OH, TO BE USED BY GOD!

OH, TO BE USED BY GOD!

Most Christians express a longing to be used by The Master in significant ways, without realizing that there is a high price we must pay to experience the depths of His presence and power, and to be dispatched into divine purpose and destiny.  How could this be necessary since Jesus Christ died for us?  Indeed, Christ did freely offer Himself at Calvary, vicariously absolving our burdensome debt of sin and shame.  But never once did He offer us an exemption card from personal suffering.  Quite the contrary.  He declares, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

To clearly illustrate this Kingdom principle, let us consider the LEGEND AND LEGACY OF BAMBOO.

Once upon a time, in the heart of an ancient Kingdom, there was a beautiful garden.  And there, in the cool of the day, the Master of the garden would walk.  Of all the plants in the garden, the most beautiful and beloved was the gracious and noble Bamboo.  Year after year, Bamboo grew and prospered, fully conscious of his Master’s love and care, but always modest and gentle within.  Oftentimes, when the wind came to revel in the garden, Bamboo would dance and rejoice, tossing and swaying and leaping and bowing in complete abandon, which delighted his Master’s heart.

One day, the Master drew near to contemplate his Bamboo with eyes of curious expectancy.  And Bamboo, in total adoration, bowed his head to the ground as a loving salutation.

The Master called out to him, “Bamboo, Bamboo, I would use you this day.”

Bamboo flung his head to the sky in sheer delight.  That day-of-days had come, the purpose for which he had been made, the reason he had been growing hour by hour, the moment in which he would realize his heart’s desire and absolute completion.

He responded immediately, “Master, I’m ready.  Use me as you please.”

“Bamboo,” the Master’s voice spoke gravely, “I will have to take you and cut you down!”

Great fear and trembling shook Bamboo.  “Cut…me…down?  Me?  Me who you, Master, have made the most beautiful in all the Garden?  Cut me down!  Ah, not that.  Not that.  Use me for your joy, use me for your glory, oh Master, but please do not cut me down!”

“Beloved Bamboo,” the Master’s voice grew graver still, “If I do not cut you down, I cannot use you.”

The garden grew deathly still.  The wind held his breath.  Bamboo slowly bowed his proud and glorious head and whispered, “Master, if you cannot use me other than to cut me down, then let it be so.  Do your will and cut.”

“Bamboo, beloved Bamboo, I would also cut your leaves and branches.”

“Master, kindly spare me.  Cut me down and lay my beauty in the dust; but would you also have to take my leaves and branches?”

“Bamboo, if I do not cut the excess away, I cannot use you.”

The sun hid his face.  A listening butterfly glided fearfully away.  Shivering in terrible expectancy, Bamboo whispered: “Master, cut away.”

“Bamboo, Bamboo, we’re not quite finished yet.  I must also split you in two and cut out your heart, for if I cut not so, I cannot use you.”

Bowing to the ground, Bamboo fully submitted.  “Master, my Master…then cut and split.”

So the wise Master of the garden took Bamboo…and cut him down…and hacked off his branches…and stripped off his leaves…and split him in two…and cut out his heart.

And lifting him gently, the Master carried Bamboo to where there was a spring of fresh sparkling water in the midst of dry, unirrigated fields.  Then, placing one end of the broken Bamboo in the cool spring and the other end into a water channel in the field, the Master gently laid down his beloved Bamboo.  The spring started singing a song of welcome, and the clear sparkling waters raced joyously down the channel of Bamboo’s torn body into waiting and parching fields.  Then the rice was planted and the days went by; the shoots grew upward and the harvest came.

And on that day, Bamboo, once seeming so glorious in his stately beauty, was actually far more glorious in his brokenness and in his humility.  For in his first state, he only looked like life abundant; but in his brokenness, he became a channel of abundant life to his Master’s world.

As we earnestly pray, seeking to be used by the Master, let us be ever mindful that we must and shall be sown as seeds for the spiritual harvest of others.  Nevertheless, in the end, we bring ultimate glory to our Creator, along with fulfillment and favor to ourselves.  Indeed, our service and sacrifice are the benediction and blessing of our lives!

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

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

Pastor Robert L. Smith shared an interesting incident.  He was working with public school children, some of whom were experiencing behavioral challenges.  One of his students got completely out of control, absolutely refusing to comply with orderly classroom conduct.  Instead of raising his voice, or berating the student in some way, Pastor Smith wisely employed an alternative technique.  He simply smiled and said, “I think what you really need is a hug!”  Immediately, the young boy broke out into a broad grin.  He hugged his mentor affectionately and thereafter made radical adjustments in his behavior.

Sometimes we do not achieve positive relational results because of erroneous assumptions.

For example, a conflict counselor was enlisted by a parish priest to resolve a long-standing problem.  The relationship between the priest and the parochial school principal had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer communicate.  The conflict counselor prepared them for a face-to-face meeting with the follow instruction: “Before we get together, I want both of you to write down what you think the problems are in your relationship.”

The principal and the priest arrived at their first meeting and sat opposite one another.  The counselor asked them to read their lists.

The priest described the problem from his point of view.  “I feel that the principal resents my presence in the school.  I would like to play a larger role but feel I can’t.  I’d especially like to be more involved in religious education, but I feel pushed out.”

