THE HOLY BIBLE: A WINDOW OR A MIRROR?

THE HOLY BIBLE: A WINDOW OR A MIRROR?

The method and manner in which we read and understand God’s Word reveals our level of spiritual maturity.

Some people read the Bible as a WINDOW into the lives of others.  As such, it can cast a spotlight on David’s sin, on Peter’s betrayal, or on Gideon’s initial lack of courage.  It could even provide a subjective measure to judge the lives of family and friends.  For example, one might have this sort of thought about a family member: ‘I know YOU are a sinner because YOU have violated one of The Ten Commandments.’ (Exodus 20)

However, for Spirit-filled believers, the Bible becomes a MIRROR that reflects the image of CHRIST, side-by-side with our own.  Thus, it points to opportunities for believers to “grow in grace,” to “crucify the flesh,” to “follow peace with all men,” etc.  (II Peter 3:18 – Galatians 5:24 – Hebrews 12:14)

As we read and study God’s Word, we must objectively examine ourselves.  That is, we must be disciplined enough, and honest enough, to SEE OURSELVES, i.e. we should visualize our spiritual needs, from God’s point of view.

As we actively engage God’s Word, it is His will that we allow it to function as a mirror, not a window.  Let’s see JESUS.  And let’s see OURSELVES.  As such, we will grow and glow as “lights of the world.”  (Matthew 5:14 – Philippians 2:20)  Amen?  Amen!

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

JOY AND HAPPINESS

JOY AND HAPPINESS

There is a distinct difference between JOY and HAPPINESS.

HAPPINESS is situational.  Typically, you feel happy because of something that has occurred.  For example, you might have received a compliment, a gift, a promotion, or an introduction to someone special – which causes you to break out into your HAPPY DANCE!

JOY is a profoundly different phenomenon.  The Word decrees that “the joy of the Lord is my strength” and “with joy (we) draw water from the wells of salvation.”  Furthermore, it advises us to “count it all joy” when encountering challenges or opposition.  This is not some superficial suggestion that we maintain a vague happy feeling or smiley face in the midst of problematic situations.  (Nehemiah 8:10 – Isaiah12:3 – James 1:2-3)

Here’s what the Holy Spirit has revealed concerning joy.  “JOY is the ASSURANCE that CHRIST is at the CENTER of my CIRCUMSTANCES.”  It bears repetition: “JOY is the ASSURANCE that CHRIST is at the CENTER of my CIRCUMSTANCES.”  In that sense, JOY and PEACE are first-cousins.  Based on CONFIDENCE in the COVENANT PROMISES OF GOD, we maintain FULL FAITH that HE will come through for us – no matter what we are presently experiencing. (Hebrews 10:35)  To wit, JOY and PEACE are derivatives of DIVINE ASSURANCE.

Allow me to be transparent.  I cannot honestly say that I am HAPPY all the time.  But deep in my heart, I always maintain a RESERVOIR OF JOY because I know that HE KNOWS, and I know that HE CARES.  The famed blind hymn composer, Fanny J. Crosby, stated it far more eloquently than I.  In her words, JOY is “BLESSED ASSURANCE [that] JESUS IS MINE – oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.”  So even in the midst of pain or sorrow, SPIRIT BREATHED JOY enables me to SING: “This is my story, this is my song – praising my Savior all the day long!” [Blessed Assurance – Fanny J. Crosby]

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

AMERICA'S NATIONAL SCANDAL

AMERICA’S NATIONAL SCANDAL

Since 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down the historic decision in Roe v. Wade, there have been well over 54 million abortions. It’s a national travesty and tragedy that so many American citizens (and those of other nations) opt to use abortion as a form of birth control.  In truth, it is a form of genocide – one that has destroyed the lives of innocent babies of every ethnicity, culture, creed and potential.

Many call it ‘the woman’s right to choose.’  Heaven knows it by a different name: ‘murder.’ (Exodus 20:13)

Let’s be honest. Would you consider abortion in the following situations?
1. A preacher and wife are very poor.  They already have 14 children.  Now she’s pregnant with number 15, and they are living in serious poverty.
2. The father is ill and the mother has tuberculosis.  They have had 4 children.  The first is blind, the second died at birth, the third is deaf and the fourth has tuberculosis.  Now she is pregnant again.
3. A white man raped a 13-year-old black girl and now she is pregnant.
4. A teenage girl is pregnant, but she isn’t married.  Her fiancé is upset because he’s not the father.

