GREATER LOVE...

GREATER LOVE…

Father Maximillian Kolbe, a Polish priest, died in the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz during World War II. His life story is one of inspiring sacrifice.  When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Father Kolbe knew the friary would be seized, so he sent most of his fellow priests back to their homes.  With the aid of the few who remained, he provided shelter for more than 3,000 refugees, two-thirds of whom were Jews.  Eventually, he was imprisoned and released, but was not at all deterred.  He continued to provide shelter for refugees until May of 1941 when the Nazis closed the friary and sent Kolbe and his remaining priests to Auschwitz.

At Auschwitz, Kolbe continued his exemplary spirit of sacrificial giving.  The prisoners were slowly and systematically starved, so when food appeared everyone struggled to get their portion.  Father Kolbe made a practice of standing aside until others had been fed, which often resulted in nothing being left at all.  When he did receive a portion, he freely shared it with others.

But Father Kolbe’s love reached its greatest heights in July of 1941.  In order to discourage escape attempts, the camp had a rule that ten men would be killed for every person that escaped.  After a man from Kolbe’s bunker escaped, those remaining were led out to face Commander Karl Fritsch.  Ten were selected to be placed in the starvation bunker.  Francis Gajowniczek was one of them, and he broke down in tears.  “My poor wife!  My poor children!  What will they do?”

Observing this, Father Kolbe stepped forward courageously and stood before the commandant.  “What does this Polish pig want?” he inquired with a snarl.

“I am a Catholic priest.  Let me take his place.  I am old.  He has a wife and children.”  A hush fell over the entire camp.

Father Kolbe pointed to Francis and again made his request.  “I am a Catholic priest from Poland.  I would like to take his place, because he has a wife and children.”

The commandant was absolutely astounded.  He stood silent for a minute, then agreed to Father Kolbe’s request.  Francis was returned to the ranks as Father Kolbe took his place.  Ten condemned men were led to Building 13 and left without food and water until they starved to death.  

After four weeks, four were still alive and Father Kolbe was one of them.  Because the Nazis needed the chamber for more victims those four were put to death by lethal injection.  Father Kolbe died on August 14, 1941, at the age of 47 years, having given his life that another man might live.  Francis survived the war and lived to the age of 95.  He never forgot Father Kolbe or failed to tell others of his incomprehensible and heroic love.

Father Kolbe followed the supreme example set by Jesus Christ.  Just as Christ loved and laid down His life for our salvation, Father Kolbe cared enough to offer his life for a brother.  Simply amazing!

In the memorable words of our Lord and Savior, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

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

MISSED OPPORTUNITY

MISSED OPPORTUNITY

The British missionary, Charles T. Studd, penned these lines of poetry:

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

This poem reminds me of a song that my mother, Mary Watts Bass, loved to sing.  It is entitled “Only What You Do For Christ Will Last.”  The chorus goes something like this:

Remember only what you do for Christ will last…
Remember only what you do for Christ will last…

Only what you do for Him will be counted at the end…
Only what you do for Christ will last!

No matter where we go, what we achieve, or how much we receive, everything is vain and empty in the absence of fulfilling our mission of service in the Kingdom of God.  Therefore, we must maintain maximum alertness and diligence so as not to miss God-given opportunities to share the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.

The May 2001 edition of “National Geographic” recounts the story of Marco Polo’s family.  Mr. Polo is one of the most famous explorers in history, but most people do not know that he inherited the travel bug from his father.  In 1260, when Marco was just six-years-old, his father and uncle traveled to Mongolia, part of modern-day China.  

After they arrived, the Mongolian emperor expressed interest in knowing more about Christianity.  He asked the Polo brothers to take a letter to the Pope petitioning 100 wise men to spread the gospel to his Asian subjects.

After three years the brothers arrived home; two years later they set out on their return trek.  Instead of the requested group of 100 wise men, only two friars accompanied them.  This was all the church felt they could spare.  Even those two didn’t make it to Mongolia.  They turned back home shortly after the journey started.

What a tragedy!  What a missed opportunity!  Imagine if the Kublai’s request had been fulfilled.  The whole history of China might have been radically changed.

