FORGIVENESS IS MISSION CRITICAL

FORGIVENESS IS MISSION CRITICAL

There is a highly fascinating story-beneath-the-stories in the Acts of the Apostles.  Its principal characters are Paul, Barnabas and Mark, and the sub-plot involves hurt, disappointment, separation, reconciliation and forgiveness.  Before I explore details of this story, allow me to make an important observation.  If you have never been disappointed by the actions of others (or even by your own actions), you are likely living in that gray neutral zone where you neither experience failure nor defeat because you have been paralyzed by fear and you steadfastly refuse to embrace new relationships or new experiences.  Consider this.  Disappointment and pain are part and parcel of the human experience.

Albeit, the downside of intentionally focusing on those twin negative experiences, disappointment and pain, is the likelihood of personal frustration.  If there is anything worse than unresolved anger with others, it is an inward rage at one’s own self for never trying, never failing and thus never succeeding.  Over time, inward frustration and negative feelings become festering wounds; and, festering wounds are extremely dangerous wounds.  Since you must eat from the garden of your own inner thoughts, don’t ‘grow’ anything there that you don’t want to consume, or be consumed by.  You and I must learn how to forgive other ‘HUMAN’ beings; and, our very first step toward accepting the clay feet of others is learning how to forgive ourselves for past personal errors and transgressions.

Now, on to our Bible story.  Barnabas was the traveling companion of the Apostle Paul and an accomplished co-laborer in the gospel.  Mark was the nephew of Barnabas, and he dearly loved traveling with the great evangelist, Paul, and his partner, Uncle Barnabas.  Perhaps, there was no kinder person in the New Testament than Barnabas.  We can infer much about the character of Barnabas from his name, which means “son of encouragement.”  On the other hand, Paul, the New Testament’s greatest missionary and most prolific author, might have seemed rather rigid and inflexible to the youthful Mark.

During one of Paul’s missionary journeys, a course correction moved them inland from Pamphylia to a place that was known to be quite dangerous.  Young Mark spoke loudly by his actions: ‘NO, this place isn’t for me, and this is as far as I am going!’  So Mark took the ‘first flight’ home, to more secure and familiar environs.

Later on, as Paul was planning his next evangelistic expedition, Uncle Barnabas wanted to take Nephew Mark along with them again.  In so many words, Paul said “Absolutely not – he failed us before and might fail us again!”  Paul and Barnabas ended up separating because of their divergent viewpoint and the disagreement that followed.  Nevertheless, I love how the story ends.  In the twilight of Paul’s life, while he sat on death row in Rome awaiting execution by Emperor Nero, it was Mark who served as the courier for important spiritual letters penned by the aging apostle.  Paul had apparently forgiven Mark and a true reconciliation had occurred.  The apostle not only spoke highly of Mark, but he fully trusted him with the delivery of epistles that were destined to become a prominent part of The New Testament.  Wow!

I believe that Mark must have been on Paul’s heart when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write the following: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

True biblical forgiveness not only pardons the offense, but IT FULLY RESTORES THE OFFENDER.  All of us have heard this saying, “I will FORGIVE, but I will NEVER FORGET.”  To be completely transparent, I have spoken those words myself.  But in my times of true spiritual self-examination, I had to ask myself an important question: ‘LORD, AM I TRULY FORGIVING IF I AM WILLFULLY HOLDING ONTO AND HARBORING THE MEMORY OF ANOTHER PERSON’S MISDEED?’  The emphasis here is on “willfully” since we cannot completely control the autonomic function of human memory.  Only GOD can truly forget.  I love Hebrews 10:17, where God declares: “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”  Since we lack the capacity to absolutely forget, we must, AS AN ACT OF THE WILL, make the decision not to continuously replay the act of offense, via our private meditations and spoken words.

Here are some practical and mission-critical steps I have learned about the PROCESS OF FORGIVING:

1.        Honestly confess to God your true feelings about the offense and the offender, and ask for His help.

2.       As much as humanly possible, stop replaying the act of offense in the mental loop of your thoughts.

3.       Replace negative thoughts with positive truths from the Word.  Speak and declare only what the Word speaks and declares about the situation and the person.

4.       Pray sincerely and frequently for the offending party.

5.       Refuse to be drawn into gossip or negative conversations pertaining to the offense or offender.

6.       Try to reflect on the good qualities or characteristics of the offending party and speak them aloud, both to yourself and to others.

7.       Greet the offending party with sincerity and love.  You do not have to hold extensive conversation with them just yet, but you will eventually ‘feel better’ if you do not try to avoid them.

8.       Always consider your own flaws and imperfections.  This will keep you humble and more likely to forgive the flaws and imperfections of others.