If you had made the decision to terminate these pregnancies, in the first case, you would have terminated John Wesley, one of the great evangelists in the 19th century.  In the second case, you would have terminated Ludwig Beethoven, one of the most prolific composers of all time.  In the third case, you would have terminated Ethel Waters, the legendary blues and gospel singer.  And in the fourth case, you would have terminated Jesus.  Think about it.

Nevertheless, it is important to note a very good and gracious truth.  Whenever God condemns, He always offers opportunity for repentance and restoration.  So listen carefully; listen with your spirit.  This devotional is not designed to hurt anyone who has made such a decision in your past.  Put simply, that isn’t God’s way, and that is never my ministry intention.  Here’s the good news.  In the case of any and every sin, “If we confess our sins [TO GOD], He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

My friends, if you have fallen from grace, go to a loving God…get right…and get up! (Proverbs 24:16 – John 3:16-17)

One of my favorite hymns says it all so well:  

Come every soul by sin oppressed,

There is mercy with the Lord;

And He will surely give you rest

By trusting in His Word.

Only trust Him!  Only trust Him!

Only trust Him now!

He will save you!  He will save you!

He will save you now!

As a so-called “Christian nation,” and as loving and compassionate family members, it is incumbent upon all of us to THINK and PRAY and AVOID making any decision with such dire consequences in time and eternity.

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

JUST IN CASE...

JUST IN CASE…

Just in case the present circumstances of life leave you feeling POWER-LESS, it is my privilege to point out the fact that you are absolutely POWER-FULL!  “How so?” you might ask.

My friends, you have resident within you The One whom the prophet Isaiah identified as “THE MIGHTY GOD.” (Isaiah 9:6)  This Messianic title is one of the birth names that is prophetically ascribed to the Savior of the world.  In the Hebrew language, it is “EL GIBBOR,” THE MIGHTY GOD.

Here is THE PARADOX of this powerful name – for you and for your situation in life.  HE IS THE MIGHTY GOD.  However, the Apostle Paul informs us that even though Jesus Christ was absolutely “equal with God,” HE EMPTIED HIMSELF, i.e. “He made Himself of no reputation” for the express purpose of forging a priestly connection with fallen humanity. (Philippians 2:6-7 – Isaiah 53:1-12)  The irony of this purpose-driven humility is that Jesus Christ never abandoned his divine attributes.  After all, HE IS GOD INCARNATE.  Nevertheless, upon entering into a carnal world that never fully surrendered to the law of God, it was necessary to EMPTY HIMSELF in order to relate to us, i.e. to become the “HIGH PRIEST” who would be “touched by the feeling of our infirmities.” (Hebrews 4:15)  How I love the gracious fact that JESUS ‘GETS’ US!

Here is THE PERSONAL APPLICATION of this powerful name – for you and your life situation.  Just as JESUS CHRIST EMPTIED HIMSELF in order to be fully engaged in the salvation of man, you and I must EMPTY OURSELVES also, putting aside our willfulness, ego-centeredness and personal agendas to become useful in building the Kingdom of God.

Nevertheless, full submission to the perfect will of God is an enormous challenge for human ‘rebels’ like us. (Isaiah 53:6)

Our carnal dispositions and cultural traditions cause us to place the highest value on OURSELVES, that is on our perceived worth and our personal plans, above all else.  Christ’s mandate that we “crucify the flesh” actually goes against the grain of natural impulses, but by doing so we will discover LIFE and POWER in fellowship with “EL GIBBOR,” THE MIGHTY GOD. (Galatians 5:24 – II Peter 1:3)

Indeed, in “HIS PRESENCE” and under “HIS POWER,” we are “more than conquerors,” which means we are “always triumphant,” appearances notwithstanding. (Psalm 16:11 – II Corinthians 4:7 – Romans 8:37 – II Corinthians 2:14) 

Question: How could this possibly be? 

Answer:  OUR FAITH both VISUALIZES and ACTUALIZES the END RESULT of our COVENANT CONNECTION, long before it is manifested in time and space.  

