LOOK A LITTLE DEEPER

LOOK A LITTLE DEEPER

 It is of paramount importance that we learn to look beneath the surface, far beyond mere exteriors.  Often, priceless treasures are hidden within what (at first glance) seems to be sure and certain failure.

A man was exploring caves by the seashore.  In one of the caves, he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls.  It seemed that someone had rolled those clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.

They really didn’t look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he carried the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he threw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as possible.

He thought little about it, until he accidentally dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Overwhelmed with excitement, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls.  Each contained a similar treasure.  He found thousands of dollars of rare jewels in the 20 or so clay balls that remained.

Then it struck him.  He had been walking on the beach for a long time.  He had thrown approximately 50 or 60 clay balls, with their hidden treasures, into the ocean waves.  Instead of tens of thousands of dollars of value, he could have possessed hundreds of thousands, but he had simply thrown those muddy balls away!

It’s like that with people.  Sometimes we look at people, maybe even ourselves, and we only see the external vessels of clay.  Indeed, they might not look like much from the outside.  They may not appear to be gorgeous, or bright, or sparkling in personality, so we could be tempted to discount or discard them.  It is possible to see such a person as less important than those who are more accomplished, stylish, famous, or wealthy.  But we just have not taken time or effort to discover the true treasure that is hidden inside.

Unquestionably, there is rare treasure seeded within each and every one of us.  If we explore the opportunity to really get to know a person, and if we ask GOD to show us that individual in the way that HE sees them, then the exterior clay begins to dissolve and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a veritable fortune in friendships because priceless gems were hidden inside unsightly bits of clay.  May we prayerfully petition Heaven to SEE others as GOD sees.

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

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part V)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part V)

 When twelve disciples were dispatched by Jesus from one shoreline to another, Peter had no way of knowing that before night’s end he would literally go where no man had gone before.  As twelve ‘boat-boys’ huddled haplessly in desperate fear, deadly winds, deep waters and devastating waves dashed against their vessel and threatened to sink and destroy.  Peter had no clue that in mere moments HE WOULD BE WALKING OUTSIDE THE BOAT…first confronting, then conquering crazy circumstances, literally striding along on top of terrifying waves!  Isn’t it just like GOD to transform our times of anxiety and anguish into opportunities to demonstrate that HIS POWER IS ON DISPLAY IN US?  What an awesome God!  I say it quite often: God is always up to something behind the scenes! 

 Let’s revisit a pertinent portion of the scriptural passage which is the foundation for this devotional series: “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a spirit,’ and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spoke to them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.  And he said, Come.  And when Peter came down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, why did you doubt?  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” (Matthew 14:25-32)

Some are prone to criticize Peter for failure to sustain that miraculous water-walk.  My response to his critics is simply this: ‘Who among us can testify personally to having walked on water, like Peter?’  To be candid, most of us (myself included) would never have requested to exit that boat in the first place – especially in light of the horrifying sea experiences those disciples had been navigating, all in complete darkness!  A careful reading of this passage informs us that the storm was not abated until AFTER Jesus and Peter entered the boat together.  Think about it.  Peter had such great faith that he volunteered to head out INTO THE STORM, just to be in close proximity with JESUS!  Wow!  Skeptics suggest that Peter was only able to do this because JESUS WAS THERE.  My response to every shore-hugging-skeptic comes in the form of two key questions: (1) When you and I are HESITANT or REFUSE to launch out into the deep and fulfill our purpose and destiny, ISN’T GOD ALWAYS THERE?  (2) And any time we garner sufficient faith to move ahead and launch out (despite momentary setbacks), ISN’T GOD ALWAYS THERE?  We call Him JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH because “THE LORD IS [ALWAYS] THERE!” (Ezekiel 48:35)

 Nevertheless, all of us would have gazed LONG AND HARD at the water BEFORE we got out of that boat, and most of us would have logically refused to disembark.  In other words, we have the tendency to become psychologically and spiritually frozen – trapped in the paralysis of analysis – STUCK IN PLACE for days or decades.  Might I make a suggestion to ALL, myself included?  What we really need is A NEW ATTITUDE! Please don’t judge me for highlighting a secular song, but years ago I listened to Patti LaBelle singing about “A New Attitude.”  The lyrics went something like this: “I’m feeling good from my head to my shoes.  I know where I’m going, and I know what to do.  I’ve tidied up my point of view.  I’ve got a new attitude!”  Finishing with her uniquely stylish flair, Pattie crooned “OO-OO-OO-OO…I’VE GOT A NEW ATTITUDE!”

