IF I WAS ONLY ME

IF I WAS ONLY ME

Quite a while back, I encountered a perfect stranger at the mall.  He walked up and enthusiastically greeted me as if we were lifelong friends.  My first thought was “What is he selling?”  Nevertheless, because his candor and intellect intrigued me, and since I had no pressing engagements, we conversed for quite some time.  This young man, likely in his late-twenties, rattled on and on, sharing personal insights and opinions on politics and religion, family and friends, failures and successes, a wide array of life experiences.

 One memorable remark caught my attention.  He casually referred to himself as “Chameleon Man.”  When I asked why, he responded “I have the uncanny ability to change myself completely, to totally adapt to any persona or situation.  In fact, I CAN BE ANYBODY…SO I AM EVERYBODY!”

 I paused to reflect and then countered with something like this: “That’s an interesting point of view.  However, since you change so significantly and so often, do YOU ever get lost in the sauce – carried away by your own extensive repertoire of emotional disguises?”  He laughed loudly.  “That’s clever!” he replied with much more volume than the environment warranted.  “Come to think of it,” he continued, “YES, there are times when I’m not sure WHO I AM.”  We talked a while longer; I prayed with him and then invited him to church.

 During my drive home, I contemplated our unusual discourse and came to the realization that there are multiplied millions who could honestly self-identify as “Chameleon Man” or “Chameleon Woman,” as the case may be.  Indeed, most of us try a bit too hard to fit in neat and politically correct ways with the masses.  Let’s be clear.  I’m not advocating the adoption of a rebellious or contentious spirit.  But it’s apparent that many of us never embrace our GOD-CREATED DISTINCTIVES AND DIRECTIVES due to some vague need for conformity and the overwhelming societal pressure to FIT IN.

 This mindset is synonymous with FEAR.  It deprives us of uniqueness, erodes our self-esteem, and produces the herd-mentality that I call “GROUP THINK.”

 Now hear this!  GOD FORMED YOU FOR HIS PLEASURE AND THREW AWAY THE MOLD.  There’s nobody else exactly like you.  Consider this.  Fashion dictates conformity to this season’s colors, fabrics and styles.  YOU are infinitely more than that, so stay out of the superficial lane when it comes down to identifying and actualizing your GOD-ORDAINED REASONS for being alive and present on the planet.

 Hey YOU…SHOW UP!   From Heaven’s perspective, HUMAN LIFE is a CHAMELEON-FREE ZONE!

 Why?  Firstly, God’s foundational requirement is that He be glorified by YOU.  Secondly, sitting on your rocker in the twilight of your years, you never want to languish in regret, looking back and thinking “IF I WAS ONLY ME”…

 Notwithstanding the fact that you must always maintain and maximize CHRIST-IN-YOU, who is “the hope of glory,” you must recognize and remember that you are AN ENTIRELY UNIQUE MASTERPIECE OF YOUR CREATOR.  (Colossians 1:27 – Ephesians 1:18) Your short-term goal must be to IDENTIFY your particular calling and mission in the earth realm.  Your long-term goal must be to DEVELOP and DEPLOY it…until your Creator smiles (in time), and (in eternity) whispers “Well done.” (Matthew 25:21)

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

TRANSFORMATIONAL LOVE

TRANSFORMATIONAL LOVE

One of the more memorable sermons of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is entitled “Loving Your Enemies.”  He had been imprisoned for protests – daring to suggest that African-Americans should have the same civil rights as others.  During his lifetime, he received countless death threats, he was physically stabbed, he was accused of being a communist, his family home was bombed and he was jailed over 20 times.

Yet in this historic sermon, Dr. King contended that “hate multiplies hate…in a descending spiral of violence” and is therefore “just as injurious to the person who hates” as it is to the victim of hate.  Moreover, he concluded that “love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend” for love has both “creative” and “redemptive” powers.

So who will you touch today with love?

Belinda and I have viewed the inspirational film, “War Room,” many times.  Both of us find it impossible to watch without being reduced to tears.  Along with its poignant prayer narrative, its message speaks volumes on forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional love.  To be transparent, there are times I have fallen short in those areas.  But here’s a hopeful truth: Long ago, my wife and I dedicated our own “war room.”  It is our family sanctuary, a spiritual space for prayer, worship and Word study. 