We must come to grips with the brevity of this life and the enormity of our mission to impact fallen humanity with the Living Word of God. (Psalm 90:12 – Matthew 28:19-20 – Acts 1:8)  Someone within your personal sphere of influence needs to hear about Christ.  Don’t delay; don’t be afraid. The lyrics of a song composed by the late Andrae Crouch musically constrain us:

Tell them…even if they don’t believe you… 

Just tell them…even if don’t receive you…

Oh tell them for Me…please tell them for Me…

Tell them that I love them…and I came to let them know.

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 BE WILLING TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR

LET’S BE WILLING TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR

Possibly the greatest of human character traits is the virtue of HONESTY.  Indeed, honesty is the first cousin of integrity (wholeness) since our ability to objectively evaluate ourselves is an open portal to personal healing.  It’s important to note that divine favor resides at the intersection of honesty and humility.

Undoubtedly, it is easier to point fingers at the faults of others.  In truth, we all have clay feet.  Which means that each of us has a ledger of faults, failures, foibles and fiascoes for which we must account to ourselves, and ultimately be judged by our Creator.

The Word of God clearly instructs us on this matter, in both the words of the Apostle Paul and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, respectively:

--Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

--And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5)

These powerful words remind me of a biographical account I read in James McPherson’s “Drawn with the Sword.” (Oxford University Press, 1996)  It summarized the life of James Hammond, who was a famous plantation owner, a slaver, a congressman and a governor, but was also the epitome of SELF-DECEPTION.

It is a well-documented historical fact that Mr. Hammond blatantly abused his power in order to satisfy his sexual perversions.  In 1839, he purchased an 18-year-old slave named Sally, making her his concubine and fathering many children by her.  Then when Sally’s daughter turned twelve, he also made her his concubine and fathered children by her.

Not content with sexual escapades with his slaves, he also sexually abused his sister’s four daughters.  Eventually, Hammond’s evil ways caught up with him and his brother-in-law threatened to publicly reveal the sexual assaults on his daughters if he did not resign from political office.  Hammond’s wife left him, and most of his livestock died as a result of epidemic animal diseases.

Nevertheless, James Hammond was unbelievably blind to the error of his ways.  Here is what he wrote in his diary.  “It crushes me to see everything of mine so blasted around me.  My Negroes, cattle, mules, hogs, everything around me seems to labor under some ill-fated malediction.  Great God, what have I done?  Never was a man so cursed!”

Astonishing, isn’t it?  However, Mr. Hammond’s story might in some ways be similar to our own.  While it is effortless and easy to microscope the sins and shortcomings of others, it is a challenging thing to visualize our own errors.  Prayerfully consider that personal possibility.

The scriptures admonish EVERY MAN to carefully “examine himself” and to “examine his own work.” (I Corinthians 11:28 – Galatians 6:4)  To wit, we must not “judge” others. (Matthew 7:1)  That is, we must be ready, willing and able to gaze into the mirror of God’s Word and evaluate ourselves – from our Creator’s point of view. 

Point to Ponder: How long has it been since you have ‘seen’ yourself?

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

CONSCIENCE

CONSCIENCE

Conscience is like a sundial.  When sun shines upon the sundial, it points us to the right time.  In the same way, our consciences point us in the right direction in life.  However, it’s important to remember that the sundial works only while the sun is shining upon it.  When moonlight shines on the dial, it points to the wrong time.  When a torch shines on the sundial, it points to the wrong time.  In these instances, the sundial is completely unreliable.

In the same manner, our consciences are sometimes unreliable because the ‘light’ shining upon them is not the voice of God, but the alternative voices of culture, family, friends, or even Satan.  In these instances, we could feel a false sense of guilt over things that should not make us feel guilty, or we might feel no guilt at all over actions or attitudes that are entirely incorrect.  The key for the Christian is to have a conscience that is continually illuminated by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 9:1 – I Timothy 3:9)

Point to Ponder:

I must always ask myself, “Would CHRIST approve if HE was present?” 

In truth, HE IS…

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

HE AIN'T HEAVY...

HE AIN’T HEAVY…

My friend, if you’re IN it, you are equipped to handle it.

In 2002, The Taipei Times reported the heroic story of a Chinese mother.  In 1972, her two-year-old boy, Hu Jen-chuan, fell from a table and went into a coma.  Six days later, he awakened from his coma but was unable to talk or move independently.  As any caring parent would have been, his mother was terribly distressed. Her sorrow was greatly multiplied by the fact that she could not afford professional medical care for her son.

