CHRIST IS COMING...SHINE!

 CHRIST IS COMING…SHINE!

 A Gallup Poll taken in 1987 reflects the fact that more than 62% of Americans firmly believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth as He promised. (John 14:3)  Likely, that percentage has substantially decreased due to the overall decline in religious participation and faith.  However, our acceptance of Christ’s second coming (or lack thereof) in no way nullifies the truth of His imminent return.

 Christ is coming back…soon.

 The unmistakable signs of our time, along with the second coming parables (proclaimed by Christ and recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25), reveal that we are certainly living in the end-time, in close proximity with Christ’s return and the rapture of His church.

 Nearly 27 percent of the Bible is prophecy.  Therefore, The Holy Writ is replete with prophetic truth regarding Christ’s first advent and His end-time return.  The Old Testament contains an estimated 1,845 prophecies regarding these significant events.  And the New Testament has 318 references to Christ’s second coming, which means that 1 out of every 30 verses verifies it.  Indeed, for every single prophecy in the Bible concerning Christ’s first advent, there are eight prophecies that point to His second!

 Christ is coming back…soon.  The issue is simply this: Are YOU ready? 

 During his 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy often closed his stump speeches with the story of Colonel Davenport, a former Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives.  On May 19, 1780, the Hartford skies darkened ominously.  Glancing out the window, some of the legislative representatives feared that the end was at hand.  In his attempt to quell the clamor for immediate adjournment, Davenport rose and said, “The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not.  If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment.  If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty.  Therefore, I wish that candles be brought.”  Prayerfully ponder that tidbit of wisdom.

 Instead of becoming anxious and fearful of what is to come, believers have been charged by Christ to “occupy till I come.” (Luke 19:13)  To wit, ‘candles’ must be brought.  Rather than succumbing to fear and trepidation regarding the present darkness in our society and nation, we are to glow brightly with the shekinah glory of God, to let our lights shine brilliantly as we watch and wait for His inevitable return. (Matthew 5:15-16)  Friends, are you shining, or are you merely blending in with the twilight?

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

DON'T BE A SNOB!

 DON’T BE A SNOB!

 Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ was absolutely accessible to the sick, the disabled, the rich, the poor, to persons of any ethnicity or class distinction.  Post-resurrection-and-post-ascension, our High Priest continues to be available and touchable by any that are subject to physical, emotional, or spiritual infirmities. (Hebrews 4:15)

 Since Christ is our perfect example, our life-goal should be to emulate and imitate Him.  Therefore, we too must be down-to-earth and reachable.  Indeed, Christianity and snobbery are mutually exclusive.  To classify anyone as a ‘Christian snob’ would be an oxymoron of the highest order.

 Snobbishness is such an unsavory characteristic that it might prove beneficial to examine its origins.  Consider this.  When Oxford and Cambridge Universities decided to admit commoners as students during the 1600s, the unprecedented flood of new and innovative thinking had a tremendous impact on British society.  Typically, every student was listed on the university rolls by both name and title.  Since the commoners had no honorific titles, their names were listed on the collegiate record followed by the Latin inscription, “Sine Nobilitate,” which simply means Without Nobility.  Their school status was later abbreviated in their records to “S. Nob.”  Although it started out as a lower-class designation, its meaning eventually morphed to a positive and upwardly mobile meaning.  Of course, the word “snob” is used today in reference to people who think more highly of themselves than they ought. (Romans 12:3)

 If our intention is to reach unregenerate masses with the life-changing gospel message, our conduct must consistently reflect unconditional love and genuine acceptance for all.  God loves everyone, and He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)  Let us never cause any lost soul to become deaf to the soul-saving gospel message simply because they cannot abide the superior attitude of the messenger.

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

ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY SURE?

 ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY SURE?

 One of the more challenging aspects of faith is maintaining consistency in its application.  Clearly, our faith is maximized while we are in the presence of the written and spoken Word.  This ‘faith-grasp’ is easily attainable when we are surrounded by strong and steadfast believers.  But what are the potential pitfalls for faith whenever we find ourselves alone confronting problematic situations that challenge the veracity of God’s promises?

 Friends, always remember that the human mind is the primary arena of spiritual warfare.  Since the Bible identifies Satan as “the accuser” of redeemed disciples of Christ, we must recognize his chief strategy, i.e. to sow seeds of doubt in the covenant relationships of those who would otherwise trust in the Lord. (Revelation 12:10) “The thief,” as Jesus aptly described him, hopes to create waves of uncertainty in our minds so we will question the security of our salvation, which is achieved solely (and certainly) “by grace through faith” in the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 10:10  and Ephesians 2:8)

 Allow me to illustrate these truths.  During my air travels, I have noted a clear contrast between those passengers who hold confirmed tickets and those who fly standby.  Confirmed passengers are much more relaxed.  They chat with others, read magazines or books, surf the Internet, talk on their cell phones, enjoy a quick snack, or even grab a few moments of slumber.  Unconfirmed passengers park themselves near the counter or nervously pace back and forth, appearing highly concerned whether they will make the flight, or not.  This confidence differential is quite easy to spot in airports.

 Similarly, as we Christians navigate our ‘salvation flight,’ some apparently embrace the scripture that says, “cast not away your confidence.” (Hebrews 10:35)  These persons absolutely trust in the fact that the finished work of salvation was accomplished at Calvary, and the Holy Spirit will attend to all crucial matters between time and eternity.  We do not take salvation for granted; but we fully trust in our God.  On the other hand, some seem to ride a veritable roller-coaster-of-faith, up one moment and down the next, trusting during this situation and doubting in the next.  One might characterize such individuals as “double-minded,” those who according to the Apostle James should not expect to “receive anything of the Lord.” (James 1:7-8)  It’s all about having and maintaining a confident faith.

 I recently read an intriguing article regarding salvation and personal assurance.  It describes “three groups of people: (1) those who are secure but not sure; (2) those who are sure but not secure; and (3) those who are secure and sure.  Category 1 consists of conscientious believers in Christ who are saved but lack assurance.  Category 2 is the group of professing Christians who say ‘Even though I'm living in sin, I’ll make it.  After all, once saved, always saved!’  Category 3 are truly born-again believers who consistently enjoy a warm, trusting and reliable relationship with Christ, based on the finished work of Christ on the cross.”

