE EXPONENTIAL, both in terms of our willingness to invest freely of personal time, talent and treasure, and in terms of our ultimate fruitfulness and productivity. (Genesis 1:28 - John 15:1-8 - Colossians 1:10)

The rich young ruler, who had meticulously observed the Law of Moses from his youth, was required by The Master to sell and share the things he treasured most.  Indeed, this constituted a unique requirement from THE LIVING WORD, who is absolutely capable of discerning “the thoughts and intents” of the human heart.  (Luke 18:18-23 – John 1:1 – Hebrews 4:12)   While Christ seldom demands such stringency and totality in giving, because He is our Creator, our Savior and our Lord, we are His purchased possession and property. (Ephesians 1:14) Therefore, HE has every right to request and require our absolute best.

Remember: THE MANUFACTURER always determines the purpose, value and use of the finished product; these existential variables are never determined by the product itself.  The totality of one’s life is in the realm of The Spirit.  Indeed, JESUS IS LORD!  So, let us stop embracing self-produced, inflexible agendas; and, let us resolve to inquire of THE MANUFACTURER as to WHO we are, WHAT we must do, and HOW, WHERE and WHEN we must do it. (Psalm 37:23) This is our safest and surest pathway to THE EXPONENTIAL, or, as Christ calls it, THE ABUNDANT LIFE. (John 10:10)

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

SINCERITY - SOFTNESS - STRENGTH

SINCERITY - SOFTNESS - STRENGTH

Our handwritten letters often end with the phrase, “Sincerely yours.”  Have you ever wondered why?  This practice has its origins in ancient Rome.  Using melted beeswax, Roman sculptors frequently concealed cracks in what appeared to be flawless marble statues.  However, when the wax dried and crumbled, angry purchasers returned and sought compensation.  Thereafter, more reputable sculptors guaranteed their work as “sine sera,” which means “without wax.”  The phrase “Sincerely yours” derives from this. 

Likewise, we Christians are called to be people of sincerity and integrity, whose words personify and embody truth.  Sincerity is a cornerstone character trait of God’s children.

Contrary to what is typically prevalent on the contemporary political stage, our words need not contain bluster, boasting or overflowing ego.  Most of the time, less is more.  True strength is frequently discovered in surprising and unexpected places.

Although we are accustomed to thinking of strength as the polar opposite of gentleness and softness, this is not always the case.  During World War I, British fighter pilots made the amazing discovery that layers of silk provided great protection against low velocity shrapnel, far more effective than steel.  So they wound silk around their heads, worn inside their helmets.  Scientists still aren’t sure what gives silk its incredible strength.  But in certain situations, soft and tender silk proves to be much stronger than hardened steel.

JESUS CHRIST shows us that the same holds true for human character.  While some people showcase harsh and impenetrable exteriors, the Savior requires a radical difference in us.  In fact, our openness and our softness become the magnetic currents that transport others to the cross of Calvary, where they become gracious recipients of God’s extraordinary love.

How SINCERE, SOFT, yet STRONG are you?

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

TOO BUSY?

TOO BUSY?

“Slow your row,” a good friend once advised.  “Don’t be so preoccupied with getting things done that you miss out on the essence of life.”  Although his comments felt rather intrusive and constrictive at the time, when I slowed down to reconsider, they made all the sense in the world.  There is nothing wrong with being busy, in and of itself, but it is mission critical that we strive to keep THE MAIN THING as the main thing.  And the most important thing is how we relate to one another. (John 13:35 and Romans 12:10)

A young and successful executive was driving down a suburban street in his brand new black Jaguar when a large rock was hurled forcefully from the sidewalk, banging loudly into the side of his beautiful car.

Brakes slammed!  Gears ground into reverse, and tires madly spun the Jaguar back to the spot where the rock had been thrown.  The driver jumped out, angrily grabbing the kid who had thrown the rock, pushing him up against a parked car.  “What was that all about?” he screamed.  “That’s my new Jag and that rock you threw will cost you a lot of money!”

“Please, mister, I’m so sorry!  I didn’t know what else to do!” pleaded the youngster.  “I threw the rock because no one else would stop!” Tears were dripping down the boy’s chin as he pointed to a spot near the parked car.  “It’s my brother, mister,” he said.  “He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him up!”  Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, “Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair?  He’s hurt and he’s too heavy for me.”

In an instant, the executive’s mood was transformed as he realized what had occurred.  He lifted the young man into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief to wipe his bleeding scrapes and cuts.  Then, he watched compassionately as the younger brother pushed him down the sidewalk toward home.

The young executive never repaired the dented door of his Jaguar.  He kept the dent to remind himself not to go through life so rapidly that someone would have to hurl a rock to gain his attention.

Key Question: What is the rhythm and cadence of your life?

A Princeton University research study was designed to determine the conditions under which good people would take time to act for good.  Two psychologists asked a group of seminary students to walk to another building on campus to deliver a short speech.  Some were told that the speech would be about their motives for studying theology.  Others were told that it would be about the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.  The psychologists had arranged for an actor to be stationed on the path between the two buildings, slumped over, coughing loudly and apparently in bad shape.  The two experimenters told half the students that they were late for their speaking appointment and half that they had ample time.

