POSITIVE THINKING IS NOT FAST FOOD

POSITIVE THINKING IS NOT FAST FOOD

One of the sages of the ages, King Solomon, shared a key insight on how we must live in order to please God and to advance toward our various potentials.  It involves our customary state of mind, our daily mindset, that is, how we view the world, ourselves and others.  Concerning the connection of thoughts to destiny, Solomon wisely suggests “for as he [every one of us] thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

In an essay entitled, “Positive Thinking is Not Fast Food,” Denise Lammi penned the following:

Fast food exists because we look for short cuts.  We even look for short cuts when it comes to success and happiness.  So, short cuts to success and happiness have been packaged and repackaged, creating a multi-billion-dollar industry.  Positive thinking is one of these best-selling products.

Positive thinking DOES facilitate success and happiness. It CAN create opportunities or outcomes that may not have happened otherwise.  How does positive thinking facilitate success and happiness?  How can it improve our circumstances?  Why do negative thoughts produce negative results?

Thoughts can impact our circumstances because a thought (positive or negative) creates an idea and our subconscious stores that idea.  The subconscious then causes the conscious mind to notice information related to that idea.   Therefore, positive thoughts cause us to notice opportunities to pursue our goals.  Negative thoughts cause us to notice problems and thus sabotage our success and happiness.

Unfortunately, many of us may not be willing to put in the time and effort that is required to obtain the benefits of positive thinking.  Instead, we look for, and buy, short-cuts. Often, our hunger for instant success and happiness is so great that we consume “positive thinking fast food” products even if the ingredients are unsubstantiated or implausible.  We’re in a hurry; we’re hungry for results.

The main ingredient missing in many positive thinking fast-food products is “effort.”  Unfortunately, even when “effort” is included as an ingredient, we may pay more attention to the packaging and other product distractions, thereby wasting our efforts on the filler stuff.  This is because the filler stuff is easier (and more fun), than the most essential ingredient, effort.

Effort involves taking personal responsibility for making things happen and it requires taking an active role.  For example, the currently popular “law of attraction” principle appeals to the lazy quality in many of us because it “glosses over” that which is really important; which is simply this: YOU have to take responsibility to look for opportunities and YOU have to take action.  Instead, proponents of the “law of attraction” tell us to focus on desiring, asking and feeling; and to rely on abstract forces to do the work for us.  There is very little mention of “doing.”  Accordingly, it is more likely, than not, that anyone that has achieved their goals while applying the principles of the “law of attraction” has been successful because they have also done some “doing.”

My point is that thinking, i.e. wanting and visualizing positive things, is necessary – but it is not enough.  YOU have to take an active role.  YOU have to get out of bed in the morning.  YOU have to get out of the house.  YOU have to look for opportunities.  YOU have to be open to the opportunities that YOU see.  YOU have to have the courage to act.  YOU have to do the work that is required.  YOU have to do your best.

In other words, if you really want to benefit from positive thinking, there are NO FAST FOOD SHORTCUTS.  Dreaming about the delicious things you want to eat is great, but you have to shop for the ingredients and then you have to start cooking!

Positive thinking is just one of the ‘foods’ that will promote success and fulfillment.

Thank you, Ms. Lammi, for additional insight into the reasons we must ACCENTUATE and ACT on the POSITIVE.  Both negativity and passivity will damage and delay us since, ultimately, they are DREAM KILLERS, veritable murderers of the future that GOD foresees and ordains for us.  Think, speak, and then act positively – particularly pertaining to GOD’S WORD.

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

THE ULTIMATE TOUCHSTONE

THE ULTIMATE TOUCHSTONE

In life, all of us need to be grounded in something that is steadfast and sure.  In other words, all of us require objective tools of measurement by which we may evaluate our standing in life and gauge our progress.  It is an indisputable fact of the human condition that we must be responsible and accountable to something or someone other than ourselves.

Refined gold or silver was originally assessed by a black siliceous substance called a touchstone, which was rubbed vigorously against the precious metals.  The specific color of the streak produced on the metal by the touchstone would determine its purity and resultant value.  Hence, the touchstone streak became the standard of worth for the gold or silver, a primary factor for setting its selling price in the marketplace.