 Yes, we must prayerfully and carefully attend to our souls’ salvation.  That is a must. (Proverbs 4:23 and II Corinthians 13:5)  Yes, soul nurture is mission critical.

 However, throughout our life-journeys, we will always embrace this singular and sure testimony: I TRUST GOD.  For we have a phenomenal foundation of faith, a reliable reason to stand (peacefully) on His Word.  This spiritual confidence is rooted in Christ’s declaration to His disciples: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)  Amen!

 So here’s your spiritual agenda for today: Relax. Rest. Trust. Believe.  Why?  Because God’s got you!  (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

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

OVERCONFIDENCE

 (Editor’s Note: My schedule requires advance posts this week).

 OVERCONFIDENCE

 There’s a beloved scripture that I’ve often revisited over the years.  It assures me that believers have the right and the mandate to gain and sustain confidence in the wise counsel of The Holy Spirit.  It’s a very powerful admonition, saying “Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35 – NKJV)  It would seem that Christ does expect us to have “life more abundantly” and to possess Heaven’s favor and blessings with faith, courage and tenacity. (John 10:10)

 However, New Testament teaching also teaches us about maintaining “moderation,” which is mission critical to embracing and sustaining a God-ordered, productive and balanced life. (Philippians 4:5 – Psalm 37:23)  So even regarding this important principle of spiritual “confidence,” we must exercise personal discretion and wisdom.  That is, we should never become so overconfident about our covenant connections to Christ that we fail to embrace the fruit of the Spirit, or we thereby avoid honest and regular self-examination. (Galatians 5:22-23 – I Corinthians 11:28 – Galatians 6:1)

 I’m not an avid golfer, but I enjoyed reading a story about the golfing legend, Arnold Palmer, who happened to live in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 34 miles from my hometown.  Arnold Palmer was on the final hole of the 1961 Masters Tournament.  He had a one-stroke lead and felt that he was in really good position to win.  As the tournament neared its conclusion, Arnold saw an old friend standing at the edge of the gallery.  The friend waved and motioned him over, stuck out his hand and said, “Congratulations!”  Taking his friend’s hand, Arnold realized that he was not concentrating on the game and was losing his focus.  On the next two shots, he hit the ball into a sand trap, then put it over the edge of the green.  Finally, he missed a putt and lost the Masters tournament.  Afterwards he remarked, “You don't forget a mistake like that.  You just learn from it and become determined that you will never do that again.  Well, I haven't in the 30 years since.”  Never allow yourself to be overconfident.

 While believers certainly have a ‘blessed assurance’ and the God-given right to walk with confidence since “the peace of God” reigns in our hearts, we must be grounded sufficiently to avoid any sense of overconfidence that could slip into our minds or egos. (Colossians 3:15)  After all, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” (II Corinthians 5:7)  If I might be bold enough to translate this in the vernacular: ‘We believers walk in complete dependency on The Living Lord, not on our own strength or ability.’ 

 Therefore, we always look to HIM…

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

THE QUEST FOR RELIABILITY

 (Editor’s Note: My schedule requires advance posts this week).

 THE QUEST FOR RELIABILITY

 Apparently, Jesus Christ isn’t engaged in a search for superstars, just for sincere and dedicated disciples.  Allow me to share the story of one noteworthy-yet-ordinary athlete by the name of Don Sutton.  His career is described colorfully in Max Lucado’s book, “God Came Near.”

 Here’s how Lucado portrays Don Sutton.  “He performed very few extraordinary feats.  Though he was a veteran of 21 seasons, in only one did he win more than 20 games.  He never pitched a no-hitter, and only once did he lead the league in any category at all.  Yet on June 21, 1986, Don Sutton rubbed elbows with the great legends of baseball by becoming the 13th pitcher ever to win 300 games.  His self-analysis of that success is quite revealing; he called himself a grinder and a mechanic.  “I never considered myself flamboyant or exceptional,” he said.  “But all my life I’ve found a way to get the job done.”  And Don Sutton did exactly that.  He got things done.  Through more than two decades, six presidential terms, and four team trades, he simply showed up and did what pitchers are supposed to do: win games.  With his tunnel-vision devotion and consistent performance, he redefined greatness.”

 Don Sutton’s claim to fame was something simple but extraordinary: ‘Stick-to-it-tive-ness.’  My friend, it may feel like your accomplishments are modest and minimal in comparison to others, but our God truly treasures faithfulness and consistency.  You may never receive the accolades of the crowd, but you will surely gain the most prominent of commendations if you will only remain steadfast.  For the Word admonishes us, “be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”  In doing so, we will ultimately hear The Master’s confirming and compassionate voice, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, and I will make you ruler over many things.” (I Corinthians 15:58 – Matthew 25:21)  Just stick to it…That’s All Folks!

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

HOW SHALL WE WIN OUR YOUTH TO CHRIST? (Part II)

 (Editor’s Note: My schedule requires advance posts this week).

 HOW SHALL WE WIN OUR YOUTH TO CHRIST? (Part II)

 Within the Christian community, the past two decades have witnessed a precipitous drop in the involvement and commitment of our youth.  Many creative solutions have been implemented; too few have resulted in any sustained youth engagement.

 In order to identify practical approaches that can potentially reach our youth population, Ken Davis conducted a three-phase experiment at Rockford College.  Its participants were 100 college graduates who were preparing for youth ministry.  Details of his experiment follow:

 Phase One:

We took a young volunteer from the room and blindfolded him.  We told him that when he returned he could do anything he wished.  He remained outside the room while we instructed each audience member to think of a simple task for the volunteer to do.  When the volunteer returned, they were to shout their individual instructions at him from where they were sitting.  Prior to this, we privately instructed another person to shout a very specific task at the blindfolded volunteer, as though it were a matter of life and death.  This person was to attempt to persuade the blindfolded volunteer to climb the steps at the back of the auditorium and embrace an instructor who was standing at the door.  He too had to shout this vital message from where he sat in the audience.  The volunteer was oblivious to any of these instructions and previous arrangements.  The volunteer represented our collective group of young people, and the audience represented the world of voices screaming for their attention.  The person with the vital message represented those who are trying to bring the Gospel message to our youth.  When the blindfolded volunteer was led into the room. the lecture hall exploded in a din of shouting.  Each person tried to get the volunteer to follow his or her unique instructions.  In the midst of the crowd, the voice of the person with the vital message was lost, and no single message stood out.  The blindfolded volunteer stood there, totally paralyzed by confusion and indecision.  He moved randomly and meaninglessly as he sought to discern a clear and unmistakable voice in the loud crowd.

