WHAT WE NEED IS A PERMANENT PRESS

WHAT WE NEED IS A PERMANENT PRESS

Today’s devotional is inspired from a sermon by Bishop Richard “Mr. Clean” White that I heard at the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in New Haven, Connecticut…way back in 1970.  Evangelist White began his message with a definition of permanent press.  It was actually invented in 1961, and swept through the popular culture by 1964.  According to Dictionary.com, “permanent press” is “a process in which a fabric is chemically treated to make it wrinkle-resistant so as to require little or no ironing after washing.” 

The obvious benefit is that permanent press clothing retains its shape despite the rigors of washing machine cycles, which serves to minimize or eliminate the need for extensive ironing.  To wit, the invention of permanent press was a creative solution to the public demand for carefree clothing.  There is a spiritual application embedded in this natural invention.  As we embrace the process of casting all our cares upon Jesus Christ, we encounter healing, wholeness and the reality of abundant (carefree) living…while escaping (not necessarily from, but through) our “fiery trials” and tribulations. (I Peter 5:7 – John 10:10 – I Peter 4:12)

Evangelist Richard White’s sermon text follows:

Mark 5:25-34  (NKJV)

²⁵ Now a certain woman had a flow [issue] of blood for twelve years, ²⁶ and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. ²⁸ For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” ²⁹ Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ³⁰ And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” ³¹ But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” ³² And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. ³³ But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. ³⁴ And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Throughout his message, Evangelist White artfully compared the tenacity and the press of this afflicted woman with the unique characteristics and benefits of permanent press clothing.  “What we need,” he contended, “is a permanent press!”  I will supplement his original message with the following Kingdom principles.

Kingdom Principle Number One: This unidentified woman had issues, as do we all.  You and I are keenly aware that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  Since we presently exist as ‘the church militant’ engaged in fighting “the good fight of faith,” every single one of us is involved in a life-or-death struggle with something. (I Timothy 6:12)  Two keys to victory are identifying and acknowledging our growth edges, so we can experience genuine development and deliverance.  This woman was no different from you or me.  Hers was an issue of blood; mine is ____; yours is ____.  From Heaven’s perspective, all of us stand in need of the practical assistance and powerful deliverance that is present via a personal encounter with Christ.  Therefore, all of us should be highly motivated to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Kingdom Principle Number Two: This seeking woman experienced deliverance through a process.  Mark details an epic struggle of considerable intensity and duration.  Indeed, this woman’s issue prevailed over the span of twelve long years, with innumerable visits to a veritable host of physicians.  The result? A tortuous twelve-year search for help left her ‘broke, busted and disgusted.’  Yet there was hope on the horizon.  Mark remarks, rather matter-of-factly, “she heard of Jesus.”  We are not privy to the identity of the witness[es] or their evangelical content, but the subject of their message was life-changing: JESUS CHRIST!  Undoubtedly, this woman had to resist inner voices that argued that this could be just one more failed attempt to become liberated from her chronic disease, but she obviously did not give up hope or effort.  My friend, if you embrace and endure the process, deliverance will surely come!

Kingdom Principle Number Three:  This sickly woman’s personal press was the seed of her healing harvest. Following the great flood, God made a natural/spiritual promise to humankind: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22)  We know that God stands as a vigilant sentinel over His Word. (Psalm 119:106 – Ezekiel 12:25 –Jeremiah 1:12 – Romans 4:21)  God cannot lie.  So we believers have God’s immutable promise: ‘We reap what we sow.’ (Galatians 6:7)  As difficult and painful as it might have been, every single step toward The Great Physician was an expectant seed, a potent seed-of-deliverance, sown in tears but harvested in joy.  In the words of the psalmist, David: “He who goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:6) 

Kingdom Principle Number Four: This determined woman’s persistence was counted by Christ as faith.  Jesus’ final words to this woman were both informative and inspirational: “Daughter, your faith has made you whole; go in peace, and be whole of your plague.” (Mark 5:34)  Faith is fundamentally proactive.  In fact, “faith, if it has no works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17)  Faith never quits, and thus always succeeds.  What does this story say to us?  Firstly, our personal assets and resources are always insufficient to access the eternal.  Secondly, those family and friends who surround us cannot always answer the call of our deepest needs.  Although it is marvelous to partake of those loving relationships, what we need is a permanent press towards JESUS CHRIST, the author and finisher of our faith.  By any means necessary, get through to Him!