In connection with this, we commenced what we call a “complaint fast.”  God being our help, instead of carping or complaining about enemies, frenemies, or anyone, we resolve to lovingly lift others to the Lord on the altar of steadfast and fervent prayer.  While doing so, we will prayerfully and carefully consider ourselves, i.e. our own faults and imperfections, seeking God's grace for our personal growth edges.

As Dr. King so eloquently stated, our capacity to love is transformative and life-changing.  So we should never underestimate its power, both to transform ourselves and to touch others.

Who will you purposefully impact with a proactive and persistent love?

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

WHEN IT'S YOUR CHILD

WHEN IT’S YOUR CHILD

In a Thomas Nelson publication, entitled “You Don’t Have to Be Blind to See,” Jim Stovall penned a poignant tale that reveals the awesome power of love.

There were two warring tribes in the Andes Mountains region.  One tribe resided in the lowlands and the other lived high up in the mountains.  When the mountain people invaded the lowlanders, they captured the baby of one of the lowlander families and took the infant with them back up into the mountains.

Rescue efforts were stalled because the lowlanders didn’t know how to climb the mountain.  They didn’t know any of the trails that the mountain people used; they didn’t know where to find the mountain people; and, they didn’t know how to track them in this steep terrain.  Even so, they dispatched their best group of fighting men with the intention of climbing the mountain and bringing the lost baby home.

Those men attempted one method of climbing and then another.  They tried one trail and then another.  Yet, after several days of strenuous effort, they had climbed only several hundred feet.  Feeling hopeless and helpless, the lowlander men decided that their cause was lost and prepared to return to the village below.

As they packed their gear for the descent, they saw the missing baby’s mother walking toward them. Suddenly, they realized she was coming down the mountain that they hadn’t figured out how to climb.  And then, miracle of miracles, they saw that she had the young baby strapped on her back.  ‘How could this possibly be?’ they wondered frantically among themselves.

The leader of the search party came forward and greeted the woman with these words: “We could not climb this mountain.  How did YOU do it when the strongest and most skillful men in the village could not do it?”

The mother’s answer was quite simple.  She shrugged her shoulders and said, “It wasn’t your baby.”

Stovall’s story of maternal love reminds me of THE ONE who sacrificed all and suffered more than we could imagine to secure our salvation when we were totally lost and our deliverance seemed quite distant and inaccessible.  Many talented people in biblical history gave it their level best.  Patriarchs made every effort to rescue us; prophets tried heroic attempts; and, neither judges or priests could transport us to the throne of grace.  Even the very detailed Law of God failed to secure our salvation.

But Heaven was compassionately attentive.  OUR FATHER was absolutely aware of our plight.  Understand this: YOU AND I ARE HIS BABIES!  And when the lives of YOUR CHILDREN are on the line, you are more than willing and ready to brave any extremes.  So neither death, hell, the grave, or Satan, could prevent HIM from scaling our insurmountable mountain of sin and shame to save us.  THE FATHER sent HIS SON, and the Son willingly sacrificed His life to redeem us.  Thank you, JESUS!  We are Yours – forever.

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

WORTH MUCH MORE

WORTH MUCH MORE

It is quite likely that you possess far more worth than others might typically imagine or ascribe.  Therefore, when you have given all that you have to give, try your best to mute the careless commentary of the crowd. Instead, tune in to Heaven’s affirmations about your identity and importance.

In 17^th century France, a scholar by the name of Muretus had fallen ill.  Oddly enough, he presented himself to medical doctors purposefully garbed in the rags of the poor.  Unaware that he was an educated man, the doctors discussed his case in Latin, thinking he would be unable to understand.  “Faciamus experimentum in anima vili,” one physician suggested, which means “Let us try an experiment with this worthless creature.”  Imagine their shock when this apparent ‘pauper’ replied (also in Latin), “Vilem animam appellas pro qua Christus non dedignatus est mori?”  Translation: “Will you call one worthless for whom Christ did not disdain to die?”

AMEN!

My friend, any appearances notwithstanding, YOU aRE WORTH SO MUCH MORE.

Indeed, your value is predicated (only) on THE ONE who sacrificially died and victoriously rose to endow your redemption, justification and eternal life.  Always be mindful of constructive criticism, but stop browsing endlessly through ‘The Majority Report.’  Sometimes it isn’t an accurate assessment, and often it doesn’t reflect the perspective of Heaven.  Instead, listen intently and intentionally to what your Creator has to say: “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)

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

THE EYES OF LOVE

THE EYES OF LOVE

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo.  Children were waiting to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.