The principal then read his assessment of the situation. “I feel the priest doesn’t want to get involved in the school.  For the life of me, I can’t understand why he feels that way because we desperately need him, especially in religious education.”

Wow!  So much of what we perceive as conflict has its origins in false or negative impressions of others.  Wouldn’t it be much better if we were to see others through the empathetic eyes of grace and mercy, just as GOD sees us?

This reminds me of a historic setback for Standard Oil, then one of the largest companies in the world, led by the wealthy industrialist, John D Rockefeller.  A company executive had made a bad business decision that cost the firm two million dollars, a huge sum in the late 1800s.

A corporate partner, Edward Bedford, had an appointment to see Mr. Rockefeller.  When he entered Rockefeller’s office, he saw his boss at his desk, bent over a piece of paper, busily scribbling notes.  Mr. Rockefeller finally looked up and said to Bedford, “I suppose you’ve heard about our loss?  I’ve been thinking it over,” Rockefeller said.  “Before I ask the man in to discuss the matter, I’ve been making some notes.”

Bedford looked across the table and saw the page Rockefeller had been scribbling on.    Across the top of the page was the heading, “Positive Points in Favor of Mr. ____.”  Below that heading was a long list of the employee’s good qualities, including specific notes about three occasions where he made decisions that earned the company many times more than the losses from his recent error.

Bedford never forgot that strategic and gracious lesson.  He remarked, “Whenever I am tempted to rip into anyone, I force myself first to sit down and thoughtfully compile as long a list of that person’s good points as I possibly can.  Invariably, by the time I finish this personal inventory, I see the matter in its true perspective and keep my temper in check.”

What about US?  There are hundreds of things that have the potential to annoy us on a daily basis.  However, JESUS CHRIST admonishes us to handle potential setbacks with wisdom, compassion and patience.  In fact, according to Jesus, “In your patience you possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

So when we are tempted to fly off the handle and react too swiftly or strongly, let’s just push the pause button for a moment, take a deep breath and THINK: What would WISDOM have to say about the matter before us?   My friend, why not try a little tenderness?

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

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

TOO BUSY?

TOO BUSY?

“Slow your row,” a good friend once advised.  “Don’t be so preoccupied with getting things done that you miss out on the essence of life.”  Although his comments felt rather intrusive and restrictive at the time, when I slowed sufficiently to reconsider, they made all the sense in the world.  There is nothing wrong with being busy, in and of itself, but it is mission critical that we strive to keep THE MAIN THING as the main thing.  Perhaps the most important thing is how we relate to one another. (John 13:35 and Romans 12:10)

A young and successful executive was driving down a suburban street in his brand-new black Jaguar when a large rock was hurled forcefully from the sidewalk, banging loudly into the side of the car.

Brakes slammed!  Gears ground into reverse, and tires spun madly as the Jaguar raced toward the spot where the rock had been thrown.  The driver jumped out, angrily grabbing the kid who had thrown the rock, pushing him up against a parked car.  “What was that all about?” he screamed.  “That’s my new Jag and that rock you threw will cost you a lot of money!”

“Please, mister, I’m so sorry!  I didn’t know what else to do!” pleaded the youngster.  “I threw the rock because no one else would stop!” Tears were dripping down the boy’s chin as he pointed to a spot near the parked car.  “It’s my brother, mister,” he said.  “He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him up!”  Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, “Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair?  He’s hurt and he’s too heavy for me.”

In an instant, the executive’s mood was transformed as he realized what had occurred.  He lifted the young man into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief to wipe his bleeding scrapes and cuts.  He then watched compassionately as the younger brother pushed him down the sidewalk toward home.

The young executive never repaired the dented door of his Jaguar.  He kept the dent to remind himself not to go through life so rapidly that someone has to throw a rock to get his attention.

Point to Ponder: What is the rhythm and cadence of your life?

A Princeton University research study was designed to determine the conditions under which good people would take time to act for good.  Two psychologists asked a group of seminary students to walk to another building on campus to deliver a short speech.  Some were told that the speech would be about their motives for studying theology.  Others were told that it would be about the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.  The psychologists had arranged for an actor to be stationed on the path between the two buildings, slumped over, coughing loudly and apparently in bad shape.  The two experimenters told half the students that they were late for their speaking appointment and half that they had ample time.

How do you think they responded?  Who was most likely to help – those with the story of the Good Samaritan uppermost in their minds or those who were thinking about their motives for studying theology?  In the end, there was a significant difference in how they reacted, but the content of their speech made no difference at all.  About the same number of Good Samaritan speakers and theology motivated students stopped.  What did make a real difference was how rushed the students thought themselves to be.  Only 10 percent of those who thought they were running late stopped to help.  On the other hand, 60 percent of those who thought they had plenty of time stopped to help.

In a society that is absolutely obsessed with investing our time to gain more and more, it is easy to get caught up in the rat race and fail to respond in loving and humane ways to other people, near and far.  To be transparent, there are moments when I feel so busy or tired that it seems almost unreasonable to listen attentively to my wife’s accounting of what she has done during her day.  But more often than not, love moves me in the direction of an apology and genuine concern for her feelings.  Every day, I ask myself this question: “What is most importance, my immediate plans or my larger purpose for being on this planet?” Think about it.  Today, let’s decide to make loving and compassionate choices.

