PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF LIFE

PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF LIFE

 Sandile Duma of South Africa penned a fascinating story that strikes me as profound truth.  It is entitled “Romeo and Juliet: The Delay of the Friar,” and I will share it with you.

 Having read William Shakespeare’s famous book with that terribly tragic ending, I discovered a human loophole that caused (but might have possibly prevented) the demise of two passionate lovers. 

 It is the DELAY OF THE FRIAR.

The friar used a very slow donkey to ride to the tomb for the purpose of informing Romeo that Juliet was not actually dead (as Romeo had thought), though she was residing temporarily in the burial place of the dead. Although the friar made the error of traveling on a very slow beast, heavy storms delayed him even more.

On the other hand, Romeo traveled on a very fast horse, galloping at top pace, because he was in a hurry to see and be with his beloved, now ‘dead’ Juliet.

While the friar was slowly on his way, Romeo was fighting guards by the tomb to gain access to his beloved Juliet.  There he saw the love-of-his-life laying quietly, peacefully, beautiful beyond belief, but devoid of breath.  Romeo cried out in anguish and grief.  Within moments, he committed suicide by ingesting a vial of poison.

When Juliet awakened as planned from her purposefully drug-induced coma, she felt the heaviness of her lover on top of her and tried to revive him, but Romeo was gone forever.  Losing all hope, Juliet reached for a sword and took her own life.

The friar was still on his way.  Finally arriving, he beheld the terrifying revelation of the intense love the two young people had held for one another.

HAD THE FRIAR NOT BEEN DELAYED, their lives could have been saved.

HAD THE FRIAR NOT BEEN DELAYED, Romeo and Juliet would have experienced a fulfilling life, full of love and happiness.

Think of it.  At times, our delays result in untold suffering and unknown consequences for ourselves and others.

Bottom-line: If you need to show love to someone, or if you need to be reconciled to someone, do not delay such a life-giving process.  Terrible tragedies can be averted if you resolve to handle mission critical matters at a more expeditious pace.

DO IT NOW…stop riding that donkey.  

 DO IT NOW…you do not know what weather lies ahead.  

 DO IT NOW!  Do not postpone!  Get to it! 

 After all, PROCRASTINATION is not only the thief of TIME.  Indeed, it is the thief of LIFE.  So live intentionally, and act in a timely manner to walk in your God-given purpose.  Remember: Your assignment has a definite shelf life.  Act now, without delay, and walk into your destiny.

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

HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH

HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH

 The news media bombards us daily with troubling images of global, national and local tragedies.  Because of this, it is relatively easy for many to embrace a pessimistic or skeptical worldview.  We witness far too many distressing and disastrous examples of man’s inhumanity to man.  And now, these terrible incidents occur in what have always been deemed ‘safe spaces’: schools, malls, theaters, offices and even places of worship.  Undoubtedly, these are prophetic signs of the end-time season in which we live. (Matthew 24)

 Nevertheless, my singular goal for today is to encourage you to hold tenaciously to your faith.  Despite what you see or hear, have faith in God.  Our God is sovereign.  Our God is still on the throne. 

 During life’s most puzzling and perplexing moments, it behooves us to reflect on the profound wisdom that Jesus shared with his disciples pertaining to every aspect of this earthly journey: “Jesus answering said unto them, HAVE FAITH IN GOD.” (Mark 11:22)

 Regardless of your present circumstance, know that GOD has your back!  So be encouraged.  Be joyful.  And remember this: JOY is the simple assurance that CHRIST is always at the center of all your circumstances.

 HAVE FAITH IN THE ALMIGHTY, THE ALL-WISE AND THE SOVEREIGN GOD, because with His help and His strength, you certainly can and will make it. 

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

BEAUTIFIED BY GOD

BEAUTIFIED BY GOD

 We were purposefully created in the image and likeness of an awesome and majestic God.  Throughout our lives, we are continually touched and transformed by His grace and mercy – as we surrender to the restoring power of His redemptive love.  Although there are moments when we appear to be rather ‘ugly’ and radically different from the Creator’s original design, yet God has a definite plan and process in mind.  “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)

 In many ways, we have profound similarities to the scarab beetle.  While most people deem beetles and bugs to be somewhat creepy, the jewel scarab just might turn you into a beetle lover.  They live in the jungles of Honduras and their colors are so amazing that they have great value, selling for up to $500 each.  Scarabs are magnificently adorned in flaming red, radiant gold and a bright shade of silver that resembles luminous chrome.  Even beetle haters find jewel scarabs to be absolutely dazzling and beautiful!