Wouldn’t such a touchstone process be a useful commodity if it were available (to us) in order to ascertain the quality and significance of decisions and lifestyles that we embrace on a daily basis?

Good news!  All of us have within our grasp the ultimate touchstone.  Indeed, it is the Word of God.  I love how the Apostle Paul’s protégé, Timothy, so aptly describes it for us:

II Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Points to Ponder:  Have you ‘touched’ your touchstone lately?  Are you benefiting regularly by divine wisdom, or are you foolishly ignoring our greatest mentor, the all wise God?  Put simply, is your life being objectively measured? 

Joshua 1:8 (KJV)

This book of the law [the Word of God] shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

If you are currently experiencing problems, pain, illness, addiction, discouragement, lack, grief – or if you simply have to make some tough decisions – take THE ULTIMATE TOUCHSTONE in hand and ask GOD to guide you in the reading and revelatory process.  SURELY, HE WILL.

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

HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH

HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH

The news media bombards us daily with horrific images of global, national and local tragedy.  Because of this, it is relatively easy to embrace a negative or cynical view of life.  We have witnessed far too many distressing and disastrous examples of man’s inhumanity to man.  These terrible incidents now occur in what we have always regarded as ‘safe’ places: schools, shopping malls, office buildings and even places of worship.  Indeed, these are prophetic signs (Matthew 24 signs) of the end-time season in which we live.

My singular goal today is to encourage you to hold on tenaciously to your faith.  Despite what you see or hear, have faith in God.  God is sovereign.  God is still on the throne. 

During life’s most puzzling and perplexing moments, it behooves us to reflect on the profound wisdom that Jesus shared with his disciples during troubling times: “And Jesus answering said unto them, Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22)

Regardless of your present circumstance, know that God has your back!  So be encouraged.  Be joyful.  Joy is the simple assurance that Christ is always at the center of all your circumstances.

Pastor Shirley Caesar recorded an encouraging word-in-song that speaks assurance to you:

You can make it…

You can make it…

This trial that you’re going through,

God’s gonna’ show you what to do.

You can make it…

You can make it…

I don’t care what’s going wrong…

God won’t let it last too long…

You’re not in this thing alone…

You can make it!

My friend, be encouraged.  Have faith in THE ALMIGHTY AND SOVEREIGN GOD, because with His help and His strength, you certainly can…and you consistently will…make it. 

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

CLEAR THE AIR

CLEAR THE AIR

Sometimes we make all sorts of excuses for the things we say and do. This can be an especially troublesome (and even excruciating) choice when our actions involve others.  Over the years, I have witnessed what I call ‘blanket apologies’ or a ‘shotgun approach’ to reconciliation.  For example, someone in your group has done or said something that specifically offends another.  Mind you, this is not a case involving an unknown or inadvertent trespass; the aggrieving party knows full well the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of said offense.

But instead of going to the hurt person directly to resolve the issue and restore the relationship, the ‘offender’ rises in the public group forum and states something rather ridiculous like this: “God knows I love EVERYBODY in here.  And if I have EVER done anything to hurt or upset ANYBODY, I am truly sorry.”

Such an ‘APOLOGY’ (and I label it as such with tongue-in-cheek) is patently absurd and goes absolutely nowhere.

Bottom-line: If you have done something to hurt or harm someone in any way, just do the right thing.  Offer an excuse-free, full-throated, transparent and sincere apology – one which clearly recognizes what has been done and offers a genuine opportunity to move forward in a healthy and drama-free relationship.

Can you ‘FEEL’ me on this?  Remember this: a casual word will not alleviate pain; a random gift will not heal hurt.  In a word, we must resolve to do exactly what the Bible says.  We must “make straight paths for [our] feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”  As we “follow peace with all men,” we will be positively and continually blessed! (Hebrews 12:13-14)

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

THE OBJECT OF YOUR LIFE-TRUST

THE OBJECT OF YOUR LIFE-TRUST

Trust GOD. (Proverbs 3:5-6)  Enough said.