Finally, we must never forget one mission critical fact: GOD FORGIVES US IN THE SAME MANNER THAT WE FORGIVE OTHERS. (Matthew 6:12;15)  And we DO want to be forgiven, right?

In closing, I am firmly convinced that strife, ill-will and division are designed in hell and deployed as satanic tools to nullify our ability to be unified and cohesive families, both naturally and spiritually.  So remember something that I state often: FAMILIES ARE THE BASIC BUILDING-BLOCKS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  Indeed, our God wants to transform and show off our relationships as clear reflections of His divine love.  In other words, God’s power is on display in us.  When we fail to forgive, we actually increase the power and influence of darkness.  When we prayerfully and lovingly forgive, God smiles and divine favor rests upon all of us. Thus, GENUINE FORGIVENESS IS MISSION CRITICAL to all we were designed to BE (and DO) in the perfect plan and purpose of God.

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

THOU SHALT NOT COMPLAIN!

THOU SHALT NOT COMPLAIN!

It’s certainly not one of the ‘TEN.’  Nevertheless, it is a COMMANDMENT that echoes consistently throughout the scriptures.  Any parent who has ever driven children in the backseat of a car can readily understand how OUR FATHER feels about His children’s tendency to complain.  From the rear of our vehicles, we sometimes experience EMOTIONAL EARTHQUAKES, those especially annoying verbal rumblings that take place between allegedly-loving-siblings: “Mommy, Tumi TOUCHED me!” (or) “Daddy, Lucy keeps LOOKING at me!” (or) “Tommy…STOP THAT!”

This is absolutely exasperating (especially on long road trips), and we are tempted to pull over to the roadside to allow the ‘BOARD OF EDUCATION’ an opportunity to transform their heads and hearts via their behinds!  I am completely cognizant of the fact that the previous line could seem politically incorrect to ‘The Timeout Generation’ – but can I get an agreeing witness anyway?

Our children’s errant car behaviors are a somewhat amusing, yet accurate, caricature of us.  As Our Father drives us along this ROAD TRIP CALLED LIFE, all too often we fail to enjoy the gorgeous scenery He has provided (or) the sheer joy of being in His presence (or) the wonderful blessing of relationship and proximity with our brothers and sisters, because somehow WE SEE LIFE…WE FRAME LIFE…in a never ending series of COMPLAINTS.  Hmmm…think about it!

Actually, our God detests a carping and complaining spirit.  Why?  Simply put, NEGATIVITY never brings glory to God or gain to us.  It is the diametric opposite of PRAISE, which consistently manifests the presence and power of God.  PRAISE operates at the very center of God’s will, the place of His power and provision.  On the other hand, COMPLAINING is a satanically spawned declaration of high anxiety, doubt and ingratitude.  For example, when the children of Israel had been delivered out of Pharaoh’s Egypt by the mighty hand of God, they soon fell headlong into THE COMPLAINING TRAP.

God had provided manna from Heaven so they could make bread cakes to satisfy their appetites and nourish their bodies.  Yet, even though the Israelites had been physically freed from Egypt, they were still in emotional bondage to the customs and cuisine of their oppressors.  In a word, they needed to be fully delivered from the SPIRIT OF EGYPT that was deeply embedded within them.  These supernaturally blessed children of The Most High God implicitly mocked divine provision by their failure to praise and their proclivity to complain.  The Word of God clearly testifies against them:

Numbers 11:4-6
4 And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
5 WE REMEMBER the FISH, which we did eat in EGYPT freely; the CUCUMBERS, and the MELONS, and the LEEKS, and the ONIONS, and the GARLIC:
6 But now our soul is dried away: there is NOTHING AT ALL, BESIDE THIS MANNA, before our eyes.

Think about it! The Israelites were ‘hooked’ on the beans and watermelon of their enemies!  Now you can understand why Daniel refused to eat any of the king’s dainties! (Daniel 1:8) There is an addictive quality to menus that are derived from sources outside of the providence and provision of God!  That’s why we should not snack from Satan’s illusory lunches that seem so appetizing to our flesh but are surreptitiously laden with deceit, doubt and disappointment.  The net result of the Israelite’s complaining was the displeasure and wrath of God: “When the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1)

In one of my favorite books, “The Greatest Salesman in the World” (by Og Mandino), a character named Hafid discovers ten scrolls of wisdom.  The sixth scroll contains this advice: “Today I will be a master of my emotions.  Weak is he who permits his thoughts to control his actions; strong is he who forces his actions to control his thoughts.”  In other words, we who seek to be successful (while maintaining divine approval) must exercise a staunch refusal to fuss, fume, gripe or groan due to unanticipated changes in either the people or the circumstances surrounding us.

