CHARACTER COUNTS

CHARACTER COUNTS

 Since all know that death is inevitable, we should carefully consider this.  At the end of our days, what is it that you or I would have written as an epitaph on our own grave?  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 you and I might possibly achieve in this life, it is our character that actually counts.  My friends, let us firmly 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!

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 reserved exclusively for the incalculable power of the Holy Spirit.  Our job is to sow seeds.  His job is to bring on the harvest.

These truths call to memory a comic strip entitled “Hagar the Horrible.”  In one epic moment, we find Hagar kneeling 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 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 find ourselves complaining without justification.  In our attempt to come to grips with our personal 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 or fear, 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 taken away from us, for no crime, other than being black!”

In yet another gathering, 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 that 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, one who was born with a major birth defect, a victim of cruel 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 this human imposed sentence of Almighty God is angrily announced, loud murmurs of approval resound throughout the assembled masses.

But suddenly there is total and complete silence.  No one dares to utter another word.  No one moves.  Suddenly, all are profoundly 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 the beloved sons and daughters of the King of Kings!

Small wonder that Governor Pilate logically and emotionally declared, “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 OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

OUR LOVE MANDATE

OUR LOVE MANDATE

As a lifelong learner and a teacher of history, I love to come across inspirational non-fiction stories that represent the very highest 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 while 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 an edict 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 of the Christian faith?  “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, NKJV)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR 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 superficial spiritual-hype.  Unquestionably, 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 miraculously arrive 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 persuasive 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 café owner that the girls came in every morning around 3:30 a.m., Tony planned with him to set up the café for a surprise 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 a moment of 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 had 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 authentic 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 stay in your GOD-GIVEN LANE.  This is no easy task since a large cadre of influential voices – family, friends, foes – 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 (simply living from God’s point of view) likely exposes us to criticism, ridicule, or rejection.

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

Consider the story of 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 are not what really matters.  Indeed, their perspectives will change, according to what becomes culturally fashionable or contemporaneously vogue. 

What differentiates and distinguishes us from the pack is our ability to hold on to OUR BIRTHRIGHTS, i.e. the gifts, creativity, values and wisdom originally imparted by our Creator.  So instead of cloning the methods and achievements of others, ask God to help you to see clearly enough (and wisely enough) to identify those traits and talents that are uniquely you. They constitute the real reason why you are here!

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 when I considered the opinions and assessments of others as 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 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.  He delights in simple submission to the terms of our covenant relationship.  Integrity is the cornerstone of being, itself.

 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 is indeed 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 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 OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

THE CHURCH'S TREASURE

THE CHURCH’S TREASURE

 Before being canonized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Lawrence was a deacon serving in Rome. When a violent wave of persecution broke out, Pope Sixtus and others were killed.  Lawrence knew it was only a matter of time before they would come for him.  As keeper of the church’s goods, he was responsible for giving alms to the poor.  At that point, he started distributing them more generously than ever.

 It wasn’t very long before Lawrence was summoned by government officials who demanded that he surrender the church’s treasure.  He replied that the church was quite rich and requested three days to get everything in order.

 When Roman officials arrived at his church, they expected it to be filled with silver and gold.  Instead, it was packed with the poor, the blind, the lame and the lepers.  “Here are the treasures of the church,” declared Lawrence with spiritual authority.  As you might expect, the officials were furious and Lawrence was summarily executed in the year 258 A.D.

 What a completely courageous and wise man!  Lawrence was absolutely right about the treasures of the church.  As the Body of Christ, we have significance and value that transcends mere economics and social standing.  It goes without saying that the greatest treasure of the church is THE HOLY SPIRIT. (II Corinthians 4:7) Nevertheless, since HE dwells within and grants us the privilege of serving as His ‘hands and feet’ in the earth realm, we, by extension and proximity, are true treasures indeed.

 My friend, who will you lovingly treasure and touch today, on behalf of your Creator?

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

 

WHY THINGS ARE BOUND TO GET BETTER

WHY THINGS ARE BOUND TO GET BETTER

 Believers have a sure and steadfast covenant relationship with God.  As long as WE are faithful to our part of this spiritual contract, THE LORD is legally obligated to honor and perform His Word.

 Here is scriptural evidence for your coming life-improvement:

 YOUR FUTURE IS GUARANTEED TO BE BRIGHTER.

“The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18)

 GOD HONORS AND UPHOLDS HIS WORD.

“Then said the Lord unto me, You have seen well and I am ready to perform My word.” (Jeremiah 1:12)

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

 GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS PRAYER.

“It shall come pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)

 GOD CANNOT LIE OR FAIL.

“In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word…” (Titus 1:2-3)

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

 GOD HAS A PLAN TO RELEASE YOUR BLESSINGS.

“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)

 GOD HAS A TIMETABLE TO RELEASE YOUR BLESSINGS.

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it shall speak, and it will not lie.  Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

 GOD HAS A WAY TO POSITION YOU FOR BLESSINGS.

“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.” (Joshua 1:8)

 Bottom-line: THINGS WILL GET BETTER – SIMPLY BECAUSE GOD SAYS SO! 

