WHAT IF WE WOULD DARE TO JUDGE GOD?

WHAT IF WE WOULD DARE TO JUDGE GOD?

All too often, we complain without justification.  In our attempt to come to grips with our situations-in-life, there is a human tendency to project human blame on The Divine.  Theologians call it THE PROBLEM OF THEODICY.  That is, how could a good, just and loving God allow evil to exist or prevail in the lives of so many?

I read an intriguing story that addresses this issue so well.  Although it’s not scripturally derived, its application is substantially sound.  It goes something like this…

At the end of time, billions of people were scattered on a vast plain before the throne of God.

Most of them shrank back from the brilliant light before them.  But some of the groups were talking among themselves – rather heatedly.  They were not cringing with shame, but bristling with belligerence.

“How could God judge us?  What can he know about suffering?” snapped a young Albanian.  He removed his shirt to reveal a bullet-scarred back.  “In Kosovo, we had to endure sheer terror…shootings…unspeakable torture!”

In another group, an aged aboriginal woman pulled a crumpled, tear-stained photograph from her pocket. “What about this?” she demanded.  “This is my precious child.  I have not seen her since the day she was stolen away from us, for no other crime than being black!”

In yet another crowd, a pregnant schoolgirl stood with very sad and sullen eyes.  “Why should I suffer,” she cried out, “It wasn’t my fault.”

Across the terrestrial plain, there were hundreds of such groups.  Each had a complaint against God for the evil and suffering He had permitted in their world.  “How fortunate God is,” they collectively complained, “to live in a Heaven where all is sweetness and light, where there is no weeping or fear, no hunger or hatred.  What does God know about all the horrible things we have been forced to endure in this world?  God leads a totally sheltered life!” they lamented.

So each of these dissenting groups sent forth their leader, chosen because he or she had suffered the most.  A Holocaust survivor was chosen, along with a scarred survivor of Hiroshima, a terribly deformed arthritic, a thalidomide child, a victim of terrible racism, a man whose wife had been murdered by a drug addict, etc.  In the center of the plain, they consulted with each other.  Now they were ready to present their case before The Throne.  It somehow seemed so logical and completely clever.

They rendered their collective verdict and presented it to God.  “Before you can be qualified to be our judge, you must endure what we have endured.  You will be sentenced to live on earth – as a man!

You must be born into a hated race.  The legitimacy of your birth must be doubted.  You must be given a task so difficult that even your family will think you are out of his mind when you try to do it.  You must be abandoned and betrayed by your closest friends.  You must face bigotry and false charges, then you must be tried by a prejudiced jury and convicted by a cowardly judge.

After all that, you must be tortured.  You must experience what it means to be terribly alone.  Then you must die, knowing full well that you are innocent but appearing to be guilty to all those around you.

As God’s sentence was angrily announced, loud murmurs of approval went up from the throng of people assembled.

But suddenly there was total and complete silence.  No one dared utter another word.  No one moved. Suddenly, all were aware in their heart-of-hearts that God had already served His sentence.

And that’s why Jesus Christ is our High Priest, the One who is touched by the “feeling of our infirmities.” (Hebrew 4:15)  Because “Emmanuel, God with us,” has already come to us “in the likeness of sinful flesh.”  He was already “wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him…and with his stripes we are healed.” (Romans 8:3 – Matthew 1:23 – Isaiah 53:5)  And now we are sons and daughters of the King of Kings!

Small wonder that Governor Pilate was moved to declare, “I find no fault in him.” (John 19:4)

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

TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

There was a time in life when I considered the opinions and assessments of others to be intrinsically indispensable to my value and identity.  Such thinking is a potential portal to superficiality and/or hypocrisy.  Because whenever we perceive and process the views of others as central to our own status in life, we are prone to embracing decisions and choices that are self-serving or opportunistic.

Over the years, I have radically altered my personal perspective.  Admittedly, it is quite pleasant to be positively thought of by others, but the acceptance of others is not mission critical to real success.