 Sisters and brothers, I dare US to STEP OUT OF OUR BOAT at the command of OUR LORD!  If we should somehow falter along the way, JEHOVAH SHAMMAH IS THERE for a rapid rescue; we only need to CALL HIS NAME!  The Word reveals that when Jesus and Peter finally came into the boat, THE WIND CEASED.  I dare US to invite JESUS on-board our vessel.  Prevailing conditions will instantaneously change!  In the realization of His demonstrated power over their storm, twelve disciples gathered around to worship the Son of the Living God.  And with JESUS on board, they sailed forward with strength, security, sensibility, stability and success!  

 This scripture passage ends with a simple status report: “And when they were gone over, they came unto the land of GENNESARET.”  The name, “Gennesaret,” literally means “a garden of riches.”  Jesus knew the character and content of the place He had dispatched them to, but He also knew that their faith would be enhanced by encountering difficult challenges along the way.  GENNESARET was simply a divine appointment awaiting fulfillment.  Indeed, WHEREVER GOD GUIDES, GOD PROVIDES.  Therefore, if JESUS ever sends you anywhere…JUST GO…because HE HAS GREAT EXPECTATIONS THERE for your service and success.  “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)  My friend, that is precisely how you are fully equipped to handle any frustrating circumstances!

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

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part IV)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part IV)

 Since Spirit-filled believers are endowed by OUR SOURCE with deeper understanding of situational times and seasons, we never need worry or stress about OUR RESOURCES.  OUR TIMES AND SEASONS are faithfully committed to (and controlled by) the LOVING AND SUSTAINING HANDS OF GOD.  So even while life-circumstances might ‘appear’ to be dead or dying, the all-wise God has preordained ultimate victory and success.  According to Jude, HE is “the only wise God” and HE is to be accorded “glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.” (Jude 1:25) ONLY GOD knows the end from the beginning, and for that reason alone, we confidently commit TOTAL TRUST IN HIM.  

 Kingdom Principle Number Six: APPEARANCES NOTWITHSTANDING, THE ALL-WISE GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL!  Daniel gave an insightful praise report on the wisdom and power of God.  “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and HE CHANGES THE TIMES AND THE SEASONS: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: HE REVEALS THE DEEP AND SECRET THINGS: He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22)

 This scripture passage suggests that any believer who operates out of reverential fear of God becomes a blessed benefactor of SECRET KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM.  The Psalmist David penned two closely related revelations concerning this.  First, he wrote “The FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of WISDOM.” (Psalm 111:10) And then, David revealed the direct result of such a reverential fear: “The SECRET OF THE LORD is with them that FEAR HIM; and HE WILL SHOW THEM HIS COVENANT.” (Psalm 25:14) As believers, we have a covenant relationship with God.  Never forget: GOD IS A PROMISE KEEPER!  Every day, we walk hand-in-hand with THE ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE (who has already ordered and walked out our steps), so why should we worry?  Think about it.

 This brings to mind our granddaughter, Sydney, who at the approximate age of five was fully capable of navigating stairs alone, but whenever Sydney was near me, she would always reach for my hand.  It was her way of feeling safe and secure – since she apparently believed that her ‘Pop-Pop’ would never let her fall.  Isn’t this an instructive lesson for we believers who should invest total trust and confidence in the hands of ‘ABBA-FATHER’ to guide our way through any and all challenging circumstances?  If we would only stop to reflect on the power of God, we would realize that when anxiety surfaces, we embrace it for no good reason at all.  The seemingly major issues we encounter are minor matters to the Creator of Heaven and earth!  Too often, we doubt whether God will bring all His promises to pass.  Our human perspective: The clock seems so fast, and our progress seems so slow.  One insight from yesterday’s devotional bears repeating: “Stop fuming, fretting and fussing about what TIME it is because GOD KNOWS YOUR SEASON!”

 That is why the twelve disciples should never have surrendered to doubt and fear.  The ‘place’ they occupied and the ‘problem’ they experienced were directly connected to the ‘command’ of Christ – and therefore subject to the intervention and power of The Living Lord.  When TROUBLE showed up – JESUS showed up!  

 Kingdom Principle Number Seven: GOD IS OUR PRESENT HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. (Psalm 46:1) Let’s look briefly at our scripture text again.  “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night JESUS went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, BE OF GOOD CHEER; IT IS I; BE NOT AFRAID.” (Matthew 14:24-27)

 Kingdom Principle Number Eight: WHEN GOD SHOWS UP, DON’T DOUBT HIM.  Our Lord really knows how to make a grand entrance, doesn’t He?  Jesus is not only a WATER-WALKER; JESUS IS A WAVE-WALKER!  Be assured that there are NO tempestuous waves…NO life-circumstances…that are too hard or too heavy for Christ to conquer.  Take a mental snapshot of the disciples’ stormy night at sea.  The drama and noise of that night were literally off-the-chain!  Howling winds…tempestuous waves…fearful disciples crying out…loud and noisy beyond belief.  But the Lord of Heaven and earth strolled by (atop the wave-caps) and whispered a Word of now-faith to those fearful boys in the boat: “BE OF GOOD CHEER…IT IS I…BE NOT AFRAID.”  

