WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

 Love enables us to forge endearing and enduring connections with Christ and with our fellows.  Consider God’s Word on the matter:

 John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

 I John 4:7-8

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God. He who loves not knows not God; for God is love.

 Bottom-line: What’s love got to do with it?  EVERYTHING!

 I will begin this day in prayer with the love-of-my-spiritual-life, JESUS CHRIST.  Then, I will spend quality time with the love-of-my-natural-life, Belinda, and the family that we both love so dearly.  It’s mission critical.

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

WAIT

WAIT

 Financial pressures abound in our world.  We not only feel pressure to survive, but to thrive.  Indeed, many times we are evaluated somewhat superficially by others, that is, by the degree of prosperity we achieve, and we find ourselves either accepted or rejected as a direct result.  But money isn’t everything, is it? 

 Consider the following story of a rich man whose priorities were distorted and misplaced.  Worse yet, he lacked PATIENCE.  Jesus Christ admonishes us, “In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19) Remember: God works exclusively through His divine timetable (kairos), not our human calendar (chronos), so stop obsessing over your watch.  Don’t rush your process!  WAIT ON HIM. (Isaiah 40:31 – Psalm 40:1)

 Once there was a rich man who was doing quite well in life until he fell seriously ill.  He was forced to sell all his belongings to cure his illness.  After he became healthy, he realized that he had nothing left of any tangible value.  The once wealthy man now had difficulty feeding himself, but he thought that in time things would return to normal and he would be wealthy again.

He waited a very long time, but nothing happened to change his circumstances.  He felt that his daily existence was so dreadful and unbearable that he decided to take his own life.  And he did.

While on his way to perdition, this man met two angels who were hauling a rather heavy load.  He asked them where they were going.  After their long explanations, the man realized that the two angels had been dispatched on earth for him – to radically change and improve his life situation.  The heavy load the angels were dragging was actually a bag loaded with money.  But since he was no longer alive, he would not be able to receive it.  Far worse, he was now consigned to eternal punishment and exiled permanently from the presence of his Creator.

 Now hear this: Never ever make radical, ridiculous, irreversible choices.  The answer you need could be just right around the corner.  I love how the Psalmist David frames it: “WAIT ON THE LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.  Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14, NKJV)  

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

HONESTY PAYS

HONESTY PAYS

 Sometimes we are tempted to compare ourselves with the progress and advances of others, some of whom might have opted for sinful shortcuts to arrive at the top.  This somewhat self-absorbed thought process is a sure path to discouragement and disenchantment.  Since the mind is the arena of spiritual warfare, Satan seeks to strategically plant such tormenting thoughts within any person who does not diligently “watch and pray.” (Mark 14:38) However, Christ calls believers to a higher order of thinking, which avoids overly competitive spirits and anxiety-stricken hearts.  Prayerfully ponder the words of David:

 Psalm 37:1-4 (NKJV)

Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.  Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.  Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

 Bottom-line: A life of integrity and honesty eventually produces and sustains quality fruit.   So, don’t obsess over current circumstances; keep your eyes focused on THE MASTER.  Do HIS will.  Integrity is its own reward, and HONESTY INVARIABLY PAYS.

 A general manager in India wanted to test his people concerning their values of life.  In everyone’s seminar folder there was a plastic pouch containing one small seed.  After they returned to their homes, they were to plant the seed in a pot with good soil and look after it faithfully.  The manager promised to hold a competition in the following year and the person with the best plant would be generously rewarded.

Everyone was eager to participate, and the year passed by quickly.  The subsequent seminar was held in a huge hall, and there was quite a scene, with hundreds of pots and a great variety of plants, all except for one person.  In his pot was soil, but no plant.  The owner of that pot sat quietly, apparently ashamed of himself.

The general manager summoned him to the stage.  He asked what happened and the man responded with the truth.  He planted the seed as instructed and did his absolute best to nurture it, but nothing happened.

The general manager declared that man to be the winner!

Everyone was totally shocked.  The manager announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the seeds I gave you were boiled seeds.  You planted them, and nothing at all happened.  Most of you chose to act unwisely and deceptively, using other seeds.  This man was completely honest.  Therefore, he did not cheat me or himself.  He wins the prize!” 

 My friend, before you conclude that the individual who “brings wicked devises to pass” is a blessed person, consider GOD’S description and prescription for being blessed. (Psalm 37:7)

 Psalms 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

 When we do things God’s way, we win.

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

IT'S YOUR SEASON

IT’S YOUR SEASON

 Whatever season you find yourself in, it’s yours!  An old gospel hymn, “God Will Take Care of You,” simply says:

 Be not dismayed whate’er betide,

God will take care of you;

Beneath his wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.