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

WISE FRIENDS?

WISE FRIENDS?

King Solomon penned sage advice for all to live by: “He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)  Today’s key question to ponder is simple: Do your closest associates bring help or harm?  Consider the story of the powerful king who unwisely chose a monkey as his dearest companion and friend.

In a distant land, there was a king who had a monkey that was not only his pet, he was his best friend.  The king loved that monkey very much, so he fed him with scrumptious fruits from the royal orchards and even clothed him in the finest garments in the land. 

In fact, this king trusted his monkey friend so much that he decided to make him his personal guard.  That way, he would have his good friend alongside him at all times.  Once this decision was made, the king took his friend everywhere, from the battleground to the court, and on each royal trip throughout the kingdom.

The monkey apparently loved the king with the same intensity and was most delighted and proud to have been appointed as his personal guard.  He resolved to carry out his duties with utmost devotion.  While the king slept, it was his job to guard the royal bed chambers.  He would faithfully see to it that nothing would disturb the king from getting his rest.  He even fanned the king to maximize his comfort, while he slept.

Daily, the royal bed chambers were bedecked with a variety of gorgeous and fragrant flowers.  Attracted by the alluring aroma of these flowers, a rather determined bee buzzed in through an open window while the king took his royal nap.  As was his custom, the monkey sat by the king’s bed, protecting and fanning him. Once the diligent monkey spotted the intrusive bee, he tried to chase it away by using his fan.  But the bee lingered tenaciously, buzzing dangerously close to the king’s face.

After continuous efforts to discharge the bee, the monkey became rather angry.  At that moment, the bee settled itself on the king’s forehead.  By now, the monkey was totally outraged.  Caught up in his devoted zeal to protect the king, the monkey drew the king’s sword that lay on a nearby table.  He hoisted the sword high in the air to strike down the bee that now rested on the king’s forehead.  Alas, the unwise friend and appointed protector split the royal head in two, bringing about the king’s untimely demise. 

Think about it.  We are not only known by the company that we keep, but our eternal destiny is directly impacted (for better or worse) by those with whom we closely associate.  What does your selection of friends reveal about your character?  And importantly, how will those choices ultimately affect your God-ordained purpose and dreams?

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

CHOICES

CHOICES

Portia Nelson penned her autobiography in five short chapters.

CHAPTER ONE
I walk down the street.
There’s a hole in the sidewalk.
It is a very deep hole.
I fall in...I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

CHAPTER TWO
I walk down the same street.
There’s a hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in...again.
I can't believe I’m in the same place, but it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

CHAPTER THREE
I walk down the same street.
There’s a hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there.
I still fall in...it’s a habit, but my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

CHAPTER FOUR
I walk down the same street.
There’s a hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

CHAPTER FIVE
I walk down another street.
What a marvelous progression…from a helpless victim of life...to a victim of self...to taking responsibility...to self-discipline...to making better choices! 

Indeed, life is a process.  All of us should be experientially wiser today than we were one year ago, five years ago, etc.  Where are you in this cycle?  What is the progression, quality and character of your personal choices?  Consider carefully.

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

ARE ARGUMENTS EVER WORTH IT?

ARE ARGUMENTS EVER WORTH IT?

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment.  However, the husband eventually remembered that he would need his wife to awaken him the following morning at five o’clock for an early business flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and lose their nuptial stand-off), he wrote down on a piece of paper, “Please wake me up at 5:00 A.M.”  He then left it where he knew the Mrs. would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 A.M. and he had missed his flight.  Furious, he was about to confront his wife to see why she hadn’t wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.  His wife’s note read, “It is 5:00 A.M.  Wake up.”