Instead, she has cared for Hu herself, demonstrating the unfathomable depth of mother-love.  Because he was unable to move, Hu readily developed terrible bed-sores.  So for the past thirty years, his mother has done the unbelievable.  Rather than always leave her son in his bed, she has carried him around on her back.

When this news story was written, Liu, the mother, was 65 years old and weighed 40 kilograms (88 pounds).  Her son, by then a grown man, weighed 82 kilograms (180 pounds).  On many occasions Liu has fallen and fractured bones while carrying her son.  Yet she continued to carry him.  When asked how she could do it, her reply was simply this: “He ain’t heavy; he’s my son.”  Hers is a phenomenal reservoir of love, courage and inner strength!

We are assured in The Word that God will not allow us to personally experience more than we able to bear. (I Corinthians 10:13)  Undoubtedly, our capacity to endure is immeasurably strengthened by His presence. (Philippians 4:13)  So instead of succumbing to doubt or defeat, we will resolve to reassess and refocus our problem, pressure, or pain – and to “count it all joy” – knowing that Jehovah-Shammah is there. (James 1:2-4 – Ezekiel 48:35)

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

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part II)

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part II)

We are stronger and better together than we are apart.  As Solomon suggested, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)  In other words, the combined effect of any group working together cohesively is considerably greater than the sum of its individual parts.  From that vantage point, one plus one actually does equal three.

Scientists use the term, “SYMBIOSIS,” to describe this phenomenon.  To recap, symbiosis is any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.  Whenever this occurs, the unified parties have developed a SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP.

There are two primary categories of symbiosis.  OBLIGATE SYMBIOSIS is when two organisms enter into a symbiotic relationship because they cannot survive without each other.  FACULTATIVE SYMBIOSIS is when they live together by choice.  Both have practical applications within our natural and spiritual families.

FACULTATIVE SYMBIOSIS mirrors MAN’S FREE WILL, i.e. the foundational fact that an INFINITE GOD has afforded FINITE HUMANITY the ability to “choose…whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)  Since we are not robots or automatons, we are granted the capacity to choose the quantity and quality of our relationships with our Creator and with His creations.

There are four types of symbiosis: MUTUALISM, COMMENSALISM, PARASITISM and COMPETITION. Numerous practical lessons can be gleaned here; let’s focus on a few.  Please note that the first two types of symbiosis have positive impact; the latter two have negative effects.

PARASITISM involves one organism living off another, often causing disease or death.  COMPETITION involves a rivalry for resources or a struggle for supremacy, often resulting in the diminishing or death of one of the organisms.

THE INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH can be hindered by overt and covert acts of COMPETITION and PARASITISM.  In a word, “the Kingdom of God suffers violence.” (Matthew 11:12)  Here’s the thing.  VIOLENCE FROM WITHIN is potentially more damaging and detrimental that VIOLENCE FROM WITHOUT.  To understand this fact, simply contrast the woodpecker with the termite.  While woodpeckers can be extremely annoying, their overall impact is relatively miniscule in comparison with that which can be wrought (silently and surreptitiously) by an infestation of termites.  Outside versus inside…think about it.

This is why the motives and methods of all men come under divine scrutiny.  To wit, the Word of God serves both as our guide and our judge.  Remember: The ultimate purpose of all we pursue as a community of faith is to GLORIFY GOD and to build the KINGDOM OF GOD.  That is why we must live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, because the carnal mind (the natural mind) is actually the enemy of God. (Galatians 5:25 – Romans 8:7) 

However, when the people of God determine to fully embrace KINGDOM PRINCIPLES, we exemplify both MUTUALISM and COMMENSALISM.  

MUTUALISM occurs when each participating party benefits by interaction with the others.  There are no ulterior motives, hidden agendas, or downsides in these relationships.  POLLINATION is a natural example of this.  Bees and birds harvest nectar from plants and (at the same time) they transport pollen that fertilizes other plants.  All parties benefit!