 Sisters and brothers, I have noticed something similar in my own life.  Whenever my ‘boat’ tacks perilously close to troubled waters, somehow over the background noise of my personal storm, I tune in to His calming voice whispering soothingly to my spirit: ‘Don’t worry…don’t be afraid.’  In the words of one gospel hymnist, whenever JESUS SPEAKS, “the sound of HIS VOICE is so sweet that the birds hush their singing!”   In tempestuous times like these…He still walks with me…and He talks with me…and He tells me I am His own!  David said it even better: “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” (Psalm 56:3)  Amen!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part III)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part III)

 Wisdom dictates that, along this voyage called life, we ANTICIPATE AND PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED.  In other words, LIFE HAPPENS.  Regardless of how seaworthy or stable your ‘vessel’ might be, sooner or later challenging life-circumstances will appear on the horizon to rock your boat!  Sailors call them ROGUE WAVES.  They roll through at any moment, even in the calmest of seas; and their intensity and magnitude potentially disturbs and damages the best-of-the-best ships in any fleet.

 However, never worry about rogue waves.  Since they are completely out of your control, you might as well relax and enjoy the ride.  Right?  Some choose to pass their days in a mindset riddled with paralyzing fear, high anxiety, or quiet desperation.  True believers choose balanced living, replete with peace and tranquility. The prophet Isaiah clearly understood God’s unquestionable sovereignty and unending care for His children. He wrote: “YOU will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusts in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

 Kingdom Principle Number Three: GOD IS OUR SOURCE!  In financially troubled times, we are tempted to stress over OUR RESOURCES, instead of focusing all attention on THE SOURCE.  Never forget: “The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1) This means that despite any losses of careers, cars, homes, or even ‘homies’, Christ’s disciples recognize and remember that all of these are mere RESOURCES.  If we don’t lose THE SOURCE, we will find shelter and security during the most vehement storms.  Unquestionably, “the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

 It bears repetition: STOP WORRYING ABOUT RESOURCES!  Do you know who you are?  YOU are the “blessed man” (a spiritual truth that is gender-neutral) that is described in Psalm 1.  Since you consistently delight and meditate in the law of the Lord, your Creator declares this about you: “And he (females included) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3) Allow me to share a powerful revelation with you – an encouraging truth that the Lord deposited in me years ago.  Listen with your spirit.  Most of the things you have LOST are not FRUIT; they are mere LEAVES.  And leaves were actually created to serve a TEMPORARY FUNCTION – and then those leaves will inevitably FALL OFF!

 Kingdom Principle Number Four: LEAVES WILL LEAVE!  You need to declare this liberating Rhema aloud.  Say it: “LEAVES WILL LEAVE!”  But Jesus said, “I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, and ORDAINED YOU, that ye should go and BRING FORTH FRUIT, and that YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN.” (John 15:16) As long as we are “ROOTED and GROUNDED in LOVE” [GOD IS LOVE states Ephesians 3:17], we will never again worry about LOST LEAVES.  As long as we abide in HIM, Christ declares that we will bring forth “MUCH FRUIT!” (John 12:24) Always remember: TREES ONLY ‘LOOK’ DEAD during winter.  And typically, fruit does not fully manifest during winter.  God says a blessed man will “bring forth his fruit IN HIS SEASON.” (Psalm 1:3) So stop fuming, fretting and fussing about WHAT TIME IT IS…GOD KNOWS YOUR SEASON…AND YOU WILL PRODUCE!

 Understand this: Your winter season is analogous to the disciples’ ship sailing far away from shore.  What is the spiritual message in this?  God is simply saying, ‘Your ship has not YET come in’…but it WILL…if you learn how to WAIT (proactive waiting), with faith, fortitude, courage and consistency!’  The winter season of your natural or spiritual life is quite similar to the foreboding circumstances in which Christ’s twelve disciples found themselves.  They were FAR OUT “in the midst of the sea” (Matthew 14:24), and their remote location precluded help or hope as stormy conditions circumscribed their ship.  They felt alone, victimized by contrary winds and tossing waves.  Nevertheless, JESUS was close by.  Indeed, HE is “a very present help in trouble, therefore WE WILL NOT FEAR.” (Psalm 46:1-2)

 Kingdom Principle Number Five: YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM…YOU ARE A VICTOR!  Due to very dangerous and troubled waters, those disciples DEFINITELY FELT SEASICK AND HEARTSICK – partly because those events occurred during “the fourth watch of the night” while they were shrouded in pitch-black darkness.  The disciples could SEE NOTHING!  Light was absolutely unavailable; the sun had long since set; the moon and stars were hiding in the obscurity of ominous clouds.  Their sails had been trimmed, and they were rocking, rolling and reeling in the middle of a tumultuous sea, totally at the mercy of terrifying winds and horrific waves.