While this story is somewhat comical, it generates rather sobering thoughts.  Can any of us honestly state that any disagreement or argument we have been party to over the years was ever worth the dissention, debate or drama that was generated?  I doubt it.  The aftermath of strife is typified by guilt and regret.

Most importantly, what is God’s perspective on this issue?

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Ephesians 4:26-27

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. 

So, let’s strive to live in peace, and to bequeath a legacy of tranquility to our children and grandchildren.  After all, it honors God; it sustains relationships; and, it preserves our health.

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

REMEMBERING WITH A SMILE

REMEMBERING WITH A SMILE

Today, in the USA, we commemorate MEMORIAL DAY.  We pause in sobriety to remember family members, friends, and military personnel who have served our nation via the ultimate sacrifice.  In the immediacy of the passing of loved ones (especially in the near-term), our focus rests almost exclusively on the details of their deaths.  We reflect on the medical emergencies, the hospital admissions, the tragic accidents, those young lives that seemed to end so prematurely, those seniors whose death might have been expected but was no less painful, and all the other factors that led to the eternal transition of those we truly love.

Some losses are so sudden, so tragic, so monumental, that they shake us to our very core, for instance a parent’s loss of a child.  Nevertheless, with the passage of time, profound grief may yet morph into joyful memories of sunnier days and happily shared life experiences.

Today, as you reflect on the legacy of your loved ones, remember life’s tiny and unanticipated moments of joy: those mutual smiles broadly shared when good news knocked at your door, those modest, unplanned, non-holiday gifts, treasured so much since they sprang spontaneously from the heart, those occasions of merriment and full-throated laughter when sharing a humorous story or an awesome success.

Remember with joy those intimate hours in the warm fellowship of breaking bread together, the powerful togetherness of shared worship experiences, those worn-out-yet-comfortable 'house clothes' you did not necessarily like yet s/he seemed to cling to and dearly love, those unforgettable milestones that make up every life story, the family trips and vacations, the pure joy of traveling through time together, the occasional tears and the ever-present triumphs, the vast array of good days or bad, the discussions, the decisions, and even the disagreements that make our time on earth a rich and rounded experience.

It all adds up to something significantly special and simply miraculous: this marvelous human adventure that we call LIFE. And it is so much greater, grander and glorious since you shared it with people that you truly love.  So remember to treasure every single moment of it – with fond memories and with a smile.

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

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

I love this simple and creative parable, so I’ll share it again with you.

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

“Before I send you out into the world,” he told the pencil, “there are five important things you must know.  Never forget them and you will become the best pencil you possibly can be.”

“One:  You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.”

“Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become better.”

“Three:  You will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.”

“Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.”

“Five: On each surface where you are used, leave your mark.  No matter what, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now let’s substitute YOU for the pencil.  Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you possibly can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand.  Also, you must allow people to access the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time by going through various problems in life, but you will need it to become a stronger person.

Three:  With God’s help, you will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.

Five: Wherever you walk, leave your mark.  No matter what the situation, be faithful and true.

Allow this parable of the pencil to encourage and energize you.  Remember how absolutely special you are to God, and to us.  Only you can fulfill that unique purpose and destiny for which you were born and now exist. Never allow yourself to become so discouraged that life seems insignificant or there is little hope or expectation for positive change.  Be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

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

IT ONLY LOOKS LIKE AN OBSTACLE

IT ONLY LOOKS LIKE AN OBSTACLE

Today, I am encouraged to be an encourager. [Feel free to plant a smile right here!] 😊  I have learned something quite valuable in 6.7 decades on Planet Earth.  It’s called Perspective, and it’s much more than an experiential phenomenon; it is a God-revelation.  Perspective teaches us that situations and circumstances are not always what they appear to be.  It reminds me of the automobile warning label printed on the front passenger's side mirror, cautioning us that the actual distance of nearby vehicles may be considerably different from that which is calculated via our visual perceptions.  After all is said and done, perspective is never about US seeing anything.  No, it is all about making a conscientious decision to observe and process life-events from God’s point of view, i.e. through The Word of God. 

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed in the middle of the roadway.  Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.  Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants simply walked around it.  Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear and safe, but no one did anything about getting that troublesome stone out of the way.  