What is most important in life is HEAVEN’S EVALUATION of our conduct and character.

REPUTATION is who PEOPLE ‘think’ we are.  CHARACTER is who GOD ‘knows’ we are.

This calls to mind Reuben Gonzales, who was a leading racquetball player.  In his first professional tournament, Gonzales reached the finals.  He held match point in the fifth and final game when he made a terrific ‘kill shot’ into the corner to win the tournament.  When the ball was pronounced “good” by the officials, his family and friends got ready to congratulate their new champion.  However, Gonzales turned around and declared that his shot had hit the floor just before it reached the wall.

This admission caused him to lose the serve, and his opponent went on to win both the match and tournament.

The next issue of “National Racquetball Magazine” featured Gonzales on its cover.  Everyone wanted to know why Gonzales had done it.  Why would a professional sportsman disqualify himself after being declared the winner of the championship match?

Gonzales’ reply was simple: “It was the only thing I could do to maintain my integrity.”

INTEGRITY is tantamount to WHOLENESS.  In other words, integrity is who we are in the dark.  It’s the decisions we make, the convictions we carry and the activities we engage when we are out of the spotlight and away from the observations of others.

These days, my primary goal is loving, learning and living from God’s point of view, and it’s my life’s vision statement.  As such, I simply want to make God smile.  And He delights in simple submission to the terms of our covenant relationship.  Integrity.  In the end, it’s ALL that really matters.

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

THEY'LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE

THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE

The world will never be converted by superficial spiritual-hype.  It is THE LIVING WORD that penetrates the soul and transforms the spirit.  This Word is the living and loving embodiment of grace, mercy and truth.  And in the final analysis, it is how all of us have arrived at the foot of the cross of Calvary.

The world will never be drawn (authentically) to faith because of our accumulated possessions or clever promotions.  The monetary value of the houses we own, or the vehicles we drive, or the investments we accrue will not matter much in the mission of bringing the lost to Christ.  There is only one indispensable component of evangelism; it is THE GOSPEL OF LOVE.  A true and heart-touching story illustrates this point. 

It was one of the most extraordinary birthday parties ever held.  No, it did not take place in a plush ballroom or grand hotel.  No, there weren’t any famous celebrities present.  The rich and powerful did not attend.  In fact, it was held at 3:00 a.m. in a small seedy cafe in Honolulu.  The guest of honor was a prostitute.  The party guests were prostitutes.  The man who threw the party was a Christian minister.

The idea came to Pastor Tony Campolo early one morning as he sat in the café.  He was drinking coffee at the counter, when a group of prostitutes walked in and sat at the stools around him.  One of the girls named Agnes lamented the fact that tomorrow would be her birthday but she never had a birthday party.

Tony thought it would be a great idea to surprise Agnes with a birthday party.  Learning from the cafe owner that the girls came in every morning around 3:30 a.m., Tony planned with him to set up the café for a party. Somehow, word of this got out on the streets, so by 3:15 the next morning the place was packed with prostitutes, along with the cafe owner, his wife and Tony.

Agnes walked in and saw the streamers, balloons and birthday cake, as everyone screamed out “Happy Birthday!”  Agnes was totally overwhelmed.  Tears poured down her face as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday to You.”  When Agnes was called on to cut the cake, she paused.  She had never had a birthday cake and asked if she could take it home to show her mother.  After Agnes left there was a reverential silence as Tony led the café owner, his wife and a roomful of prostitutes in prayer, both for Agnes and for themselves.

It was a magnificent birthday party – rarely seen – thrown by a Christian minister for a 39-year-old prostitute who never experienced anyone going out of their way to do something so special, while expecting absolutely nothing in return.  Indeed, so surprising was this turn of events that the café owner found it hard to believe that there were churches that would actually do this sort of thing. “But if there are,” he remarked, “then that is the sort of church I would be ready to join.”