 HOWEVER…in their hour of deepest despair, along came JESUS CHRIST…the Author and Finisher of their fleeting, fading and failing faith!  Along came JESUS CHRIST, walking calmly over raging seas, through howling tempests!  Along came JESUS CHRIST on His life-or-death rescue mission, because (from a distance) He had heard the hapless cries of His children.  My friend, do not succumb to anxiety or fear.  JESUS CHRIST HAS ALREADY HEARD YOUR CRY, AND HELP IS ON THE WAY!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part II)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part II)

 Your faith-walk involves PROCESS, which does not always produce instantaneous results.  That’s why Jesus Christ declares “in your PATIENCE possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19) Patience may be defined as the elapsed time between our earthly cry and the heavenly response.  Although Jesus hastily lifted ‘Water-Walking-Peter’ from trouble-filled seas, perhaps (to that desperate sinker) it felt more like an eternity as he existed in a terrifying whirlpool of anguish and anxiety.  Nevertheless, despite our human emotional responses, GOD always shows up on time to transform tragedy into triumph.  That’s why we always wait expectantly on Him.  David wrote, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)

 When Jesus issued His directive, ‘Get in the ship and go on to the other side,’ the disciples never hesitated. Because hesitation is the equivalent of doubt.  They did not delay because numerous prior experiences produced a knowledgeable confidence that it was reasonable and right to invest TOTAL TRUST IN THE MASTER.  What they might not have known is that divine directives frequently require considerable RISK and SACRIFICE.  Nevertheless, our God comforts us in testing times: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when you walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)  

 After our initial call and its subsequent and inevitable challenges, it is tempting to question whether we were ACTUALLY summoned and sent by God, especially when we stand face-to-face with tenacious trouble.  One’s thoughts go something like this: ‘Lord, did you REALLY say I should get into that ship and go to the other side?  Was that YOU, or was that merely my imagination working overtime?’  But since the Holy Spirit is a Comforter, He always breathes soothing and stabilizing Words-of-life into the believer’s spirit.  So, subsequent to Peter’s trial-by-water, he penned this inspirational insight: “But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” (I Peter 5:10) My friends, YOU WILL make it through the storm; your perspective will change; your faith will be strengthened.  The mere fact that you may experience danger or detours along your journey does not invalidate or nullify the original plan and purpose of God.

 FAITH in God’s eternal Word ultimately produces FULFILLMENT within the context of time.  But here’s the rub: We do not know the precise ‘WHEN’ of God’s timing; which is to say that our CHRONOS is never precisely aligned with God’s KAIROS.  Stated more simply and in the vernacular: ‘GOD’S TIMING AIN’T OURS!’  In our foundational scripture (Matthew 14:22-34), there is what I call a ‘frustration gap’ between verse 22 and verse 34.  Jesus says “GO” in verse 22, and the disciples finally “LAND” in verse 34.  Undoubtedly, it’s the IN-BETWEEN-STUFF that is the true test of our faith.  I smile at myself whenever I testify confidently and triumphantly (AFTER THE FACT) with the 20/20 vision of hindsight.  But the truth is that there are times WHILE I’m passing through troubled waters when I’m not sensing ultimate victory.

 There are several Kingdom principles in this scriptural passage that should be highlighted.  

 Kingdom Principle Number One: WHEN JESUS ISSUED THE COMMAND TO CROSS OVER, HE WENT UP ONTO THE MOUNTAIN TO PRAY.  Surely, this was a TARGETED PRAYER, with the express purpose of undergirding the disciples for whatever challenges they would confront while obeying Christ’s command.  I love the fact that JESUS CHRIST serves as our INTERCESSORY HIGH PRIEST!  Hebrews 4:14-15 informs and inspires us: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  I Timothy 2:5 confirms this fact: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  His High Priestly function positions Him as our eternal and effective advocate, so why should we worry?  Think about it.  Jesus strongly advises against anxiety of any stripe, since Our Father is the ultimate Supplier of ALL we will ever need. (Matthew 6:25-32 and Philippians 4:19) My friend, never forget, G--O--D HAS YOUR BACK!

