WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part I)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part I)

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

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

 Incredible, isn’t it?  Nevertheless, his thinking typifies certain contemporary thinkers who characterize Almighty God in humanistic ways, as fundamentally flawed, or even non-existent.  These views are examples of the teachings of the Apostle John,  who wrote, “THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST…is now already in the world.” (I John 4:3) As a result of such satanic influences, many have great difficulty believing in the God of the Bible.

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

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

 When they returned home and told of their discovery, the scientific community only laughed, even though several of the eyewitnesses enjoyed excellent reputations.  So when the explorers returned to Australia, they returned with what they considered to be irrefutable proof, the hide of a dead platypus.  Nevertheless, some still refused to believe.  Intriguing, isn’t it?

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

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

 REASON #1

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

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

 In reality, the truth is just the opposite.  The Christian faith is an intelligent faith.  It never consists of a mindless act that is unrelated to reality.  The Bible encourages believers and unbelievers alike to use their MINDS when investigating the merits of Christianity.  Although God wants us to covenant with Him by FAITH, He has no issues or problems with our ‘PROVING’ Him.

 There is abundant evidence that The Almighty encourages the use of our mental faculties as we embrace our faith.  Jesus taught, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” (Matthew 22:37)  To wit, Christianity is no mindless matter.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “I speak as to wise men: JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES what I say.” (I Corinthians 10:15)  Likewise, he wrote to the Church of Thessalonica, “PROVE ALL THINGS, hold fast that which is good.” (I Thessalonians 5:21)

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

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

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SINGLE PARENTS

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SINGLE PARENTS

 It’s never easy going it alone.  Yet there are multiplied thousands (possibly millions) of single Moms or single Dads who make things happen for their family day after day after day.

 These Moms or Dads could be ‘single’ for a variety of reasons.  Perhaps their marriages did not make it due to irreconcilable differences with their spouses.  Perhaps their husbands or wives cheated and abandoned them for younger or more attractive suitors.  Perhaps they were hapless victims of serial domestic violence and simply could not take the abuse anymore.  Perhaps they were never married and became young parents outside of the bonds of holy matrimony; and so, their children grew up with and alongside them.

 By whatever avenue you have arrived at this single parent circumstance, there are several important things you need to know:

 First of all, no child that was ever born is “illegitimate” in the Mind of God.  However, you and I arrived on this planet, either through righteous or unrighteous unions, GOD FOREKNEW our situations and crowned us with eternal love.  It’s a grace thing.  So never ever allow any person or group to label you or your child as shameful, or as a disgrace.  If you made a mistake in life (of any sort), just ask God for forgiveness, take stock of yourself, live in as much peace as possible with those around you, rise up and keep it moving.

 Secondly, please know that GOD SEES ALL your courageous effort, every day.  He takes careful note of your sacrifices, your exhaustion, your loneliness and even your pain.  Never forget that HE has a definite plan for you and your offspring.  “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)

 Thirdly and finally, be assured of this: YOU CAN AND YOU WILL MAKE IT!  As long as you have JESUS at your side (and on your side), “nothing shall be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20) Therefore, you must focus on His covenant promise, which simply says “no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

 I see you.  But more importantly, GOD SEES YOU.  You have bandaged hundreds of cuts and scrapes; you have comforted children compassionately, wiping a myriad of tears; you have worked so hard (sometimes to the edge of exhaustion) both inside and outside of the home; you have washed more clothes and prepared more meals than anyone could possibly know; you have juggled a modest budget to keep food in your pantry, clothes on your children’s backs and a roof over their heads; and occasionally, you might have endured the ridicule or indifference of others who have never walked a mile in your shoes. 

 Nevertheless, you are still standing!  GOD has a word of encouragement, designed specifically for you: “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and HAVING DONE ALL, to STAND.” (Ephesians 6:13)  So be encouraged.  Keep moving forward.  Remember to daily affirm this: “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” (Philippians 4:13)  

 My friend, YOU CAN DO IT!  so STAND! 

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

THE LIFE OF GOD IS IN YOU

THE LIFE OF GOD IS IN YOU

 In the new birth, we encounter GENUINE LIFE – the life of God.  The Word declares, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4).  This is a direct reference to Jesus Christ, “the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9) According to the testimony of Jesus, “I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the LIGHT OF LIFE.” (John 8:12)

 When a person is born again, s/he receives LIFE, and within that life is a LIGHT that literally ‘turns on’ inside of that individual.  For the first time, s/he is able to apprehend the things of God.  That’s why a believer can understand the new birth; while it may sound like foolishness to an unbeliever, or at least like something they cannot fully accept at the moment.  Jesus said is succinctly: “Unless one is born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

 The Greek word “ZOE” is translated as our English word, “life.”  It literally means THE LIFE OF GOD.  This word is used interchangeably with the phrase “eternal life.” (I John 3:15) In the new birth, our spirits are born of God.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17) It is the life and nature of God that flows into our spirits, causing us to become new creations.