 Phase Two:

We told the entire audience about the person would attempt to get the volunteer to accomplish a very vital task.  We also chose another person from the audience to add a new dimension to our experiment.  His goal was to (at all costs) keep the blindfolded volunteer from doing the vital task.  While the rest of the audience was to remain in their seats, these two people (the vital task person and the opposing person) were allowed to stand next to the blindfolded volunteer and shout their different messages.  They could get as close as they wished, but they were not allowed to touch the student.  As the blindfolded volunteer was led back into the room, the shouting began again.  This time, since the two chosen messengers were standing so close, the blindfolded student could hear both of their messages.  But because the messages were so opposite to each other, the volunteer seemed confused and hesitant.  He followed one voice for a bit, then he was convinced by the other to go in the opposite direction.  We learned from this that In order for young people to hear our message we must get close to them.  But even then, others with opposing messages are present and close enough to make their messages heard.  Sometimes these people can be peers or relatives, but only the closest voices can be heard.  Even though the blindfolded student took no decisive action, at least he had heard the message.

 Phase Three:

The response to the third phase of our experiment was eye-opening.  In this phase everything remained the same, except that the one with the vital message was allowed to actually touch the volunteer.  He could not pull, push, or force the volunteer to do his bidding, but he could touch him and encourage him to follow.  The blindfolded volunteer was led into the room.  When he appeared, the silence erupted into an earsplitting roar.  The two messengers stood close, shouting their opposing words.  But the one with the vital message put his arm gently around the volunteer’s shoulder and leaned in closely to speak directly into his ear.  Almost without hesitation, the volunteer began to follow his instruction.  Occasionally the volunteer paused to listen as the opposition frantically tried to convince him to turn around.  But then, by the gentle guidance of touch, the one with the vital message led him toward the rear of the auditorium.  A moment of frightening realism occurred spontaneously as the one with the vital message drew closer to the goal.  Suddenly, all those in the audience (who up to this point had been shouting their own individual instruction), joined in spontaneous unison to keep the volunteer from taking those final steps.  The students began to chant together, “Don't go!”  “Don't go!”  “Don't go!”  This struck me as something quite familiar, because so many times I’ve witnessed the powerful forces that seek to pull our youth in different directions joining together to dissuade them from making a serious commitment to Christ.  The chant grew to a pulsing crescendo, “Don't go!”  “Don't go!”  “Don't go!”  But the gently guiding hand of the one with the vital message never left the blindfolded volunteer’s shoulder.  At the top of the stairs in the back of the lecture hall, the one with the vital message leaned over one last time to whisper in the ear of the volunteer.  There was a moment of hesitation, then the volunteer threw his arms around the instructor and the auditorium erupted in applause and cheers.

 When the blindfolded student revealed how he felt as he went through each phase, it became quite apparent that if our message is to be effective and heard, we cannot shout it from the cavernous confines of our church buildings.  We must venture out and draw closer to those with whom we need to communicate.  If we really seek a life-changing commitment from our young people, we also must reach out where they are and (in love) gently touch them, leading them to that point of commitment.  We asked the blindfolded student why he had followed the one with the vital message, the one who had made contact with him.  After a few moments he said, “Because it felt like he was the only one who really cared.” 

 Before we attempt to do anything or implement any changes, we must first return to our spiritual foundation, the Word of God, to identify what God declares about these important matters.  The Word of God is true, and it is impossible for God to lie.  Here’s what The Word declares:

 His seed [the offspring of the righteous] shall be mighty upon earth and the generation of the upright shall be blessed. (Psalm 112:2)

 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.  Blessed shall be the fruit of your body… (Deuteronomy 28:2-4a)

 Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

 With God’s Word in mind, prayerfully ponder these spiritual strategies (and others) that we must adopt to win our youth:

 

1.       We must meet our children and youth where they are and how they are.

2.       We must avoid condemnatory statements and simply present the gospel.

3.       We must demonstrate proactive love and kindness.

4.       We must be genuine examples of what the Word teaches.

5.       We must train up our children in the way they should go…consistently speaking God’s Word in and over our family, which is our first mission field.

6.       We must find creative and interesting ways for youth to participate in church.

7.       We must identify strategies and means to follow-up from childhood to adulthood.

 I am convinced that God is speaking to us on the need to evangelize a generation that is increasingly moving away from real relationships with Him.  Let the church say “Amen” – and let us begin!

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

HOW SHALL WE WIN OUR YOUTH TO CHRIST? (Part I)

(Editor’s Note: My schedule requires advance posts this week).

HOW SHALL WE WIN OUR YOUTH TO CHRIST? (Part I)

 

A 1986 survey of the overall Christian community revealed the following:

 

70% of high school grads leave the church, never to return.
65% of Protestant teens never read the Bible.
33% believe religion is out of date and out of touch.
40% of all teens believe in astrology.
58% of Protestant teens believe they should have contraceptives.
25% of high school students contract venereal diseases.
42% of Protestant teens say there are multiple ways to God.
60% question that miracles are even possible.
28% feel the content of the Bible is not accurate.

 

A similar survey taken in 1990 shows:

 

65% of high school Christian students are sexually active.
75% of high school students cheat regularly.
30% of high school students have shoplifted in the past 30 days.
45-50% of teen pregnancies end in abortion.
3.3 million teenagers are alcoholics.
1,000 teenagers try to commit suicide (daily).
10% of high school students have experimented with homosexuality.

 

A Southern Baptist youth survey indicated the following:

 

22% have witnessed violence in their homes.

27% have been involved in a physical attack.

19% have considered suicide.

20% have engaged in sexual intercourse.

60% have experimented with alcohol by age 13.

27% have tried drugs by age 13.

 

The 2011 Barna Study researched youth involvement with Christianity and the church.  It revealed:

 

11% lose faith in Christianity altogether.

40% leave the Church but still call themselves Christian.

20% disconnect from Church and express frustration about “church culture.”