There is a song written by Rev. Don Johnson and made popular by the gospel artist Rev. Paul Jones, entitled “I Won’t Complain.”  The lyrics are so powerful because they remind us never to embrace a sniveling, whining, moaning or complaining spirit:

I've had some good days, I've had some hills to climb;
I've had some weary days and so many sleepless nights.
But when I look around and think things over,
All of my good days outweigh my bad days;
I won't complain!

Here’s a suggestion for all of us.  We should ask THE FATHER (who truly loves all of His children) to install a PRAISE THERMOSTAT within our attitudes and spirits.  I submitted my personal requisition some time ago.  The result: whenever or wherever I am tempted to complain, I am soon regulated and restored by the phenomenal POWER OF PRAISE!  Why not join me, and let’s honor and exalt our God together?!?!

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

THE SPOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS

THE SPOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS

One relationship that is unquestionably valued by God is the covenant of marriage.  It is the centerpiece of the family unit, which is the BASIC BUILDING BLOCK OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  Marriage is (at once) the most fulfilling and the most challenging of life experiences.  It provides a rare and precious opportunity for the highest degree of intimacy, integrity and self-awareness.  Because no one knows you like your spouse does; and, no one can cause you to know yourself as completely via intricate daily life experiences.  Marriage is inherently wonderful and it is bountifully blessed when both partners share abiding love and loyalty to one another, when both hold fidelity to their sacred vows and when both live out the commitment to hold their relationship and covenant above all others.

However, some people don’t quite see marriage this way.  Their view of marriage is an extremely negative and constrictive portrait of obligation and bondage, more so than mutual sharing and agape love.  In fact, some men even see their wives as a burdensome “PAIN.”  I once read an interesting story involving that sort of perspective.  It goes like this: In Sunday School, they were teaching the children how Almighty God created everything, including human beings.  Little Matthew, a five-year-old in the Beginners Class, seemed especially attentive when they revealed how Eve was created out of Adam’s side, from his rib.  Later that week, Little Matthew’s mother observed him laying down on the sofa.  He appeared to be ill, so she inquired with maternal concern, “Matt, what’s the matter?”  Matthew had eaten too much.  Remembering his Sunday School lesson, he responded: “I have a pain in my side.  I think I’m going to have a wife!”  Hmmm.  It’s a cute and humorous story, but it is also a clear illustration of the unfortunate image some have of their spouses.

Eventually all married persons discover a core truth, i.e. there are no perfect partners and no seamless relationships.  Marriage involves rigorous and intentional work.  Sometimes it’s hard.  Sometimes it’s easy.  But always, it requires dedication, discipline and a firm commitment to unconditional love.  Over the years, I have attended numerous anniversary celebrations, and I’ve heard two or three spouses say something like this: “We have been together for X number of years, and we have NEVER had a disagreement.”  While I am usually not prone to emotional outbursts, at times such as these I am sorely tempted to jump up and shout the infamous recitation of children-at-play: “Liar, liar, pants on fire!”  Keep on smiling, but know this: NO marriage, however healthy and loving and strong - NO marriage - escapes times of testing and moments of uncertainty when either or both partners question the validity and wisdom of their original decision.

Admittedly, I am no pro in the arena of marriage, but I’d like to share what some may deem to be valuable and strategic life-lessons:

1. Your spouse will become what you affirm through your words, deeds and prayers, (or) your spouse will become what you confirm by your criticisms, put-downs and negative commentary.
2. You will get through the toughest of times if you continually pray, communicate and make the unalterable commitment that failure is not an option.
3. Since disagreements will inevitably occur, it is important to learn how to ‘fight fairly.’  That is, to learn how to focus on the issue at hand and not to bring up other issues/problems, either past or present.  Address them separately, and in another setting, and never during the intense ‘heat’ of conflict.
4. When tempers flare, please take a ‘chill pill.’  That is, stop talking for a few moments, breathe deeply, and (if need be) take a time-out in another room so cooler heads can prevail and so regrettable words will not be spoken.
5. The most intimate details of your relationship (whether bright or dim) should stay in the special and sacred space of marital privacy.
6. Mutual trust is mission critical to success; allow space for it and do not break it because it is extremely difficult to repair.
7. Forgiveness is a vital component of marriage.  Maintaining a record of past hurts is a destructive and counterproductive force that can undermine any marriage.
8. Satan wants your marriage to fail; so do your enemies.  Make all of them liars.
9. The grass sometimes looks greener on the other side of the fence, but it never is.
10. Covenant prayer is so essential that you should consider dedicating a room or a space for daily prayer with your spouse.
11. Keep doing all the things you did to ‘win’ your spouse in order to ‘keep’ your spouse.  Open the proverbial ‘windows of creativity’ in your relationship and keep freshness and newness alive.
12. Spend quality time together daily, and not always in front of a television set.
13. Listen carefully when your spouse highlights the events of the day.  Show interest.  You are her/his sounding board.  Don’t rush in to solve problems that are presented.  Just be a good listener and your advice will be sought.
14. Try to make money and take good care of your household, but never allow money to make you.  Be wise stewards of whatever you earn or receive.
15. Husbands, show kindness to your wife and be willing to listen to her God-given wisdom; don’t ever ‘lord’ over her.  Wives, remain open to the God-given leadership of your husband and make him feel special and needed.