COMMENSALISM occurs when two or more organisms live in harmony with each other without damaging any of the participants.  It is a peaceful coexistence.  For example, the clownfish resides in the deadly tentacles of the sea anemone.  Thus, the clownfish is protected from its predators with no harm or inconvenience to the sea anemone. 

In the biblical book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul paints a clear picture of God’s will regarding the SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS that must and shall exist within the Body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-16

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Bottom-line: Instead of competing with each other, or instead of using each other to achieve self-serving or carnal objectives, let’s collectively resolve to rise to a higher dimension of faith, mutuality, unity and love. Let’s strive to develop SPIRITUAL SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS that edify and empower one another as we effectively establish the KINGDOM OF GOD. 

My friend, are you ready?

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

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part I)

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part I)

We are significantly stronger together than we are apart.  In other words, the combined effect of two individuals or groups working in tandem is always greater than the sum of their individual parts.  In that sense, one plus one actually equals three.

In science, this phenomenon of ‘unity’ is commonly called “SYMBIOSIS.” [pronounced sim-bee-OH-sis] According to Dictionary.com, “symbiosis” is “any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.”  When this occurs, the unified participants have a common cause and a symbiotic relationship.

It is important to note the two main categories of SYMBIOSIS.  According to Study.com, OBLIGATE SYMBIOSIS is when two organisms are in in a symbiotic relationship because they CANNOT SURVIVE without each other.  FACULTATIVE SYMBIOSIS is when the they live together BY CHOICE.  Both of these have definite application to our natural and spiritual families.

Consider this.  We do not choose our natural parents or our siblings.  Time and circumstance bring together one man and one woman who procreate and produce a physical being.  On a scientific level, one might argue that you and I are merely the random result of just one of 250 million sperm cells released during sexual intercourse, swimming along and (against all odds) ultimately succeeding in impregnating one female egg. On a spiritual level, we are assured that THE CREATOR had a more definitive role in the result.

But the bottom-line is that we had no choice in who our parents or our siblings would be.  This is a form of “obligate symbiosis,” since we are constrained (initially and positionally) to find the means to survive and thrive in the family situations to which we were born.

HOWEVER, later on we live out our lives largely through “facultative symbiosis,” which means that ultimately WE CHOOSE how we will relate, interact and live (with or without) the family of our nativity. Indeed, this is true, both naturally and spiritually speaking.

Let’s be real.  Most of us are personally aware of dysfunctional families, perhaps even our own.  In the case of a dysfunctional family member, somewhere along the line, a conscious choice is made to live either inside or outside of the family womb.  This is not to suggest that such a person is solely responsible for this unhealthy state of affairs.  There may have been mitigating family factors such as rejection, unfairness, or a host of other issues, that produced the personal perception of pain and the end result of emotional detachment.

On a spiritual level, some people feel disconnected from their church families and are thereby unable to sustain healthy relationships, characterized by peace, harmony, joy, mutual support and love.  Nevertheless, it is mission critical to the building of the Kingdom of God and to our spiritual well-being that believers strive to become bona fide brothers and sisters.

“I Need You to Survive,” written by David Frazier and made popular by Hezekiah Walker and Kirk Franklin, has powerful lyrics that describe our spiritual connectedness, i.e. our interdependence as spiritual siblings.

I need you, you need me,

We’re all a part of God’s body;

Stand with me, agree with me,

We’re all a part of God’s body;

It is His will that every need by supplied,

You are important to me,

I need you to survive.

I pray for you, you pray for me,

I love you, I need you to survive;

I won’t harm you with words from my mouth,

I love you, I need you to survive

There is no doubt that THE FATHER wants His children to sustain life-giving, symbiotic relationships.  Beyond any shadow of doubt, we really do need each other.   Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

NEVER GIVE UP!

NEVER GIVE UP!

In any arena of life, perseverance is paramount.  Consider the life experiences of Sylvester Stallone.  Although he did not win his Oscar bid for the movie, “Creed,” his life story is fascinating and inspiring.  Of course, there have been stumbles along the way, as is the case with all of us.

Stallone shot to fame in the movie “Rocky,” which produced a series of sequels that were box office bonanzas.  Although most people consider Sly Stallone’s semi-slurred speech and snarling look to be an acting affect, both are the result of a facial nerve that was severed during his birth.  Stallone grew up in New York’s gritty Hell’s Kitchen and spent his early years bouncing between foster families.  He was an outcast at school due to his facial deformities, and was sent to a high school for troubled kids.  There he was voted “most likely to end up in the electric chair.”