 As a believer, it is vital to recognize that this LIFE is resident inside you.  This is LIFE that brings LIGHT, i.e. the WISDOM OF GOD, which provides daily direction for achieving Christ-centered, abundant life.

 Question: As a believer, are you living wisely (from God’s point of view); or are you still being ruled by the dictates of your natural mind?  Remember this: “The carnal mind [the natural fleshly mind] is enmity against God [the enemy of God]; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7) Those who belong to God, have crucified the flesh [subjected the flesh] along with its demanding passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24 – Galatians 2:20).  We connect daily to the life of God via heartfelt prayer and studious meditation on His Word.

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

WHAT IS MY PERSONAL LEGACY?

WHAT IS MY PERSONAL LEGACY?

 According to the Book of Genesis, the oldest man who ever lived was Methuselah.  The Holy Writ records an intriguing epitaph for this (nearly) one-millennium-man: “And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.”

 Although his father, Enoch, was a spiritual patriarch who enjoyed a uniquely intimate relationship with God and was translated into eternity without experiencing death, there is nothing significant that is cited in the biblical record regarding the life achievements of Methuselah.   

 All that is revealed about him can be summed up in one sentence.  HE LIVED AND HE DIED.

 This somewhat sad state of affairs should precipitate serious self-examination for all of us.  It is not enough to be the son or daughter of someone who has left their mark in this world.  The real question is this: WHO AM I and what have I brought to THE TABLE OF LIFE that is valuable, durable and significant from Heaven’s point of view?

 What is my personal legacy?  Is it all about the accumulation of possessions, power, prestige, fortune, or fame?  Or am I living the life that GOD imagined and designed when He created me in His image?

 Think soberly for one moment.  If you were somehow able to attend your own funeral, what could attendees say (honestly) ABOUT YOU and YOUR IMPACT ON OTHERS?  Truthfully speaking, all of us can improve on our lives and legacies.  My friends, let’s step it up.  It’s never too late, so start today.

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

ALL ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD

ALL ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD

 In a world that is largely governed by pluralism, humanism, pleasure, corruption and greed, we must never forget to keep the main thing as the main thing.  What is the main thing?  We are all accountable to GOD, firstly to accept the redemptive and atoning grace that Christ offers at Calvary, and secondly to allow Him to be present in us via righteous decisions, actions and attitudes.

 Titus 2:11-15

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one despise you.

 Deuteronomy 4:39

GOD IS GOD…and beside Him there is no other.

 Therefore, it is mission critical that we love, learn and live from God’s point of view.

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

THERE IS HELP ALONGSIDE

THERE IS HELP ALONGSIDE

 Jesus Christ extends an extraordinary privilege and promise to every believer: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) Wow!  His statement simply suggests that there are no problems, pains, or pressures that will totally overwhelm believing disciples who persistently pursue and practice the presence of the Lord.

 So often, I am encouraged by Christ’s departing decree to his disciples (and by extension to us): “I will not leave you comfortless: I WILL COME TO YOU.” (John 14:18) Since JESUS CHRIST is the High Priest who is intimately involved and constantly concerned, He shows up, every single day and in every life situation, to engage and enlighten us.  Indeed, HE IS THE PARACLETE, the One who walks alongside us for friendship, fellowship, guidance and comfort.  We need not seek alternatives or substitutes because in Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith,” we have THE REAL THING. (Hebrews 12:2) As Jehovah Shammah, “THE LORD IS THERE” with us at all times. (Ezekiel 48:35) These inspiring truths remind me of an intriguing story:

 In a rural area, a poor farmer was tending to Buddy, his horse, when a stranger walked over, desperately in need of the farmer’s help.  This stranger had lost control of his vehicle and ran off into a ditch.  After informing the farmer that his vehicle was quite small, he asked if the horse could pull his car out of the ditch.  The farmer said he would come and look, but would not be able to help if there was any possibility that his horse could be injured.