Finally, a poor peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables.  On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road.  After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.  As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been.  The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.  The peasant learned what many others never seem to understand.  every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve the conditions of people, including your own.

So here are your choices:  1) You can fret and fume about your condition.  This is a negative passivity which typically culminates in frustration and failure. 2) You can look for the positives. Something of value is discernible in every situation, if you carefully search for it.  Your cup is not half-empty; it is half-full.  3) Through praise and prayer, you can reflect confidence in God’s providence and provision.  Actually, worship is another way of saying, ‘Lord, I trust You!’

My friend, move that rock.  Just do it…even though you may not apparently benefit one iota from your personal investment of time, talent and treasure.  Remember: the manifold blessings of God lay hidden in every life situation.  move that rock.  You already possess the spiritual authority and the power.  Jesus Christ decrees and declares…you can do it!  (Matthew 17:20) 

Your act of sacrificial service is an automatic qualifier for divine favor.  Don’t delay.  Don’t doubt.  Don’t whine…SHINE!  MOVE THAT ROCK!  In truth, you are someone else’s miracle, and the way you respond ultimately positions you, either for stagnation or success.  If I were you, I would start moving…right now!

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

DIVISION DESTROYS

DIVISION DESTROYS

The epistles penned by the Apostle Paul contain numerous citations of God’s mandate that our relationships be undergirded by love and peace.  Love lifts and liberates; division discomfits and destroys. 

In the words of St. Paul…

Galatians 5:14-15

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, requires effective Kingdom service.  However, our Christ connection and global witness are only authenticated in the presence of healthy and genuine relationships.  “By this,” Jesus insists, “shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:35)  Therefore, any attitude that portrays apathy, indifference, coldness, resentment or unforgiveness is typically deployed as a satanic weapon which seeks to nullify our ability to serve God and win lost souls.

A rabbit and a mouse learned (the hard way) that division can be a deadly phenomenon.

The rabbit dug a hole under a tree.  He said “This is my house.  I shall live in it.”  And that rabbit happily began to live in his house.  One day the rabbit went to see his uncle.  He lived with his uncle for one week.  There he had lots of carrots to eat.  After one week, the rabbit came back to his own house.

Upon his return, the rabbit found a mouse living inside his house.  The rabbit shouted angrily at the mouse, “This is my house!  I made it!  Get out of my house at once!”

The mouse quietly disagreed.  “No, this is my house.  It was empty, and now I live here.  Go away from my house.”  So the two began to fight.  Then the rabbit said, “Let us ask someone else if it is my house or yours.”

“All right,” said the mouse.  They came to a river.  Near the river they saw a cat.  She sat resting at the river, and her eyes were closed.  “I think this is a good cat,” the rabbit said. “Let us ask her.”

“Oh no,” the mouse said.  “I am terrified of her.  She will eat me up!”  The cat heard what they said.  She remarked in her soft voice, “Come my children, do not be afraid of me.  I am not like other cats.  I do not eat meat.  I eat only fruit.”  So the rabbit and mouse believed her and pressed their claims.

The rabbit spoke first.  “Aunty, I dug a hole under a tree.  I lived in this hole for many days.  Then I went to see my uncle for a week.  When I came back, I found this mouse inside my house.  Please tell him to leave my house immediately.”

“But it is my house,” the mouse interjected.  “The hole was empty, so I went in.  And now I live there, so the house is mine.”  The rabbit hopped up and down and shouted over and over, “NO…it is my house!”

“Oh dear,” whispered the cagey cat.  “I cannot hear what you are saying.  I am old, and my ears have gone bad.  Please come a little closer and tell me again.”

The rabbit and the mouse thought the cat was good, so they approached ever closer to recite their dilemma again.  But as soon as they came near, that sleepy-looking cat quickly came to life and leaped on top of them.  She caught the rabbit with her teeth, and the mouse with her claws. Then she killed them both and had a delicious dinner!  Lesson learned.