30% stay involved church.

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports:

 The rate of suicide for youth between age 10 to age 24 increased 60% between 2007 and 2018.  In 2015 alone, there were 2,061 Suicides among American youth, aged 15 to 19 years.  In 2017, there were 6,241 Suicides among American youth, aged 15 to 24. In that same year, 17% of all high school students reported that they had seriously considered committing suicide…and more than one-fourth of these were black children.  In that same year, over 7% of high school students actually attempted to commit suicide.  And in 2018, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people between ages 10 to 34. 

 Bottom-line: Social media pressures, peer pressures, competition pressures, performance pressures and educational pressures on our youth have been increasing exponentially.  And the world is generally advising them that psychiatry, individual and group therapy and prescription drugs are the only real answers.  The question we must seriously and prayerfully consider: ‘Where is THE CHURCH in the midst of this massive and deadly satanic assault against our children, our seed?’

 If we were to take a close and objective look at today’s youth population to objectively gauge their commitment to Christ and participation in church, we would conclude that current conditions are considerably worse than these surveys suggest.  So many have become victims of clinical depression and have turned away from Christ, embracing humanism, idolatry, witchcraft, and even satanic worship.  My friends, we have a huge amount of Kingdom work to accomplish, so let’s focus and get started!  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 MIRACLE OF TEAMWORK

THE MIRACLE OF TEAMWORK

 Extraordinary accomplishments are almost always the result of teamwork.  It is an irrefutable truism that no man stands alone.  The English poet, John Donne, penned these words: “No man is an island, entire of itself. Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”  Absolutely!

 Indelibly imprinted in nature are divinely designed illustrations of the awesome impact of teamwork.

 Consider the bees, a truly phenomenal example.  On hot summer days, half of the bees in any hive remain inside flapping their wings; the remaining bees venture outdoors to gather pollen and nectar.  The constant beating of wings causes the hive temperature to be ten degrees cooler than outside.  Wisely, the bees rotate duties; half cool the hive one day and rotate the next day to outdoor duties.  Think.  How much easier it would be to facilitate difficult tasks and situations if humans would only work through daily challenges in similar fashion.  That is, we should make up our minds to disallow all attitudes or actions that might result in disharmony and inefficiency.  Put simply, that’s TEAMWORK.

 And check out those stately flying geese.  Their teamwork is quite amazing.  While migrating to warmer climates, they cover thousands of miles before reaching the destination.  And they do it with maximum efficiency for several reasons: (1) Since they often fly against the wind, the geese in front rotate leadership.  When the lead goose grows tired, it changes place with one of the geese in the rear where there is less wind resistance.  (2) By flying in v-formation, they create an upward air draft that makes for more efficient flapping of wings and increased distance in flight.  (3) Should one goose become ill or wounded, two geese fall out of formation and remain there until it’s able to fly again.  (4) The geese in back of the formation constantly and loudly honk to encourage those near the front and also to let them know ‘We’re still here!’  If only human beings would mirror ‘geese sense!’

 What does the Word say about teamwork?  “A threefold cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)  That’s why Godly marriages have profound and remarkable impact.  By covenant, they are threefold –  encompassing the spiritual union of God, husband and wife – a miraculous mystery of teamwork. (Matthew 19:6)  When God conjoins with our faith and unity, “all things and possible.” (Mark 9:23)

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

VICTORY IN JESUS

VICTORY IN JESUS

 My assignment today is to exalt our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the miraculous victory that is attainable and sustainable through Him.  Although my natural and spiritual father truly loved hymns and our church sang them often, there is one beloved song we somehow missed.  It was taught to me in the 1970s by a Baptist brother while I was a seminary student in Atlanta.  It’s a very inspirational hymn entitled “Victory in Jesus” by E. M. Bartlett.  Some of its uplifting lyrics are printed below:

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.

Oh victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory
Beneath the cleansing flood.

Victory is present, even in dismal circumstances.  In Colin Chapman’s book, “The Case for Christianity,” he quotes Ugandan Bishop Festo Kivengere’s account of a 1973 execution by firing squad of three men from his village: “February 10 began as a sad day for us in Kabale.  People were commanded to come to the stadium and witness the execution.  Death permeated the atmosphere.  A silent crowd of about three thousand was there to watch.  I had permission from the authorities to speak to the men before they died, and two of my fellow ministers were with me.  They brought the men in a truck and unloaded them.  They were handcuffed and their feet were chained.  The firing squad stood at attention. 

As we walked into the center of the stadium, I was wondering what to say.  How do you give the gospel to doomed men who are likely seething with rage?  We approached them from behind, and as they turned to look at us, oh what a sight!  Their faces were all alight with an unmistakable glow and radiance. 

Before we could say anything, one of them burst out: ‘Bishop, thank you for coming!  I wanted to tell you.  The day I was arrested, in my prison cell, I asked the Lord Jesus to come into my heart.  He came in and forgave me all my sins!  Heaven is now open, and there is nothing between me and my God!  Please tell my wife and children that I am going to be with Jesus.  Ask them to accept Him into their lives as I did.’

The other two men told similar stories, excitedly lifting their hands and rattling their handcuffs.  I now felt that what I needed to do was to talk to the soldiers, not to the condemned.  So I translated what the men had said into a language the soldiers understood.  The military men were standing there with guns cocked and bewilderment on their faces.  They were so dumbfounded that they forgot to put the hoods over the men's faces!

Those three men faced the firing squad standing close together.  They looked toward the people and began to wave, handcuffs and all.  The people waved back.  Then shots were fired, and the three were with Jesus.  We stood in front of them, our own hearts throbbing with sorrow, mingled with joy.  It was a day never to be forgotten.  Though dead, those men spoke loudly to all of Kigezi District and beyond, so that there was a tremendous upsurge of life in Christ, who challenges death and defeats it.  The next Sunday, I was preaching to a huge crowd near the home of one of the executed men.  Again, the feel of death was all over the congregation.  But when I gave them the testimony of their man, and how he died, there erupted a great song of praise to Jesus!  Many turned to the Lord that day!”

Unquestionable victory is eternally resident in the presence of Christ Jesus.  But we do have a part to play.  Consider the words of General Dwight Eisenhower: “There are no victories at discount prices.”