I hope these insights are helpful for you.  They have certainly served Belinda and me, and they have sustained our sacred marriage covenant.  My friends, God honors marriage so much that He compares the marriage covenant to the sacrificial love of Christ.  Hear now the witness of the Word:

Ephesians 5:21;25;28-33
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

In closing, the “Spouse of Your Dreams” is no fantasy or fairy-tale persona, not at all.  S/he does not have to be the brightest, the most articulate, the best looking, the best cook, the best handyman, the best lover, or anything else one might rate and rank as “best.”  But s/he must surely be a lover of God, s/he must live out the higher dimensions of love specified in I Corinthians 13, and s/he must be totally dedicated to you and your mutual covenant.  Engage and enjoy the spouse of your dreams.  Cherish, honor and love her/him as Christ cherishes, honors and loves you.

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

A BLESSED MAN OR WOMAN

A BLESSED MAN OR WOMAN

In an age where “blessings” are defined in largely material terms, the Word of God speaks quite clearly to us:

Psalm 1 (NKJV)

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
² But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    And in His law he meditates day and night.
³ He shall be like a tree
    Planted by the rivers of water,
    That brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither;
    And whatever he does shall prosper.

⁴ The ungodly are not so,
    But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
⁵ Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
    Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

⁶ For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 15 (NKJV)

¹  Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
    Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly,
    And works righteousness,
    And speaks the truth in his heart;
³ He who does not backbite with his tongue,
    Nor does evil to his neighbor,
    Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    But he honors those who fear the Lord;
    He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
⁵ He who does not put out his money at usury,
    Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

    He who does these things shall never be moved.

Question: As biblically defined, are you and I blessed?

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

TEN REASONS WHY YOU CANNOT GIVE UP

TEN REASONS WHY YOU CANNOT GIVE UP

I read an interesting article by Seun Emmanuel Alaofin, a young writer and motivational speaker, and thought it would be beneficial to share his “Ten Reasons Why You Cannot Give Up.”

REASON 1:  You have already started.  There is no need in stopping halfway.  I am sure that stopping halfway will not bring back all the time you have invested toward achieving your goal.

REASON 2:  You are almost there.  Typically, problems don’t show up until you are almost there.  Remember, it is painful to NOT achieve something you knew that you could, something that is almost within reach.

REASON 3:  You are stronger than your current problems.  Your problems are not there to intimidate you, but to challenge you to get better and move higher.  Your current challenge that looks like your number one enemy is actually a friend in disguise, trying to bring out the best in you.

REASON 4:  You believed you could do it in the first place, which was why you started.  You believed you could achieve it, which was why you put all that effort into it.  Why have you now decided to betray the strong belief you had in yourself?

REASON 5:  Before now, you focused on the benefits at the finish line.  Don’t you still want them?

REASON 6:  Yesterday’s problems are today’s success stories.  You will be highly gratified in the future – telling everyone how you were able to prevail and succeed.

REASON 7:  The problem you are facing now will give you the experience you need to get to the next level.  People who learn from their problems are able to cope better during the next phase of life.

REASON 8:  Your problem and your promotion are directly proportional.  In other words, the bigger your problem is, the greater your promotion will be.  The more you run from your problem, the more you lower your promotion possibilities.  It's up to you to decide; be wise.

REASON 9:  Most likely, you were tired of your previous state of affairs, which was why you decided to try something different.  Are you willing to travel backwards, or are you determined to move ahead?

REASON 10:  You have a BIG GOD who is ready, willing and able to support you.  He knows the beginning and he knows the ending.  He created you to experience abundant life and He believes in you.  GOD has given you power and authority over everything – including yourself and including your problems – so you have no reason to allow problems to dominate or discourage you.

The late Joe Gladys, my high school football coach, had a penchant for sharing inspirational power phrases.  One of his favorites was “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins!”  So when you are tempted to throw in the towel, always remember this: IT’S TOO SOON TO QUIT.  Hang in there because it’s not over…until GOD says it’s over!

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

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part IV)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part IV)

I AM A BELIEVER.  Today, I will conclude our devotional series by sharing one more reason for my decision to become a Christian disciple.  Indeed, there are many more reasons than revealed within this brief series.