 Kingdom Principle Number Two: WHEN WE DECIDE TO LAUNCH-OUT-INTO-THE-DEEP, OUR OBEDIENCE IS A MOMENT-OF-DIVINE-MANIFESTATION, ALBEIT VIA BUFFETING WAVES AND CONTRARY WINDS.  One of my friends is an experienced sailor, and he tells me that every proficient sailor lives in expectation of robust and hearty winds.  Indeed, smooth and polished seas are a death-knell to sailing forward with power.  Therefore, contrary winds do not come to break you; they show up for the express purpose of MAKING YOU, i.e. to MOBILIZe YOU for GROWTH and ADVANCEMENT!  It is God who reconfigures tempestuous winds, divinely transforming them into GUSTS OF DUNAMIS (vigorous spiritual power) to move you forward with passion and purpose.  So, stop cursing prevailing winds, and start blessing them with fervent prayer and faith-filled praise. (James 5:16) These are the unseen and unexpected vehicles that carry you THROUGH your tests and INTO your destiny.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part I)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part I)

 The Gospel of Matthew (chapter 14) records a fascinating adventure story, one that begins with Jesus issuing a clear command to his disciples: ‘GO ON AHEAD…TO THE OTHER SIDE.’  I really love reading, but I confess that I never peruse the final pages of a novel ahead of time since I thoroughly enjoy navigating through the excitement and tension of the characters’ tests and triumphs.  In this case, however, I will deviate from custom and reveal the conclusion of the disciples’ journey: “WHEN THEY HAD CROSSED OVER…THEY LANDED AT GENNESARET.” (Matthew 14:22-34) Their ultimate arrival at Gennesaret was never about the ultimate CONCLUSION OF THEIR JOURNEY; it was all about the dedicated PURSUIT OF CHRIST’S COMMAND.  

 WHEREVER GOD GUIDES…HE PROVIDES!

 Here’s the thing.  In order to arrive at their final DESTIN-ATION, i.e. their place of divine destiny, the twelve disciples had to traverse through tumultuous trouble.  It occurs to me that the typical attitude of contemporary Christians is reflective of what I call a ‘MICROWAVE MENTALITY.’  That is, we customarily seek (and require) instantaneous solutions to perennial problems.  Indeed, we insist that GOD WORK OUT in ‘five minutes’ any situations we have developed over the course of five years.  Please hear this with your spirit: OUR FAITH-WALK INVOLVES PROCESS!  It’s not that God is incapable of RIGHT-NOW-MIRACLES.  After all, “He is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”  However, the latter part of that scripture verse is key to our understanding of the ways and works of God.  In the final analysis, GOD operates within the earth realm “according to the power that works IN US.” (Ephesians 3:20)

 This scripture could be interpreted in a couple ways.  It could mean that God works through Holy Spirit power that is divinely bestowed and resident within believers.  II Corinthians 4:7 says, “We have this treasure in EARTHEN VESSELS that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”  Also, it could mean that although our God is fully capable, He is fundamentally limited (by the practical application of OUR FAITH) in His capacity to manifest and fulfill His Word.  Consider this.  Even after Jesus had publicly presented his profound Parables of The Kingdom (Matthew chapter 13), he was rejected by those who knew him well during his formative years.  That is, when he went into the synagogue to teach “in his own country,” those who knew him the longest were “offended” because someone they ONLY ‘SAW’ as a fellow resident of Nazareth (a ‘homeboy’ if you will), would have the audacity to try to teach them anything!  The result?  Jesus “did not [do] many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:54-58) In truth, THE OMNIPOTENT GOD IS RENDERED RATHER POWERLESS TO IMPACT OUR LIFE-SITUATIONS when we allow doubt and fear to dominate.  Thereby, we place our God inside a ‘limiting box.’

 Please tune in with your spirit.  Whenever Jesus commands His disciples to ‘GO’ anywhere, there is a 100% probability that TURBULENT WEATHER will show up at some point along the journey.  In your own faith-walk, whenever you move in the direction of the eternal, i.e. whenever you finally make up your mind to settle and follow God’s will and way, you can count on the manifestation of trouble.  An unfortunate myth is frequently perpetrated on new believers.  It suggests that decisions for Christ somehow culminate in flowery beds of ease.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  

 Here is the real deal, according to the Word of God: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but WE GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS also: knowing that TRIBULATION WORKS PATIENCE; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.  And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

 Thus, personal TRIBULATION is merely one component of DIVINE PROCESS.  Dictionary.com defines “tribulation” as “grievous trouble; severe trial or testing; affliction; hardship; distress; adversity.” Nevertheless, every pain, pressure, or problem is PREGNANT WITH PURPOSE.  Some years ago, God revealed something vitally important while I was throwing a private pity party in the guise of personal prayer.  Heaven’s Rhema for me?  “Stop asking WHY!  Start asking HOW!”  In other words, we don’t need to know WHY we are in the middle of challenging conditions; all we really need is the HOLY SPIRIT REVELATION as to HOW we are going to emerge on the other side!  Think about it and stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