“You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!”  one boy in the line teased the granddaughter.

Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head and frowned.  Her grandmother immediately knelt down next to her.  “I love your freckles,” she whispered ever so lovingly.

“Not me,” the little girl replied with genuine self-disappointment.

“Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles,” grandma said, tracing her finger gently over the child’s cheeks.  “Freckles are simply beautiful!”

The girl looked up.  “Really?” she wondered hopefully.

“Of course!” said the grandmother.  “Why, just name me one thing that’s prettier than freckles.”

The little girl peered for a moment into her old grandmother’s smiling face.  “Wrinkles,” she answered softly.

Moral of the story: Love begets love.

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

COULD YOU BE THE ANSWER?

COULD YOU BE THE ANSWER?

Have you noticed that, at times, Heaven seems to be abjectly silent as some prayers appear to be unanswered?  Small wonder that in a world that is serially challenged by pain and problems, it could be all too easy to grow increasingly cynical and buy into the absurd notion that God does not care.

One day a young woman was walking home from work when she noticed a little girl standing on a street corner begging.  The little girl’s clothes were paper-thin and dirty, her hair was matted and smelly, and her cheeks were bright red because of the fierce winter wind and cold.

The young woman dutifully dropped a few coins into the little girl’s begging bowl, gave her a tentative smile and walked on.  As she headed homeward, however, she started to feel really guilty.  How could she be at ease in her cozy house with a full pantry and an ample wardrobe while that poor little girl languished and shivered on the streets?

Suddenly this young woman began to feel quite angry with God.  She expressed strong disappointment in a loud ‘prayer’ of protest.  “GOD,” she accused, “how could you let this sort of thing happen?  Why don’t you DO something to help this young girl?”

And then, much to her surprise, God actually answered.  He whispered softly, “I did do something.  I created YOU.”

Think about it.  If we are not part of the solution, perhaps we are part of the problem.

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

INTREPID

INTREPID

During our prayer time, the Holy Spirit deposited an encouraging impression.  It was a most unexpected word that resonated deep within my spirit: INTREPID.  Although I felt fairly sure of the meaning of that word, I raced to Dictionary.com for a more complete definition.  INTREPID means “resolutely fearless, dauntless, brave, courageous, daring and bold.”  And that’s how GOD sees US!

It is a resounding echo of what the Lord has been breathing into our spirits as of late, the need to fully embrace what the saints once called “HOLY BOLDNESS.”   The New Testament church had such an unswerving faith in Christ that no issue or obstacle could possibly paralyze their witness of the gospel.

They were Christian combatants-par-excellence, Kingdom movers-and-shakers-extraordinaire, so much so that their enemies were in such awe that they labeled them as “these who have turned the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6) Wow!  Unquestionably, these disciples were comprised of an INTREPID brand of faith, men and women who were absolutely cognizant that “God had not given [them] a spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND.” (II Timothy 1:7)

Their commendations-of-courage are well documented in The Holy Writ:

“Now when they saw the BOLDNESS of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled.  And they realized that THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS.” (Acts 4:13)

“And when they had PRAYED, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and they spoke the WORD OF GOD WITH BOLDNESS.” (Acts 4:31)

“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all BOLDNESS, as always, so now also CHRIST will be magnified in my body, whether BY LIFE OR BY DEATH.” (Philippians 1:20)

These are monumental tributes – communicated on their behalves by a majestic and marvelous God!

How we admire their spiritual fortitude!  For despite “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword,” these soldiers of the cross demonstrated a paramount commitment that was ready, willing and able to “endure hardness, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.” (Romans 8:35 – II Timothy 2:3) No matter what challenges appeared, “in all these things” their faith confession was “WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS through HIM who loved us.  And we are persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE OF GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” (Romans 8:37-39) What an inspirational and INTREPID FAITH!