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

THE WOUNDED HEALER

THE WOUNDED HEALER

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  Although there are days and dilemmas that might make it appear that way, the Holy Spirit or the Paraclete, the One who walks alongside, is always with you.  He is the personification of the encouraging affirmation of Jesus Christ, Himself:  “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.” (Matthew 28:20)

Oh how He loves you and me!  Never forget that it was Jesus Christ’s eternal and unconditional LOVE that nailed Him to the cross, not the sharp spikes of any Roman executioner.

Isaiah 53:4-6 (NKJV)

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But He was WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.   

To wit, Jesus died in our place.  He suffered, bled and died vicariously – for our sins.  He is the wounded healer.  His sacrificial wounds become our help, our health and our healing.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Now it our time and opportunity to return this divine favor by becoming HEALING SEEDS, sown graciously (by Him) into the lives of others.  Here is the naked truth about us.  We are broken vessels.  We have been shaped in sin and marred by iniquity.  Nevertheless, we are yet in the Potter’s hands.  (Psalm 51:5 and Jeremiah 18:1-6)

It has been said that scarred hands heal best.  My friend, that is the naked truth about me, and about you.  WE are deputized wounded healers – appointed and anointed by THE WOUNDED HEALER – to serve the Kingdom of God and to win lost souls, who will (in turn) walk in their divine purpose and destiny and draw others unto Him. 

Ultimately, you are a spiritual reproduction of THE “CHRIST IN YOU, [who is] the [only] hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)  So, wounded healer…who have you touched…who will you touch…TODAY?

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

WILL YOU BE THE ONE?

WILL YOU BE THE ONE?

Special thanks are extended to Moses Thavheni for sharing the following inspirational article with us:

David was bringing food to his brothers at the battlefront when he saw Goliath.  He wasn’t thinking of becoming a hero; he just seized an opportunity that other soldiers only dream about.

Opportunities often catch us by surprise, and if we’re not alert and ready, we’ll miss out on them.  What others discovered in David that day had actually been there all along!

YOU already possess the talents necessary to lead and to be victorious.  It is your COURAGE and CONVICTION that will establish you as a mover-and shaker-in this life.  The people we revere the most demonstrate great courage – courage on the battlefield and in the boardroom, courage to defend the defenseless, courage to attempt what no one else deems possible.

Often people look in the face of opportunity and say, ‘But I don’t have the money.’  Friends, don’t worry; capital tends to follow courage.  The WHAT must always precede the HOW.  So don’t be intimidated by the numbers because GOD is not moved by opinions, spreadsheets or market conditions.  GOD is moved by FAITH.

So never allow HOW to intimidate you.  HOW is challenging for one reason and one reason only – because it provides overflowing OPPORTUNITY.  If the pathway to success were well lit and easily attainable, it would be completely crowded.  If HOW wasn’t a significant challenge for us to engage, someone else would already have figured it out.  But YOU can do all things through the power and guidance of GOD.

All progress begins with one question: “WHAT needs to be done?”  Someone should always be asking that question.  Why not YOU?

The future belongs to those who have the courage to ask that question and the faith to hang in until they discover the answer.  

One of my ministry colleagues, Bishop Joseph Garlington of Pittsburgh, often makes the following rather terse demand to those in his circle who constantly challenge progress with the question, “HOW?”  He simply says: “Get the HOW out of here!”  It might seem a bit crass, but it’s highly effective.

My friend, when obstacles look too big and opposition seems too strong, stand with faith on this scripture passage:

II Kings 6:15-16 (KJV)

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an HOST compassed the city both with horses and chariots.  And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master!  HOW shall we do?  And he answered, FEAR NOT: FOR THEY THAT BE WITH US ARE MORE THAN THEY THAT BE WITH THEM.

In this scripture, “they” represents Almighty God and the heavenly host.  In other words, “if GOD be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) 

In closing, I have a mission critical question for every believer:  WILL YOU BE THE ONE?

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

TAKE CARE WHAT YOU HEAR

TAKE CARE WHAT YOU HEAR

As a young child, I frequently passed through Morgan Avenue on my way to the Bass residence located on Schoonmaker Avenue in our hometown of Monessen, Pennsylvania.  The late Mr. James Wade, Sr. was standing on his porch, and he offered some intriguing advice which at the time seemed somewhat arbitrary. “Wayne,” he admonished, “believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see.”  Although I did not understand his meaning at that point in life, now it makes much more sense.

Dr. Isaac Clark, my seminary adviser and an accomplished professor who taught two important subjects, “Homiletics” and “Communications,” insisted that more opportunities are won by effective communication (or lost by inaccurate communication) than anyone could possibly know.  He often warned us of the inherent dangers that live in the land of “MIS-communication.”  Interestingly enough, I’ll be conducting a pastoral seminar on communications this coming Saturday.

It reminds me of an important battle in European history, between England and France.  On the evening of June 18, 1815, an anxious man stood in the tower of England’s Winchester Cathedral gazing out to sea.  Finally he found what he had been looking for – a ship sending a signal with the use of lantern lights.  As the young man strained to see the message, all of England held its breath, waiting for news of the outcome of a decisive battle between their military leader, the Duke of Wellington, and the French dictator, Napoleon Bonaparte.  Having ruled most of Europe, Bonaparte saw England as a threat, and now the decisive Battle of Waterloo was just coming to an end.