Our salvation represents extraordinary and endless victory.  Salvation is a free gift, but it does cost something.  It costs the Father, His Son.  It costs the Son, His life.  And in the Words of Jesus, it costs every believer the unwavering commitment to “take up his cross and follow Me.”  The joy of the Lord is not always easily discernible in our crosses.  For example, it is difficult to envision sunshine during torrential rain, or to believe for a deluge of moisture while walking through desert-dry places.

But wherever you are, no matter what you are experiencing, Jehovah-Shammah is there.  And if HE is there, your victory is also there.  In 1933, C. Austin Miles penned a relevant choral declaration, “If Jesus Goes With Me, I’ll Go…Anywhere!”  A similar conviction empowered the Psalmist David to raise a song of worship in the midst of troubling of times: “You will show me the path of life.  In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

No matter what life’s scoreboard seems to suggest, never ever doubt that you are walking in ultimate victory.  We will trust and believe that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)  My friends, keep looking up!

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

OUR COVENANT CONNECTION OF QUIETUDE

OUR COVENANT CONNECTION OF QUIETUDE

 We 21^st century people are far too busy for our own good.  All day, there’s an endless array of places to go, things to do, people to see, etc., etc., etc.  The result: our society seems to collectively yearn for ME-TIME.  We have an urgent need to somehow displace the chaos of incessant busyness and inhabit personal islands of solitary peace.  While I cannot dispute the need to have sufficient time for one’s self, it’s more of a necessity to pursue quiet communication with our Creator.

 Early African converts to Christianity were extremely earnest about (and dedicated to) their private devotions.  As such, Christians reportedly picked separate spots in the bush where they would pour out their hearts to God.  Over time, the paths to these prayer places became quite worn.  As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it soon became apparent to the others.  They would kindly remind the backsliding brother or sister, “The grass grows on your path.”

 It is mission critical to start every day in quality time with God.  The famed 19^th century preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, wrote “The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.”  It guides the quantity and quality of one’s agenda.  A dear friend and colleague in Texas, Pastor Ron Eagleton, makes it a daily practice to make this fervent inquiry of the Lord, “What do you plan for me today?”  In other words, since we belong to God, HE must be the trusted and sole architect of the daily agenda.  In truth, all of our time, talent and treasure belong to Him and are thereby subject to His will.

 However trite and oft repeated, a sage saying reports, “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”  Get it?  Failure to commune consistently with Christ means we become self-appointed occupants of Heaven’s throne.  We lack sufficient wisdom and knowledge for that seat, and the results can be catastrophic.

 William Wilberforce, a Christian statesman of Great Britain in the late 1800s and early 1900s, once remarked, “I must secure more time for private devotions.  I have been living far too public.  The shortening of private devotions starves my soul.  It grows lean and faint.”  Following a failure in Parliament, he decided that his problems were directly due to the fact that he had spent less and less time in private devotions where he could earnestly seek the will of God.  And Wilberforce concluded, “God allowed me to stumble.”  Some ‘stubbles’ cause us fall to our knees before the Throne of Grace.

 Friends, it is in the quiet spaces that we truly discern the heart of God.  Such spiritual intimacy causes us to abandon those shallow and superficial prayers that only seek His hand, not His face. The Psalmist David put it best: “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, LORD, I will seek.’”

 God-consciousness emerges in quiet moments – and it enlarges us.  Never forget: Wise men and women still seek HIM.

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

WATCH OUT FOR 'UNREAL' PEOPLE!

 WATCH OUT FOR ‘UNREAL’ PEOPLE!

 Authenticity (a.k.a. integrity) is one of the unmistakable hallmarks of the Christian character.  Yet many people, both believers and unbelievers alike, are seriously lacking in it.

 In his book, “Growing Deep in the Christian Life,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll relates a true story about a man who appeared to be acting with utmost integrity.  Some years ago in Long Beach, this fellow went into a fried chicken establishment to purchase chicken dinners for his date and himself.  The lady at the counter inadvertently handed him the proceeds from the entire day (a bag filled with cash) instead of the chicken dinners.  After driving to a picnic site, the two sat down to enjoy their meal together.  They discovered a whole lot more than chicken – over $800 in cash!

 But this particular man was an entirely unusual soul.  He quickly put the money back in the bag and returned to the restaurant.  ‘Mr. Clean’ walked in and became an instant hero.  He looked the frantic manager right in the eye and without fanfare said, “I came by to get a couple of chicken dinners and wound up with all this money.  Here it is.”  The manager was thrilled to death.  He said, “That’s fantastic, thank you so very much!  Let me call the newspaper and they’ll write a story with your picture since you’re the most honest person I’ve ever known!”  To which that man quickly responded, “Oh no, don't do that!”  Then he leaned closer to the manager and whispered, “You see, the woman I’m with isn’t my wife...she’s, uh, somebody else’s wife.”  This man seemed to be for real, but only in certain aspects.  Otherwise not.

 People do strange things to get over.  The March 1980 edition of “Reader’s Digest” advised caution for tourists planning to vacation in Zambia.  It warned, “beware of street-corner emerald vendors.  And if you’re driving, be prepared for confusion on the streets, owing to stolen traffic lights.”  These two different travel warnings were actually related.  The traffic light thieves were selling green glass chips to unsuspecting tourists who thought they were getting bargain-basement emeralds.  Bottom-line: Things aren’t always what they appear to be, neither in marketing nor in life, so let the buyer beware!

 Unfortunately, anyone who falsely purports to be a believer is arguably the worst and most disastrous commercial for Jesus Christ.  Hypocrisy kills.  Indeed, it causes the practitioner to have a seared conscience.  That is, according to the Apostle Paul, such persons have been misled by “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” (I Timothy 4:2)  However, hypocrisy not only has an adverse impact on its perpetrator, it nullifies Christian witness and the emergence of faith in unbelievers.  I repeat: Hypocrisy kills.

 If you intend to be a Christian disciple, fence-sitting is never ever advisable.  It places one in mortal danger because a “seared conscience” has the potential result of becoming permanently immune to the reception of gospel truth.  It invariably leads one to a “strong delusion.” (II Thessalonians 2:11) 

So be for real.  Don’t ever play around with God or His people.