“If you bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Galatians 5:15) 

GOD IS LOVE.  Therefore, LOVE, which is the only true path to peace, is not only our supreme commandment, it is our legacy, our lifestyle, our source of strength, our place of safety and, indeed, OUR CREATOR.  Therefore, “if it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)

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

QUESTIONABLE VALUES

QUESTIONABLE VALUES

In life, it of paramount importance to distinguish between things of greater and lesser significance.  Special thanks to my friend, Alvie Huntley, for sharing an amusing story that clearly illustrates this principle.

A successful attorney parked his brand new Lexus in front of the office, anxious to show it off to colleagues.

As he disembarked the car, a truck came alongside and totally tore off the driver’s door.

Fortunately, a police officer was close enough to see the accident, so he pulled up behind the Lexus with sirens blaring and lights flashing.

Before the officer could get a statement, the attorney started screaming hysterically about how his Lexus (purchased the day before) was completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter how much any car body shop tried to make it new again.

After the lawyer finally wound down his rant, the officer shook his head in disbelief. “I can't believe how materialistic you lawyers are,” he remarked. “You are so focused on possessions that you neglect the most important things in life.”

“How can you say such a thing?” asked the lawyer.

The officer replied, “Don't you even realize that your left arm is missing?  It was completely severed when that truck hit you!”

“OH MY GOD!” screamed the lawyer, “MY ROLEX!”

Really?!?

Friends, we must purposefully set the compass of our value system to that which is most endearing and endurable.  The simple truth is that the things that are most important are not typically discernible with our five senses.  The Apostle Paul sums it up succinctly:

Colossians 3:1-2

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

II Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Does your life reflect he things you say you value most?

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

I FAILED MY DRIVER'S TEST

I FAILED MY DRIVER’S TEST

I smiled as I recalled an incident that occurred when I was just 16 years old.  Having obtained my learner’s permit, I enrolled in the Driver’s Education Course at my alma mater, Monessen High School.  The course was taught by one of my football coaches, the late Mr. Andy Yartin.  After several months of intensive practice on the road, he felt I was well prepared to take my driver’s test so I could become a full-fledged and licensed ‘Master-of-the-Road.’ [Editor’s Note: By now, you should be smiling!] 😊

I breezed handily through the written exam and then joined the Pennsylvania State Trooper outside to take my road test.  I recall feeling rather nervous and silently coaxing myself to breathe and relax.  We drove along a simulated highway, a course designed specifically to test the skills of rookie drivers.  It contained traffic signs, highway markings, S-curves and that much dreaded opportunity for parallel parking.

I was performing quite well and feeling psychologically inebriated with overflowing assurance that I had passed my driver’s test and would receive my official license mere moments hence.  Unfortunately, my optimism created a sense of overconfidence and I failed to completely halt the vehicle at the final stop sign.  Uh-oh!

When the examining trooper informed me of this, I was totally shocked and outraged at my sheer stupidity! Feeling totally exasperated, I slammed the automatic gearshift into the park setting and struck the steering wheel with open palms.  The trooper looked over at me and rather casually stated, “You really did a good job on our test course, and I was going to pass you in spite of your mistake, but this emotional reaction leads me to believe you’re not quite ready to get your license.”  I was absolutely dumbfounded and surprised because I had been accustomed to succeeding, not failing.

The ride home felt very much like a funeral to me; my sorrow was painful and palpable.  Mr. Yartin was at the wheel of the Driver’s Ed vehicle, and I was seated in the back seat, sandwiched in between two classmates who had passed their driver’s tests.  Surveying my mood in the rearview mirror, my coach-instructor smiled and said, “Wayne, there’s always tomorrow.”

For two weeks, nearly all I could think about was my ‘failure problem.’  I desperately needed to redirect my focus.  I needed perspective.  Moments before my second shot at the test, Mr. Yartin looked me in the eye and repeated his words spoken after my previous failed attempt: “There’s always tomorrow.”

And it was on that glorious, sunny, Friday afternoon in the month of May, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, that Wayne Manning Bass passed his driver’s test with flying colors!