That man stood in the Winchester Cathedral tower, waiting to convey news that would determine England’s future.  As heavy fog rolled in, the signal arrived.  It just barely made it through, but how he wished it hadn’t, for the signal read: “WELLINGTON DEFEATED.”

This bad news was communicated quickly across the countryside, bringing great gloom and sadness.  But then there was an unexpected reversal.  The fog lifted, and the message was sent again, this time in full: “WELLINGTON DEFEATED THE ENEMY!”  There was great joy in the nation for Wellington had won!

Likewise on Good Friday, the apparent message was simply this: “CHRIST DEFEATED.”  But three days later, they discovered that the message had not been received in its totality.  The resurrection reversed every initial impression and confidently declared the full gospel: “CHRIST DEFEATED THE ENEMY!”

So just like Joshua and Caleb, two Israelite stalwarts of faith, you must steadfastly refuse to give an audience to any ‘Majority Report’ that is only published by doubters, detractors and deceivers.  After all, YOU and GOD actually (and always) constitute THE SPIRITUAL MAJORITY, appearances notwithstanding. (Numbers 13:27-33)

Although conditions might SEEM to be carrying you into the fire or underneath the water, here is what the Lord declares about you.  “When you pass through the waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU; and through the rivers, THEY SHALL NOT OVERFLOW YOU.  When you walk through the fire, YOU SHALL NOT BE BURNED, nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NKJV)

Winner-believer, HEAR HIS VOICE and attend to none other. (John 10:27)

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

YOU ARE NOT THE ENEMY

YOU ARE NOT THE ENEMY

One of my favorite New Testament scriptures is Ephesians 6:12. It informs us of the identity of our actual enemy. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (NKJV)

You are not my enemy, and I am not your enemy.

All too often, CARNAL THINKING (which is tantamount to stinkin’-thinkin’) causes us to believe that our “enemy” is someone who may be lacking in cordiality, i.e. they did not speak to us today, or someone who seems to be somewhat indifferent or even dismissive of us. Guess what?  In the vast majority of cases, your enemy is not someone who you can see with the natural eye.  You have only one true enemy, and his name is Satan, the archenemy of your soul.

So we must stop seeing others who merely disagree with our ideas or decisions as the enemy.  In truth, they could be an essential deposit of wisdom, blessings and favor in our lives.  At the very least, occasional friction will likely produce personal growth and development in the long-term.

People are not your enemy.  Indeed, they are your sisters and brothers.

Erich Remarque’s book, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” tells of a remarkable encounter between two enemy soldiers during World War II.  In the heat of battle, a German soldier took shelter in a crater that had been formed by artillery shells.  After a while, he noticed an enemy combatant nearby.  This man was dying and the German soldier’s heart went out to him.  He gave the dying soldier water from his canteen and listened as he spoke lovingly of his wife and children.  And he located the wallet of his ‘enemy’ so he could look at pictures of his family one last time.

During that compassionate encounter these two soldiers ceased to be enemies.  The German saw the wounded soldier in a new way; not as an enemy combatant but as a father, a husband, someone who loves and is loved, someone much like himself.

We are empowered to enter the path of peace and reconciliation when we learn to COMPASSIONATELY SEE OTHERS and to recognize in them someone similar to ourselves.  Let’s not live our lives in a knee-jerk manner.  Before we patently reject someone because they look, think, speak, or act differently from us, let’s really try to look at them in a completely different way.  After all, that person is an individual who, just like us, is striving to make it through this journey called life.

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

WHO IS SIGNIFICANT?

WHO IS SIGNIFICANT?

For most of my professional life, I have operated in dual functions, primarily as a clergyman, but also as a corporate sales representative/manager.  Both arenas have imparted priceless lessons about who and what is of real importance in this journey called life. 

One of my early success-points in sales was the discovery that the janitorial staff of any facility knows more about who’s who and what’s what than almost anyone else.  There’s a broad smile on my face as I reflect on the mission-critical data (and commensurate income) that I derived over decades of interactions with THE INDIVIDUALS WHO MAN THE MOP.  While many colleagues counted them as insignificant, I greeted them warmly, or brought morning coffee, or remembered them at Christmas time.  In turn, they supplied me with the names of prime prospects and invaluable information about their willingness to see (or not see) sales reps, along with helpful tidbits about their personalities and daily schedules.  Bottom-line: They worked everywhere in the building and knew everyone.

EVERY PERSON HAS SIGNIFICANCE.

Consider this.  During her second month of teaching, a nursing professor gave a pop quiz.  The last question totally stumped most students.  It read, “What is the first name of the woman who cleans our classroom?”

Those students had seen the cleaning lady numerous times.  She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how many of them would actually know her name?  After the class had ended, one student asked if the last quiz question would count toward their grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor.  “In your nursing career you will meet many people.  All are significant!  Each deserves your greatest attention and care, even if all you can do is smile and say hello.”

Her students never forgot that important lesson.   All of them made it a point to meet the woman whom they had hardly noticed; and they all learned her name, Dorothy.

EVERY PERSON HAS SIGNIFICANCE.