There is no life-giving efficacy in our religious pomp and pageantry.  What the world needs now is LOVE. Neither our church edifices, nor our religious rites, nor our ecclesiastical robes and rings will draw men, women and children to the cross of Calvary.  There is one simple ingredient in evangelical success; it is the 'secret recipe' of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have LOVE for one another.” (John 13:35)

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

KNOW AND STAY IN YOUR LANE

KNOW AND STAY IN YOUR LANE

Successfully stretching toward personal potential is a direct function of how well you manage to stay in your God-given lane.  This is no easy task since a large cadre of influential voices – family, friends, or foes – will continually urge us to embrace decisions, positions, tasks, or goals that may not be central to the primary reason we have been placed on this earth.  Because of these powerful voices, the decision to do things GOD’S WAY, i.e. living from God’s point of view, could expose us to criticism, ridicule, or even rejection.

BUT IF YOU STAY IN YOUR LANE, YOU WILL SURELY WIN.

Consider the intriguing story behind the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.  Built as the grand entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, this favorite spot for international tourism receives multiplied thousands of visitors every year.

However, despite its present level of success, ferocious opposition boiled up during its construction.  A group of prestigious French artists and writers, including Alexandre Dumas, author of “The Three Musketeers,” filed the following petition: “We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigor and indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower.”

Nevertheless, history ultimately vindicated Alexandre Gustav Eiffel.  Although in 1889 he was roundly condemned, today he is highly praised and celebrated for his architectural achievement.  His story shows that the opinions others may have of us or what we do are not what really matters.  Think.  Their perspectives will undoubtedly change according to what becomes culturally fashionable or contemporaneously vogue. 

What distinguishes you from the pack is your ability to hold on to your BIRTHRIGHT, i.e. the gifts, creativity, values and wisdom originally imparted by your Creator.  So instead of cloning the methods and achievements of others, ask God to help you to see clearly enough to identify those traits and talents that are uniquely you. They’re the real reason why you are here.

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

JUST IN CASE...

JUST IN CASE…

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

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

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

Here is THE PERSONAL APPLICATION of this powerful name.  Just as JESUS CHRIST EMPTIED HIMSELF in order to be fully engaged in the affairs and salvation of humankind, we must EMPTY OURSELVES also, putting aside willfulness, ego-centeredness and personal agendas in order to become useful in building the Kingdom of God.

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

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

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

Question: How can this beneficial level of peace and power become our present reality? 

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

My friends, “HAVE FAITH IN GOD.”  That is your PURPOSE, your POWER and your POTENTIAL.  Just in case you are feeling somewhat powerless today, I remind you that THE MIGHTY GOD is definitely in your corner. 

WINNER-BELIEVER, you cannot  and will not lose, so hang in there.  Your Word assurance is simply this: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

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

CONTRASTING JOY AND HAPPINESS

CONTRASTING JOY AND HAPPINESS

There is a distinct difference between JOY and HAPPINESS.

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT IF THEY DON'T BELIEVE?

WHAT IF THEY DON’T BELIEVE?

One of the most challenging things in life is to convince an unbeliever of the reality of the true and living God.  That’s why spiritual regeneration is a task solely reserved to the incalculable power of the Holy Spirit.  Our job is to sow seeds.  His job is to bring on the harvest.

These truths somehow remind me of a popular comic strip entitled “Hagar the Horrible.”  In one memorable comic moment, we find Hagar kneeling down in prayer.  And here’s what Hagar said to the Lord.

“GOD, it’s not easy to believe in you.  We never see you.  How come you never show yourself?  How do we know you even exist?”

In the next instant, we observe a flower springing into life beside Hagar, a volcano erupting in the distance, an eclipse of the sun filling the sky with darkness, a shooting star penetrating the atmosphere, a tidal wave rushing across the sea and lightning flashing brilliantly through the evening sky – all followed by a bush beginning to burn without being consumed and a stone rolling away from the entrance of a garden tomb.