THE CRACKED POT

THE CRACKED POT

 If you think you have no value because of personal imperfections, prayerfully consider this:

 There were two pots that served one woman’s need to provide water for her family.  One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.  So at the end of the daily return walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.  For two years this went on, with the woman bringing home only one-and-a-half pots of water.  Of course, the perfect pot was quite proud of its accomplishments.  But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfections, and quite miserable that it could only accomplish half of what it had been designed to do.

 After two years of what its perceived abject failure, the imperfect pot spoke to its master by the stream.  “I am really ashamed of myself,” that pot admitted sadly, “because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your home.”  The old woman simply smiled, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?  That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.  For two years I have been able to gather the beautiful flowers you watered to decorate our dinner table.  Without you being just as you are, we would not have that wonderful beauty to grace our home.”

 Indeed, every one of us has unique flaws.  Perhaps it’s the cracks and flaws we have that make our lives together so interesting and rewarding.  Lesson learned: Look for the good in every person.  To all of my ‘crackpot friends,’ please remember to discover and appreciate the flowers on your side of the path.

 Should you require biblical confirmation for the foregoing parable, tune in to Paul:

 II Corinthians 12:7-10

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 While I’m not promoting shortcomings or sins, it is absolutely uncanny and awesome how God transforms our weaknesses to enhance His Kingdom and extend His glory.  I am gratified that God chooses “the foolish things of the world to confound the wise…and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (I Corinthians 1:27)  Perhaps, that is why God is able to use someone fallible as ME; and possibly, that is why He can utilize someone who is exactly like YOU.

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

THE TROUBLE TREE

THE TROUBLE TREE

 Paresh, an Indian carpenter, was hired to restore an antique farmhouse.  He had just finished a very trying and difficult first day on the new project.  A flat tire on his truck caused him to be an hour late for work; his electric saw broke down during a critically important task; and his ancient pickup truck refused to start at the end of the workday.  During the drive home (courtesy of a co-worker), Paresh said not one word.  He just sat, shrouded in a pensive cloud of silence.

 Upon arriving home, Paresh invited the co-worker to meet his family, as was the custom of his people.  But as they walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.  When opening the door to his home, Paresh had undergone an amazing transformation.  His tanned face was wreathed in smiles as he warmly hugged his two children and gave his wife a gentle kiss.

 After a cup of tea, Paresh walked his co-worker to the car.  They passed the tree where Paresh had stopped earlier, and his co-worker’s curiosity got the best of him.  He asked why he had paused there before.

 “Oh, that's my trouble tree,” Paresh responded quickly.  “I know I can’t help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don’t belong in our house with my wife and children.  So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home.  Then in the morning I pick them up again.  Funny thing is,” Paresh smiled winningly, “when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren’t nearly as many as I remember hanging the night before.”

 Think about it.  Sometimes, all it takes is one night’s rest to gain fresh perspective.  For your information, I too have a “Trouble Tree.”  It’s called PRAYER.

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

STOP WATERING WEEDS

STOP WATERING WEEDS

 Today’s devotional is based on a Facebook posting by my daughter, Kimberly Bass-Seaton.  Upon reading it, I was immediately illuminated with the insight that too much of our time and energy is expended interacting with people, things and situations that do not at all edify.  Instead of nurturing the ‘flowers’ that have been divinely planted in our lives, our attention is somehow drawn (irrationally) to those persistent and powerful ‘weeds’ that seek to choke and paralyze our progress.

 Interestingly enough, there are at least 172 varieties of weeds that constitute ongoing challenges for American farmers and crops.  There are numerous weed identifiers, the descriptive characteristics of troublesome weeds.  Farmers rely on such information to maximize harvests.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had strategic weed identifiers (in life) to alert us to the presence of human weeds and their decidedly negative agendas?  In fact, we do.  Personal prayer, Word study and ears attentively tuned in to the Holy Spirit are awesome and accurate weed identifiers, designed to safeguard our lives and our future.  We must use them!

 Kingdom Principle Number One: Try to see people and life through the lens of love. (I Corinthians 13:1-7)  This proactive, positive approach yields inner peace and sanity.  Also, it diminishes hypersensitivity, i.e. our tendency to feel degraded or offended by the attitudes and actions of others.

 Kingdom Principle Number Two: Avoid fellowship with people who do not honor you or celebrate your success.  Haters are malicious weeds.  When allowed emotional access, they drain optimism and energy.  Never share your precious life-oxygen with weeds.