 My friend, whose report do you believe – that which was crafted by ‘the father of lies’ or that which is certified by THE ONE who is “the way, the truth and the life?” (John 8:44 – John 14:6)

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

WOOING AND WINNING US

WOOING AND WINNING US

 The Danish theologian, Soren Kierkegaard, penned a simple story that aptly describes the grace of God.

 Once upon a time, there was an extremely rich but unhappy king, unfulfilled because he lived all alone in a gorgeous but empty palace.  How he longed so deeply for a wife with whom he would share his life.

 One day the king spied the most striking beauty ever walking through the streets of the city.  Royal enquiries revealed the fact that she was merely a peasant girl, but the king’s heart had been completely captivated.  He made up his mind to ride past her house every day, hoping to catch just a glimpse of his true love.

 Indeed, the king had a logistical problem that loomed large, for how would he ever win her love?  Of course, he could draw up a royal decree commanding her to appear at the palace and become his queen.  But then he would never be sure he had won her love, for she would be required by law to comply with his royal decree.

 Perhaps he could call on her and try to win her over, appearing in all his regal glory and sweeping her off her feet.  But under these circumstances, he would never be sure whether she had married him only because of his great power and vast riches.

 Ultimately, he came upon the perfect plan.  He would enter the life of his beloved as an ordinary peasant. That would be the only sure and practical way to positively win her love.  

 So the king abandoned his palace.  He left his riches and creature comforts behind, donned peasant’s clothing and embraced the living conditions of the common people.  He made the sacrificial decision to live among the poor, to work with them, to share their sufferings, to participate in their feasts – until he would woo and win the heart of the woman who had so completely captured his own.

 And so it is with our God.  Jesus Christ became one of us, lived among us, walked among us, suffered along with us, and greatly honored us by way of his loving presence and purposefully muted glory.  All of this was done to win our hearts.  And now, we are the beautiful bride of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 25:1 – Revelation 21:9)  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

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

KEEP ON

KEEP ON

One thing I love about life is the fascinating mystery of human potential.  Some possibilities seem so apparent.  Ohers seem to remain just out of reach or somewhat hidden, but they are just as real because The Creator has made them so.  For verification of this truth, let’s consider the following story.

 Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress at the piano, a mother bought tickets for a performance by the world-famous concert pianist, Ignace Paderewski.  When the night finally came, they arrived early and located their seats near the front of the concert hall, excitedly eyeing the majestic Steinway on the stage.

 As the mother conversed with a nearby friend, her son quietly slipped away.  When eight o’clock arrived, the curtain opened and the audience quieted.  Only then did the mother realize that her young son was up on stage seated on the piano stool, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

 The mother gasped, but before she could retrieve her son, the master musician appeared on stage and quickly walked over to his piano.

 “Don’t quit – keep on playing,” Paderewski whispered into the ear of the little lad.  And leaning down, he reached over with his left hand to fill in the bass part.  Soon his right arm reached around to the other side, encircling the child and adding a beautiful obligato.  Together, the musical maestro and his novice protégé had totally amazed and mesmerized the crowd.

 There’s an important life lesson embedded in this story.  Unpolished though our lives may be, it is THE MASTER who, time and again, surrounds us and whispers ever so gently, “Don’t quit – keep on playing.”  And in His powerful presence, loving grace and supreme power, all of our insufficiencies and inabilities are miraculously swept away.   His sure promise of a brighter tomorrow encourages us to continue – until He can shape and develop us into His own image and likeness.

 Keep on, no matter what.  JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH 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!

PROBLEMS WILL CEASE - YOU WILL CONTINUE

PROBLEMS WILL CEASE – YOU WILL CONTINUE

 An old gospel song contains simple but powerful lyrics: “I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.”   Although its grammar might seem incorrect, its theological message is right on target.  Be encouraged, my friend, for there is a definite end-point for your current challenges.

 Widely recognized as the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest rises 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) above sea level.  In the early 1920’s, the famed mountain climber, George Mallory, launched a number of attempts to scale Mount Everest.  In his third and final attempt (1924), Mallory died while scaling the mountain.  Before his final and fatal attempt, he announced “I can’t see myself coming down defeated.”

 Mallory was an extraordinary climber, and nothing would force him to give up.  His body was found in 1999, well preserved by the snow and ice, 27,000 feet up the mountain, just 2,000 feet from the peak.  Give up?  He did not.  His body was found face down on the rocky slope, head toward the summit, and his arms were extended high over his head.  His toes were pointed into the mountain; his fingers dug into the rock, refusing to let go even as he drew his last breath.

 Those who maintained Mallory’s base camp farther down the mountain soon returned to England and a banquet was held in Mallory’s honor.  A huge picture of Mount Everest stood behind the head table.  When the leader of the group stood to be applauded, with tears streaming down his face, he turned and gazed defiantly at the picture.  “I speak to you, Mount Everest, in the name of all brave men living, dead and unborn.  Mount Everest, you defeated us once; you defeated us twice; you defeated us three times.  But Mount Everest, we shall someday defeat you.  YOU CANNOT GET ANY BIGGER; BUT WE CAN.”

 In 1953 two climbers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Norgay, did reach the summit of Mount Everest.  My friend, never forget that today’s crisis has a definite and finite shelf life.  You will outlast and overcome.  Why?  Because you are in covenant with an infinite, almighty, compassionate and loving God.

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