 God will take care of you…

Through every day, o’er all the way…

He will take care of you…

God will take care of you.

 And He surely will; so don’t be troubled by temporary circumstances or situational seasons.  Consider this:

 There was a man who had four sons.  He wanted his sons to learn not to judge situations too quickly.  So he sent them on a quest, each in turn, to search for a pear tree located a great distance away.  The first son went in winter, the second in springtime, the third in summer and the youngest son in autumn.  When all had gone and returned, he called them together to describe what they had seen. 

The first son said the tree was ugly, bent over and twisted. 

The second son said it was covered with green buds and full of promise. 

The third son said it was laden with leaves and blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, that it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son said the tree was fully ripe and loaded with fruit, a portrait of life and fulfillment. 

The father remarked that each son was right, because each had seen only one season in the tree’s life. 

He taught them that you cannot judge a tree (or a person) by only one season, and that the essence of who we are (love, peace, joy, success) can only be measured at the end, when all seasons are completed.

My friend, should you give up while it’s winter, you will miss the promise of spring, the beauty of summer and the fulfillment of autumn.  You must never allow the pain or pressure of any singular season to nullify the potential and promise of the rest. 

 Remember: If you persevere through difficult patches, better times surely lay ahead.  After all, whatever season comes, you have been divinely positioned at the intersection of purpose and destiny.

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

ROSES SHOULD NEVER CRY OVER THORNS

ROSES SHOULD NEVER CRY OVER THORNS

 It’s fairly easy to become preoccupied with the lesser (and more challenging) dimensions of ourselves, and others.  Indeed, it is human nature to emotionally highlight those things which could somehow serve to diminish us.  Consider the paralyzed woman who is creatively brilliant and warmly sensitive to others, but can only visualize the insufficiency of her legs and feet.  Consider the successful businessman who, although lacking in formal training, possesses a natural aptitude for building enduring relationships and trust, but is absolutely agonized by the absence of a college degree.

 These persons remind me of a family occurrence.  I had given roses to my beloved wife, Belinda, and was accidentally pricked by a sharp thorn.  An elevated level of momentary pain produced further contemplation, so I paused for a moment, pondering the purpose and plight of the rose. 

 Admittedly, my thoughts were somewhat strange: ‘What if roses were not only living flowers, but fully sentient, emotional beings?  What if they could never discern the vibrant beauty of their vivid colors and delicate petals, for one reason only, because they were morbidly fascinated by (and totally focused on) their THORNY CONDITION?  What if roses were somehow able to smile, but permanently withheld their charismatic glory because they had grown sad and sullen by contemplating their thorns?  What if roses were given to bouts of melancholy followed by endless tears, so much so that their recipients could not possibly sense their amazing potential for joy?’ 

 WHAT IF…?

 Well, I have a simple yet profound revelation for you.  YOU ARE A ROSE – exclusively designed and elegantly crafted by ALMIGHTY GOD, Himself.  So, instead of continuously grieving over your ‘apparent thorns,’ just KNOW (like the Apostle Paul) that God’s “grace is sufficient” for you. (II Corinthians 12:7-9)

 Who knows?  Your THORNY CHALLENGE could be the part of you that GOD uses to touch and transform someone who needs to hear YOUR TESTIMONY OF TRIUMPH.  Never forget one of the most paradoxical truths shared by our Creator.  He declares, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Corinthians 12:9)

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

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

 We are born with the innate longing to be part of something bigger than ourselves.  God created us that way because we are fundamentally bigger and better when we exist in communion with Him and in community with our fellows.  This intrinsic human need is the reason why psychologists pen endless tomes about group dynamics.  Point to Ponder: Are the GROUPS you belong to (family, faith, career, neighborhood, nation) BETTER OFF as a result of your membership and participation?

 Sanjeev Kumar Singh amended the familiar classic story, “The Tortoise and the Hare,” to make an important point about how we potentially survive, thrive, succeed, or fail based upon our motives and interactions with one another.  Read and consider:

 Do you remember that famous race between the Tortoise and the Hare?  We all know that at the end of that story the Rabbit (Hare) was not able to win the race against the Turtle (Tortoise).

Well, that was actually not the end of their story.  After a disgraceful loss to the Turtle, the Rabbit decided to have at it again.  He determined not to stop and take a nap this time.

The race started and soon the Rabbit was far out of the sight.  This time he didn’t stop, so he defeated the Turtle by a huge margin.