 The farmer saw that the stranger had assessed the situation correctly and that the vehicle was indeed small, so he fastened a strong rope with one end to the vehicle and the other to his horse.  He was confident that Buddy would be able to pull the car out of the ditch.  But then he did a strange thing.  The farmer shouted, “Pull, Casey, pull,” and the horse would not budge.  The farmer then called out, “Pull, Bailey, pull,” but, again, the horse would not budge.  The farmer then hollered, “Pull, Mandy, pull,” but his horse would not move one inch.  The farmer then said matter-of-factly, “Pull, Buddy, pull,” and his horse quickly pulled the vehicle out of the ditch.  The stranger was most grateful, but puzzled.  He asked the farmer why he had called his horse by four different names.  The farmer replied, “Buddy is blind, and I had to make him think he had a lot of help pulling the car out of the ditch or he might not have pulled at all.”

 Quite interesting and applicable to us, isn’t it?  For whenever we embrace the mistaken notion that we are alone and somehow incapable of accomplishing Christ’s Kingdom mission and mandate on our lives, we too wind up living far beneath our predestined position, power and privilege.  Certainly, we were designed to live in connection and community with others, but we must never forget that the most reliable Source of help is ALMIGHTY GOD.  He is the ever-present Supplier of assistance, encouragement and strength. (Philippians 4:19) No wonder the Psalmist David exclaimed with such commitment and confidence, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills…my help comes from THE LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)  

 Point To Ponder: With God’s help, are you pulling your intended weight in your family, in your community and in His Kingdom?

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

STARTING YOUR DAY WITH GOD

STARTING YOUR DAY WITH GOD

 During our daily morning prayer and worship time, Belinda and I often read our DECLARATION OF FAITH together.  Its content is based on the Word of God; and, our decision to read it in unison is motivated by a scripture recorded in Job 22:28. “Thou shalt DECREE A THING, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”  I think some of you might benefit by adopting it as a faith practice.

 DECLARATION OF FAITH

 I DECREE AND DECLARE AS A COVENANT-CHILD OF ALMIGHTY GOD…I Am a Born-Again, Mature Disciple, Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World.  My Sins are Forgiven; My Past is Erased; My Present and Future are Secure in My Savior.  I Have Absolute Trust in God’s Holy Word, God’s Mercy, God’s Grace and God’s Love.  I Cast All My Cares Upon Jesus Christ, Assured of His Constant Provision for Me.  I Am Heaven-Appointed and Highly-Anointed for My Kingdom Assignment in the Earth.  I Am Filled with the Power of The Holy Spirit and Endowed with The Fruit of The Spirit.  The Gifts of The Spirit Flow Freely in My Life, According to God’s Purpose and Plan.  I Am Seated Together with Christ in Heaven, My God-Given Heritage and Eternal Home.  I Receive a Daily Deeper Revelation of God’s Perfect Will and Unchanging Word.  My All-Wise Creator Has Highly Favored Me and Blessed All The Works of My Hands.  My Family Members, Near and Far, Are Divinely Safeguarded, Strengthened and Blessed.  My Territory is Enlarged, My Finances are Increased, and I Am a Blessing to Others.  I Am Always The Head, and Never The Tail; I Am Always Above, and Never Beneath.  I Am a Lender, Not a Borrower; I Am Blessed as I Go Out, and Blessed as I Come In.  My Body Temple is Fully Energized, Healthy, and Healed of Chronic and Acute Diseases.  My Mind and Memory are Sharp and Clear, and Free of Impairment, Confusion, or Loss.  I Am an Ambassador for Christ; I Am a Living Witness of the Wonder of His Atoning Grace.  I Am True to My Calling; I Am Steadfast and Faithful; I Shall Serve and Honor God’s Kingdom.  My Faith in Our Lord Shall Never Decrease, But Always Increase, Hour-By-Hour, Day-By-Day.  I Am Bountifully Blessed in My Lifetime; and in Eternity, My Savior Shall Say: “Well Done!”  AMEN!  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!

NO MATTER WHAT...YOU HAVE WORTH!

NO MATTER WHAT…YOU HAVE WORTH!

 A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill.  In a room filled with 200 people, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?”  All hands rapidly rose in the air. 

 Then he said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this.”  He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.  He then asked, “Who still wants it?”  Still all hands were raised.

“Well,” he replied, “What if I do this?”  And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.  He picked it up, then somewhat crumpled and dirty.  “Now who still wants it?”  The same hands rose high.

“My friends,” he concluded, “you have all learned an extremely valuable lesson.  No matter what I did to this money, you still wanted it because it never decreased in value.  It is still worth twenty dollars.  Many times in life, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by decisions we make or circumstances that come our way.  And at times we feel as though we are worthless.  But no matter what happened to you, or what will happen, you never lose your value in God’s eyes.  To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.  So don’t wallow in your mistakes; get up and make a change!”

Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, “as the apple of His eye.”  The worth of our lives comes not by what we do or who we are, but by WHOSE WE ARE!  Regardless of your past, if you stay connected to JESUS, you will always be extremely SPECIAL.  Don’t ever forget it!   Be encouraged and keep moving forward, knowing that your faith is the victory. (I John 5:4)

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

LIFE PRINCIPLES

LIFE PRINCIPLES

 Let’s prayerfully consider a few key principles to live by, according to Tony Peeris of India.  Perhaps you can make a connection with at least one or two.

--You will achieve more, if you don't mind who gets the credit.

--When everything else seems to be lost, focus on the future.
--Don’t fight too much or the enemy will know your art of war.
--The only job you start at the top is when you dig a grave.
--If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.
--If you do little things well, you’ll do big ones better.
--The only thing that comes to you without effort is old age.
--You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
--Never take a problem to your boss unless you have a solution.
--If you are not failing, you’re not taking enough risks.
--Don’t try to get rid of your bad temper by losing it.
--Those who don’t make mistakes usually don’t make anything.
--There are two kinds of failures: those who think and never do, and those who do and never think.
--Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win.
--All progress has resulted from unpopular decisions.
--Change your thoughts and you change your world.

 Thank you, Mr. Peeris.  We’ll ponder your wisdom and keep moving forward.

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

THE BIG ROCKS OF LIFE

THE BIG ROCKS OF LIFE

 I read a book by an expert on the subject of time management.  This expert was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, he used an illustration that I’m sure those students will never forget.  Once I share it with you, you’ll never forget it either.

 As this man stood in front of that group of high-powered overachievers he said, “Okay, time for a quiz.”  Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed jar and set it on a table in front of him.  Afterwards he produced a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, inside the jar.

 When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks could fit in, he asked, “Is this jar full?”  Everyone in the class responded, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Really?”  He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel.  Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.  Then he smiled and asked the group once more, “Is the jar full?”

 By this time, some members of the class were onto him.  “Probably not,” one of them answered.  “Good!” he replied.  And he reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand.  He started dumping the sand in until it filled all the spaces between the rocks and the gravel.  Once more he asked the question, “Is this jar full?”  “No!” the class shouted.  Once again he responded, “Good!”  Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim.

 Then he looked up at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?”

 One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit more things into it!”  “No,” the speaker replied.  “That’s not the point.  The truth this illustration teaches us is quite simple.  If you don't put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”   The title of this lecture is “The Big Rocks of Life.”

 My friend, what are THE BIG ROCKS in your life?  A project you want to complete?  Time with your loved ones?  Your faith, your education, your finances?  Some special cause?  Teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put THE BIG ROCKS IN FIRST, or you’ll never get them in at all.

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

GET OUT OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR!

GET OUT OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR!

 Sometimes it’s good to look back.  We cannot afford to forget our family and faith legacies, nor should we neglect lessons learned from the past.  On the other hand, it can be dangerous and destructive to look back.  There is a human tendency to become victimized by ‘the paralysis of analysis,’ that is, to focus so heavily on past negatives that future positives are impacted or ignored.  In such cases, personal potential is delayed or denied.

 Jesus recalled the story of Lot’s wife, who was advised to flee from a place of destruction and to absolutely avoid looking back.  Due to anxiety about the life she left behind, she took one more glance rearward and turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:24-26 and Luke 17:32) 

 My friend, get out of the rearview mirror!  In vehicles, rearview mirrors are needed (primarily) for changing lanes.  This is not necessarily your season to change lanes.  Indeed, it is your time to forge ahead with faith, joy, peace and confidence. The Apostle Paul expressed it well: “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press…” (Philippians 3:13-14) Jesus Christ said it best: “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) 

 Today’s Rhema: YOUR FLOW IS IN YOUR FUTURE…not in your past!

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

REALLY...WHO ARE YOU?

 REALLY…WHO ARE YOU?

 Dear Caterpillar:

 I was pondering and praying about you and, out of the blue, it struck me.  YOU CAN FLY! 

 Nevertheless, transition is a challenging journey, isn’t it?  At this existential moment, perhaps from the perspective of others, you are a GROUND-HUGGER, totally trapped in this one-dimensional plane, apparently unable to rise and soar.

 Now hear this!  You are more than what you SEEM LIKE or LOOK LIKE to the doubtful and mortal masses!  You see, POTENTIAL is an inherently risky-yet-rewarding phenomenon.  That is, one can never fully apprehend ultimate possibility until one DARES TO DREAM and TRIUMPHS BY TRYING.