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

JOY IS AN INSIDE JOB

JOY IS AN INSIDE JOB

Hopefully, by now you have discovered that true contentment does not emerge from external conditions or circumstances.  Simply put, no persons, things, or circumstances in life can fully attain or sustain personal fulfillment.  The reason is rather obvious.  Any person, any condition, any situation and anything we encounter and experience with our five senses is temporary and transitory.  Eventually, all will die, all will depart, or all will simply fade away.

What, then, is the optimal source of our joie de vivre? [Editor’s Note: “Joie de vivre” is a French term meaning joy of life].  Our response to this question must begin with the understanding that happiness and joy are not synonymous.  Happiness is temporary and conditional, based solely upon prevailing conditions and our emotional response to the same.  Joy, on the other hand, is enduring and existential.  That is, it comes from within.  To wit, joy is an inside job.

When we opt to invest precious time and energy in random and frantic quests for happiness, we merely reap disappointment or emptiness.  However, when we make the wise choice to embrace the true source of joy, which is unwavering faith in the person and power of Jesus Christ, we reap a fulfilling harvest of peace, power, pleasure and productivity.

joy is the assurance that Christ is at the center of our circumstances.

Therefore, joy sustains itself (and us) unconditionally.  As such, joy will not and cannot be based on external matters such as money, clothing, cars, or the places in which we reside.  As believers, we endeavor to make sound decisions that embrace the only legitimate and lasting joie de vivre.  It is important to note that this path does not offer immunity to problems or pain, but it does manifest the bright light of joy, which provides divine perspective as we travel through unexpected or challenging places.

Joy is an inside job!  So, first of all, we must establish the fact that Jesus Christ lives on the inside via our sincere prayers for salvation, which grant Him access and authority to be both Savior and Lord.  Then, we must read His Word daily and commune with Him constantly in prayer.  Only then, will we walk forward with blessed assurance and absolute confidence, knowing that GOD has our backs.  HE never ever fails!

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

THE FREE AND FEARLESS

THE FREE AND FEARLESS SNOWFLAKE

As a long-time Connecticut resident in the New England region of the USA, I have a definite ‘love-hate’ relationship with winter weather.  I am particularly averse to those biting blasts of chilly Arctic air that frequently invade our borders from December through February, and beyond.  However, I love to lounge in front of a cozy fireplace, totally mesmerized by its warmth, its glow, and the crackling of burning embers.

Let me be perfectly clear.  I am no fan of shoveling mountains of snow, especially in the volume and frequency of recent winters.  The snow blower ably assists my efforts, but never increases my likability for wintry storms.  Nevertheless, I love to stand at the window and gaze at the absolute beauty and awesome tranquility of newly fallen snow.

Bottom-line: I am emotionally ambivalent about our frequent downpours of winter snow, but I have a deep-seated and abiding admiration for their basic building-blocks, a.k.a. snowflakeS.  How so?

SNOWFLAKES ARE SURVIVORS.

Their birthplace is high in the stratosphere, where they form amid violent blasts of winter wind, conditions totally unimaginable and unendurable for us.  Along their gravity-driven journey, they collide forcefully with one another.  And they are continually shaped (and reshaped) by treacherous winds, changing temperatures and violent collisions with fellow flakes.

In fact, before reaching the ground, their transitions and transformations are far too numerous to count.  However, the difficulty of their journey produces miraculous results.  Every snowflake achieves the rare beauty of individuality and uniqueness.  No two are alike.  This is amazing, even astounding, in light of the multiplied millions of flakes that comprise any beautiful blanket of fallen snow.

WE, TOO, ARE SNOWFLAKES.

The circumstantial winds of life constantly shape us; the powerful gravity of life continually transports us.  We move.  We change.  We develop.  We grow.  We rise; we fall; we rise again. (Proverbs 24:16) Indeed, we become free and fearless along our journey, despite any collisions, conflict, pressure, or pain.  And GOD transforms diverse situations into divine appointments that develop our distinctiveness and destiny.

As we allow OUR CREATOR to define and refine our journey (and ourselves), we become those beautifully crafted, absolutely awesome, BEINGS-OF-PURPOSE who were conceived in His Mind long before the foundation of the world.