The Turtle lost the race that time.  However, he didn’t give up.  He challenged the Rabbit again on a different racetrack.  The Rabbit, full of confidence, accepted.  He knew the reason he had lost the first race, his laziness and decision to stop along the way.  He was able to win the second race because he had honestly evaluated and adjusted himself.

The Third Race started.  As usual, the Rabbit soon disappeared.  Everyone was laughing at the Turtle, but the Rabbit didn’t want to stop to see why and kept on running as fast as he could.  He wanted to defeat the Turtle by a much bigger margin than the previous race.  But suddenly, he came to a river.  He was not able to cross it and was stopped in his tracks.

After a long time, the Turtle reached the river and confidently stepped into it.  He swam in water much faster than he could ever run on land.  Within no time, he crossed the river and moved towards the finish line.  As the Rabbit watched helplessly, the Turtle won the race.

But the story does not end there.  They decided to meet and reflect on their actions.  Together, they came to the following conclusions.  After the first race, the Rabbit learned he had lost because of his laziness.  After the second race, the Turtle learned he had lost because his opponent was better at running.  After the third race, the Rabbit learned that being fast is not enough; one must have brains as well to successfully compete and complete.

So the Rabbit and the Turtle decided to run the course again.  This time, however, they would be running as a TEAM, and not in a competitive race.

The Rabbit put the Turtle on his back until they reached the river.  When they needed to cross the river, the Turtle put the Rabbit on his back.  After crossing the river, the Rabbit again put the Turtle on his back and both reached the finish line in less time than ever.

What did they learn that day?  With teamwork, both could complete the race much faster and both could enjoy the reward.  TOGETHER.  During the time they were competing against one another, just one was able to prevail.  WIN-WIN SITUATIONS are always preferable…always! 

 I love Mr. Singh’s story because SYNERGY is an indispensable component of TEAMWORK.  That is, the end result of TEAM EFFORT is always greater than the sum of the individual parts or members of the team.  SYNERGY means 1 + 1 = 3.  It sounds like NEW MATH, but it is actually an ANCIENT EQUATION FOR SUCCESS. Think.  The KINGDOM OF GOD was never designed to be a competitive course, as some frame it.  Rather, it is a divinely orchestrated opportunity – offering eternal life to all believing and receiving humanity.  We are always better, bigger, bolder, brighter and more beautiful when we work TOGETHER.  

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

LIFE WISDOM

LIFE WISDOM

 When we KNOW better…we can DO better.  With that in mind, read the following bite-sized nuggets of WISDOM.  In the process, you should carefully and prayerfully evaluate yourself because the unexamined life is not worth living.  All of us can grow stronger and wiser by the rigorous intake and application of sage insights, without experiencing the pains or setbacks others endure as they learn lessons in THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS.  My friend, think, then do…

 Cheerfully give people more than they expect.

 Don’t believe all you hear; don’t spend all you have; don’t sleep all you want.

 When you say, “I love you,” really mean it.

 Be engaged at least six to twelve months before you marry.

 Marry someone you love to talk to since eventually that skill will be more important than any other.

 Love deeply and passionately; it’s the only way to live life fully.

 In disagreements, fight fairly; no bringing up of the past.

 Never laugh at anyone or their dreams.

 Don’t judge people by their looks or by their relatives.

 Talk slowly; think quickly.

 Great love and great achievements often involve great risk.

 If your Mom and Dad are still alive, call and visit them often.

 Whenever you seem to lose, never devalue the lesson learned.

 Respect yourself; respect others; take responsibility for your actions.

 Never let a minor dispute destroy a major friendship.

 Take immediate steps to correct your errors.

 When you say, “I’m sorry,” mean it.

 Spend quality time with yourself; you definitely deserve it.

 Read and memorize The Word.

 Read more books and watch less television.

 Be open to change, but never let go of your values.

 Learn to read between the lines. 

 Silence is sometimes the best answer.

 Live an honorable life.  When you retire and reflect, you’ll enjoy it a second time.

 Trust in God, but lock your house and car.

 A loving atmosphere is vital; be sure to cultivate a happy home.

 Be gentle and kind to your Creator’s earth.

 Mind your own business.

 Once a year, try to go somewhere you’ve never been.

 Help others.  That is prosperity’s greatest reward.

 Not getting what you want is sometimes an awesome blessing.

 The best relationship is one where love is greater than need.

 Judge success by whatever you give up to gain or retain it.

 Share your knowledge to live a longer and more fulfilling life.

 Your character is your destiny.

 Pray often to tap into immeasurable power.

 My friend, I hope these wisdom nuggets enhance the days of your life.