REASON #4

I have personally witnessed THE SOVEREIGN HAND OF GOD, moving in and around my life.

Each one of the redeemed has a powerful personal testimony, whether we know it or not, whether we tell it or not.  With your permission, I would like to share a portion of my own. 

Long before my birth, “prevenient grace” (John and Charles Wesley’s term) was orchestrating the conditions for my existence.  Godly parents (and grandparents) set the stage for an early encounter with Christ.  Thankfully, I was bathed in fervent prayer and surrounded by Christian virtue.  To wit, nine siblings and I never heard our parents uttering a single word of profanity, and never witnessed them smoking a single cigarette or imbibing a single glass of any alcoholic beverage.  In a word, Jesus Christ was the spiritual head of our home and His Word was our constant companion.

I remember two modest plaques hanging on our dining room wall: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” – and another, “There is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved.”  I suppose these scriptures were unofficial Bass family themes.  Our father was an esteemed man of God, a hard-working provider and an exceptional role model.  Our mother meticulously cared for her family and home – cradling us in loving nurture and covering us with daily prayer.  We were never permitted to leave for school without first bowing on our knees before Our Father and being anointed with holy oil.

Thanks to my parents, by the tender age of eight, I had more than sufficient knowledge of the gospel to recognize my personal need for the Savior.  By His grace, I accepted salvation and developed a lifelong relationship with our Lord.

At age fifteen, I was miraculously called into the ministry.  Although I had been saddled with a profound speech impediment, God has healed and empowered me to do something I never imagined I could, to speak boldly before congregations large and small.

On a personal level, I know Jesus Christ as The Great Physician.  I am a cancer survivor.  I am still here by the grace of God.  Beyond any shadow of doubt, our God is great, and greatly to be praised!

Jehovah Jireh has come to my financial rescue more times than I can recall.  I know Him to be “a very present help in trouble” of any variety. (Psalm 46:1)  What a mighty God we serve!

Even while I was a backslider decades ago, momentarily turning my back on God, His unconditional love sought me and brought me back into the family fold.  Oh, how the God of grace and mercy loves you and me!

And now, by the grace of God, I am what I am.  My accomplishments may be modest, but daily I sense His presence and His power; and, I am eternally grateful for an intimate connection with Jesus Christ.  There are no other alternatives for me; there is no other way that I choose to live.  From my heart, I joyously echo the words of the Apostle Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  YOU have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

Hallelujah…what a Savior!

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

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part III)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part III)

I AM A BELIEVER.  Today, I will share more of my personal faith perspective, detailing another specific reason underlying my decision to maintain Christian discipleship.  Indeed, there are many.

REASON #3

The original disciples personally experienced the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ; they were eyewitnesses to His resurrection; and, they were willing and able to experience ostracism, physical suffering and martyrdom as a direct result of their abundant faith in Him.  The lives and testimonies of these men comprise a significant and powerful reason why I am firmly established in the Christian faith.

Consider this: If Jesus had NOT existed, if Jesus had NOT performed miraculous works, or if Jesus had NOT risen from the dead, would these men have been available and amenable to suffering such extreme persecution, physical suffering and even death in His name?  Decidedly, I think not.

In the American system of jurisprudence, the most important determiner of guilt or innocence (other than the jury itself) are the WITNESSES that are summoned to the bar to offer testimony.  Each witness establishes the credibility (or lack thereof) of the defendant, regarding his/her alleged actions.  Prayerfully consider the PRIMARY WITNESSES who confirmed and affirmed the teachings, miracles and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST.

ANDREW, the brother of Peter, was a fisherman before Jesus called him.  He was crucified and died as a martyr in Achaia, Greece.

BARTHOLOMEW lived in Cana of Galilee. This was actually his second name; his first name was NATHANAEL, whom Jesus called “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” (John 1:47)  The Armenian Church claims him as its founder.  He died as a martyr in India, flayed alive with knives.

JAMES, THE ELDER, was the brother of John the Apostle.  Also a fisherman, he preached in Jerusalem and Judea and was beheaded by Herod in AD 44.  He was a member of the Inner Circle and the first of the twelve to become a martyr.

JAMES, THE YOUNGER, lived in Galilee and was the brother of the Apostle Jude.  He preached in Palestine and Egypt.  Eventually, he was crucified in Egypt and his body was sawed into pieces.

JOHN, “the beloved disciple” and member of the Inner Circle was the brother of James, the Apostle.  He preached in Asia Minor.  Banished to the Isle of Patmos, he was later freed and died a natural death.  An attempt was made on his life by giving him a chalice of poison, but he died later from natural causes.

JUDE, also called Thaddeus, was the brother of James the Younger.  He preached in Assyria and then in Persia, where he died from arrow wounds.