My friend, “HAVE FAITH IN GOD.”  That is your PURPOSE, your POWER and your POTENTIAL.  Just in case you are feeling somewhat powerless today, I remind you that ‘THE MIGHTY GOD” is definitely in your corner.  WINNER-BELIEVER, you cannot lose, so hang in there!

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

CONSEQUENTIAL CHOICES

CONSEQUENTIAL CHOICES

November 21, 1980, began like any other day for the men aboard a Texaco oil rig on Lake Peigneur, a 1,300 acre lake in Louisiana, USA.  Day in and day out, the workers would sink a drill down through the muddy bottom of the lake in search of oil.  However, on that day things went totally haywire.  Below the surface of the lake was a salt mine, and someone on the oil rig miscalculated the placement of the drill, which caused it to penetrate one of the salt mine tunnels.

What happened next was similar to pulling the plug out of a full bath tub.  A massive whirlpool formed.  First it brought down the oil rig.  Thankfully, the workers evacuated just in time.  Then, unbelievably, the powerful whirlpool consumed a second oil rig, eleven barges, a tug boat, several trucks, a loading dock and numerous trees.  In just three hours, over 13 billion liters of water drained from the lake, along with everything on and around it.

Remember: Nothing that we do is ever done in a vacuum.  In an increasingly smaller global community, we are directly or indirectly affected by the decisions and actions of others.   So be cautious and considerate about your choices.  Pray.  Think.  Ponder the impact on others.  Seemingly small or inconsequential matters could have major consequences, both in your life and the lives of those around you. 

At all costs, avoid pulling the plug on 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!

LET'S STAY ON GOD'S SIDE

LET’S STAY ON GOD’S SIDE

Throughout this year, I have witnessed a seemingly endless array of ‘prophetic utterances’ proclaiming that 2018 is ‘The Year of THIS,’ or ‘The Year of THAT.’  Although I am keenly aware that The Almighty does work in specific seasons, I am cognizant that God is consistent and faithful, which means He does not randomly alter our mission or mandate based upon arbitrary chronological timetables, such as the start of any new year.

Far more importantly than developing clever catch-phrases, many of which (quite candidly) are superficial, self-serving and fleshly in origin, it is crucial to remain steadfast in faith and firmly situated on the Lord’s side.

Remember, it’s all about GOD, not about us.  For example, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln met with a group of ministers for a prayer breakfast.  One minister remarked, “Mr. President, let us pray that God is on our side.” Mr. Lincoln’s response reflected a deeper spiritual insight: “No, gentlemen, LET US PRAY THAT WE ARE ON GOD'S SIDE!”

Let’s stay on God’s side.  Rather than embracing the carnal allure of that which appears to be ‘bigger-better-and-brighter’ in our families and our ministries, let us remain spiritually grounded and aligned in covenant communion with Christ.

Prayerfully consider this.  According to the Apostle Peter, “His divine power has [already] given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. (II Peter 1:3)  In other words, “JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME yesterday, today, and forever,” so there is absolutely no need to ever modify His message or its meaning.  After all, He is the One who declares, “I AM THE LORD, I DO NOT CHANGE.” (Hebrews 13:8 and Malachi 3:6)  To wit, the Word of God already contains every promise and directive needed for believers to traverse from Earth to Glory.

Nothing need be added.  Never.  As a matter of fact, adding to the Word (or taking away from the Word) places us in danger of divine judgment. (Revelation 22:19)

My friends, let us never forget: God is more about substance than style and sizzle.  Let us neither cheapen His Kingdom, nor mislead His people, by embracing any notion that lacks confirmation within His Eternal 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 ESSENCE OF FAITH

THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

During my time of prayer, I received a somewhat surprising revelation: FAITH IS NOT THE ABSOLUTE ABSENCE OF FEAR.  At first glance, this seemed somewhat counterintuitive to my understanding of the Word.  Although the Bible teaches that “perfect love casts out fear,” in practicality, most of us have not yet arrived. (I John 4:18)  So, for myself and the remainder of the cadre of ‘imperfect’ disciples, FAITH may be understood as moving forward THROUGH the shadows of apprehension and doubt. 