Sir Michael Costa was a great orchestra conductor of the 19th Century.  It is said that one day he was conducting a rehearsal in which his orchestra was joined by a great choir.  Midway through the practice session, the piccolo player stopped playing.  It seemed innocent enough – after all who would miss the tiny piccolo amidst the great mass of loud voices and blazing instruments?  But all of a sudden Sir Michael stopped the entire orchestra and choir.  “Stop!  Stop!  Where’s the piccolo?  What happened to the piccolo?”

EVERY PERSON HAS SIGNIFICANCE.

We may sometimes feel like that piccolo player – that we don’t have very much to offer.  We may be tempted to believe that if we were to stop our small ministry, or our personal words of encouragement, or whatever ‘tiny thing’ that we bring to the table, that nothing would be impacted and no one would notice.  However, THE GREAT CONDUCTOR is intimately aware of the part that we play, and His orchestral masterpiece would somehow be incomplete without our seemingly insignificant parts.

My friend, stay the course.  YOU are significant to GOD…and YOU are significant to US.

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

SUGAR-WATER VENDOR OR WORLD-CHANGER?

SUGAR-WATER VENDOR OR WORLD-CHANGER?

I read an intriguing article by an unknown author which motivated me to revisit my life-mission and life-vision.  I hope it will have the same impact on you.  Please read and prayerfully ponder.

Who among us could live without computers?  It seems they’re everywhere – in our studies at home, on our desks at work, in the library, the bank and even in the cafe.  We get pleasure from them, we get frustrated by them, but we truly need them.

It’s only a relatively recent phenomenon.  Just three generations ago, the Chairman of IBM declared that there is a world market for only five computers!  As recently as 1977, the President of Digital Equipment claimed there is no reason anyone would want to have a computer in their home!

The global technology revolution was brought to us in large part by Steven Jobs, the founder of Apple Computers.  Steve Jobs was just 21 when he and Steve Wozniak invented the Apple Computer.  Until then, computers were a monstrous mass of vacuum tubes which took up whole rooms.  These two men managed to take that mass of tubes and incorporate them inside a box small enough to sit on top of a desk.

Jobs and Wozniak offered their invention to Atari.  They weren’t interested in big bucks.  All they wanted was a salary and the opportunity to continue their work.  Atari turned them down.  Then they offered it to Hewlett-Packard, but that corporation also rejected their invention.  It seemed that Jobs and Wozniak alone could envision the possibilities.  So Jobs sold his Volkswagen and Wozniak sold his calculator, and with $1300 they formed Apple Computers.  The company was named Apple in memory of one happy summer that Jobs had spent working in an orchard.

By all accounts Steve Jobs was an iconic visionary.  Spurred on by his futuristic vision, he launched a monumentally successful computer company.  However, Jobs soon realized more managerial expertise was required if his vision was to reach full fruition.  So Jobs approached John Sculley, the President of PepsiCo.  There was absolutely no reason why Sculley should leave a highly paid position in an international firm to work with a bunch of computer nerds in a fledgling industry.  Not unsurprisingly, he turned Jobs down.  But Jobs wouldn’t take no for an answer.  He approached Sculley again.  Again Sculley turned him down.  In a last-ditch effort, Jobs passionately presented his visionary ideas to John Sculley and asked him a strategic question that motivated him to accept: “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared-water or do you want a chance to change the world?”

The rest is history.  Jobs and Sculley fundamentally changed the world.

JESUS CHRIST challenges us with the same question: “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling ‘sugar-water’ – or will you embrace the awesome opportunity to transform our world?”  Fact is, most of us spend our lives focused on tasks that neither resonate in time or eternity.  We work tirelessly to accumulate MORE, and perhaps we occasionally find a small space for Christ and His Kingdom in our spare time.  But JESUS CHRIST has a vision – THE VISION – that has (and will) change this world!   THE KINGDOM OF GOD demands to be positioned at the center of our lives, i.e. to make it our very reason for existence.

In the challenging words of our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 - NKJV)

My friend, what have YOU been doing?  Even more importantly, WHAT WILL YOU DO TODAY?

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

THINK, BELIEVE, DREAM, DARE

THINK, BELIEVE, DREAM, DARE

I thank GOD every day for DREAMERS and VISIONARIES.  According to The Holy Writ, “Where there is no VISION, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)  Indeed, these God-given human ‘gifts’ manage to consistently mobilize the energy and enthusiasm that keeps us LIVING, i.e. moving ahead, regardless of conditions or circumstances.

So, relative to YOUR time and productivity on the planet, here is a strategic question that you should ask and answer honestly: WHO or WHAT would you allow to confuse, confiscate, discourage, or drown your dream?

How I love the story of the eight-year-old boy who was approached by an elderly gentleman in front of a wishing well.  The young lad looked up into the older man’s eyes, and asked: “I understand you’re a very wise man.  I’d like to know the secret of life.”

The old man looked down at the youngster, considered carefully for a moment, then replied.

“I’ve thought a lot in my lifetime, and life’s secret can be summed up in four words:

The first is THINK.  Think about the values you wish to live your life by.

The second is BELIEVE.  Believe in yourself based on the thinking you’ve done about the values you’re going to live your life by.