MATTHEW, also called Levi, lived in Capernaum.  He was a publican or tax collector.  He wrote the gospel that bears his name and died as a martyr in Ethiopia.

SIMON PETER, also known as Cephas, was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum.  He famously confessed Jesus Christ as the Son of the Living God, yet denied him on crucifixion day.  He did evangelistic and missionary work among the Jews and was crucified upside-down in Rome.

PHILIP, also a fisherman, came from Bethsaida and preached in Phyrgia.  He was a highly effective missionary who died as a martyr at Hierapolis.

SIMON, the Zealot, was one of the little-known followers of Jesus who lived in Galilee.  Tradition says he was crucified as a martyr.

THOMAS DIDYMUS lived in Galilee and preached in Parthia, Persia and India.  He suffered martyrdom near Madras, India, at a place that is now called Mount St. Thomas.

Each of these men had an UP-CLOSE-AND-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.  They lived and traveled with him during 3½ years of public ministry.  They beheld his awesome miracles, the multiplicity of signs and wonders that emanated from Him.  And importantly, they were EYEWITNESSES OF HIS RESURRECTION, directly seeing Him, conversing with Him, dining with Him and being taught Kingdom principles by Him for forty post-resurrection days.  Finally, they actually witnessed His ascension into Heaven.

No level of threat, persecution, pain, or even death was ever able to cause any one of these faith-filled men to recant faith in The Living Christ.  Their unwavering steadfastness is just another piece in the puzzle of my personal belief.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

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

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part II)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part II)

I AM A BELIEVER.  I thought it might be instructive and inspirational to share some personal points of faith, i.e. to delineate my specific reasons for being a lifetime proponent of Christianity.  There are many.

REASON #2

There is substantial evidence supporting the existence of GOD (whom I cannot see) in everything I do see.

The Psalmist David stated it eloquently and succinctly: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

It is impossible to objectively view the universe without perceiving traces of INTELLIGENT DESIGN.  However, much of modern science (not all) is based on a perspective that is the polar opposite of a divinely created universe.  In truth, it is much more difficult for me to wrap my brain around concepts like THE BIG BANG THEORY, which was set forth by George Gamow in 1948.  It suggests that the entire universe emerged from a monumental explosion of compressed hot neutrons and has been expanding ever since in all directions at the speed of light.

This theory produces more questions than answers.  Simple logic makes it extremely difficult to imagine that ALL of the material that makes up the 100-billion-plus galaxies in the observable universe, with estimates of up to 400 billion stars in our own Milky Way Galaxy with innumerable planets, could possibly be contained in one relatively tiny primordial substance and space.

However, if there is any credibility in The Big Bang Theory, I believe it must align with a principle set forth by Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, that GOD IS THE FIRST CAUSE.  That is, the universe was designed and created by GOD, not by some spontaneous and unexplainable event that science ‘supposes’ might have occurred at some point in the far distant past.

While the principle of evolution is accepted as absolute fact in academia, a careful study of the same reveals major MISSING LINKS in that process which allegedly produced humankind.  When the full picture is known, it is far easier to believe that both the universe and its inhabitants were CREATED, not produced by random accidents of nature and genetic selection.

Additionally, a side-by-side comparison of the structure of the heavens and the human body yields incredible insights and substantial evidence of intelligent design.  The orderly MACROCOSM of the galaxies (and even our solar system) is divinely duplicated in the MICROCOSM of the atom, which is the basic building block of all elements.  That is, the nucleus of an atom (comprised of neutrons and protons) is situated at the center of orbiting electrons, strangely similar to the way that planets circle their stars (suns).  It’s intelligent design!

Belinda and I have traveled extensively, but when we experienced the indescribable beauty of The Grand Canyon and other world wonders, we were awestruck by the infinite diversity and phenomenal beauty of God’s world.   And gazing far beyond our Earth, the Hubble telescope presents panoramic glimpses of the gargantuan spaces and places in God’s created universe.  My very soul sings, “HOW GREAT THOU ART!”

In 2015, NASA’s New Horizons completed a photographic fly-by of Pluto, traveling over 3 billion miles since 2006 to reach the outermost planet in our solar system (now downgraded to a dwarf planet).  While this feat constitutes a scientific achievement of monumental proportions, it pales in comparison (time-wise and distance-wise) to the post-resurrection ASCENSION of Jesus Christ and the imminent RAPTURE of His Church.  While it took NASA nine years to propel New Horizons TO THE EDGE OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM, believers shall be changed from mortal to immortality (instantaneously) and transported TO THE FARTHEST HEAVENLY EDGE OF GOD’S UNIVERSE – “in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye.” (I Corinthians 15:52)

There is substantial evidence supporting the existence of GOD (whom I cannot see) in everything that I can see.  And that’s just one more reason why I believe.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part I)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part I)

Some years ago, I read a startling anti-religious statement by James Harvey Johnson.  It was written while he was part of a group known as The Thinkers Club.  Here’s what Mr. Johnson penned:

“Religious beliefs are against common sense.  There are no angels, devils, heavens, hells, or miracles.  These superstitious beliefs are promoted for the purpose of making gullible people believe that by paying money to the priest-class, they will be favored by one of the gods.  There is nothing that is supernatural – there is nothing that is contrary to natural law.”