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

THE WISDOM IMPERATIVE

 THE WISDOM IMPERATIVE

 The acquisition of wisdom is mission critical to any meaningful degree of success in life.  Of course, my friend, you don’t have to be listed in Who’s Who to know what’s what!  It has been said that a wise man learns by the experience of others.  An ordinary man learns by his own experience.  A fool learns by nobody’s experience.  As we begin, carefully consider that. 

 But let’s lay a proper foundation.  What is wisdom?  Undoubtedly, wisdom is the one thing that is mission critical to navigating life effectively, i.e. minimizing the impact of distractions, roadblocks, challenges and setbacks that inevitably come.  In his book, “Knowing God,” J. I. Packer writes,  “wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.”  Doug Larson reveals one practical path to wisdom: “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have preferred to talk.”  Both statements contain irrefutable truth.

 However, the Fountainhead of any and all wisdom, its undeniable Source, is an intimate relationship with God, through Jesus Christ.  According to the Apostle James, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)  So never leave God out of your life-equation.

 Arguably, King Solomon (King David’s son) was the wisest and richest man to ever walk this earth.  HOW he attained to that rarest pinnacle of divine wisdom is a strategic key to understanding the way that WE can open a wide door to the same.  For clear-cut clues, pay particular attention to Solomon’s prayer and God’s response, as recorded in The Holy Writ:

 “Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.  Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” (II Chronicles 1:9-12)

 And he displayed such extraordinary wisdom, that “all the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which GOD had put in his heart.” (I Kings 10:24)  His wisdom was not the product of formal education; it was divinely granted – along with “great understanding and largeness of heart.” (I Kings 4:29)  This means that no one can truly be wise in the absence of (1) understanding, i.e. practical insight on how to navigate the issues of daily life, or in the absence of (2) largess, i.e. the ability to sincerely empathize and ably assist the life situations and limitations of others.  It’s the underlying reason for Solomon’s statement in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.  And in all your getting, get understanding.”  Gaining understanding (the nuts and bolts of wisdom) is the ability to clearly perceive and skillfully enact the plans and purposes of God.

 This insight only comes from one Source.  Not from the Ivy League, not from captains of industry, not from the movers and shakers, not from educators, not from philosophers, not from statesmen, not from the power elite – ONLY FROM ALMIGHTY GOD!  “For the LORD gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  (Proverbs 2:6)  Solomon concludes that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:20)

 Bottom-line: The highest illumination of wisdom is manifested in and through “the light of the world,” Jesus Christ, whom The Word identifies as “the wisdom of God.” (John 8:12 and I Corinthians 1:24)

 If you’ve not yet developed a covenant relationship with Him, get started today.  If you are already on the path of that spiritual journey, draw much closer to Him through the intimate communication that is only available through continual prayer and meticulous meditation on His Word.  It will truly revolutionize your thinking and transform your way of life. (Romans 12:2 and II Corinthians 3:18)

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

OUR AMAZING GRACIOUS GOD

 OUR AMAZING GRACIOUS GOD

 Grace is unfathomable and inexhaustible.  It seems that the matchless grace of God knows no barriers or limits.  He sees us for what we are and He reaches out to us, no matter how distant or dark the spaces we might inhabit.  The love of God is the explosive power that propels and targets amazing grace into every nation, culture, people and circumstance.

 It does not matter whether we recognize it or not, whether we believe it or not.  In the words of John Wesley, God’s grace is prevenient.  Its origins are long before our birth and its manifestations are skillfully woven through the fabric of our lives.  Although some may doubt, His grace is yet sufficient. (II Corinthians 12:9) 

 An atheist once cynically remarked, “If there is a God, let him prove himself by striking me dead right now.” Nothing happened. “You see, there is no God,” the atheist declared loudly.  A nearby Christian quietly responded, “You’ve only proven that He is a gracious God.”

 Unquestionably, the grace of God is powerfully present in every place and person on this planet.  Its amazing and unmerited favor reminds me of an inspirational story I recently read:

 Longing to leave her poor Brazilian neighborhood, Christina desperately wanted to see the world outside her tiny village.  She was totally discontented with a home that only had a floor pallet for a bed, a washbasin, and a wood-burning stove.  Christina dreamed of a better life in the city.  One morning she slipped away, carelessly breaking her mother’s heart.  Knowing what life on the streets would be like for her young, attractive, naïve daughter, Maria hurriedly packed to go and find her.  On the way to the bus stop, she entered a drugstore to get one last thing.  Pictures.  She sat in the photo booth, closed the curtain, and curiously spent all she could on pictures of herself.  With a purse full of small black-and-white photos, she boarded the next bus to Rio de Janeiro.  

 Maria knew Christina had no way of earning money. She also knew her daughter was too stubborn to give up her dream of a better life.  However, when pride meets hunger, people sometimes do things that were before unthinkable.  Knowing this, Maria began a panicky search of motels, bars, nightclubs, strip joints – any place that could be connected to street-walkers or prostitutes.  Maria searched them all.  At each place she left her picture, taped on a bathroom mirror, or tacked to a motel sign, or fastened to a phone booth.  On the back of each photo she wrote a note.  It wasn't too long before her money and pictures ran out, and Maria was forced to return home. This weary mother wept inconsolably as the bus began its long journey back to her village. 

 A few weeks later, an extremely weary Christina descended a flight of motel stairs.  Her young face was exhausted; her brown eyes no longer danced with youth, but reflected only pain and fear.  Her easy laughter was gone and her city dream had become a nightmare.  A thousand times over she longed to trade these countless beds for her modest yet secure floor pallet.  Yet her little village was, in so many ways, too far away.  As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes landed on a familiar face.  She looked again, and tacked on the lobby mirror was a small picture of her mother.  Christina's eyes burned and her throat tightened as she walked across the room to retrieve the photo.  Written on the back was this compelling invitation: “Wherever you have been, whatever you have done, it doesn't matter.  Please come home.”  Christina did.  Grace.

 I, too, am the blessed recipient of Heaven’s unmerited favor; and I am eternally grateful for the timely and life-saving manifestation of God’s amazing grace.  He has always looked beyond my faults and unconditionally ministered to every one of my needs.  Thank you, Jesus.  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!