 Kingdom Principle Number Three: Don’t try to contest or disprove negative opinions.  It is a supreme waste of time and a misappropriation of effort.  Those who are true friends need no explanations; those who are not will likely never be convinced by whatever you say.

 Kingdom Principle Number Four: Eat the fish and throw away the bones.  While at times it seems impossible, you can survive and even thrive in work environments that are loaded with outright enemies or frenemies (friendly enemies).  However, feelings of offense or pride could motivate us to disregard or discard their contributions, even those that might benefit us.  Please don’t drink the Kool-Aid of Pride!  Allow yourself to be blessed by your enemies however GOD allows it to be so.  Eat the fish and throw away the bones!

 Kingdom Principle Number Five: Jesus Christ is our supreme arbiter and final judge.  He instructs His Church to let the “wheat and tares” (false wheat or weeds) “grow together until the harvest.” (Matthew 13:30) Remember that the foregoing admonition of Christ is primarily intended for the corporate church, not for individual believers.  In our personal lives, we must be extremely careful to establish clear boundaries between ourselves and that which could potentially derail us and our Kingdom assignment.  Decide today to stop watering and cultivating any weed that creeps into your garden.  The Creator has seeded a multiplicity of flowers in and around your life, infinite varieties with indescribable beauty.  Focus on the Flowers; pay attention to them; nurture and water them; and, be highly favored and bountifully blessed by them.

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

THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION

THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION

It’s Wednesday night and you are at church when someone runs in from the parking lot yelling, “Turn on a radio, turn on a radio!”  And while the church listens to a tiny radio with a microphone stuck up to it, the announcement is made: “Two women are lying in a Long Island hospital dying from a mystery flu.” Within days an epidemic sweeps through the country.  People are working around the clock trying to find an antidote. Nothing is working – from California to Arizona to Florida to Massachusetts.  The mass population is quickly infected.

 And then, all of a sudden, the news comes out.  The code has been broken.  A cure has been found.  A vaccine can be made but, it’s going to take the blood of somebody who has not yet been infected.  And so, through every channel of emergency broadcasting, people are asked to do one simple thing: “Go to the nearest hospital so we can get a sample of your blood.”

 Sure enough, when you and your family arrive, there is a long line.  Nurses and doctors are pricking fingers, taking blood and putting labels on vials.  When they take your blood they say, “Wait here in the parking lot and we’ll let you know when you are dismissed to go home.”  You stand around, scared, wondering if this is really the end of the world.

 Suddenly a young man comes running out of the hospital yelling to the top of his lungs.  He’s shouting a name and waving a clipboard.  What?  He yells it again!  And your son tugs on your jacket and says, “Daddy, that’s me!”  Before you know it, they have grabbed up your boy.  Wait a minute!  Hold on!  And they say, “It’s okay, his blood seems clean and pure, but we want to make sure he doesn’t have the disease.  We think he is just the right type.” Five tense minutes later, doctors and nurses emerge, crying and hugging one another, some are even laughing.  It’s the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and a doctor walks up to you and says, “Thank you, sir. Your son’s blood is just what we need.  It’s clean, it’s pure, and we can make a vaccine and save our world.”

 As this tremendous news spreads across the globe, people are screaming and praying and laughing and crying.  Then a gray-haired doctor pulls you and your wife aside and asks, “May we see you for moment?  We didn’t realize that the donor would be a minor and we need you to sign a consent form.”  You start to sign, but then you notice that the number of pints of blood needed has been left blank.  

 “How many pints?” you ask.  And that is when the doctor's smile fades and he says, “We had no idea it would be a little child.  I'm sorry sir, we need it all!”

 “But, but…that’s my son!”

 “We are talking about saving the whole world, sir.  Please sign.  We need it all!”

 “But can't you give him a transfusion?”

 “If we had clean blood we would.  Could you sign?  Would you please sign?”

 In numb silence and tears, you sign the document.

 Then they say, “Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?”  Could you walk back to that hospital room where your child anxiously waits, sitting on a gurney?  “Daddy?  Mommy?  What's going on?”  Could you take his hands and say, “Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never let anything happen to you that did not have to be.  Do you understand that?”  The doctor comes back in and says, “I’m sorry, we’ve GOT to get started.  People all over the world are dying!” Could you abandon your son to save everyone else?  Could you walk out while he’s crying out: “Mommy?  Daddy?  Why?  Why have you forsaken me?” 

 For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) 

 What a great, good, gracious, merciful, marvelous and loving God we serve!