The third is DREAM.  Dream about the things that can be, based on your belief in yourself and the values you’re going to live by.

The last is DARE.  Dare to make your dreams become reality, based on your belief in yourself and your values.”

And with that, Walt Disney whispered to the little boy, “Think, Believe, Dream and Dare.”

My friend, it is never too early (or too late) to DREAM…

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

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part V)

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part V)

In this final segment of our current devotional series, I remind you that It is extremely urgent for every believer to be totally ‘tuned-in’ and ‘turned-on’ by THE VOICE [THE NOW WORD] OF GOD.  In fact, our success and survival depend upon our ability to hear accurate, anointed and life-changing Rhema from the Lord.

Did you notice that when GOD speaks, IT NEVER involves DEBATE.  Technically speaking, it really isn’t a dialogue because GOD IS SOVEREIGN.  Therefore, we must hearken (immediately and completely) to the voice of God.  When the Holy Spirit transmits a warning to us, “Do not go through that door,” and we do so anyway, we are opening ourselves (and those around us) to the fabric and force of destruction.

Here is a mission critical question: “HOW DOES ONE KNOW THAT S/HE IS LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD?”

Such knowledge is imparted at the INTERSECTION of YOUR FAITH and GOD’S WORD.  Indeed, “FAITH comes by hearing, and hearing by THE WORD OF GOD.” (Romans 10:17)  Whenever we TAKE THE LIMITS OFF GOD, i.e. whenever we willingly remove OUR HUMAN PRECONCEPTIONS about WHO GOD IS and WHAT GOD WILL DO, we open our mortal senses to immortal and immutable truth.  In connection with this, the Apostle Paul prayed diligently for the Church of Ephesus and, by extension, for us:

Ephesians 1:17-21 (New King James Version)

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION in the KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS, and what is THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE, according to the working of HIS MIGHTY POWER which He worked IN CHRIST when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Sisters and brothers, kindly TAKE GOD OUT THE BOX in which you may have unwisely and unwittingly placed Him.  Why is this so vitally important?  BECAUSE GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK!  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Now unto HIM WHO IS ABLE to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

And I truly love the scriptural witness of the Apostle Peter:

II Peter 1:3-4 (New King James Version)

HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN TO US ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS, through the KNOWLEDGE OF HIM who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES, that through these you may be PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE.

No wonder Paul declared, “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.”

(Philippians 4:13)  WOW!

In light of these powerful revelations, it is of paramount importance that we EXAMINE OURSELVES, i.e., that we do REGULAR FAITH-CHECKS TO ALIGN OURSELVES WITH CHRIST AND HIS WORD.  Because in the absence of TRUE TRUST IN GOD, there is an EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL RESTLESSNESS, an INWARD ANXIETY that systematically attacks and erodes the FAITH AND CONFIDENCE OF BELIEVERS.  This is due to one thing, and one thing only.  DOUBT means we are not allowing GOD to exercise His perfect will in our lives because we are operating under the influence of satanic suggestion and deception. 

SISTERS AND BROTHERS, WE MUST LIVE BY THE VOICE OF GOD – not our own.  Bottom-line: CHRIST IS ALL! 

Augustine taught that there is a GOD-SIZED HOLE in the human heart that ONLY GOD can fill.  Neither pleasure, prestige, power, or positions would be sufficient to fill it.  ONLY CHRIST can both save and satisfy!  Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo (a black man), was one of the early church fathers who had lived an incredibly lurid life during his pre-conversion years.  You name it – Augustine did it!  But on the day of his dramatic conversion, Augustine came to the end of himself and realized this: “Lord, you have made us for Yourself – and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee.”

Now hear this!  The only way we can walk in peace and productivity is to make up our minds that we must (and shall) always LIVE BY THE VOICE OF GOD.

In closing, allow me to share the saga of the eagle.  Over the passage of time, this phenomenal bird experiences a life-threatening problem.  Its beak become overgrown and the eagle is unable to eat and provide essential nourishment for the continuation of life.  However, the eagle does not surrender to the status quo; rather, he does something entirely unexpected.  Somewhere deep inside, HE HEARS A VOICE.  Some call it instinct; I call it THE VOICE OF GOD.  It calls to him and causes him to rise in flight to a higher place.  And with brutal force, the eagle thrusts his beak against a rocky crag again and again, until it is completely broken.  Please pay special attention to this!  IN ORDER TO HEAR THE WORD AND LIVE BY THE WORD, WE ARE OCCASIONALLY BROKEN!

Incidentally, it takes quite a while for the eagle’s beak to be fully restored.  AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE, GROWTH AND MATURATION TAKE TIME!  In the interim, having no beak, the eagle looks extremely odd to others and his weight is dramatically diminished – BUT HE PATIENTLY WAITS.  In due time, he again realizes and regains HIS ORIGINAL CREATED POWER; and, the eagle takes off in flight, to be nurtured (and to nurture others) again!

The prophet Isaiah must have known about this process.  He wrote:

Isaiah 40:28-31 (King James Version)

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding.  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: BUT THEY THAT WAIT UPON THE LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH; THEY SHALL MOUNT UP WITH WINGS AS EAGLES; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

My friend, it simply does not matter where you have been, or what you have been through, or the current circumstances of your life journey.  According to the WORD OF GOD, there is HOPE for YOU.  There is a FUTURE for YOU!  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV)

BE ENCOURAGED.  RIGHT in this moment, YOU ARE ALIVE…AND (BY FAITH) I DECREE AND DECLARE THAT YOU ARE LIVING BY THE VOICE 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!