 But their origins are radically different from their latter lives.  That is, the jewel scarab’s beauty does not come automatically.  They have rather modest, even ugly beginnings – emerging as soft, mushy, grey-white grubs growing inside rotting tree stumps.  They remain in place for a year or so.  During the rainy season, the adult scarabs emerge from their trees, with that soft body and pale appearance.  However, within hours their bodies harden and their splendid colors start to show.  Jewel scarabs only live for another three months or so, but what a glorious and notable existence.  They are among God’s most attractive creations!

 We humans are much like scarab beetles.  There are moments when we may not feel (or appear to be) very beautiful or attractive.  I’m not referring to our bodies, but our characters, thoughts, emotions and decisions.  Nevertheless, if we willingly embrace the ongoing creative process of God, over time, with effort and submission, we emerge as beautiful, dazzling, shining creatures, bearing the spiritual image of our Creator.

 It’s a process.  It’s a process.  It’s a process. 

 In case you didn’t hear me, IT’S A PROCESS.

 So hang in there while the Divine Architect completes His work in you and your family.  The finished product that God strategically formulates in the body/mind/spirit of every believer is reminiscent of my life-verse, Philippians 1:6. “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” 

 Never be afraid to offer this transparent testimony to any person you encounter along this journey called life: “Please be patient with me…God is not through with me yet.”  Indeed, much like the jewel scarab beetle, your Creator is gradually configuring and conforming you to the image of Christ.  And you will shine!

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

Dear Heavenly Father

Dear Heavenly Father,

 Thank you for love, grace and mercy.  You and your bountiful blessings are absolutely amazing!

 Sincerely,

 Your Grateful Children

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

CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

 Have you ever become frustrated at the seemingly slow pace of change in your life?  In this era of ‘microwave mentality,’ it is somewhat challenging to wrap our minds around the fact that GOD WORKS THROUGH PROCESSES.  In other words, the changes HE implements in our lives are often implemented over extended periods of time, through a wide array of life experiences.  Bottom-line: We cannot always trace God’s hand, but we must trust His heart and plan.

 The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.  Each morning, Grandpa rose early and sat at the kitchen table reading his old worn-out Bible.  His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him any way he could.  One day the grandson said, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you, but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book.  So what good does reading the Bible do for me?”

 The grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.”  The boy did just as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back home.

 The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

 This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home.  Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead.  The old man insisted, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water.  You can do this. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he watched from the window as his grandson attempted to please him again.

 But at that point, the boy knew it was impossible, and he just wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got very far at all.  The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was once again empty.  Out of breath, he wheezed, “See Papa, I told you it’s useless!”

 “So, you think it’s useless?” the old man queried.  “Look down at the basket!”  The young lad examined the basket and for the first time realized that it looked quite different.  Instead of the dirty old coal basket he had first received, the one he held in his hands was now completely clean.

 “Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible.  You might not understand or remember everything right away, but if you keep on reading, IT WILL SURELY CHANGE YOU…FROM THE INSIDE OUT.”

 That grandfather’s wisdom summarizes the work of THE FATHER in our lives.  He changes us from the inside out, gradually transforming us into the image of HIS SON. (Romans 8:29) Therefore, we must resist the temptation to become frustrated or exasperated by the cadence and content of change.  Ultimately, we are in the hands of THE MASTER POTTER and we will be fashioned into a finished product that pleases Him and edifies His Kingdom. (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

 The Apostle Paul sums it up succinctly: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

 My friends, let THE CHANGE begin…and let THE CHANGER have HIS WAY in THE PROCESS!

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

CHARACTER COUNTS

CHARACTER COUNTS

 Since we know that death is inevitable, carefully consider this.  At the end of our days, what is it that you and I would have written as an epitaph on our own graves?  I came across an interesting story that speaks quite eloquently about the meaning and legacy of life.

 Wilbur and Orville Wright made their mark in history by carrying out the first successful air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903.  Although they came from a very close family, their father, a bishop in the United Brethren Church, was initially skeptical about their aviation ventures.

 Unfortunately, Wilbur died quite early, at the age of 45.  His father left a record of this tragic event in his personal diary, which reads as follows:

 May 30, 1912

This morning at 3:15, Wilbur passed away, aged 45 years, 1 month, and 14 days.  A short life, full of great consequences.  An unfailing intellect, imperturbable temper, great self-reliance and as great modesty.  Seeing the right clearly, pursuing it steadily, he lived and he died.