But Hagar’s next words are somewhat typical of people who are devoid of faith:

“OK, OK,” he says, “I give up!  Every time I bring up this subject, all I get is interruptions!”

You see, if someone stubbornly refuses to lend a hearing ear to Heaven’s constant communiques, there is absolutely nothing you and I can do about it.  We’ll just keep on praying.  Keep on trusting.  Keep on sowing good seeds.

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

REMEMBERING OUR STORIES

REMEMBERING OUR STORIES

An intriguing article about a South African indigenous tribe, the Kalahari Bushmen, was published in the February 2000 edition of “National Geographic.”  Below, it is reprinted in part.

The Kalahari Bushmen were made famous in the movie, “The Gods Must be Crazy.”  Their recent history is quite sad, for in the last 100 years the Bushmen culture has been disappearing, along with their lands.  One of the saddest Bushmen settlements is Schmidtsridft, located in South Africa.  There two bushmen peoples, the Xu and the Khwe, who have clashed fiercely with one another, live like many indigenous peoples whose way of life has been destroyed.  They have grown dependent on government pensions and alcohol which, for many, has become an anesthetic against their dislocation and loss. 

[Editor’s Note: This seems to be a mirror image of the plight of Native Americans].

Mario Mahongo, the leader of the Xu Traditional Council at Schmidtsdrift, longs for his people to rediscover some of their spirit.  But the problem is they have lost their stories.  “A lot of our culture,” he says, “is lost in our lives – the old stories that were told by mothers and fathers who would go into the bush and then return to tell the others what they had seen.  The problem is that now no one goes out and does anything, so we have no stories to tell our children.  We have nothing to pass on.”

Thank you, National Geographic, for sharing because there is much to learn from this tragic tale.  In truth, the stories that we pass on will ultimately shape and define us.  They show us the way forward and offer us meaning, direction and values.  In ancient West African culture, the village GRIOT [pronounced gree-OH] had the important task of memorizing and sharing rich details of tribal lore and legacy for present and future generations.  Here’s a creative idea.  Perhaps, you could consider becoming your family’s griot since it is extremely important that our children learn, remember and reflect upon the legacy and values that lie at the heart of family and culture.

However, just as importantly for Christians (if not more so) are the awesome stories recorded in the Holy Writ, which forge the foundation of our defining faith-story.  The late Bishop Ozro Thurston Jones, Jr. often reminded us, “If you seek to truly understand the Word, never neglect to learn and memorize the stories of the Bible.”  What is the biblical admonition regarding this important matter?  We must read these instructive and inspirational stories daily.  And we must also be sure to share them, systematically and enthusiastically, with our children and our children’s children. (Deuteronomy 6:4-12)  The Holy Bible contains such a wide array of diverse and fascinating stories that it even puts ‘Mother Goose’ to shame!  Let’s remember that – whenever we are preparing our young ones for a long night of peaceful slumber.

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

THE HOLY BIBLE: A WINDOW OR A MIRROR?

THE HOLY BIBLE: A WINDOW OR A MIRROR?

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

Some regularly read the Bible as a WINDOW into the lives of others.  As such, it casts a spotlight on David’s sins, on Peter’s betrayals, or on Gideon’s initial lack of courage.  It even provides a subjective measure of judgment on the lives of our family and friends.  For example, I might have this kind of thought about a someone: ‘I know YOU are a sinner because YOU have violated one of The Ten Commandments.’ (Exodus 20)

On the other hand, for Spirit-filled believers, the Bible becomes a MIRROR that reflects the image of Christ, side-by-side with our own life situation.  Thus, it points to various opportunities for us to “grow in grace,” i.e. to “crucify the flesh” [our carnal nature], and to “follow peace with all men,” etc.  (II Peter 3:18 – Galatians 5:24 – Hebrews 12:14)

As we read and study God’s Word, we must and shall objectively examine ourselves.  That is, we must be disciplined enough, and honest enough, to SEE OURSELVES, which means we will visualize our own spiritual challenges and growth edges –  from God’s point of view.