Likewise, we contemporary Christians take our stand within the framework of a hostile and unholy world system.  And like the early church, we are fully equipped with THE INTREPIDITY OF CHRIST.  That is, we possess the MIND OF CHRIST and as such “we have BOLDNESS and ACCESS with CONFIDENCE through FAITH in HIM.” (Ephesians 3:12)

Such supreme confidence is the clear expression and epitome of divine love.  And we know that “there is no fear in love; but PERFECT LOVE casts out fear.” (I John 4:18) It’s encouraging to note that even at the end of our days this same INTREPID SPIRIT is resident in the saints as we enter into the eternal presence of Almighty God.  Indeed, it is HIS unfathomable “LOVE – perfected in us – that [enables us to] have BOLDNESS in the day of judgment; because as HE is, so are we in this world.” (Philippians 2:5 – I John 4:17)

This means we shall never cower or turn our backs on the enemy.  Nor will we ever doubt the absolute power and preeminence of CHRIST.  We will take our stand with unshakeable faith in HIS WORD because we are securely cloaked in “the whole armor of God” and we are ever ready to “fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life.” (Ephesians 6:11 –  I Timothy 6:12)

Therefore, my INTREPID SPIRITUAL SIBLINGS, “having done all” be sure to “STAND!” (Ephesians 6:13)

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

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE OTHERS

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE OTHERS

Sometimes it’s tempting to judge a book by its cover.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost considerably less, a little boy entered a coffee shop and sat down at a table.  A waitress placed a glass of water in front of him.  “How much is an ice cream sundae?” he inquired with a smile.

“Fifty cents,” replied the busy waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied a number of coins.  “How much is a dish of plain ice cream?” he asked timidly.

Some people were waiting for a table so the waitress was now growing impatient. “Thirty-five cents,” she snarled with unbridled contempt.

The little boy again counted his coins. “I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he decided.

The waitress brought the ice cream to his table and quickly walked away.  The boy finished, paid the cashier and departed.  When the waitress came back, she swallowed hard at what she saw there.  Placed neatly beside the empty dish were two nickels and five pennies, the little lad’s relatively generous and thoughtful tip.  The child deemed it more important to provide a tip than to have the dessert he really wanted.

My friends, it’s far easier to judge and criticize than to appreciate and accept.  Let’s embrace the latter, not the former.  After all, only GOD knows the hidden value of the human heart.

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

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

Life offers a wide array of joyful experiences.  However, no one can fully appreciate or celebrate the good without experiencing some of the bad.  Such times leave us feeling isolated and alone, scratching our heads and searching our hearts for meaning in the midst of misery or madness.

Such was the case with US soldiers serving in the Philippines during World War II.  The army was forced to retreat and some were left behind.  They became war prisoners of Japan.  These men called themselves “ghosts” – souls unseen by their nation.  During the infamous Bataan Death March, they were forced to walk over 70 miles with a bare minimum of water and nourishment.  Those who were slow or weak either died from dysentery along the way or were bayoneted by their captors. Those who made it through the death march spent the next three years in a hellish prisoner-of-war camp.

By early 1945, some 513 men were still alive at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp, but they were rapidly losing hope.  As the US Army advanced in their direction, the POWs heard the terrifying news that war prisoners were now being executed as the Japanese army prepared to retreat.

Nevertheless, their wavering hope was met by one of the most magnificent rescues in wartime history.  In an astonishing tactical feat, 120 US soldiers and 200 Filipino guerrillas outflanked 8,000 Japanese soldiers and courageously rescued the POWs.

Alvie Robbins was one of the rescuers.  He reported finding a prisoner-of-war muttering in a darkened corner of his barracks with tears streaming down his face.

“I thought we’d been forgotten,” the prisoner muttered.

“No, you are not forgotten,” Robbins reminded him softly.  “You are all heroes and we have come to take you home.”

Occasionally during this life, we might experience a similar tendency – to lose hope, to feel that God has forgotten or abandoned us to harmful and hurtful experiences.  But the cross of Christ reminds us of the incredible investment that our Lord has made in us.  The resurrection offers the blessed assurance that someday we, too, will see our Rescuer face-to-face and be liberated from the struggle and stress of our life-situations.  When CHRIST returns, we will hear His welcoming voice: “You are not forgotten.  I have come to take you home.”

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (II Timothy 4:8)

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

OUR FATHER...NEVER ACCUSED OF NON-SUPPORT

OUR FATHER...NEVER ACCUSED OF NON-SUPPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During our prayer time, Belinda and I cried out together to Him, “FATHER...FATHER...FATHER.”  And before we rose from our knees, we felt a deep sense of assurance that HE is forever present and powerful – far greater than our own ability to conceptualize or imagine.  In a word, OUR FATHER is absolutely awesome!