THE HIGH COST OF NEGLECT

THE HIGH COST OF NEGLECT

 It has been wisely stated that ‘inch by inch life is a cinch.’  It’s a reminder of our need to be diligent in taking care of small matters before they loom large.  In life, there is an extremely elevated premium to be paid for the personal decision to let things go.  That is, there is a very high price for anyone’s avoidance of placing a finger in their leaky dike.  Passivity nearly always results in calamity.

 For example, in the booming downtown business district called The Loop, Chicagoans passively ignored their city's looming budget crisis for the better part of a decade.  This was because Washington’s cutback of aid to urban areas seemed to have minimal impact on the growth and development of their business community.  However, they soon discovered the costly price of neglect, and they learned it the hard way.  A quarter billion gallons of murky Chicago River water gushed into the 60-mile network of antiquated freight tunnels underneath The Loop and brought business to a soggy halt. 

 There was a sad and largely avoidable reason behind this horrific tragedy.  It turned out that a top city official had long known about the watery leak.  But because he deemed the government to be cash-strapped, necessary repairs were delayed, which would have cost only $50,000.  In the long run, the final cost of the flood damage had a price tag over one billion dollars! 

 It’s far better to directly confront and deal with small matters before they become monumental.

 There is spiritual application here.  We often fail to consider the gradual, cumulative effect of sin in our lives.  It’s something like one avoidable family tragedy that occurred in a Saint Louis home in 1984.  The owner noticed a few bees buzzing around the attic of her home.  Since there were only a few, she made no effort to deal with them.  Over the summer, the bees continued to fly in and out the attic vent while the woman remained oblivious and unconcerned, totally unaware of the growing city-of-bees.  In fact, her whole attic had become an extremely large beehive.  Eventually the ceiling of the second-floor bedroom caved in under the massive weight of hundreds of pounds of honey and thousands of angry bees.  While this woman was certainly blessed to escape serious injury, she was financially unable to repair the resultant damage of her accumulated neglect.

 That homeowner’s situation is not entirely unique.  Relationship issues grow and fester when we do not address them prayerfully and compassionately.  Wars break out when nations allow seemingly small matters to slide by unattended.  Churches split when wisdom is not constantly and judiciously applied to occasional points of disagreement.  Death occurs prematurely when we delay doctor visits or fail to follow wise medical counsel.  You see, inch by inch, life IS a cinch!  But one has to pay close and constant attention, while remaining open to adjustments or change.  Think.

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

REPUTATION OR CHARACTER?

REPUTATION OR CHARACTER?

 Many people are more concerned with reputation than with character.  It has been said that character is who you are in the dark, out of view of others you wish to influence or impress.  Reputation is more about who others ‘think’ you are; character is all about who God ‘knows’ you are.

 Warren Wiersbe aptly describes the key components of Christian character in his book, “The Integrity Crisis,” especially noting how genuine character leads one to looking within for honest self-examination.  Ask yourself this question: ‘Am I more focused on evaluating others, or myself?’

 Contemporary society is overly obsessed with the actions of others, and we are prone to displays of outrage and anger at what we observe.  Just watch cable news (as I often do), and you’ll be inundated with emotionally charged talking-heads, characteristically overwrought over one subject or another.

 But Wiersbe writes, “What we need today is not anger but anguish, the kind of anguish that Moses displayed when he broke the two tablets of the law and then climbed the mountain to intercede for his people, or that Jesus displayed when He cleansed the temple and then wept over the city.  The difference between anger and anguish is a broken heart.  It's easy to get angry, especially at somebody else’s sins; but it’s not easy to look at sin, our own included, and weep over it.”

 Christlike character results from a broken heart; it’s always the product of repentance.  According to the Apostle Paul, “godly sorrow produces repentance,” which causes a 180-degree turnabout in attitudes and actions. (II Corinthians 7:10)  Perhaps, we should focus less on personal indignation and anger, and more on sustaining a strong anguish over what we (and our society) have become.  The true test of whether any individual is truly born again is one’s typical response to shortcomings and sins.  Remember: God’s people are biblically likened to sheep. (Psalm 23 – John 10:27)  Although pigs love to wallow in mudholes, sheep bemoan filthy situations.  If we should fall into sin, we have a sure and steadfast remedy.  Be sure to summon and deploy your “Advocate” as needed. (I John 2:1)  

 Character is built over time via incremental steps that lead to the spiritual progress of faith pilgrims.  Prayerfully consider this sage saying: ‘Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.’  Friend, what seeds are you sowing and what is your expected harvest?

 Final Thought: You must stop being damaged and dominated by the conjecture and opinion of others.  That is merely a reputation issue.  The character issue is what GOD ‘knows’ about you, and it’s the only matter that carries significant weight in time and eternity.

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

THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF LOVE

 the extraordinary power of love

 God is love.  Hence, the believer’s daily demonstration of love is the most potent persuasion of our covenant connection with Christ.  (I John 4:7-8 and John 13:35)  Indeed, love has extraordinary power.  If you need practical proof, prayerfully consider the following true story.

 George Crane, a newspaper columnist who was also a minister, wrote about an angry wife who came into his office one day and seemed to be absolutely full of hatred toward her husband.  Here’s what she said: “I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even.  Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me.”

 Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan to that emotionally distraught wife: “Just go home and ACT as if you really love your husband.  Tell him how much he means to you.  Praise him for any accomplishments.  Go out of your way to be kind, considerate, and as generous as possible.  Spare no efforts to please him, and really try to enjoy him.  Make him BELIEVE that you really love him.  After you have convinced him of your undying love and loyalty and the fact that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb.  Tell him that you're getting a divorce.  That will really hurt him!”  With revenge in her eyes, the revenge filled wife smiled at him and exclaimed, “What you have shared is beautiful, creative and wonderful!  Will my husband be surprised!”  This determined wife followed George Crane’s advice with total enthusiasm.  For two full months, SHE ACTED AS IF SHE TRULY LOVED HIM!  For two full months, she showed unconditional love, kindness, attentiveness, supporting and sharing.

 In a few months,  she hadn’t returned to follow-up, so George Crane called her. “Are you now ready to go through with the divorce? he asked.

 “Divorce?” she exclaimed. “Never!   I discovered I really do love him.”  You see, her actions had changed her feelings!  Motion brought on emotion!  You see, the ability to love is established not so much by any verbal promise, but the ability to love is established by repeated loving deeds. 