Therefore, as we actively engage God’s Word in this present time, it is His will that we will allow it to function as a reflective mirror, not an outward-gazing window.  Let’s see JESUS, and in so doing, we will see OURSELVES.  As such, we grow and glow as “lights of the world.”  (Matthew 5:14 – Philippians 2:20) Amen?  Amen!

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

FAITH OR MYTH?

FAITH OR MYTH?

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONSEQUENTIAL CHOICES

CONSEQUENTIAL CHOICES

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

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

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

All of the above truths resonate strongly in view of the growing global reach of Corona virus (Covid-19).  Obviously, we must invest our trust and confidence in God.  Nevertheless, we must employ prudent wisdom and cautionary measures in our daily plans and activities.  Remember that individual choices have direct impact on our collective outcomes.  Faith and caution are never mutually exclusive.

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

LET'S STAY ON GOD'S SIDE

LET’S STAY ON GOD’S SIDE

Lately, we have encountered an endless array of ‘prophetic utterances’ proclaiming that 2020 will be The Year of THIS, or The Year of THAT.  Although I am keenly aware that The Almighty does work in specific seasons, I am cognizant that our God is both consistent and faithful, which means He does not necessarily alter our mission or mandate based upon arbitrary chronological timetables.

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

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

My friends, let’s stay on God’s side.  Rather than embracing the carnal allure of all things ‘bigger-better-and-brighter’ in our families and ministries, let us remain spiritually grounded and aligned in covenant and communion with Christ.

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

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

Let us never forget: God is more about substance than style and sizzle.  Let us neither cheapen His Kingdom, nor mislead His people, by embracing any notion that lacks confirmation in His Eternal Word.

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

SHARING TIME IS MISSION-CRITICAL

SHARING TIME IS MISSION-CRITICAL

While we busily maintain our careers, our ministries and a host 0f personal commitments, it is of paramount importance to KEEP THE MAIN THING AS THE MAIN THING.  That is, WE MUST AND SHALL INVEST QUALITY TIME IN OUR FAMILIES, conscientiously and consistently.

Once there was a businessman who worked extremely long hours.  He arrived home one evening and found his 7-year-old son waiting for him in the doorway.

“Daddy?” the son greeted his father with blended surprise and expectation.

“Yes?” replied the man.

“Daddy, how much money do you make in an hour?”

“Well son, I really don’t think that’s any of your business,” the father replied.

“Please Daddy, please tell me.  How much do you make in an hour?” pleaded the little boy.

“If I tell you, you must promise you won’t tell anyone else.”

“I promise!” shouted the little boy excitedly.

“Alright then,” said his father.  “I make $100 an hour.”

“Oh,” the little boy replied.  He looked a little sad, then said “Daddy, may I borrow $20 please?”

His father grew furious immediately.  “If the only reason you want to know how much money I make is so you can borrow some, then you can go straight to bed!”

The little boy burst into tears and slowly made his way to his room.  After fifteen minutes or so, the father calmed down and walked into his son’s room.  “I’m sorry for being so hard on you, son.  If you tell me what you want the $20 for – and if it’s a worthwhile thing – I’ll think about giving it to you.”

The little boy raced across the room to his piggy bank and quickly counted out its contents – exactly $80. 

“You have $80, son, well that’s a lot of money.  Surely that’s enough for what you want to buy,” concluded the father.

“With the $20 you have, it will be,” the little boy replied.  “I WANT TO BUY ONE HOUR OF YOUR TIME!”

Stop for a moment.  Really think.  Who really needs YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION today?  Please don’t wait until it’s too late to share the most important of all assets: 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 SMILE FOR YOUR DAY

A SMILE FOR YOUR DAY

There’s a story about a professor of biology who was an atheist.  Every year he began his lectures on evolution by asking if any of the students were religious.  When they identified themselves, he boasted that by the end of his course they would all know that evolution was the truth and would become atheists.  Over the years many students lost their faith during his course.