Oftentimes, faith is stretching TOWARD The Word, tentatively and awkwardly, like a novice swimmer holding hopefully to a flotation device.  As such, one’s faith could be compelled to make this honest admission: “I may feel shaky and unsure, but I refuse to rely solely on my senses.  So I will not stop short of mastering my struggles, my limitations and my challenges – by way of a PURPOSEFUL DECISION to believe and trust whatever Heaven declares concerning me and mine.”

Now hear another important insight.  Our momentary uncertainty is not synonymous with “the spirit of fear.”  The scriptures reveal that the spirit of fear is a malignant malady that originates in hell. (II Timothy 1:7)  Rather, in the faith-fight of believers, we become focused on God’s mandate to wage proactive personal combat against doubt and fear.  Though we may not always readily SEE His light, we continue to spiritually SENSE its presence and power. 

Oswald Chambers wrote, “FAITH IS DELIBERATE CONFIDENCE IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD, whose ways you may not understand at the time.”  Thus faith mobilizes us to deliberately embrace and trust in whatever is promised in the covenant, without experiential knowledge of the future, while remembering and reflecting on the spiritual triumphs in our past. (Philippians 4:8)  According to the Apostle Peter, we disciples are “fighting the good fight of faith,” which enables us to “lay hold onto eternal life.” (I Timothy 6:12)  As Augustine wisely stated, “Faith is believing what you do not see; the reward of faith is seeing what you believe.”  Think about it.

Therefore, through any circumstantial uncertainty, faith teaches us to trust GOD who surely will address any and all unresolved issues.  For HE is the panacea, the cure-all, i.e. the answer and the ultimate solution for every human condition.  Trusting Him is key to manifesting perseverance in the storm.  Although we may not SEE calm seas or dry land, we believe that they are indeed there, simply because GOD says so. 

Such spiritual vision requires having a heart trust, not a head trust, but a heart trust in GOD.  It means knowing that He loves us enough to surround us, sustain us and satisfy us with genuine peace, unspeakable joy, transforming love and ultimate fulfillment.  In the midst of every wave of crisis experienced by Job, he testified that true faith is all about KNOWING THAT GOD KNOWS “the way that I take.” (Job 23:10) 

In 1882, Louisa Stead and William Kirkpatrick penned the classic hymn, “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 

Amen!  Amen!  Amen!

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

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

In Alexander Pope’s “Essay on Man” written in 1732, the English poet penned this timeless line of prose: “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.”  His insight calls to mind three Jewish psychiatrists who lived in and around Vienna in the period leading up to World War II.

The first of these three psychiatrists, Sigmund Freud, spent years studying people, striving to understand what makes us tick.  He reached the conclusion that the fundamental drive in human beings is the search for PLEASURE.  According to Freud, it’s our basic need for pleasure that explains why we do what we do.

The second, Alfred Adler, also spent years studying human behavior.  His studies led him to disagree with Sigmund Freud.  Adler was convinced that the bottom line in understanding human behavior is POWER.  In his view, all of us grow up feeling somewhat inferior and powerless.  Thus, life becomes a drive to gain control, to feel more important and powerful.

Viktor Frankl sought to follow in the footsteps of his mentors, Freud and Adler.  But before his career gained traction, World War II began.  The Nazi invasion brought danger and death to millions of Jews.  Freud and Adler were world renowned scholars, so they managed to escape.  Frankl wasn’t so fortunate.  He was arrested and detained in a Nazi concentration camp four long years.

After the war ended, Frankl was released and resumed his career.  Carefully evaluating his experiences as a prisoner, he noted something strange and unexpected – that the people who survived were not always the ones that others would expect.  Many who were physically strong wasted away and died while others who were physically weak grew stronger and survived.  Why?  What was it that enabled them to hang on through the living hell of a Nazi concentration camp?

Frankl reflected on the theories of his mentors.  Freud’s pleasure principle could not explain it.  For four desperate and terrible years, the men in his camp knew only pain, suffering and degradation.  Pleasure was not even a word in their vocabulary.  It certainly wasn’t pleasure that kept them going.

What then of Adler’s theory about power being the basic human need?  That wouldn’t explain it either.  Frankl and his fellow Jews were completely powerless during their years in the concentration camp.  Each day they stared down the barrels of loaded guns, they were treated like animals, they felt enemy boots on their faces and watched helplessly while fellow Jews were executed via gas chamber genocide.  They neither had power, nor any prospects of power.