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

AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE THERE IS HOPE

AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE THERE IS HOPE

 Check yourself out.  You are still alive and breathing, aren’t you?  That means you are an unquestionable recipient of the wondrous grace, mercy and favor of God.  Do you need additional evidence?  Is bona fide proof required to wrap your head around the reality that God’s love is fully extended toward you?

 Well, consider the true story of Robert Robinson, an English clergyman who lived in the 18th century.  Not only was he a gifted pastor and preacher, he was also an extraordinary poet and hymn writer.  However, after many years in the pastorate his faith began to drift.  He left the ministry and wound up in France, indulging himself in the very depths of sin.

 One night he was riding in a carriage with a Parisian socialite who had recently been converted to Christianity.  She was interested in his opinion on some poetry she was reading: “Come thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise.”

 Looking up from her reading, the French socialite noticed Robinson was sobbing.

 “What do I think of it?” he asked in a broken voice.  “I wrote it.  But now I’ve drifted far away from Him and can’t find my way back.”

 “But don’t you see?” the woman responded gently, “The way back is written right here in the third line of your poem: ‘Streams of mercy never ceasing.’  Those streams are flowing, even here in Paris tonight.”

 In that moment, Robinson recommitted his life to Christ.

 My friend, no matter what has transpired in and around your life, JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, THE LORD, IS THERE, and HE is absolutely capable of healing ALL YOUR DIS--EASES.  Trust Him.

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

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE FAIL MORE OFTEN!

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE FAIL MORE OFTEN

 It is a paradox, but it’s true.  Great success is frequently preceded by (or interrupted by) great failure. Consider the American professional baseball Hall of Famer, Hank Aaron.  During Hammerin’ Hank’s 23-year career, he hit a record-setting 715 home runs, but he struck out 1,383 times while doing so.  Lesson Learned: Don’t ever be fearful of an apparent near-miss or abject failure; it may merely be the prelude or portal to phenomenal victory.

 When you are tempted to feel discouraged, remember THE LAW OF THE SEED.  That is, the more you SOW of your TIME, TALENT and TREASURE, the more opportunity you create for success.  Is there natural evidence for this spiritual principle?  Yes!  The average apple tree contains five hundred apples, with an average of seven seeds per apple.  Significance?  Seeds sown could somehow result in failure.  Therefore, multiple seeds are necessary to guarantee productive and positive results.

 Perhaps you have not tried hard enough, long enough, or consistently enough.  Prayerfully consider and evaluate. 

 Job seekers may have to work their way through twenty (or more) interviews before landing the right position.  Employers might have to interview forty (or more) candidates before finding the right employee. Sales reps might have to identify fifty (or more) prospects before setting five appointments and closing one deal.  You and I might have to wade through scores of acquaintances before finding that one special friend.

 Understanding THE LAW OF THE SEED minimizes frustration and disappointment.  It is helpful to read the biographies of successful individuals.  Whenever their authors are candid and complete, we invariably discover times of trouble and testing in which persons-now-at-the-top experienced unsettling setbacks that literally shook their foundations and brought them to their knees.  Perhaps, the ‘knee-position’ is the greatest place and posture any human can occupy. 

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

CONTINUE!

CONTINUE!

 CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES are integral parts of human existence.   According to the philosopher, Descartes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”  In other words, CHANGE HAPPENS.  In fact, change is absolutely inevitable – so we must expect it, prepare for it and ultimately embrace it.

 Customary conditions create comfort zones, those well-worn paths which, while familiar, may not be our ideal choice or optimal course.

 Consider this: How do you handle CHANGING OR ADVERSE CONDITIONS?  Do they tend to overwhelm your short-term objectives or derail your long-term dreams?

 A wise apostolic admonition for all who must confront and conquer conditions is recorded in Paul’s epistle to the Church of Galatia.  It simply says, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV)

 Do you recall the occasion when Jesus miraculously crossed over treacherous waters (on foot) to attend to terror-stricken disciples engulfed in a raging storm?  Observing the faint image of Jesus approaching, they assumed that he was a ghost and cried out in fear.  How I love the comforting greeting of The Master!  “Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) Jesus had previously directed them to cross over to the other side, so it was fitting that He supernaturally provide sufficient grace and powerful presence during their moment of dire need.  Bottom-line: WHERE GOD GUIDES, GOD PROVIDES.  His manifest presence is the blessed assurance of our continual safety and success.

 My friend be aware, today and every day, that THE MASTER OF STORMY SEAS will always be on-board with YOU.  Therefore, no matter where Christ leads us, we refuse to stress or complain over current conditions and changing circumstances.  The comforting promise of the “author and finisher” of our faith is simply this: “Lo, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, even to the end of the age.” (Hebrews 12:2 and Matthew 28:20)

 Never worry.  Never fear.  CHRIST is there. 