One day our atheist professor was walking through the forest, marveling at the wonderful world evolution has afforded us.  His wondering was interrupted by a loud growl.  He turned to see a large, hungry, cranky grizzly bear charging towards him.  The professor began to run, but it was no use.  The bear was just too fast.  The professor tripped and next thing he knew the grizzly was standing above him, one foot on his chest, with his paw ready to strike.  With terror in his eyes, the atheist professor realized that he was about to have a first-hand experience with ‘survival of the fittest.’

At that point he cried out “God help me!”

Time stopped!  The bear froze.  The forest was silent.  A bright light shone down upon the atheist and a voice boomed from the heavens, “You deny my existence for all these years, teach others that I don’t exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident.  Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament?  Am I now to count you as a believer?”

The atheist professor looked up into the light, “It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian…but perhaps could you make the bear a Christian?”

“Very well,” the voice said.

The bright light dimmed and the sounds of the forest resumed.  And then the bear brought both of his paws together, bowed his head and whispered: “Dear Lord, for this food which I am about to receive, I am truly thankful.”

According to King Solomon, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)  So smile, my friend, and enjoy your day! 

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

FORGET ABOUT IT!

FORGET ABOUT IT!

An abandoned orphan boy wanted nothing more in this world than to belong to a family.  At age eight, his opportunity came.  A family wanted to adopt him!  Introductions were made, papers were signed, and soon he arrived at his new home.  The young lad took along all his hope and possessions, the old worn out clothes he was wearing and one single toy.  

His new parents were delighted to have him and desperately wanted him to feel like part of the family.  A special celebration dinner was held.  He was given his own room and introduced to other kids on their block.  They discarded his old clothes and bought him beautiful new ones.  Also they bought him a bike and a variety of toys.  Pretty soon he began to feel just like the other children in the neighborhood, well loved and part of a great family.  

However, one thing was rather curious.  The young boy’s old shoes, ones with big holes in them, were not tossed out with the rest of his old clothes.  His new father placed them prominently on the living room mantle and it wasn’t long before his newly adopted son found out why.  Every time he did something wrong his father would go and get those shoes and say “Look at all we’ve done for you.  We took you in when you had nothing.  Now look at how you have behaved!”

No matter how you cut it, that’s plain wrong.

Unfortunately, too many of us have the tendency to do similar things in our relationships.  All too often, we dredge up the past and throw it back in others’ faces, never letting them forget how much they are indebted to us.  However, true love and genuine acceptance would make us THROW OUT THE ‘OLD SHOES’ – absolutely refusing to exhume the ‘body’ of someone’s past (or any reminders of our generosity toward them) in order to hold it over their heads.

Think.  What life experiences did you have to let go (or should you let go) so true love can prevail?

Forget about it!

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

THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

FAITH IS NOT THE ABSOLUTE ABSENCE OF FEAR.  At first glance, this statement might seem somewhat counter-intuitive to our understanding of the Word.  Nevertheless, although the Bible teaches us that “perfect love casts out fear,” in practicality, most of us have not yet arrived. (I John 4:18)  So, for myself and the remaining cadre of ‘imperfect’ disciples, FAITH may be understood as purposefully moving forward THROUGH the shadows of apprehension and doubt. 

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

Now consider another important insight:  Momentary uncertainty is not synonymous with “the spirit of fear.”  The scriptures reveal that the spirit of fear is a malignant malady that actually originates in hell. (II Timothy 1:7)  So, in the faith-fight of believers, we become focused on God’s mandate to wage proactive combat against doubt and fear.  We may not always readily SEE His light, but we continue to SENSE its presence and power.   Though we may be momentarily uncertain, FAITH motivates us to persevere.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “FAITH IS DELIBERATE CONFIDENCE IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD, whose ways you may not understand at the time.”  True that!  Faith mobilizes us to deliberately hold fast to trust in the promises of The Covenant without experiential knowledge of our future, but with memory of spiritual triumphs in our past. (Philippians 4:8)  According to the Apostle Peter, we disciples are “fighting the good fight of faith,” which enables us to “lay hold onto eternal life.” (I Timothy 6:12)  As St. Augustine wisely stated, “Faith is believing what you do not see; the reward of faith is seeing what you believe.”