How do you think they responded?  Who was most likely to help: those with the story of the Good Samaritan uppermost in their minds or those who were thinking about their motives for studying theology?  In the end, there was a significant difference in how they reacted, but the content of their speech made no difference at all.  About the same number of Good Samaritan speakers and theology motivation students stopped.  What did make a real difference was how rushed the students thought themselves to be.  Only 10 percent of those who thought they were running late stopped to help.  On the other hand, 60 percent of those who thought they had plenty of time stopped to help.

In a society that is absolutely obsessed with investing all our time and energy in gaining more and more, it is easy to get caught up in the rat race and fail to respond in loving and humane ways to other people, near and far.  To be transparent, there are moments when I feel so busy or tired that it seems almost unreasonable to listen attentively to my wife’s story of what she was doing during her day.  But more often than not, love eventually moves me in the direction of a sincere apology for inattention and a genuine concern for her feelings.  My friend, every day I ask myself this question: “What is most importance, my immediate schedule or my larger purpose for being alive and engaged in our Father’s world?”  Think about it.  We have options.  So, let’s decide to make loving and compassionate choices – with our time, talent and treasure.

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

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

Sometimes we do not achieve positive relational results because of our erroneous assumptions.

A conflict counselor was enlisted by a parish priest to resolve a long-standing problem.  The relationship between the priest and the parochial school principal had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer communicate.  The conflict counselor prepared them for a face-to-face meeting with the follow instruction: “Before we get together, I want both of you to write down what you think the problems are in your relationship.”

The principal and the priest arrived at their first meeting and sat opposite one another.  The counselor asked them to read their lists.

The priest described the problem from his point of view. “I feel that the principal resents my presence in the school.  I would like to play a larger role but feel I can’t.  I’d especially like to be more involved in religious education, but I feel pushed out.”

The principal then read his assessment of the situation. “I feel the priest doesn’t want to get involved in the school.  For the life of me, I can’t understand why he feels that way because we desperately need him, especially in religious education.”

Wow!  So much of human conflict has its origins in false or negative impressions of the other person.  Wouldn’t it be far better if we were to see others through the empathetic eyes of grace and mercy, as GOD sees us?

It reminds me of a historic setback for Standard Oil.  It was one of the largest companies in the world, led by the wealthy industrialist, John D Rockefeller.  One company executive made a bad business decision that cost the firm two million dollars, a huge sum in the late 1800s.

A corporate partner, Edward Bedford, had an appointment to see Mr. Rockefeller.  When he entered Rockefeller’s office, he saw his boss at his desk, bent over a piece of paper, busily scribbling notes.  Mr. Rockefeller finally looked up and said to Bedford, “I suppose you’ve heard about our loss?  I’ve been thinking it over,” Rockefeller said.  “Before I ask the man in to discuss the matter, I’ve been making some notes.”

Bedford looked across the table and saw the page Rockefeller had been scribbling on.    Across the top of the page was the heading, “Positive Points in Favor of Mr. _____.”  Below that heading was a long list of the employee’s good qualities, including specific notes about three occasions where he had made decisions that earned the company many times more than the losses from his recent error.

Bedford never forgot that strategic and gracious lesson.  He remarked, “Whenever I am tempted to rip into anyone, I force myself first to sit down and thoughtfully compile as long a list of that person’s good points as I possibly can.  Invariably, by the time I finish this personal inventory, I see the matter in its true perspective and keep my temper in check.”

What about US?  There are many situations that have the potential to annoy us on a daily basis.  However, JESUS CHRIST admonishes us to handle potential setbacks with wisdom, compassion and patience.  In fact, according to Jesus, “In your patience you possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

So, when we are tempted to fly off the handle and react too swiftly or strongly, let’s just pause for a moment.  Let’s take a deep breath and THINK. 

What should we think about? 

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

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

SAVIOR OF SOLDIER CRABS

SAVIOR OF SOLDIER CRABS

The message of gospel truth is present throughout creation to all who open their senses and sensitivity to discern the voice of God.  In my travels, I once came across one of God’s simple-but-fascinating creatures, the SOLDIER CRAB.  They caught my attention because their behavior depicts a picture of mankind’s need for divine intervention and grace.

Although they are somewhat elusive, soldier crabs can occasionally be found on sandy shores at low tide.  Their appearance is quite different from the crabs we typically see.  They have a sky-blue dome about the size of nickel.  Attached to this dome are long, spindly, cream-colored legs, which they use to lift themselves on the sand.

The unusual name of soldier crabs comes from their tendency to march around in large groups.  They emerge from holes in the sand seeking food; and because of their close formations and blue shells, they look like a marching army.

When I drew closer to observe, I noticed a distinctive characteristic in their behavior.  Soldier crabs have an amazing ability to burrow down quickly into the sand.  Sensing my presence, they vanished in mere seconds, leaving nothing behind but tiny mounds of sand.  Each time I tried to get close, they dug in and hid again.  More than likely, I was too big and overwhelming; from their perspective, possibly a predator.  