In the words of Celia Luce, “A small trouble is like a pebble.  Hold it too close to your eye and it fills the whole world and puts everything out of focus.  Hold it at a proper distance and it can be examined and properly classified.  Throw it at your feet and it can be seen in its true setting, just one more bump on the pathway to life.”  In other words, life happens. 

Hindsight is 20/20 vision.  Looking back at my perceived ‘calamity’ at age 16, I realize that I did not even realize what ‘real’ problems were!  Here’s something terribly important to ponder.  Instead of getting all bent-out-of-shape over everything that comes our way, we should ask God for perspective.  Even monumental problems eventually reach resolution or simply fade from view.  When we begin to see issues and challenges as GOD sees them, we can activate faith in His Word, which is tantamount to an expression of complete confidence in His plans for us.  Can you recall the last situation that God got you through?  Well, if He did it back then…He will surely do it again!

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

JEHOVAH NISSI: GOD'S BANNER OF LOVE

JEHOVAH NISSI: GOD’S BANNER OF LOVE

Even when we reside in personal spaces of rebellion and disobedience to God, He shows up with amazing grace that breathes freedom, transformation and life into our future.  God’s grace is prevenient, i.e. it is operative (while we are yet sinners) to form, forge and foster our faith. (Romans 5:8) Moreover, God’s grace is sufficient, i.e. it is more than enough to free us forever from the power, penalty and practice of sin and to pave our pathway into His eternal presence. (II Corinthians 12:9)

Such was the case of God’s intervention with the children of Israel.  After passing more than four centuries in Egyptian bondage, they were extricated by the power of ten miraculous plagues, dispatched from Heaven for deliverance and liberation.  They avoided mass genocide at the Red Sea when the armies of Egypt were in hot pursuit.  And in a divine transaction of restitution for generations of labor, they exchanged the worthless shackles of slavery for enormous wealth as they exited Egypt.  Yet, they found it extremely difficult to trust their Awesome God to sustain them through the precarious Sinai Peninsula wilderness. (Exodus 17)

They murmured.  They complained.  They doubted.  They dishonored God and His chosen leader, Moses.

At Rephidim, the Israelites experienced a serious scarcity of water.  God revealed an ingenious solution to their pressing problem, utilizing a rock and a rod.  Nevertheless, as is typical when anyone succumbs to fear and rebellion against God, the enemy appeared.  The Amalekites sought to destroy the Israelites at their moment of greatest physical and spiritual weakness, and, without divine intervention, they would surely have succeeded.

Moses enlisted Joshua to assemble an army.  They fought while Moses stood on the hilltop, empowered by the rod of God.  While Moses stretched forth his hands, the Israelites experienced military success.  When his arms grew tired and dropped, the Amalekites prevailed.  Wisdom provided a solution.  A stone was put in place; Moses sat on it; Aaron and Hur held up his arms; and, the Israelites gained the victory.

Afterwards, God instructed Moses to record the events of that day and to pass on its lessons to Joshua and the people, who through the power of God would “utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:14)  Years later, in Moses’ final directive to Joshua, he charged him to totally annihilate this enemy of Israel, who had attacked God’s people in such dire circumstances.

Deuteronomy 25:19 (Moses’ Charge to Joshua)

Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies round about, in the land which the Lord your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it, you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; you shalt not forget it.

At the site of their historic victory, Moses erected an altar to the Lord and named it “Jehovah Nissi…because the Lord has sworn that [HE] will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.” (Exodus 17:15-16)  Thereafter, “Jehovah Nissi” was revered by the Israelites as the title or name for God which means “The Lord Our Banner.”

My friends, I stand in awe of God’s grace.  Grace is totally unmerited, yet constantly motivated by the merciful and matchless love of God.  For example, whenever I think of King Solomon, I picture him as a brilliant sinner.  That is to say, while his wisdom far surpassed his peers, his sins did also.  Yet, in the final analysis, Solomon had a crystal-clear vision of the grace of God.  In his own words, “He [GOD] brought me to the banqueting house [in spite of my condition], and his banner over me was love.  Undoubtedly, Solomon remembered that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was, is, and always shall be “Jehovah Nissi,” The Lord Our Banner.  What a mighty, majestic and marvelous God we serve!

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