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

SOUL-THIRST

SOUL-THIRST

Perhaps the most familiar of Christ’s teachings were presented during the Sermon on the Mount, which contain The Beatitudes.  One especially significant saying describes the blessings that are part and parcel of a heart that is dedicated to a perpetual search for the things of God.  “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) 

 Kingdom Principle Number One: In order to nurture and sustain our Christ-Connection, we must develop a persistent thirst for His presence.  Many seek for His power; relatively few long for His presence.  David seems to be the biblical poster child for this mission-critical soul-thirst.  Despite personal issues and recurring challenges, he yearned for the intimate and life-changing presence of the Lord.  David’s prayer: “As the hart (the deer) pants after the water brook, so pants my soul after You, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)  David’s statement of desire for the things of God should be understood in light of the fact that the human soul is comprised of five distinct functions: mind, will, intellect, imagination and emotions.  In other words, every aspect of David’s soul was fully engaged in establishing spiritual union and authentic fellowship with God.

 Kingdom Principle Number Two: God summons believers to daily fellowship; the quality and quantity of our response is on us.  David prayed to God: “When You said, seek my face; my heart said unto You: Your face, Lord, will I seek.” (Psalm 27:8)  We have the same spiritual choice, and the potential benefits are enormous.  For in God’s presence, we find “forgiveness” (II Chronicles 7:14), “strength” (I Chronicles 16:11), “water” and “seed” (Isaiah 44:3), “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11) and “all things” (Matthew 6:33).

 Kingdom Principle Number Three: When dry places occasionally appear during our walk with God, our thirst for Him is potentially purified, intensified and actualized.  To wit, in David’s desert-place of tragedy and testing, he cried out with soul-force (spiritual passion) to the Father: “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You: my soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Your power and Your glory, so as I have seen You in the sanctuary.  Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.” (Psalm 63:1-3)  Implicit in David’s words are key truths: 1) He did not always sense (feel) the manifest presence of God; 2) He had constant awareness of his absolute dependence upon God; 3) He acknowledged the sanctuary (the house and people of God) as necessary conduits to the power and glory of God, and 4) He resolved to praise God (despite sensory perceptions and feelings), based solely upon a scripturally sound and enduring faith.

 Kingdom Principle Number Four: That which we have soul-thirst for is that which we will consistently seek.  Point to Ponder: ‘What are you thirsty for these days?’  Pause one moment to reflect and think deeply.  Have you fallen head-over-heels for the affirmation of family and friends (or) for possible fortune and fame (or) for the acquisition of power and privilege (or) for a tawdry and temporary romantic relationship (or) for any other fleeting form of pleasure (or) for ________?  [Fill-in-the-blank with the ‘flavor’ you savor most].  

 I firmly believe that we are living in what the Bible classifies as “The Last Days.”  Christ will return soon to gather His people and judge this world.  In light of that, let’s resolve to SEEK HIM…as never before. (Deuteronomy 4:29 and II Peter 3:10-12)

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

WHAT DID YOU DO ALL DAY?

WHAT DID YOU DO ALL DAY?

 This story is dedicated to the vast multitudes of women who work incredibly hard –  inside and outside the home – those whom we men (all too often) fail to consistently value and appreciate.

 John came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and candy wrappers strewn all around the front garden.

 The door of his wife Valerie’s car was open, as was the front door to the house, and there was no sign of the dog.  Proceeding into the hall, John found an even bigger mess.  A lamp had been knocked over, and the rug was piled up against one wall.  In the family room, the television was loudly blaring The Cartoon Channel although no one was watching, and the room was loaded with toys and various items of clothing.

 Dishes filled the sink in the kitchen, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the refrigerator door was open wide, dog food was strewn on the floor, broken glass lay under the table and a small pile of sand was blocking the back door.

 John quickly raced upstairs, navigating through more toys and clothes, desperately searching for his wife.  He was worried that she might be ill, collapsed on the floor, or that some other serious thing had occurred.

 This worried husband was met by a tiny trickle of water winding its way out of the bathroom door.  As he peered inside, he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn out over the floor.  Rolls of toilet paper lay in wet heaps and blue toothpaste was smeared all over the mirror and sink.

 Rushing to the bedroom, he found Valerie curled up comfortably in bed, wearing her pajamas and casually reading a popular novel.  She looked up at him, smiled lazily, and asked how his day had been.

 John gazed down at Valerie, quite bewildered, as he inquired firmly, “What happened here today?”

 Valerie just grinned and responded, “John, you know how you come home from work every day and ask me sarcastically, ‘What in the world did I DO all day long?’”

 “Yes,” was John’s startled and sheepish reply.

 Valerie answered, “Well, today I just didn’t do it!”

Gentlemen, let’s think about it…and remember to show ample amounts of love and appreciation.

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