Therefore, throughout circumstantial uncertainty, faith teaches us to trust our GOD who effectively addresses unresolved issues.  For HE is the panacea, the cure-all, the answer, the ultimate solution for every human condition.  Trusting Him is key to manifesting perseverance in stormy weather.  Although we may not SEE calm seas or dry land, we believe that they are indeed nearby, simply because GOD says so. 

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

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

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

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

To truly TRUST HIM is to enter into a REST that is the ultimate hope and heritage of every Kingdom Kid. (Hebrews 4:9)

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

PROBLEMS CEASE - YOU CONTINUE

PROBLEMS CEASE – YOU CONTINUE

An old gospel song contains simple but powerful lyrics: “I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.”  Although its grammar might be incorrect, its theological message is right on target.  Be encouraged, my friend, for there is a definite expiration date for your current challenges.

Widely recognized as the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest rises 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) above sea level.  In the early 1920’s, the famed mountain climber, George Mallory, led a number of attempts to scale Mount Everest.  In his third and final attempt (1924), Mallory died climbing the mountain.  Before that fatal attempt, he announced “I can’t see myself coming down defeated.”

Mallory was an extraordinary climber, and nothing would force him to give up.  His body was found in 1999, well preserved by the snow and ice, 27,000 feet up the mountain, just 2,000 feet from the peak.  Give up?  He did not.  His body was found face down on the rocky slope, head toward the summit.  His arms were extended high over his head.  His toes were pointed into the mountain; his fingers dug into the rock, refusing to let go even as he drew his last breath.

Those who maintained Mallory’s base camp farther down the mountain soon returned to England and a banquet was held in Mallory’s honor.  A huge picture of Mount Everest stood behind the head table.  When the leader of the group stood to be applauded, with tears streaming down his face, he turned and gazed defiantly at the picture.  “I speak to you, Mount Everest, in the name of all brave men living, dead and unborn.  Mount Everest, you defeated us once; you defeated us twice; you defeated us three times.  But Mount Everest, we shall someday defeat you.  YOU CANNOT GET ANY BIGGER; BUT WE CAN!”

So in 1953, two climbers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Norgay, reached the top of Mount Everest.  Never forget.  You will both outlast and overcome today’s crisis because you serve an infinite God.

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

WE WIN!

WE WIN!

As the mass producer of lies and deception, it is Satan’s mission to magnify situations that cause us to feel like we are losing.  Truth is, he knows that is all one big lie.  And, if we can keep our heads during challenging moments and rely solely on what GOD says, we know that our ultimate result will be diametrically opposite to any satanic suggestion.

Bernard, a seminary student, was playing basketball with some friends.  They were using the court at a nearby school, where a friendly old janitor would wait patiently until they finished their game before locking up.  One day Bernard noticed the janitor reading the Bible.  Coming closer, he discovered the old janitor was reading the Book of Revelation.

Bernard was surprised since he thought Revelation to be a difficult book to interpret, even for highly trained Bible students.  “Do you understand what you are reading?” queried Bernard.

“Oh yes, I understand it,” the janitor replied.

Bernard was totally intrigued.  Here was a book that baffled scholars, a book that seemed to be the source of every conspiracy theory known to humanity, yet this old janitor with very little formal education claimed to understand it!

“You say you understand the Book of Revelation?!?  What do you think it means?” asked Bernard.

The old man looked up at him and very quietly said, “It means that JESUS is gonna win!”