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part IV)

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part IV)

It is mission critical that we become ‘tuned-in’ and ‘turned-on’ by THE VOICE [THE WORD] OF GOD. In certain situations, our very survival will be predicated on our ability to hear from Heaven.

Our ‘microwave society’ challenges our capacity to wait on the Lord for direction and results.  In truth, there is an inherent resistance to living in accordance with GOD’S WILL and GOD’S TIMETABLE.  But check this out: COAL never rushes or resists its process. The tacit submission of the coal enables TIME and PRESSURE to partner and produce the magnificent result that we call DIAMOND.

In our helter-skelter hurry to get where others expect or proclaim we should be, we take-off on the runway of life under our own power and volition; and, our faces are shrouded with surprise and consternation when we go ‘down’ (predictably) in proverbial flames. Think about it.

Many years ago, I served as director of staff and outreach for a well-established church in Atlanta, Georgia.  The senior pastor asked me to host an eight-day Hawaiian Retreat for 50 leaders and laity.  We spent most of our days on the beautiful island of Maui.  On the day of our scheduled return to Atlanta, the captain made an unexpected announcement while we were sitting on the tarmac, nearly ready to head for the runway and take-off.  “There will be a major delay,” he stated over sounds of moaning and groaning in the jet cabin.  “We have RADAR PROBLEMS that must be fixed before we can safely cross over the Pacific Ocean for our first stop in San Francisco.”

Immediately, several of my fellow members started complaining.  “Why should we have to WAIT so long – why can’t we go RIGHT NOW?”  I could scarcely believe my ears: “Reverend Bass,” one frustrated passenger said, “can’t you DO something about this?  I need to get back in Atlanta on-time!”  My silent thought at that moment: ‘But we definitely need to get back to Atlanta in ONE-PIECE and ONE-PEACE!’  My actual response in that moment: “Look folks, if this 747 has a problem, then let’s sit patiently until the issue is handled.  We’re not in such a hurry that we can’t be safe.”  As far as I was concerned, the voice we had just heard over the intercom (that SOUNDED like the pilot’s voice) was really THE VOICE OF GOD speaking through the pilot – telling US that it would be far better to WAIT!  From my perspective, within the framework of our pilot’s decision and announcement, we were actually LIVING...BY THE VOICE OF GOD.

One of my favorite scripture passages is Psalm 51:
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

What was David saying here?  GOD is JUST WHEN HE SPEAKS and GOD is CLEAR WHEN HE JUDGES.  In simpler terms, GOD IS ALWAYS RIGHT...GOD IS NEVER WRONG!

Prayerfully consider this. If GOD is ALWAYS RIGHT and NEVER WRONG, why do we have the tendency to scrutinize and analyze and debate over His decrees and directives?  How is it that we (professed believers) have such difficulty honoring and adhering to “EVERY WORD the proceeds out of the mouth of GOD”...if we truly believe that GOD is ALWAYS RIGHT and NEVER WRONG? (Matthew 4:4)

Perhaps, we have become victimized by what I term “WILE E. COYOTE SYNDROME!” Allow me to paint a vivid picture here. Have you seen this cartoon character - who so often appears to be WALKING CONFIDENTLY through what you and I know to be THE WRONG DOOR?

The cartoon creator allows us a panoramic view that reveals beyond any shadow of doubt that WILE E. COYOTE is just about to walk through the wrong door.  And though he enters with a smile, mere seconds later we witness him emerging through the other side – looking scared and scarred, whipped and worn, ragged and ridiculous – hair flying in every direction, lips half-off and half-on, teeth shattered, head split clean-down-the-middle and body blown skyward in utter terror!

Here's the thing.  WILE E. COYOTE is (what I term) a SERIAL SELF-DESTRUCTOR!  That is, he will MAKE THE SAME DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS over-and-over-and-over-and-over-again until we just want to shout through our television screens: “WILE E. COYOTE, would you please just leave MR. BEEP-BEEP ROADRUNNER alone! Enough with all of those Acme products and your continuous cycles of pain and humiliation! LEAVE MR. ROADRUNNER ALONE!”  As silly as his situation seems, isn’t this cartoon scenario a true-to-life, practical portrait of people we all have encountered (maybe even ourselves).

SOMETIMES WHEN GOD’S VOICE SPEAKS SO CLEARLY, “Do NOT go through that door,” OUR SELF-DESTRUCTIVE RESPONSE IS THIS: “Come on Lord…give me a break…I’ve been going through that door all my life...and I’m still here!”  And via our messy condition, GOD speaks in SIGN LANGUAGE (SITUATIONAL LANGUAGE) saying, “Yes you have, and that’s your problem!  You’re in that SAME OLD CONDITION because you’ve been going through that SAME OLD DOOR – all of your life – again-and-again-and-again-and-again!” 

THINK…and 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!