 Take note that there was no mention at all of Wilbur’s great pioneering successes in the field of aviation.  You see, for Wilbur’s father, it was not making that first successful air flight that made Wilbur great.  It was his loving relationships and outstanding character.

 More than anything that you and I could possibly achieve in this life, it is our character that actually counts.  My friends, let us resolve to live right…before God and man.

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

FEAR'S EDGES

FEAR’S EDGES

 We find ourselves nearly at the end of 2020…and what a year this has been!  Time really does fly, or so it seems.  In our days of varsity football, the late Coach Joe Gladys would give us Greyhounds challenging pep talks before we took the field to commence our gridiron competitions.  While his talks were always different, they contained a common theme.  ‘What will we do to make sure we are operating at peak performance?’

 As we embrace life for the balance of this challenging year, it is imperative that we approach each day and every task with courage and consistency.  We must refuse to live in the shadow of FEAR, which is the highly adept and lethal assassin of dreams and potential.  Consider this true tale from nature:

 Philip Island, in Victoria Australia, plays host to one of the greatest nature experiences possible.  On the shores of Philip Island are the burrows of thousands upon thousands of fairy penguins, extraordinarily cute tiny birds that stand only 30 centimeters or so tall.  Every morning the adult penguins head out to sea to catch fish.  At the end of the day, they return to land to bring back food for their chicks.  Watching them moving from the water to their burrows is both funny and fascinating.  The penguins surf in on the waves, then gather in groups at the water’s edge.  Their burrows are 100 meters or so distant, with the open space of the sandy beach standing between them and home.

 All of a sudden a group of penguins will take off, waddling as fast as their little legs can carry them across the beach.  But then, having traveled only 10 or 15 meters, they suddenly turn around and waddle back toward the water.  They wait, then try again.  One group finally makes it, but another performs this strange ritual of turning back.  And on it goes until eventually all the penguins have crossed the beach and met up with chicks in the burrows.

 What’s really going on here?  Why this strange stop-start-and-return ritual?  The answer is quite simple.  At sea, the birds are fast swimmers and able to dive deep.  So at sea, they are safe from predators such as eagles and hawks.  In their burrows, they are safe because they are below ground.  However, out on the open beach, they are quite vulnerable, completely exposed.  On the beach, they can only waddle slowly and thus become easy pickings for predators.  And so, as they cross over the beach sands, the moment they see a shadow or anything out of the corner of their eyes, they turn back and race for the safety of the water.

 It seems that we humans are a lot like those fairy penguins.  When confronted with challenging situations, we find ourselves standing uncertainly at the water’s edge.  We know where we’ve got to go.  We know we’ve got to cross the beach and head back toward our home burrow, but it all seems so daunting, so terrifying.  You see, whenever we step out of the water and start waddling across the beach, we leave our safety and comfort zone behind.  There we find ourselves in ‘no-man’s land’ where it feels uncertain, dangerous and downright disconcerting.  However, in order to get home we must leave our safety zone and strike out into THE FAITH ZONE where we will encounter both risk and reward.

My friend, it’s called LIFE.  Here’s your question for the remainder of 2020: Are you up to the challenge of abandoning anxiety and fear to experience the power and embrace the potential of what lies ahead?  My friend, live with both courage and conviction.  No fears.  Only faith.

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

WE REALLY DO NEED THE CHURCH!

WE REALLY DO NEED THE CHURCH!

 For some reason, a church member who had previously attended services regularly, suddenly stopped going.  After a few weeks, the pastor decided to drop by for a visit.  It was quite a chilly evening, and the pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

 Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, the man welcomed him in, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and patiently waited for his counsel.  The pastor made himself comfortable but said absolutely nothing.  Sometimes silence really is golden.  They sat together as friends, enjoying each other’s company while contemplating the play of the flames around the burning logs.

 After some minutes, the pastor took the fireplace tongs and carefully picked up a brightly burning ember, placing it all alone on one side of the hearth.  Then he sat back in his chair and observed silently.  His host watched all of this in quiet fascination.

 As the one lone ember’s flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more.  Soon it was completely cold, apparently as dead as a doornail.

 Not a word had been spoken since their initial greetings.

 Just before the pastor departed, he picked up the cold, dead ember and returned it to the middle of the fire.   Almost immediately, it began to glow again with the light and warmth of the burning coals surrounding it.