It is HIS PLAN.  It is OUR PROCESS.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

GLIDE FEARLESSLY, SNOWFLAKE, for divine meaning and mission reside within your wintry storms.

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

PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF LIFE

PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF LIFE

Sandile Duma of the Republic of South Africa submitted a rather fascinating story that strikes me as profound truth.  It is entitled “Romeo and Juliet: The Delay of the Friar,” and I will share it with you.

Having read William Shakespeare’s famous book with that terribly tragic ending, I discovered a human loophole that caused (but might have possibly prevented) the demise of two passionate lovers. 

It is the DELAY OF THE FRIAR.

The friar used a very slow donkey to ride to the tomb for the purpose of informing Romeo that Juliet was not actually dead (as Romeo had thought), though she was residing temporarily in the burial place of the dead. Although the friar made the error of traveling on a very slow beast, heavy storms delayed him even more.

On the other hand, Romeo traveled on a very fast horse, galloping at top pace, because he was in a hurry to see and be with his beloved, now ‘dead’ Juliet.

While the friar was slowly on his way, Romeo was fighting guards by the tomb to gain access to his beloved Juliet.  There he saw the love-of-his-life laying quietly, peacefully, beautiful beyond belief, but devoid of breathe.  Romeo cried out in anguish and grief.  Within moments, he committed suicide by ingesting a vial of poison.

When Juliet awakened as planned from her purposefully drug-induced coma, she felt the heaviness of her lover on top of her and tried to revive him, but Romeo was gone forever.  Losing all hope, Juliet reached for a sword and took her own life.

The friar was still on his way.  Finally arriving, he beheld the terrifying revelation of the intense love the two young people had held for one another.

HAD THE FRIAR NOT BEEN DELAYED, their lives could have been saved.

HAD THE FRIAR NOT BEEN DELAYED, Romeo and Juliet would have experienced abundant life, love and happiness.

Think.  At times, our delays result in untold sufferings and unknown consequences for ourselves, and for others.

Bottom-line: If you need to show love to someone, or if you need to be reconciled to someone, do not delay such a life-giving process.  Terrible tragedies can be averted if you resolve to handle mission critical matters at a more expeditious pace.

DO IT NOW…stop riding that donkey.  

DO IT NOW…you do not know what weather lies ahead.  

DO IT NOW…do not postpone…get to it! 

After all, PROCRASTINATION is not only the thief of TIME.  Indeed, it is the thief of LIFE.

Live intentionally, and act in a timely manner to fulfill your God-given purpose.  Remember: Your assignment has a definite shelf life.  Act now, without delay, and walk into your destiny.

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

WHAT IS YOUR STORY?

WHAT IS YOUR STORY?

Marianne Wiggins, an American author, wrote the novel “Almost Heaven.”  One of her central characters is a middle-aged woman named Melanie John.  We meet her in the psychiatric unit of the Medical College of Virginia, suffering from hysterical amnesia.  Shortly before that, she was a happily married mother of four living in the Richmond suburbs.

But five weeks earlier, she and Jason, her husband and the love of her life, were headed down the highway with their four kids seated in the back.  Melanie had been writing during their drive, when a gust of wind carried her paper out the window.

Jason pulled the car over to the side of the road and Melanie got out and headed into a nearby field to recover her writing.  That’s when she heard the terrifying screech of skidding tires.  She turned just in time to witness another vehicle slamming into the rear of her family car.  The car exploded, and her husband and children were killed instantaneously.

Melanie’s emotional system coped by shutting down completely – blocking out the memory of that day and, sadly, all memories of her family life as well.  Her last two decades were totally erased from conscious memory.  The last memory Melanie could recall was her graduation from law school 20 years earlier.  But her most precious memories, of meeting Jason and falling in love, of her wedding day, of the births of her children, of the building of their new home, were absolutely lost.

Although her amnesia acted as an emotional anesthetic, Melanie was totally robbed of herself and had no real sense of the most meaningful parts of her identity.  Powerful unanswered questions filled her room.  Inside this shell of a body, who is Melanie John?  What is her life?  Where does she fit?  What’s her place and purpose?  Without the stories of the last 20 years, she had no easy way of knowing.  Without the stories of her past, there was no meaningful present, and quite possibly no meaningful future.