We, too, have read the last chapter of the book.  It clearly states one simple fact: WE WIN!

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

AWESOME HEALING POWER

AWESOME HEALING POWER

Have you ever wondered whether your physical condition is beyond the scope of full recovery and healing?  Faced with an impossible situation, the Lord presented an important truth and a challenge to the faith of Jeremiah, the prophet.  This is the Word of the Lord: “BEHOLD, I AM THE LORD, THE GOD OF ALL FLESH.  IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27)  There is nothing – absolutely nothing – that is too difficult for THE ONE “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

An amazing story about the miraculous healing power of God was first reported in an issue of “Time Magazine” on April 10, 1995.

Elisabeth Jernigan is the beloved daughter of Betsy and Lennie Jernigan of North Carolina, USA.  When she was just months old Elisabeth’s parents noticed her right eyelid weakening, then drooping as the pupil become fixed in place.  Her grandfather, a Harvard University trained surgeon, was worried and advised her parents to take Elisabeth to an ophthalmologist.  The ophthalmologist referred them to a pediatrician and the pediatrician to a neurologist.  Elisabeth was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Exploratory surgery removed part of the tumor from the nerve that controls the right eye, but it was too dangerous to remove it all.  The pathology report came back with the worst news of all.  Elisabeth had an extremely rare malignant meningioma which typically resulted in the death of anyone who had ever had it.  The prognosis was for continued growth of the tumor, eventual paralysis and certain death.

Elisabeth’s parents started praying; their friends prayed; their church prayed.  They prayed that Elisabeth might be healed, but also for the ability to accept her death if healing was not God’s will.  Elisabeth’s surgeon grandfather didn’t have the faith to pray for healing, but he did pray for wisdom in selecting doctors, and the ability to get through the inevitable suffering.

Elisabeth’s condition deteriorated as expected.  Fluid began accumulating on her brain, although the doctors repeatedly relieved it with a large needle.  Elisabeth grew lethargic and nauseated.  It was agreed that there would be further surgery, to insert shunts that would drain the fluid.

The evening before her surgery, the family gathered as their minister anointed Elisabeth with oil and prayed for her healing.  That same night, the doctor had to remove so much thick, infected fluid from her brain that he postponed the operation for a few days.  However, he returned 12 hours later and was completely baffled to find that there was virtually no more infected fluid.

During the surgery, the doctor decided to make a last-ditch effort to remove the rest of her tumor.  Removing the section of nerve that the cancer had invaded would leave Elisabeth blind in her right eye but would offer a slim hope of survival.  However, when the surgeon went into Elisabeth’s brain, he could not find the lesion.  He removed the nerve section as planned, but when the pathology tests came back it reported that there were no cancer cells.  Regular cat scans since then have revealed no evidence of a tumor.

Doctors describe what happened to Elisabeth as a “spontaneous resolution.”  Elisabeth’s family rightfully calls it a “miracle.”  In June 1995, Elisabeth turned 13.  Elisabeth’s father, Lennie, said “In the years ahead, if you happen to see a young girl walking down the street with her right eye permanently closed, please don’t think that some tragedy has befallen her and extend your sympathy.  Instead have cheerful thoughts, knowing that the Holy Spirit dwells in her, and our God is powerful, benevolent and magnificent.”

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

Jeremiah, the prophet, discovered the key to divine intervention.  It is quite simple.  Since God actually inhabits the praises of His people, HEARTFELT WORSHIP brings His supernatural presence – and targets His awesome power – on any of our natural conditions or circumstances. (Psalm 22:3)  Why not try the Jeremiah strategy?  Instead of blaming God for his troubles, Jeremiah worshipped Him: “Ah, LORD GOD!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

Our faith is both manifested and measured during the elapsed time between our call and God’s answer.  So wait on Him.  Worship Him.  Trust Him.  God certainly answers prayer.

Hold fast to this encouraging Rhema from The Great Physician: “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)

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