 The key to life is discovering your GOD-ORDERED TREE and embracing the ELEVATION PROCESS. 

 RISE, my friend.  RISE!

 As you inch your way upward, you will discover CERTAIN CAPACITIES HIDDEN INSIDE that you never knew existed.  This is the ‘stuff’ of your developmental cocoon, the genesis of your life-metamorphosis.

 So, from now on, tune in ONLY to voices that summon you to HIGHER HEIGHTS.

 And always know this: I believe in you, caterpillar.  No, I stand corrected.  I believe in you, BUTTERFLY.

 Your friend and brother for eternal purpose and destiny,

 -Wayne Manning Bass

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

I DECLARE: THINGS ARE GOING TO GET BETTER!

I DECLARE: THINGS ARE GOING TO GET BETTER!

Always remember that every apparent disadvantage in life has a corresponding advantage.

There is a message in every mess.

There is opportunity in every difficulty.

There is promotion in every reversal.

There is hope in every hopeless situation.

There is great grace waiting in every disgrace.

So you don’t have to cry over seemingly sad situations.  They are divinely remedied and reversible.

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

JESUS IS ALL

JESUS IS ALL

 As we ponder this world’s chaotic conditions, we are tempted to stress and worry.  However, when we pause to consider the fact that we have a SAVIOR who is all-knowing, all-loving, all-present and all-powerful, exactly what is there to become doubtful or despondent about?

 The next time you feel overwhelmed, simply pause for one moment to consider WHO is on your side.  His name is JESUS CHRIST.  And despite what comes or what goes…HE IS!

 HE IS…THE SAME…YESTERDAY…TODAY…AND FOREVER.

 HE IS…THE LIVING WORD.

 HE IS…THE CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION.

 HE IS…THE BISHOP OF OUR SOULS.

 HE IS…OUR PLENIPOTENTIARY… OUR PASSOVER…OUR PEACE.

 HE IS… THE SEED OF ABRAHAM…THE STEM OF JESSE…THE ROOT OF DAVID.

 HE IS…THE DAYSTAR…THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.

 HE IS…THE DOOR…THE WAY…THE TRUTH…AND THE LIFE.

 HE IS…OUR PROBLEM-SOLVER…OUR BURDEN-BEARER…OUR DELIVERER.

 HE IS…THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT…THE FIRSTBORN OF MANY BRETHREN.

 HE IS…THE FAITHFUL WITNESS.

 HE IS…A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN ANY BROTHER.

 HE IS…THE SURE FOUNDATION LAID IN ZION…THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.

 HE IS…OUR REFINER’S FIRE…OUR FULLER’S SOAP.

 HE IS…OUR GOOD SHEPHERD…OUR GREAT PHYSICIAN…OUR HEALER.

 HE IS…OUR HIDING PLACE…OUR HIGH TOWER…OUR PROTECTOR.

 HE IS…THE JOY OF OUR SALVATION…OUR HIDDEN MANNA.

 HE IS…THE HEAD OF THE BODY…THE HEIR OF ALL THINGS.

 HE IS…THE STONE HEWED OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN…THE ROCK OF AGES.

 HE IS…THE GOODMAN OF THE HOUSE…THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

 HE IS…THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.

 HE IS…THE LILY OF THE VALLEY.

 HE IS…THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.

 HE IS…THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.

 HE IS…THE LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT WHO REIGNS.

 HE IS…OUR MIGHTY BATTLEAXE…OUR SWORD…OUR SHIELD.

 HE IS…OUR SHEPHERD…OUR MASTER…OUR TEACHER… OUR REDEEMER.

 HE IS…OUR MESSIAH…OUR PASSOVER…OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

 HE IS…OUR SHELTER…OUR SAVIOR.

 HE IS…OUR WATER IN A DRY AND THIRSTY LAND.

 HE IS…THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER.

 HE IS…OUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.

 HE IS…THE ONLY WISE GOD…THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD.

 HE IS…THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.

 HE IS…KING OF KINGS…LORD OF LORDS…OUR SOON COMING KING.

 HE IS…ALPHA AND OMEGA…THE FIRST AND THE LAST.

 HE IS…THE GREAT I AM.

 HE IS…ALIVE FOREVERMORE. 

 Therefore, my friend, take THE LORD along with you everywhere you go.  And simply refuse to fret about any momentary situation or long-term circumstance.  WHATEVER happens…WHEREVER you go…HOWEVER things might appear…HE IS!

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