The novel recounts Melanie’s painful journey to recover her memories and regain her sense of self.  One of the things this story reminds us about is that OUR LIVES ARE MADE UP OF OUR STORIES.  Our sense of self, who we are, why we are here, where we fit in and where we are headed are the roadmaps by which we make sense of our lives.

Indeed, our lives are fundamentally shaped by our family and cultural stories, those times of gain and loss, those times of weeping and rejoicing, those stories that tell us who we are, those stories that reveal our priorities and our values.  Nevertheless, FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE STORY.  It is a faith saga that transcends family, culture, time, space and happenstance – providing us with true meaning and wise direction.

My personal journey has a multiplicity of chapters, scenes, settings and life-events – some saturated with joy and fulfilment, some not so much.  But I do have ONE PRIMARY OVERARCHING STORY that colors all and affects all.  Do you want to know what it is?

The late Fanny J. Crosby, a blind yet gifted Christian composer from Bridgeport, Connecticut, captured it so well in the lyrics of her beautiful classic hymn, “Blessed Assurance.”

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

THIS IS MY STORY, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

My friend, WHAT IS YOUR STORY?

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

THE OPPOSITIONAL VOICE OF JESUS CHRIST

THE OPPOSITIONAL VOICE OF JESUS CHRIST

As I read and reread the transformational words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it causes me to reflect on Who HE is and who WE have become.

While so many in the arena of politics and in the realm of entertainment claim close connections to Christ (with such pride, audacity and ease), the teachings of Jesus actually constitute a stern rebuke to our societal norms, values and lifestyles.

In effect, the message of Jesus is a perennial proclamation to us: ‘DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE!’  Don’t rely on the silver screen, the latest popular song lyrics, or the political ‘flavor of the month’ for truth.  Indeed, they are all lying – all speaking only half-truths at best.

JESUS CHRIST declares that the poor in spirit are blessed, as opposed to the rich who (according to Him) will enter into His Kingdom with great difficulty due to their greater love for goods than for God.

JESUS CHRIST suggests that the mourners are blessed because they shall be surrounded and sustained by His comforting presence and power.

JESUS CHRIST contends that those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness are blessed because they find themselves seeking His face and fellowship, not engaged in a mad dash for dollars, rands, francs, yuans, rubles, pesos, pounds, or euros.

JESUS CHRIST challenges us all with two primary questions: 1) “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”  2) “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37)

I firmly believe that western civilization has morphed into a rat race for prosperity, prestige, possessions, positions and power.  And I am gravely concerned that the institutional church (not the invisible church) has become a co-dependent, compromising and cooperating partner in a material quest that leads us further away from the truth and distances us from our Creator.

So, let’s resolve to do something radically different.  Let’s tune out any and all voices that contravene the message and mission of The Anointed One.  It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway: CHRIST IS ALL! 

HE ALONE is “the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)  

HE ALONE…neither presidents, nor prime ministers, nor royalty, nor captains of industry, nor clergy, nor congress, nor courts, nor world-class athletes, nor superstar entertainers, nor anyone else.  

HE ALONE.

Anything else (no matter how gleaming its glow or attractive its allure) is simply vain, secondary, destructive and futile. (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

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

LIFE'S ONE NECESSARY INGREDIENT

LIFE’S ONE NECESSARY INGREDIENT

The Word assures us that GOD IS LOVE.  “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (I John 4:8) His essence, character and Spirit is LOVE.

According to Jesus Christ, who is the “author and finisher of our faith,” there is one indisputable evidence of the new birth: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Hebrews 12:2 and John 13:35)

So, what are the practical dynamics and daily applications of truth to achieve genuine, loving relationships?  We need look no further than I Corinthians, chapter 13. [The Message Bible]

¹ If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

² If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

^3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

^8-10 Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

¹¹ When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

¹² We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

¹³ But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

In the absence of exemplifying this biblical standard of love, our words of witness are shallow and hollow.  Please prayerfully ponder.