So Viktor Frankl came up with his own theory.  He concluded that the primary difference between those who survived and those who perished was HOPE.  Those who survived never gave up the belief that their lives had value and meaning.  Despite horrendous circumstances, they believed that their suffering would eventually end, and they would once more live meaningful, purposeful lives.  What is this basic human drive?  According to Frankl, it is the need to live with a sense of purpose.  Not pleasure.  Not power.  MEANING which results in HOPE.

Consider your present life situation.  What’s really going on with you?  More importantly, what are you HOPING and TRUSTING GOD for in the short- and long-term?  Whatever that is, it constitutes your LIFE-VISION, which must and shall be inscribed in the indelible ink of HOPE.

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

FAITH OR MYTH?

FAITH OR MYTH?

The classic cartoon character known as Popeye is famous for eating spinach.  Whenever he breaks open a can of spinach and consumes it, he gains enormous strength.  There is a little-known fact about this cartoon character.  Since meat was scarcer during World War II, the tale of Popeye was co-opted by the U.S. Government to promote the idea of eating spinach.  Spinach appeared to be an ideal substitute for meat.  Ironically during the 1890s, the scientists of our German enemy combatants concluded that spinach contains the same amount of iron as meat.  And iron is an essential vitamins for building muscle and strength.

However, their facts were fundamentally wrong.  German researchers did prove that spinach contains iron, but when they recorded their scientific results they put the decimal point in the wrong place.  Therefore, they grossly overestimated the amount of iron in spinach by a factor of ten!  Unfortunately, the correction for this error did not make it across the ocean until after World War II.

This series of events demonstrates how easy it is for false ideas to become quickly accepted as truth.  Even in the arena of our faith, it’s not uncommon for some to embrace faith concepts that are nonbiblical in origin. To wit, we should never be hesitant to ask WHY we subscribe to a certain belief or a particular interpretation of the Bible.  Our investigation may prove that we got it right, or it may show that we are inaccurate in our understanding of what God is actually communicating to us.  Either way, our understanding and application of God’s word will only be improved in the process.

Two practical examples of this kind of distortion of the Word are REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY (also known as SUPERSESSIONISM), which holds that the Jews are no longer chosen by God and that He has no particular future plans for the nation of Israel; and (2) PROSPERITY THEOLOGY, which reduces The Almighty to the level of some sort of cosmic genie whose primary purpose is endowing us with material possessions or wealth. Although God truly desires to bless His people, if the abundant life that Christ espoused is reduced to the level of financial prosperity, we are actually serving Satan’s cause instead of building God’s Kingdom.

Will we choose faith or myth?  My friends, let’s get our facts straight.  Let’s make sure that our faith is spiritually grounded, not in tradition, nor in fantasy, but firmly established in 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!

WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER

WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER

Before deciding you don’t need to live in harmony with others, carefully consider this.  A cord of rope has significantly greater aggregate strength than the individual strength of those strands of which it is composed.  How could this possibly be?  The answer is quite simple.  In nearly every case, individual strands have weak spots – points at which they could easily bend or break.  But within the ‘unified’ rope, weak spots are randomly distributed along its length and among its twists, allowing adjacent strands to cancel out any weak spots in the individual fibers.

First natural, then spiritual… 

GOD has designed us to exist and operate much like a cord of rope.  That is, all of us have particular strengths and even points of weakness.  However, when we remain united together, our weaknesses are diminished and rendered inconsequential in the presence of others – and ultimately via our connection with the awesome power of The Living Lord.  It’s a synergy thing.  1 + 1 really does equal 3!  So stay connected.

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

LIGHTS NEEDED

LIGHTS NEEDED

One cold December day, a Christian gentleman was walking down a Chicago street.  He noticed that someone had thrown a handful of bird seed on the ground to nourish the sparrows who were now experiencing the cruel cold of winter.  Dozens and dozens of sparrows had come (seemingly out of nowhere) to enjoy their unexpected feast.  

This man edged closer to enjoy the gratifying sight of God’s creatures being fed.  But as he approached, the birds became anxious.  Another step forward, and they prepared to flee.  Two more steps, and they all flew away, leaving their winter banquet behind.