Incredible, isn’t it?  Nevertheless, his thinking is not atypical of contemporary thinkers who seek to characterize Almighty God as humanistic, fundamentally flawed, or even non-existent.  According to the Apostle John, the “SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST…is now already in the world.” (I John 4:3, NKJV)  As a result of such satanic influences, far too many have great difficulty believing in the God of the Bible.

Allow me to begin today’s discourse with an interesting illustration about faith.  First remember this. Anything that is TRUE does not rise or fall because WE DO or DO NOT accept or understand it. 

For example, when European explorers first traveled to Australia, they encountered a unique animal.  In fact, its very existence went against everything they knew about animal life.  They discovered an egg-laying mammal [Note: Mammals don’t typically lay eggs] living much of the time in water, with a broad and flat tail, with webbed feet and with a snout that resembled a duck’s bill.  This animal SEEMED to be like a FISH, and at the same time seemed to be like a BIRD, and at the same time seemed to be like a LAND-DWELLING MAMMAL.  Those European explorers named it “PLATYPUS.” 

When they returned home and told of their discovery, the scientific community only laughed, even though several of the eyewitnesses enjoyed excellent reputations.  So when the explorers returned to Australia, they returned with what they considered to be irrefutable proof, the hide of a dead platypus.  Nevertheless, some still refused to believe.

Unfortunately, many people mirror the sentiments of Benjamin Disraeli, who famously said “I make it a rule ONLY TO BELIEVE in what I CAN UNDERSTAND.”  But if one believes only in that which can be fully understood, then (by extension) one must have a VERY LARGE HEAD and a VERY SMALL FAITH!

I AM A BELIEVER.  So I thought it might be informative and inspirational to share some personal points of faith, i.e. to delineate my specific reasons for being a lifetime proponent of Christianity.  There are many:

REASON #1

Although Christianity is based upon faith, it is A REASONABLE FAITH.

Quite often, the true believer is accused of ‘assassinating the brain’ – just because s/he believes wholeheartedly in the inspiration of the Bible, in miracles, in the virgin birth, or in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Many make the unwise assumption that Christian beliefs are based on sheer ignorance, that faith in something that is above-and-beyond that which is 'sensible' is absolutely blind and unintelligent.

In reality, the truth is just the opposite.  The Christian faith is an intelligent faith.  It never consists of mindless acts that are unrelated to reality.  The Bible encourages believers and unbelievers alike to use their MINDS when investigating the merits of Christianity.  Although God wants us to covenant with Him by FAITH, He has no issues or problems with our attempts to ‘PROVE’ HIM. (Malachi 3:10) 

There is abundant evidence for this conclusion. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” (Matthew 22:37)  To wit, Christianity is never mindless. And the Apostle Paul wrote, “I speak as to wise men: JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES what I say.” (I Corinthians 10:15)  Likewise, he wrote to the Church of Thessalonica, “PROVE ALL THINGS, hold fast that which is good.” (I Thessalonians 5:21)

‘Thou shalt not THINK’ was NEVER listed in The Decalogue, The Ten Commandments!  One of the reasons why I am a Christian is because OUR GOD (as revealed in scripture) is a PROFOUNDLY INTELLIGENT GOD, who encourages His followers to be HIGHLY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WE MAY NEVER KNOW

WE MAY NEVER KNOW

Years ago a young wealthy girl was getting ready for bed.  While saying her prayers, she heard a muffled cry coming through her window.  Although a little frightened, she went over to the window and leaned out.

Another girl about her age was homeless and standing in the alley by the rich girl’s house.  Her heart went out to the homeless girl since it was the dead of winter and the girl had no blanket, only old newspapers as a meager shield from the frigid cold.  Suddenly struck with a brilliant idea, the rich girl called to the other girl and said, “You there, come to my front door please.”

The homeless girl was so startled she could only manage to nod.

As quick as her legs could carry her, the young girl ran down the hall to her mother’s closet, and picked out an old quilt and a beat up pillow.  She walked slowly to the front door so as not to trip over the quilt she carried.