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

ASSIGNED TO PRAISE

ASSIGNED TO PRAISE

King Saul was in hot pursuit of David, who was running for his life.  As long as David slayed Saul’s enemies and soothed Saul’s emotional anguish via his anointed musical gift, Saul was ‘down’ with David’s personality and program.  This is such typical human behavior.  While performing according to the expectations of others, one retains ‘hero’ status.  Whenever diverging from the prescribed course-of-control, one can be deemed to be rebellious or undesirable.  In that connection, some years ago, the Holy Spirit whispered in my spirit: ‘I saved you from SIN – now it’s time to get deliverance from PEOPLE.’  What a powerful personal revelation!  Instead of allowing CHRIST to be the Author and Finisher of our faith, many of us become IDOL WORSHIPERS by way of a curious co-dependency which involves the acceptance and affirmation of others.

How I love David’s attitude!  Did you know that one’s ATTITUDE IS A RELIABLE PREDICTOR OF LIFE-ALTITUDE?  Think about it.  Just as surely as Saul was predisposed to panic, David was wired for worship.  I am absolutely inspired by David’s faith and tenacity.  Although surrounded by destruction and death, David would sing “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) This determination to practice the presence of the Lord through praise and worship motivated and mobilized David through critically difficult days.

I can almost envision David’s brain buzzing and his stomach churning when the Israeli women started offering him greater post-combat accolades than those ascribed to King Saul.  They sang, “Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands.” (I Samuel 18:7) David knew intuitively that those troublesome lyrics would precipitate a crisis.  I can imagine David’s hands waving frantically back-and-forth to cancel this dangerous tune, as his lips might have mimed in desperation, ‘NO…NO…NO…WRONG LYRICS!’

Eventually Saul became his archenemy and David was compelled to take refuge with the Philistines, the chief political rival of Israel.  Isn’t it ironic that he was treated with more acceptance and care by the enemy king, Achish, than by his homeland monarch?  David wound up in a cave in a remote area called Adullam.  I am fascinated by the kind of people that were drawn to him there.  The scriptures state, that in addition to David’s family, “every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them.” (I Samuel 22:2) It’s simply uncanny WHO God will use to bless you!  So, stop focusing on external environmental conditions.  Neither your surroundings, nor your situation ultimately matter – because GOD’S GOT YOUR BACK!

David’s dark cave was loaded with never-do-wells, but it was a DIVINE APPOINTMENT because everyone in that dismal cave was directly exposed to LIBERATING AND POWERFUL PRAISE!  I read an intriguing passage of scripture that clarifies the reason why David was sovereignly positioned within the Cave of Adullam.  Remember.  GOD is always up to something behind the scenes!  Hear the Word of the Lord:

Joshua 15:20,35

20 This is the INHERITANCE of the tribe of the children of JUDAH according to their families.

35 Jarmuth, and ADULLAM, Socoh, and Azekah,

This scripture passage seems somewhat random and irrelevant at first glance.  It merely cites cities in Canaan that were assigned to the Tribe of Judah.  The city of Adullam was specifically designated as the proprietary heritage of Judah.  Since JUDAH ACTUALLY MEANS PRAISE, this two-line biblical message signifies that ADULLAM WAS ASSIGNED TO PRAISE!  No wonder David was STILL PRAISING GOD in that distant, damp, dank and dark cave!  Why was David so committed to sustaining praise in a situation that seemed replete with reversals?  First of all, because GOD INHABITS PRAISE.  Whenever we PRAISE HIM (in the midst of trouble), we bring Almighty God smack-dab-in-the-middle of our problems, pressures and pains!  Secondly, because PRAISE IS COMELY FOR THE UPRIGHT, we ‘look’ and ‘feel’ so much better (and our environment is positively transformed) WHENEVER WE ARE PRAISING HIM! (Psalm 33:1)

The name “ADULLAM” is fascinating because it means “REFUGE.”  Often, the place where God has assigned us might LOOK LIKE a test, a trial, a temptation, or a terrible time of trouble…but IF GOD HAS PLACED US THERE (even in a troublesome and light-challenged cave)…OUR ‘CAVE OF ADULLAM’ BECOMES OUR REFUGE.  Why?  Because Adullam is where God has situated us FOR A TIME, until he publicly brings us out into our appointed moment and place of divine destiny.  Be assured, HE will not leave us there!  ADULLAM is our PRESENT REFUGE – because in the darkness of Adullam, WE WILL SENSE AND PRAISE THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD!