The man stopped and considered what had happened.  Why had the sparrows scattered when he had no evil intentions toward them?  Then it dawned on him.  It was not his intentions, but his bodily presence that had so frightened them.  He was so big in comparison to the tiny sparrows, and the only way he could have walked among those birds without scaring them would be to somehow assume their own characteristics. 

If only he could become a sparrow for a while, the man thought.  He would stand close and communicate.

Isn’t this a clear picture of THE INCARNATION?  God’s righteousness looms so large and humankind’s sins and shortcomings cause us to seem so small.  Nevertheless, “God SO loved the world” that He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, i.e. to become “Emmanuel,’” God with us, and ultimately to endure our shame, our sin, our pain and our judgment. (John 3:16 – Matthew 1:23 – Romans 5:19)

We existed in absolute darkness until “the light of the world” drew nigh to us and forever redeemed us from the curse of sin and death. (John 8:12) “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) 

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Now, it is our turn; it is our mission task to BECOME THE LIGHT and to shine brightly in the darkness of this world system, especially in the lives of those whom God has positioned in close proximity. (Philippians 2:15 – Matthew 5:16) 

SHINE.

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

PERSPICACITY

PERSPICACITY

It’s an uncommon word, but it is vitally important.  According to Dictionary.com, “PERSPICACITY” represents “keenness of mental perception and understanding.”  As such, it is synonymous with vision, insight and discernment.  Question: WHAT are you seeing today…and THROUGH WHICH LENS AND FOCUS are you perceiving it? 

Shortly after the miracle of feeding 5,000 men and their families, Jesus encountered a blind man in Bethsaida.  The people surrounding this man wanted Jesus to pray, touch and heal him.  However, his healing process was most unique and unexpected.  Mark records that Jesus applied “spit” mixed with dirt on the blind man’s eyes.  After prayer, Christ queried the man about his ability to see, and his response was “I see men as trees, walking.”  Jesus was not deterred from his healing mission by only a partial restoration of sight.  “He put his hands again upon the man’s eyes, and made him look up; and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.” (Mark 8:22-25)

While believers have certainly attained to salvation “by grace…through faith,” many have not yet received clear vision concerning NEXT STEPS IN THE KINGDOM. (Ephesians 2:8)  Whenever we lack clear vision, we are prone to wandering in circles, much like the Israelites did during their 40-year sojourn from Egypt to The Promised Land.

As they say in the U.S. Navy, “Now hear this!”  We already have all the necessary tools we need to attain KINGDOM PERSPICACITY.

Firstly, we must “look up,” i.e. we must seek and practice the presence of God until we receive complete healing.  Continual prayer is prerequisite to manifesting and sustaining the presence of the Lord. (I Thessalonians 5:17) Secondly, we must rely on His Word and His Holy Spirit for life-wisdom, which includes specific insights and daily direction. (II Timothy 2:15 and John 14:26) Thirdly, we must embrace, engage and fellowship with other believers who are firmly established in the faith. (Acts 2:46-47 and Hebrews 10:25)

Finally, we must pay special attention to our SPIRITUAL DIET.  Whenever our intake is insubstantial, faithless, or erroneous, our vision remains undernourished, underdeveloped and cloudy.  Now is the time to transition to a higher level of spiritual awareness and acuity via positive and powerful connectivity with Christ.  Ask God to help you to see yourself through HIS EYES – to see yourself as YOUR CREATOR sees you.  Heavenly insight secures a steadfast VISION regarding (both) your Kingdom mission and God’s intentional design for the relationships He has sown within your sphere of influence.

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

THE DEATH OF HUMILITY

THE DEATH OF HUMILITY

What ever happened to that noble, admirable and seldom seen character trait called HUMILITY?  Nowadays, SELF-PROMOTION seems to be the acceptable order of the day since it has emerged as a dominant success strategy, both within the realm of the sacred and the secular.

King Solomon, one of the sages of the ages, wrote clearly and concisely on this subject:

“Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2)

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

“If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.” (Proverbs 30:32)

This truth could never be more plain, practical, profound, or powerful!