Stallone attended college, but eventually turned his attention to acting.  He didn’t meet with much success, so he worked at a local deli throughout most of his twenties.  Before “Rocky” made him a star, he was so poor that he sold his wife’s jewelry and his beloved dog for $25.  He wound up living in a shelter.

Stallone’s break came after he went to a boxing match in which an unknown underdog, Chuck Wepner, managed to get through 15 rounds with the world champion, Muhammed Ali.  Stallone was so excited about it that, within three days, he wrote the first draft of “Rocky.”  When he tried selling it to various studios, there was no immediate interest.  But one studio saw the script as a great vehicle for a big star, like Robert Redford or Burt Reynolds, and offered to buy it.  Stallone refused to sell, unless he was given the title role.  That studio kept offering more, on the condition that Stallone would not act in the movie.  Each time Stallone refused, even when $325,000 was on the table, the highest amount that had ever been offered for a movie script.  

Despite having just $106 in the bank, Stallone refused to give up or give in.  “I knew that if I took the money I’d regret it for the rest of my life,” said Stallone.  “And the story was all about taking that golden shot when you finally get it.”

The studio eventually gave in and bought the script for just $35,000, with Stallone working as a screen writer (without a fee) and cast in the lead role for very low wages.  Although the movie had been reduced to low budget production, “Rocky” became a massive silver screen hit and won the Oscar for best picture.  Stallone became a perennial movie star and the rest is history.

My friend, it’s always too soon to give up – because it’s never too late to fulfill your dream.  So encourage yourself. (I Samuel 30:6)

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

LIBERATING GRACE

LIBERATING GRACE

As a seminary student in the mid-seventies, I enrolled in courses on Church History.  One of our required readings was “Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther” by Roland Bainton.  Although Martin Luther is best known as the ‘father’ of the Protestant Reformation, his personal struggle with the reality of God’s grace resonates deeply with many of us.  Below, I will summarize a portion of Luther’s grace journey, as recounted by Mr. Bainton.

In 1505, a 21-year-old Martin Luther was walking toward the village of Stotternheim, Germany, when the sky became suddenly overcast.  A raging storm blew up and a bolt of lightning flashed through the sky, knocking Martin to the ground.  “St Anne help me!” he cried out, “I will become a monk.”  Martin had grown up in a medieval culture filled with great fear and he thought the lightning had been launched at him by God as a message, a glimpse of the terror of the Judgment Day.  Martin knew he needed to preserve his soul and thought the best way to do that was to become a monk.  So off to the monastery he went in search of God’s grace and mercy.

After becoming a priest, he was invited to celebrate his first mass.  Martin’s family came for the occasion.  The chapel was filled; the psalms were sung.  Then Martin took his place behind the altar and began.  But just moments into the mass, he was struck by sheer terror.  Here he was, in his own words, “miserable, little, dust and ashes, and full of sin” and now daring to speak to the living, eternal and fearsome God.

Somehow Martin got through the mass and kept going as a monk, but those initial experiences reflected his terrible inner struggle.  He got to the point where he was convinced that God was so pure and holy that no one could ever hope to be saved.  All mankind would be abandoned to the torments of hell.  In Martin’s words, “More than once I was driven to the very abyss of despair so that I wished I had never been created.   Love God?  I hated him!”

Then in 1513, 8 years after that thunderstorm, 7 years after that first terrible mass, Martin had a third great religious experience.  He was lecturing on the book of Psalms at the University of Wittenberg, followed by lectures on Romans and Galatians.  It was during those studies that Martin Luther discovered a life transforming insight from the gospel – that God’s requirement for us is not perfection, but faith.

“My situation was that, although an impeccable monk, I stood before God as a sinner deeply troubled in conscience, and I had no confidence that my merit would assuage Him.  Therefore, I did not love this just and angry God, but rather hated and murmured against Him.  Then I grasped that the justice of God is that He, through grace and mercy, justifies us by faith.  Whereas before the ‘justice of God’ had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in a greater love.”