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

LIBERATING GRACE

LIBERATING GRACE

As a seminary student in the mid-1970s, I enrolled in courses on Church History.  One of our required readings was “Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther” by Roland Bainton.  Although Martin Luther is best known as the ‘father’ of The Protestant Reformation, his personal struggle with the reality of God’s grace resonated deeply in me.  Below, I will summarize a portion of Luther’s grace journey, as recounted by Mr. Bainton.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a grace thing.  What does God’s Word say?  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)  When you can, please read Romans, chapters 6-8.

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

Grace…grace…God’s grace…

Grace that can pardon and cleanse within.

Grace…grace…God’s grace…

Grace that is greater than all my sins.

It’s a grace thing.  Thanks be to God for His life-saving and liberating grace!

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

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part II)

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part II)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ephesians 4:11-16

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

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

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

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part I)

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part I)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I need you, you need me,

We’re all a part of God’s body;

Stand with me, agree with me,

We’re all a part of God’s body;

It is His will that every need by supplied,

You are important to me,

I need you to survive.

I pray for you, you pray for me,

I love you, I need you to survive;

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

I love you, I need you to survive

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

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

NEVER GIVE UP!

NEVER GIVE UP!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HE AIN'T HEAVY...

HE AIN’T HEAVY…

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONSCIENCE

CONSCIENCE

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

In the same manner, our consciences are sometimes unreliable because the ‘light’ shining upon them is not the voice of God, but the voices of our cultures, families, friends, or even the archenemy of our souls.  In these instances, we could feel a false sense of guilt over things that should not make us feel guilty, or we might sense no guilt at all over actions or attitudes that are entirely incorrect.  The key for the Christian is to have a conscience that is continually purified by the Word and illuminated by the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:26 – Romans 9:1 – I Timothy 3:9)

Point to Ponder:

I must always ask myself, “Would CHRIST approve of this situation or choice if He were here?” 

In truth, HE IS.

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

GREATER LOVE...

GREATER LOVE…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the memorable words of our Lord and Savior, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)  May God bless the memory of such a loving and courageous man.

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

JESUS CHRIST, OUR PLENIPOTENTIARY

JESUS CHRIST, OUR PLENIPOTENTIARY

According to Dictionary.com, a PLENIPOTENTIARY is one who is “invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another.”  This term accurately characterizes both the mission and message of our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.

In order to reverse our fore-parents’ willful violation of our original covenant and intimate fellowship with God, Jesus Christ was born (humbly) into a fallen world system, existing as very God and very man.  That is, He was human enough to connect with us – but He was God enough to correct us and to consummate our victorious destiny.

How so?  By living a life of sinless perfection and by dying vicariously on the cross, He satisfied the righteous demands of God and paved the pathway for our complete AT-ONE-MENT with The Father.

Words cannot adequately convey our eternal gratitude for His willingness to submit to the unjust judgments of men and the incomprehensible agony of the cross.

We joyously celebrate the life and legacy of our Lord.  He died for me.  He literally went to hell in my name so that I could go to Heaven in His name.  And, He died for you.  He literally went to hell in your name so that you could go to Heaven in His name.

Ephesians 4:7-10
But to each one of us GRACE was given according to the measure of CHRIST’S GIFT.  Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”  (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?  He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

 

What can I say, other than this?

Jesus, I’ll never forget what You’ve done for me…
Jesus, I’ll never forget how You set me free…
Jesus, I’ll never forget how You brought me out…
Jesus, I’ll never forget…no never!

THANK YOU, JESUS!

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

MISSED OPPORTUNITY

MISSED OPPORTUNITY

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

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

This poem reminds me of a hymn that my mother, Mary Watts Bass, loved to sing.  It’s entitled “Only What You Do For Christ Will Last.” 

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

Only what you do for Him will be counted at the end;
Only what you do for Christ will last.

No matter where we go, what we achieve, or how much we receive in this life, everything is vain and empty in the absence of fulfilling our mission of service in the Kingdom of God.  Therefore, we must maintain maximum alertness and diligence to embrace our God-given opportunity to share the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.

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

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

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

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

We must come to grips with the brevity of this life and the enormity of our mission to impact fallen humanity with the Living Word of God. (Psalm 90:12 – Matthew 28:19-20 – Acts 1:8) 

Someone within your personal sphere of influence needs to experience the liberating message of Christ.  Don’t delay; don’t be afraid.  Tell them…

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