Dropping articles, she opened the door and standing there was the homeless girl looking quite scared.  The rich girl smiled warmly and handed both articles to the other girl.  Her smile grew wider as she watched true amazement and joy lighting up the other girl’s face.  The rich girl went to bed that night feeling incredibly satisfied.

By mid-morning the next day, a knock came to the door.  The rich girl flew to the door hoping it was the other little girl there.  She opened the large door and looked outside.  It was the other little girl.  Her face looked quite happy, and she smiled.  “I suppose you want these back.”

The rich little girl opened her mouth to say that she could keep them when another idea popped into her head.  “No, I want them back.”

The homeless girl’s face fell.  This was not the answer she had hoped for.  So reluctantly, she laid down the bed coverings and turned to leave when the rich girl yelled, “Wait!  Stay right here.”

She turned in time to see the rich girl running up the stairs and down a long corridor.  She decided that whatever the rich little girl was doing wasn’t worth waiting for she started to turn and walk away.  As her foot hit the first step, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder, turning she saw the rich little girl, thrusting a new blanket and pillow at her.  “Have these instead,” she said quietly.

These were her own personal bed linens, made of silk and down feathers.

As the two grew older they didn’t see each other much, but they were never far from each other’s minds. One day, the rich girl, who was now a rich woman got a telephone call from someone.  It was a lawyer requesting to see her.

When she arrived at the office, he told her what had happened.  Forty years ago, when she was nine years old, she had helped a little girl in need.  That girl grew into a middle-class woman with a husband and two children.  She recently passed away and left a little something for her in her will.  “Although,” the lawyer continued, “it's the most peculiar thing.  She left you a pillow and a blanket.”

The rich woman sighed and cried, as she held her old bed linens in her arms.

You see, we don’t have to do the great things in life in order to please our God.  As a matter of fact, Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) 

One of my favorite gospel songs by The Winans contains these lyrics:

For we may never know all the people we have touched,
For we may never know all the lives that we have reached;
But we know You know - for our record You do keep

And when the end does finally begin
We will receive a great reward for what we've done.

My friends, be encouraged to keep on keepin’ on!  It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

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

HOW SHOULD WE RECORD LIFE'S HURTS?

HOW SHOULD WE RECORD LIFE’S HURTS?

Two African friends, Lesiba and Nomsa, were walking together at the edge of the Sahara Desert. At some point in their journey, they had a terrible argument and Lesiba slapped her friend in the face. Nomsa, who had gotten slapped, was feeling quite hurt. Without saying a single word, she wrote in the sand, “Today my best friend, Lesiba, slapped me in the face.”

They kept on walking until they found an oasis; there they decided to take a bath. Nomsa, who had been slapped, soon got stuck in quicksand and started sinking and drowning. Naturally her friend, Lesiba, saved her life by pulling her out of that thick mire. After she recovered from her near drowning experience, Nomsa wrote down on a stone, “Today my best friend, Lesiba, saved my life.”

Lesiba who had earlier slapped then later saved her best friend, Nomsa, asked this question: “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone. Why?”

Nomsa replied with a knowing smile, “When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand, where the winds of forgiveness can erase it, but when someone does something good for us, we must always engrave it in stone, so nothing can ever erase it.”

So learn to write your hurts in sand and carve your blessings in stone.

Some people record the faults and failures of others on what I term an EMOTIONAL ABACUS. That is, they keep a mental record of personal offenses, and this stored information influences their future dealings with others. However, the New Covenant constrains us to react to our hurts in a decidedly different way. In the words of the Apostle Paul, LOVE “does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (I Corinthians 13:5-7, NIV)

My friend, how is your LOVE LIFE? If others were to examine your emotional abacus, would it reflect a SCORE TALLY of offenses, or forgiveness and favor?

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

SHOWING UP FOR LIFE

SHOWING UP FOR LIFE

May I be transparent with you? After more than five decades in the Christian ministry, it occurs to me that I have not always done my best. Although I have been genuinely committed to the faith, there are times that I have stumbled and fallen. I have written much, but there are numerous untold stories and books that remain hidden and buried within. I have befriended many, but there are times I simply failed to be there when others needed me most.

Undoubtedly, one could emotionally exhaust one’s self with an endless array of tasks not done, friendships not fulfilled, missions not accomplished, grace not deserved, etc., etc., etc.

However, I have learned one valuable lesson along the way. Life is not about any of the things that seem spectacular, nor about the demonstrative acts that gain the accolades and applause of people.

Life is simply about showing up – every day – and allowing the Light of the World to shine through the stained prism of one's earthly existence and errors. Thank God for grace. Thank God for mercy.

Dear Lord,

I earnestly promise to report for duty tomorrow (if it be Your will), and I ask that You continue to use me in spite of my flaws, faults, foibles, failures and fiascoes. I pray in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

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