In closing, read the following scripture passage and be mindful that no matter where you are…GOD IS!

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

BELIEVER, YOU ARE ASSIGNED TO PRAISE…right here…right now…so PRAISE HIM!

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

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

Today is a very important American holiday, commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We honor his leadership and tenacity in combating “the triple evils of American society: poverty, racism and militarism.”  Martin Luther King’s unique model of social change is rooted in the humanitarian philosophies of Mohandas (a.k.a. Mahatma) Gandhi.  Dr. King set forth six principles of nonviolence, which are summarized below for your consideration.

---Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.  It is a positive force confronting the forces of injustice, and utilizes the righteous indignation and the spiritual, emotional and intellectual capabilities of people as a vital force for change and reconciliation.

---The Beloved Community is the framework for the future.  The nonviolent concept is an overall effort to achieve a reconciled world by raising the level of relationships among people to a height where justice prevails and persons attain their full human potential.

---Attack forces of evil, not persons doing evil.  The nonviolent approach helps one analyze the fundamental conditions, policies and practices of the conflict rather than reacting to one’s opponents or their personalities.

---Accept suffering without retaliation for the sake of the cause – in order to achieve the goal.  Self-chosen suffering is redemptive and helps the movement grow in a spiritual as well as a humanitarian dimension.  The moral authority of voluntary suffering for a goal effectively communicates concerns to one’s friends and community, as well as to the opponent.

---Avoid internal violence of the spirit as well as external physical violence.  The nonviolent attitude permeates all aspects of the campaign.  It provides a mirror reflection of the reality of the condition to one’s opponent and the community at large.  Specific activities must be designed to help maintain a high level of spirit and morale during a nonviolent campaign.

---The universe is on the side of justice.  Truth is universal.  Human society and human beings are oriented to the just sense of order of the universe.  The fundamental values in all of the world’s religions include the concept that the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice.  For the nonviolent practitioner, nonviolence introduces a new moral context in which nonviolence is both the means and the end.

While this esteemed clergyman is widely known for his pioneering efforts in the American civil rights movement, Dr. King also espoused the theological position (referenced above) that is of paramount importance.  According to The King Center for Social Change, “The Beloved Community” is a term first coined in the early days of the 20th Century by the philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce, who founded the Fellowship of Reconciliation.  However, Dr. Martin Luther King, also a member of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, popularized the term, invested it with a much deeper meaning and captured the imagination of the entire world.

For Dr. King, The Beloved Community was no lofty utopian goal to be confused with the rapturous image of the Peaceable Kingdom, in which lions and lambs coexist in idyllic harmony.  Rather, it was for him a realistic, achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people becoming committed to and trained in that philosophy and in methods of nonviolence.

Dr. King’s Beloved Community is a global vision, in which all people share in the wealth of the earth.  In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness are not tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it.  Racism and all forms of discrimination are replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.  In the Beloved Community, international disputes are resolved by peaceful conflict-resolution and the reconciliation of adversaries, instead of military power.  Love and trust triumphs over fear and hatred.  Peace with justice prevails over war and military conflict.

Dr. King’s Beloved Community is not devoid of interpersonal, group, or international conflict.  Instead he recognized that conflict is an inevitable part of human experience.  But he believed that conflicts could be resolved peacefully and adversaries could be reconciled through a mutual commitment to nonviolence.

The core value of King’s Beloved Community is agape love, which he described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all…overflowing love which is purely spontaneous, unmotivated, groundless and creative…the love of God operating in the human heart.”  One expression of agape love is justice for all people.  As Dr. King often said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  He felt that justice could not be parceled out to some persons or groups, but was the birthright of every human being.  [Source: The King Center]

As we pause to reflect, to commemorate and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we pray that social justice will become an ongoing concern and ultimate reality for all.  According to the writings of the Prophet Amos, we must collectively travail until we ultimately prevail, i.e. until “justice run[s] down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:24, NKJV)

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