My friends, there is absolutely nothing you or I could ever do to merit the grace of Almighty God.  The very best we can do is to “come boldly to the throne of grace” and bow in humble and heartfelt submission to Him. (Hebrews 4:16) By this simple act of obedience and faith, we make our covenant confession to Christ. Thereby, we enter His school of discipleship, becoming lifelong learners and walking in daily communion with Him. 

It’s a grace thing.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)  At your convenience, please read the biblical book of Romans, especially chapters 6-8.

One praise chorus that I love has these simple yet powerful lyrics:

Grace…grace…God’s grace…

Grace that can pardon and cleanse within…

Grace…grace…God’s grace…

Grace that is greater than all my sins.

It’s a grace thing…a loving and liberating gift of God.

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

OUR FATHER...NEVER ACCUSED OF NON-SUPPORT

OUR FATHER...NEVER ACCUSED OF NON-SUPPORT

Chuck Swindoll is a world-renowned author and preacher.  By all reports, Pastor Chuck has an outstanding capacity to impart practical wisdom and powerful inspiration into the lives of Christian laity and leaders.  However, he describes an occasion of real ministry crisis.  While speaking at a pastor's conference he had a discouraging feeling of absolute failure.  Although those in attendance were quite engaged, seemingly clinging to every word, he was overwhelmed by a deep sense of emptiness and frustration.

Sensing that God was trying to communicate something significant, Pastor Chuck called four trusted friends to his home and gave them this directive.  “I want you to listen carefully to my life story and see if anything stands out to you.”  Beginning with his earliest memories, he poured out his life story as friends listened attentively.

When he had finished, one of the friends followed up with a few questions and then said, “Chuck, I want you to place your head on the table and close your eyes.”  Chuck complied willingly, laying his head on the table in front of him and closing his eyes.

“Now, Chuck, I want you to imagine that YOUR FATHER is holding you in his arms,” suggested his friend. “Now what do you feel?”

Almost instantly Chuck began to cry.  For thirty minutes he sobbed uncontrollably.  You see, Chuck’s father had died when he was just seven months old so he had no experience or recollection of a father’s love.  But as he closed his eyes that day, he felt the presence of pure, profound, powerful and unconditional love.

At that moment, Chuck realized that although he had preached hundreds of messages about God’s great love for us, he had never personally felt the intimacy and warmth of that love.  While his head lay on the table that day he sensed, for the first time, that His Heavenly Father truly loved him – deeply, completely and unconditionally.

By his own testimony, Chuck Swindoll and his ministry were never the same again.

My friends, while I may be unfamiliar with your life circumstances, I am sufficiently sensitive to the human condition to know that each of us has experienced troubling times of doubt or despair.  In our heart of hearts, perhaps we have even wondered if God really cares because our problems loom so large and we seem so small.

Here’s good news.  In the words of the late Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr., “We have a FATHER who has never been accused of non-support.”  Phenomenal!

Occasionally, during our prayer time, Belinda and I were led to cry out together to Him, “FATHER, FATHER, FATHER.”  And before we rise from our knees, we feel a deep sense of assurance that HE is forever present and powerful – far greater than our ability to conceptualize or imagine.  In a word, OUR FATHER is absolutely awesome!

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

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

During my youth, in our church we sang a hymn by Johnson Oatman, Jr., which serves as a reminder of the PRAISE MINDSET we should maintain throughout all the days of our lives.  Its chorus goes like this:

Count your blessings, name them one by one…

Count your blessings, see what God has done…

Count your blessings, name them one by one…

Count your many blessings, see what God has done!

These simple song lyrics call to mind the spiritual resolution of the Psalmist David, who declared triumphantly, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

Think.  There are more things to be grateful for than you might imagine.

You are alive.

You have a reasonable portion of health.

You are aware of yourself and your surroundings.

You have someone who loves you despite your shortcomings.

You have a mind to live for Christ, to love Him and honor His Word.

And the list goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on...

Many may be too young to remember, but the legendary Bing Crosby made famous a secular song, also entitled “Count Your Blessings.” 

When I'm worried and I can’t sleep,

I count my blessings instead of sheep,

And I fall asleep counting my blessings…

When my bankroll is getting small,

I think of when I had none at all,

And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I dare you to try it. 

Lift up your head, my friend.  Don’t doubt.  Don’t despair. 

Count…

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