 As the pastor reached the doorway, his host said, “Thanks so much for your visit, and especially for the fiery sermon.  I shall be back in church next Sunday.”

 Lesson learned.

 Every committed believer understands the fundamental fact that regular worship and Word gatherings are not optional.  In fact, they are clearly mandated by our Lord: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)  This might be somewhat challenging or even impossible during the current pandemic, but let’s make it our business to gather together with the people of God (as soon as practical or possible) to hear from Heaven and collectively celebrate the King of Kings.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR 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 remind me of a comic strip entitled “Hagar the Horrible.”  In one memorable moment, we find Hagar kneeling down in prayer.  And here’s what Hagar had to say 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 ever so typical of persons who are devoid of faith:

 “OK, OK,” he roared, “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.  Just keep on praying, trusting and sowing good seeds.

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

WHAT IF GOD WAS ONE OF US?

WHAT IF GOD WAS ONE OF US?

 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 blame onto The Divine.  Theologians call it THE PROBLEM OF THEODICY.  That is, how could a good, just, loving and all-powerful God allow evil to exist and seemingly prevail in the lives of so many?

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

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

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

 “How could God judge us?  What does he know about suffering?” snaps a young Albanian.  He removes 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 pulls a crumpled, tear-stained photograph from her pocket. “What about this?” she demands.  “This is my precious child.  I have not seen her since the day she was stolen away from us, for no crime, other than being black!”

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

 Across the terrestrial plain, there are hundreds of such groups.  Each holds a complaint against God for the evil and suffering He permitted in their world.  “How fortunate God is,” they collectively complain, “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 the horrible things we are forced to endure in this world?  God leads a totally sheltered life!”

 So each of these dissenting groups sends forth a leader, chosen because he or she had suffered the most.  A Holocaust survivor is 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 consult with each other.  And now they are ready to present their case before The Throne.  It all seems so logical and completely clever.

 They render their collective verdict and present 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 your 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 is angrily announced, loud murmurs of approval resound from the assembled throng.

 But suddenly there is total and complete silence.  No one dares to utter another word.  No one moves.  Suddenly, all are aware in their heart-of-hearts that God has already served His sentence.

 You see, Christ is our credible and compassionate High Priest, i.e. the One who is touched by the “feeling of our infirmities.” (Hebrew 4:15)  “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 logically and emotionally 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!

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 any 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 God’s grace, mercy and truth.  In the final analysis, it is how all of us have miraculously arrived at the foot of Calvary’s cross.

 The world will never be drawn (authentically) to the faith because of our accumulated possessions or our clever promotions.  The monetary value of the houses we own, the vehicles we drive, or the investments we accrue will never be the deciding factor in bringing lost souls to Christ.  There is only one indispensable component of evangelism; it is THE GOSPEL OF LOVE.  The following true and heart-touching story clearly illustrates this point. 

 It was one of the most extraordinary birthday parties ever held.  No, it did not take place in the plush ballroom of a grand hotel.  No, there weren’t any famous celebrities present.  The rich and powerful did not attend.  In fact, it was held at 3:30 a.m. inside a small seedy cafe in Honolulu.  The guest of honor was a prostitute.  The party guests were prostitutes.  And 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 nearby stools.  One of the girls named Agnes lamented the fact that tomorrow would be her birthday, but she never had a birthday party.

 So 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 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 Pastor Tony.

 Agnes walked in and saw the streamers, balloons and birthday cake, as everyone shouted, “Happy Birthday!” Agnes was totally overwhelmed.  Tears poured down her face as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday to You.”  When Agnes was called 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 truly a magnificent birthday party – one 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.”  Wow!

 There is no life-giving efficacy in religious pomp and pageantry.  What the world needs now-and-always 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.  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 to one another.” (John 13:35) Amen!  Amen!  Amen!

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

STAY IN YOUR LANE

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, foes – might 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 (which simply means living from God’s point of view), might expose us to criticism, ridicule, or rejection.

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

 Consider the story behind the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet.  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-day 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 this 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 grand architectural achievement.  His story shows that the opinions others may have of us or the things we achieve are not what really matters.  Their perspectives will change – according to what becomes culturally fashionable or contemporaneously vogue. 

 What differentiates and 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 constitute the unique 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!