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

THEY SAID YOU COULDN'T FLY!

THEY SAID YOU COULDN’T FLY!

 Today is my 69^th birthday, so to celebrate I just want to encourage my family of friends…

 Two of God’s creatures CANNOT ACTUALLY DO what they so routinely do.  Bumblebees cannot fly at all due to their sheer weight and scanty wings.  Neither can hummingbirds fly, especially with the uncanny maneuverability they routinely achieve.  Oh, but both DO!

 Let’s zoom in on the hummingbird, arguably one of God’s finest aviary and aeronautic achievements.  Its flight capabilities mystify scientists and its sheer beauty is nothing less than breathtaking.  I recall the first time I saw a hummingbird.  They move with such astounding speed that they almost appear to materialize out of thin air.

 It is no exaggeration to state that their flight capabilities are miraculous.  Hummingbirds can fly upward, downward, forward, backward and even sideways.  They stop on a dime and hover in midair.  Their tiny wings flap so rapidly (an unbelievable 60 to 200 flaps per second) that their wings actually whistle.  And get this: Hummingbirds are capable of flying up to 60 miles per hour, rivaling the awesome speed of the cheetah, nature’s fastest land animal.

 Hummingbirds are incredibly tiny, actually the smallest bird in the world, but the strenuous flapping of their wings expends enormous amounts of energy.  They have a very high metabolism and they feed almost constantly on insects and nectar, ingesting twice their body weight every day.

 But we still don’t know HOW they do what they do!

 In that respect, hummingbirds remind me of BELIEVERS.  So many people just don’t ‘get us’ – do they?  Exactly how did we survive our last earthshaking crisis?  They just don’t get us!  How do we maintain genuine and peaceful smiles during moments of extreme pain, pressure, or personal loss?  By now they thought we would have given in, given out, or given up – but we didn’t, did we?  And by the grace of God, come what may, we are still standing…yet flying.

 So all I have to say is this: FLY, SPIRITUAL HUMMINGBIRD, FLY!  Quite possibly they mistakenly judged you by your perceived size; they wagered on what you could or would not do; they even cynically numbered the days of your career, your marriage, your ministry, or your life.  They said you would never be able to get off the ground.  You would become a serial failure.  You would not survive.  That's what THEY said.  But look at you!  Since you have ingested and internalized THE WORD, you are definitely flying - in spite of your origins, your obstacles, or the opinions of others.

 Onlookers are astounded because they just don’t know what you know; they just haven’t received the revelation knowledge that you are so richly blessed with and empowered by.  As one spiritual hummingbird by the name of Paul observed so eloquently: “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” (Philippians 4:13)

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

BLUEPRINT FOR LIVING

BLUEPRINT FOR LIVING

 Let’s not make life overly complicated.  The scriptural admonitions of Solomon and Joshua offer concise summaries of our real responsibilities and rewards.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: FEAR GOD, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: for this is THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN.

Joshua 1:8

THIS BOOK OF THE LAW shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may OBSERVE TO DO according to all that is written in it. For then YOU WILL MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS, and then YOU WILL HAVE GOOD SUCCESS.

 Don’t overthink; just do it.  The Master Architect will skillfully assist you with a detailed blueprint that will support order and secure completion in your ‘messy’ construction zone.  Find it in THE BOOK. (Philippians 1:6)

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

IN THE BEGINNING...GOD

IN THE BEGINNING…GOD

 My friend, don’t you dare begin or end today without GOD!  After all is said and done, HE alone is our creator and sustainer.  HE alone is “the author and finisher of our faith,” which means that HE alone is our savior, source, shepherd, deliverer, guide, confidante, comforter, encourager, healer, intercessor, burden-bearer, friend and supplier of all that we truly need. (Hebrews 12:2)

 The Holy Writ begins with the foundational principle that informs and inspires our faith: “In the beginning GOD…” (Genesis 1:1) For the next few moments, think deeply about that.

 Why not make GOD part-and-parcel of all your circumstances and concerns in 2021, whether engaging family matters, health issues, business decisions, financial considerations, relationship challenges, or whatever other issues might intersect or impact life?

 My best advice for this day (or any other) is simply this: WHATEVER IT IS…TRUST GOD WITH IT!

 “Trust in THE LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)

As we learn to fully invest our trust and confidence in HIM – in His unfailing Word, in His eternal covenant and in our intimate relationship with HIM as believers – we will walk in absolute assurance and victory.

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