It occurred to me that the only way I could get close to those soldier crabs would be if I had the ability to transform myself into one of them.  Of course, I don’t have the ability to do that.  But isn’t that a marvelous image of what Almighty God has so graciously done for US?  We were just like soldier crabs.  Our fallen nature caused us to feel too small and too sinful to commune with the transcendent and Holy God. 

So, THE ALL-WISE GOD did not approach us clothed in His majestic splendor.  Instead, He condescended to our level and appeared to us in a form that looked just like us and communicated just like us.  And miracle of miracles, through our close encounter with HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, we became “the righteousness of God” – with the call and capability to “come boldly to the throne of grace…to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (II Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 4:16) 

Wisely, God did not overwhelm us; rather, He joined us so we could be reborn and reunited with Him.  In other words, the Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.  What a good, gracious, merciful, loving and mighty God we serve!  Always stay connected to Him.

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

OH, TO BE USED BY GOD!

OH, TO BE USED BY GOD!

Most Christians long to be used by The Master in significant ways without realizing that there is a high price we must pay to experience the depths of His presence and power, and to be positioned in our divine purpose and destiny.  How could this be when Jesus Christ died for us?  Indeed, Christ did die for us at Calvary, vicariously absolving our burdensome debt of sin and shame.  But never once did He offer an exemption card from personal suffering.  Quite the contrary.  He declares, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

To illustrate this important Kingdom principle, let us consider the LEGEND AND LEGACY OF BAMBOO.

Once upon a time, in the heart of an ancient Kingdom, there was a beautiful garden.  And there, in the cool of the day, the Master of the garden would walk.  Of all the plants in the garden, the most beautiful and beloved was the gracious and noble Bamboo.  Year after year, Bamboo grew and prospered, fully conscious of his Master’s love and care, but always modest and gentle within.  Oftentimes, when the gentle wind breezed through the garden, Bamboo would dance and rejoice, tossing and swaying and leaping and in complete abandon, which absolutely delighted his Master’s heart.

One day, the Master drew near to contemplate Bamboo with eyes of curious expectancy.  And Bamboo, in total adoration, bowed his head to the ground in loving salutation to his Master.

The Master called out to him, “Bamboo, I would use you this day.”

Bamboo flung his head to the sky in utter delight.  The day-of-days had come, the purpose for which he had been created, the reason he had been growing hour-by-hour, the moment in which he would realize his heart’s desire and fulfillment.

He responded immediately, “Master, I am ready.  Use me as you please.”

“Bamboo,” the Master’s voice spoke gravely, “I will have to take you and cut you down!”

Great fear and trembling shook Bamboo.  “Cut…me…down?  Me, who you, Master, have made the most beautiful plant in all the Garden?  Cut me down?  Ah, not that.  Not that.  Use me for your joy, use me for your glory, oh Master, but please do not cut me down!”

“Beloved Bamboo,” the Master’s voice grew graver still, “If I do not cut you down, I cannot use you.”

The garden grew deathly still.  The wind held his breath.  Bamboo slowly bowed his proud and glorious head and whispered, “Master, if you cannot use me other than to cut me down, then let it be so.  Do your will and cut as you please.”

“Bamboo, beloved Bamboo, I would also cut your leaves and branches.”

“Master, kindly spare me.  Cut me down and lay my beauty in the dust; but would you also take my leaves and my branches?”

“Bamboo, if I do not cut the excess away, I cannot use you.”

The sun hid his face.  A listening butterfly glided fearfully away.  Shivering in terrible expectancy, Bamboo whispered: “Master, do your will and cut away as you please.”

“Bamboo, Bamboo, we are not quite finished yet.  I must also split you in two and cut out your heart, for if I cut you so, I cannot use you.”

Bowing to the ground, Bamboo fully submitted.  “Master, my Master, then cut and split and you please.”

So, the wise Master of the garden took Bamboo…and cut him down…and hacked off his branches…and stripped off his leaves…and split him in two…and cut out his heart.

And lifting him gently, the Master carried Bamboo to where there was a spring of fresh sparkling water in the midst of very dry, unirrigated fields.  Then, placing one end of the broken Bamboo in the cool spring and the other end into a water channel in the field, the Master gently laid down his beloved Bamboo.  The spring started singing a song of welcome, and the clear sparkling waters raced joyously down the channel of Bamboo’s torn body into those thirsty and dying fields.  Then the rice was planted and the days went by, the shoots grew up and the harvest came.

And on that day, Bamboo, once seeming so glorious in his stately beauty, was far more glorious in his brokenness and humility.  For in his first state, he only looked like life abundant; but in his brokenness, he became a wonderful channel of abundant life that watered his Master’s world.

As we earnestly pray, seeking to be used by the Master, let us be ever mindful that at times we must and shall be sown as seeds for the spiritual harvest of others.  Nevertheless, in the end, we bring ultimate glory to our Creator, along with total fulfillment and tremendous favor to ourselves.  Indeed, our service and sacrifice are the ultimate benediction and blessing of our existence.

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