PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF LIFE

PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF LIFE

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

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

 It’s the DELAY OF THE FRIAR.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think of it.  At times, our delays result in untold suffering and unknown consequences for ourselves and others.  Bottom-line: If you need to show love to someone, or if you need to be reconciled to someone, do not delay such a life-giving process.  Terrible tragedies can be averted if you resolve to handle mission critical matters at a more expeditious pace.

DO IT NOW…stop riding that ‘donkey.’  

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

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

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

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

HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH

HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEAUTIFIED BY GOD

BEAUTIFIED BY GOD

 We were purposefully created in the image and likeness of an awesome and majestic God.  Throughout our lives, we are touched and transformed by His grace and mercy – as we surrender to the restoring power of His redemptive love.  Although there are moments when we appear to be rather ‘ugly’ and radically different from the Creator’s original design, God has a definite plan and process in mind.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 You will shine!

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