OUR LOVE MANDATE

OUR LOVE MANDATE

 As a lifelong learner and teacher of history, I love to come across inspirational non-fiction stories that represent the best qualities of humanity.  Here is a tale of consummate conviction and courage:

 Telemachus displayed extreme bravery in the face of evil.  As a Christian monk, he went on a pilgrimage to Rome in 391 A.D.

 [Editor’s Note: The Christian term, A.D., Anno Domini, ‘in the year of our Lord,’ has now been replaced in academic/secular circles with C.E., or Common Era].  

 In Rome, Telemachus observed huge crowds flocking to the Colosseum to witness gladiators engaged in mortal combat.  It was an experience that was totally repugnant to his Christian faith.

 Emperor Honorius celebrated his triumph over the Goths by compelling gladiators to reenact the battle. After this gory spectacle, dead bodies were dragged from the arena and its bloodied surface covered with fresh layers of sand.

 A new group of gladiators arrived on the scene.  Some were armed with swords and spears, others with nets. The crowd watched with excitement as they sought to destroy one another.  Whenever a gladiator was wounded, his opponent would loom over him, waiting for the crowd’s opinion and the emperor’s verdict to either slay or spare him.  So great was the bloodlust that wealthier spectators would occasionally climb down to get a better view of the cruel executions.

 Telemachus watched with horror as so many men died – as battles raged and crowds cheered.  Prompted into action, this bald-headed man of God found his way onto the arena floor.  He ran toward two gladiators locked in battle, grabbing one of them and pulling him away.  He exhorted the gladiators to abandon their murderous sport.  Then he appealed to the crowd to honor God’s commandment against murder.

 The response was anything but favorable.  Angry voices drowned out Telemachus and demanded that the blood-sport continue.  But as the gladiators prepared to resume their battle, Telemachus stood between them, holding them apart and urging them to reconsider.  Driven by the crowd’s angry rage at Telemachus’ interference, several gladiators cut Telemachus to the ground as the crowd landed garbage missiles Telemachus was brutally killed.

 However, his death was not in vain.  In 405 A.D., Emperor Honorius issued a declaration to end all gladiatorial battles in the Colosseum.  The loving and courageous protest of Telemachus partially inspired him to do so.

 My friend, how is your love life?  Is it secular or sacred?  Did you know that true love is mandated by heavenly decree?  In the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)  And what is the ultimate evidence?  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR 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 necessary affirmations to my personal value and identity.  Such thinking is a potential portal to superficiality and confusion.  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 opportunistic and self-serving.

 Over the years, I have radically altered my perspective.  Admittedly, it is pleasing to be regarded positively by others, but the acceptance of others is not mission critical to life success.

 What’s 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.

 Reuben Gonzales 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 his serve, and his opponent went on to win 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 winner of the 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, the activities we engage when we are out of the spotlight and away from the sight of others.

 These days, my primary goal is loving, learning and living from God’s point of view.  As such, I simply want to make God smile.  And He delights in simple submission to the terms of our covenant relationship.  Integrity.

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

DECLARE THE GOSPEL EVERYWHERE!

DECLARE THE GOSPEL EVERYWHERE!

 In modern society, where hype often looms larger than truth, one can easily become ‘spiritually jaded’ and buy into a worldview which suggests that your spiritual voice is far too inconsequential to be heard.  Fact is, the Creator gave you a distinctive mission and a unique message that the world (aware or not) urgently needs to experience and explore.  You matter. 

 Let’s prayerfully consider an instructive allegory:

 “Tell me the weight of a snowflake,” the dove required of the mouse.

 “Nothing more than nothing,” was his dismissive answer.

 “Since that is your belief, I must share my story,” the dove replied excitedly.

 “One winter day, I was perched on the branch of an evergreen when it began to snow – not heavily, not a raging blizzard – but descending ever so gracefully without wind or sound.  Since I had nothing better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch.  The number that fell that day was 3,741,952.  But when snowflake number 3,741,953 dropped onto my branch, weighing ‘nothing more than nothing’ as you say, the branch immediately broke.”

 “Perhaps,” concluded the dove, “one tiny voice can change the whole world.”

 Sisters and brothers, it’s our time to breathe out truth, i.e. to freely share the unvarnished gospel with contemporary society.  Political correctness has caused so many of us to mute our voices while the world so audaciously advances an agenda of unrighteousness.  So speak. 

 According to the Word, the whole earth “eagerly waits for the revealing [the manifestation] of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19, NKJV)  My friend, it’s a life or death matter.  DECLARE THE GOSPEL EVERYWHERE!

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