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part III)

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part III)

If we ever expect to attain ultimate success in life on the level GOD has designed for us, we must be ‘tuned-in’ and ‘turned-on’ by THE VOICE [THE WORD] OF OUR GOD.  In certain situations, our continued existence (our very survival) will be directly impacted by our ability to hear, or not to hear from our Creator.

CASE IN POINT: Some years ago, my old friends, Clinton and Sarah Utterbach of Redeeming Love Christian Center in Nyack, New York, shared an intriguing testimony.  Their story is a ‘poster-child’ for the importance of being tuned-in to the voice of God.  It goes something like this.

After preaching in their church service, Clinton was completely exhausted.  So he was reclining and resting as they headed homeward in the car.  Sarah was driving.

As they sat at an intersection waiting for the traffic signal to change to green, THE LORD SPOKE into Sarah’s spirit: “WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES, DON’T MOVE!”

The light changed to green, and Clinton spoke up: “Sarah, the light’s green.”  She just sat still.  “Baby are you sleep?  The light’s green!”  Sarah just sat there.

In a split second, a huge Mac truck careened out-of-control through that intersection, due to failed brakes!  Wow!

Sarah simply turned to Clinton and gave him that look with which every husband is entirely familiar.  All Clinton could do was to affirm her decision rather sheepishly. “Amen,” he whispered.

Sisters and brothers, our ability to HEAR FROM GOD may cause us to either save or lose our very lives! Indeed, every believer must and shall LIVE BY THE VOICE OF GOD.  “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

However, we have to admit that there is a fundamental skepticism that presents itself when someone says “I have been talking to God.”  Am I right?  Would you agree with me that MOST PEOPLE DOUBT the possibility of true, genuine, bona fide communication with GOD?  Do you know why?  Our mental institutions have many residents that claim that they are in constant conversation with God.  And sometimes, in the room adjacent to the one who says ‘I’ve been talking to God’ is someone who declares, “I AM THE GOD YOU’VE BEEN TALKING TO!” 

Perhaps it’s a bit humorous, but it is a clear illustration as to why our society discounts and doubts whether (or not) it is really possible to be in direct communication with God.  Sometimes, even in THE CHURCH, among the body of baptized believers, there is a FUNDAMENTAL SKEPTICISM that the Almighty God still dialogues with man.  And many are absolutely skeptical about the authenticity of THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, which are set forth in I Corinthians, chapter 12. 

So even when God does speak to us (by way of His indwelling Holy Spirit), we tend to display hesitancy and/or an overabundance of caution when disclosing it to others.  In such situations, we are more prone to pronounce, “SOMETHING told me to do (or not to do) such and such a thing.”  Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to inform you that THE ALMIGHTY GOD, THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF the UNIVERSE, THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA, THE GREAT I AM, THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS does not like to be referred to as ‘SOMETHING” by His children!

GOD DOES SPEAK TO US!  THE FATHER DOES SPEAK TO HIS CHILDREN!  Many of us can testify truthfully that ‘GOD DID SPEAK TO US, and if it had not been for hearing the crystal-clear impressions of His Holy Spirit within our human spirits, all might have been lost!  GOD HAS SPOKEN…LET THE CHURCH SAY “AMEN!” 

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!

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part II)

LIVING BY THE VOICE OF GOD (Part II)

A young frog in the jungles of Africa had just finished his delicious desert of flies when his mother hopped lovingly into the kitchen.  “Mommy,” he inquired, “are there other animals in the bush besides us?” 

“Sure, Kerm,” Mother Frog answered, “just go out and meet them for yourself – but be very careful!”

So young Kerm hopped on down the pathway and came across a monkey.  Since Kerm was awfully proud of his ancestry, his greeting sounded a little like bragging: “Hello!  I’m Kerm, a W-I-D-E MOUTHED AFRICAN FROG…and I eat flies!  What on earth do you eat?”

“Well, Kerm, I east BANANAS!” replied the monkey cheerfully as he sailed away on a tall tree branch.

“Sounds good!” Kerm shouted out as he hopped on down the path.  Soon he came across a giraffe and issued a similar greeting and introduction: “Hello!  I’m Kerm, a W-I-D-E MOUTHED AFRICAN FROG…and I eat flies!  What on earth do you eat?”

“Well, Kerm, I eat LEAVES from the tallest trees!” responded the tall giraffe as he gracefully loped off into the jungle.

“Sounds good!” Kerm shouted out as he hopped on down the path.  Soon he arrived at the river.  Spotting a CROCODILE on the river bank basking in the sun, he issued a similar greeting and introduction: “Hello!  I’m Kerm, a W-I-D-E MOUTHED African frog…and I eat flies!  What on earth do you eat?”

“Hmmm,” slowly answered the huge hungry crocodile, “I eat W-I-D-E MOUTHED AFRICAN FROGS!” Chomp!  Chomp!  Chomp!

The moral of the story is this:  You must BE CAREFUL WHO YOU TALK TO as you proceed along the path of life!  Indeed, some folks have a knack for making a beeline (naively and foolishly) to the wrong people, for the purpose of gaining personal insight and perspective on life.  If they are fortunate, they might pick up a bit of useless-but-harmless information.  If they are not so blessed, they could lose something much more valuable: their spirituality, their stability, their substance, their sanity, or even their life!  You see, it’s a life-or-death matter to learn how to live by the voice of God!

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!