The Apostle Paul admonishes us to adopt an attitude of true humility, which is a hallmark characteristic of Christian disciples.  “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” (Colossians 3:12)

Also, the Apostle Peter confirms this truth, citing the seemingly ‘low path’ of humility as a primary prerequisite to the ‘highway’ of divine affirmation and blessing.  “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (I Peter 5:6)  It’s a genuine paradox; appearances can sometimes be misleading.  So look deeper.  In truth, the ‘heights’ of abundant life are typically unveiled within the ‘depths’ of personal meekness.

JESUS CHRIST, Himself, taught “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Notwithstanding these truths, SELF-PROMOTION is far too common among those who profess Christ and those who purport to be leaders in His Kingdom.  From my perspective, I would rather die in abject anonymity, rather than to reduce myself to the level of embracing a persona of unabashed braggadocio and bravado.

I am delighted to report that NOT all people are given to unbridled arrogance, boastfulness and shameless self-exaltation.  Indeed, TRUE HUMILITY is alive and well in many leaders within the Body of Christ.

Case in point: My own natural and spiritual brother, Bishop Edwin C. Bass, has risen to positions of prominence within the ranks of our international church body, the Church of God in Christ.  I am extremely elated to make this simple observation: His elevation in the ranks of church leadership has never turned his head or heart.  In terms of temperament and ego, he is basically the same Christian gentleman today that he was twenty, thirty, or forty years ago.  Bishop Bass, my brother, our highest kudos and heartfelt congratulations are extended to you.  Godspeed in your present and future ecclesiastical journey!

My friends, let us make the wise and practical decision to refrain from praising, promoting and exalting ourselves.  Think about it.  Would it not be infinitely better, admirable and noteworthy for accomplishments to be authentically appreciated and affirmed by others?

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

JESUS STOPS BY

JESUS STOPS BY

Ruth looked at the envelope again.  There was no stamp or postmark, only her name and address on the outside.  She read the letter one more time…

Dear Ruth,

I will be in your neighborhood Saturday evening, and I’ll stop by for a visit.

Love Always,

Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table.  “Why would the Lord want to visit me?  I’m nobody special.  I don’t have anything at all to offer,” she thought.

Then Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets.  “Oh my goodness, I really don’t have anything to offer.  I’ll have to run to the store and buy something for dinner.”

She reached for her purse and counted its contents.  All she had was seven dollars and forty cents.  “Well, at least I can get some bread and cold cuts” she thought.  And throwing on her coat, she went scurrying out of the door.

When Ruth bought a loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey and a carton of milk, she was left with a grand total of twelve cents to last until Monday.  Nonetheless, she felt satisfied as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked carefully under her arm.

“Hey lady, can you help us?”  Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans that she hadn’t noticed two figures huddled in the hallway.  It was a man and a woman, both dressed in little more than rags.

“Look lady, I ain’t got no job and me and my wife been living on the street.  It’s cold and we’re awfully hungry, and well, if you could help us lady, we’d really appreciate it.”

Ruth looked at them both.  They were dirty and unkempt, but she felt that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to.  “Sir, I’d like to help you, but I’m a poor woman myself.  All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread.  I have an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving it to HIM.”

“O.K. lady, we understand.  Thanks anyway.”  The man put his arm around his wife’s shoulders, turned and headed back into the street.

As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.  She cried, “Wait!”  The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.  “Look, you can take this food.  I’ll figure out something else to serve my guest.”  She handed her grocery bag to the man.

“Thank you, lady!  Thank you very much!”  Shivering in the cold, the man’s wife chimed in, “Yes, thank you!”

“You know, I’ve got another coat at home.  Here, please take this one.”  Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman’s shoulders.  Smiling she turned toward home – without her coat and with nothing at all to serve for her special guest.  “Thank you, lady!  Thank you very much,” they called after her.

Ruth was chilled to the bone by the time she reached her front door, and quite worried too.  The Lord was coming to visit and she still had nothing to offer.  She fumbled through her purse for the door key.  As she did so, she noticed another envelope in her driveway.  “That’s odd,” she thought.  “The mailman doesn’t come here twice in one day.”  She took the envelope inside and opened it.

Dear Ruth,

It was so good to see you again.  Thank you for the lovely meal and the warm coat.

Love Always,

Jesus

The winter night was bitter cold and Ruth had little to eat, but she hardly noticed it.

Matthew 25:37-40

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.”

Serve…

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