 The Christian author, C.S. Lewis, penned similar thoughts in his book “Mere Christianity.”  C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor.  Just ACT as if you did.  As soon as we do this, we will discover one of life’s great secrets.  When you are behaving AS IF you love someone, you will soon come to a genuine love for that person.  But if you harm someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more.  If you do good deeds to that person, you will find yourself disliking him less and less.”

 Indeed, love is a decision.  Love is a choice.  That’s why you don’t really have to like someone in order to love someone.  And that’s why JESUS offers the powerful spiritual advice, recorded in Matthew 5:43-45.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies…bless those who curse you…do good to those who hate you…and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He…sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

 Since love is a decision, i.e. a choice, what kind of choices are you making today, especially regarding any person who doesn’t quite meet your standards?  Think.

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

THE CONTENTMENT PERSPECTIVE

 THE CONTENTMENT PERSPECTIVE

 A sage saying goes something like this: “I had no shoes and complained until I met a man who had no feet.”  It seems that the notion of contentment, like most things in our world, is a simple matter of maintaining perspective.  In a society that constantly encourages (even pressures) the pursuit of more-and-more, it is relatively easy to lose track of what is really important.

 Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”  Truth!

 Consider the story of an ancient Persian by the name of Ali Hafed.  He owned a vast farm with bountiful orchards, grain fields, and gardens.  People who knew him well described Ali as a wealthy and contented man.

 However, the farmer encountered a wise man from the Far East who told him all about diamonds and how wealthy he would be if he could only own a diamond mine.  Ali Hafed went to bed that night a poor man – poor because he was now completely discontented.  Desperately craving a mine of diamonds, he sold his farm and began a global search for those rare stones.  In his diamond quest, Ali traveled through several continents.  Ultimately, he became so poor, broken, and depressed that he committed suicide.  

 That same year, the man who purchased Ali’s farm led his camel into the garden for a drink of water.  As the camel put its nose into the water, that man noticed a brilliant flash of light glistening from the stream.  He immediately retrieved the clear stone that reflected all the hues of the rainbow.  That man had discovered the Diamond Mine of Golconda, the site of some of the most magnificent gems in all of history.  Had Ali Hafed remained at home and dug in his own garden, instead of his hapless quest that resulted in suicide in a strange land, he would have owned acres of diamonds. 

 The Word of God teaches us that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (I Timothy 6:6)  While all of us stand in need of money as a medium of exchange for goods and services, it is a fool’s errand to allow money to make you, as opposed to you making money.  My friends, in this life, always invest yourself wisely, and learn to enjoy the magnificent riches that are found in contentment.

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

TACKLING TEMPTATION (Part II)

 Tackling temptation (Part II)

 Whenever you are strongly tempted, focus mindfully on the circumstances.  Learn from them.  In the future, you will want to avoid similar situations.  Remember: Satan has maintained an active portfolio on you since birth, so he is keenly aware of the various things/situations/people that float your boat, so to speak.  He will never present temptation venues that are not potentially attractive to you.  For example, since drugs have never carried any personal allure for me, it is highly unlikely that Satan will extend temptation invitations that are related to the drug culture.  Instead, he will knock on my life-door with that which is extremely appealing to me. 

 Before we go farther, I must appeal to your sense of compassion.  It’s difficult for us to wrap our heads around the reasons why someone would succumb easily to temptations that would never appeal to us.  You have your personalized set of temptations.  So show compassion to others.  I like the way F. B. Meyer frames it. “Whenever we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin.  And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her.  We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances.”  To wit, the model for a Christ-like attitude regarding the flaws of others is a simple cliché: There go I…but for the grace of God.

 Let’s examine the strategy and ‘end-game’ of temptation, and any of its resultant sins.  First of all, “the pleasures of sin” are only “for a season,” therefore, its seeming joy is utterly deceptive.  (Hebrews 11:25)  Just ask anyone who has fallen prey to the snare of adulterous relationships.  Certainly, it feels good (perhaps even feels right) for a quick moment, but the aftermath is a horrific cesspool of anger, hurt, guilt, confusion and condemnation.  John Piper wrote, “Sin gets its power by persuading me to believe that I will be more happy if I follow it.  The power of all temptation is the prospect that it will make me happier.”  Trust me on this one: IT NEVER DOES!  It only produces a momentary sense of carnal happiness, but absolutely fails to produce any lasting peace and joy.

 Prayerfully consider the following questions and advice by Charles Spurgeon:  “What settings are you in when you fall?  Avoid them.  What props do you have that support your sin?  Eliminate them.  What people are you usually with?  Avoid them.  There are two equally damning lies Satan wants us to believe: (1) Just once won't hurt.  (2) Now that you have ruined your life, you are beyond God's use, and might as well enjoy sinning.”  It’s a wise perspective, Pastor Spurgeon – very wise indeed.

 Satan knows that he is doomed, damned and consigned eternally to hell.  So he craves vengeance on God and seeks company for his misery.  Satan targets humankind (whom he seeks to influence) because we are the highest creations of Almighty God, whom he hates and could not possibly defeat.  So don’t become Satan’s patsy! 

 There’s a scene in John Bunyan’s classic book, “Pilgrim’s Progress,” that aptly describes the agenda of Satan and the atoning work of Jesus Christ.  It portrays one person who is called “Interpreter” bringing “Christian” to a wall where fire is blazing from an open grate.  One man is trying desperately to douse the fire with water.  Then, Interpreter shows Christian the other side of the wall, where another man is secretly pouring oil on the fire to keep it ablaze.  Interpreter says, “You saw the man standing behind the wall to maintain the fire, teaching you that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul.”  Never forget: Satan strives vigorously to quench our faith, but Christ is on the other side (always), and He faithfully deposits the oil of His Spirit and the WISDOM of His Word in order to keep it alive.

 Believer, you can and will overcome!  “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (I John 5:4)  

 Check out some of the wondrous joys that await us…

 To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life. (Revelation 2:7)

 He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death. (Revelation 2:11)

 To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. (Revelation 2:17)

 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. (Revelation 2:26)

 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (Revelation 3:5)

 He who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. (Revelation 3:12)

 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Revelation 3:21)

 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. (Revelation 21:7)

 Winner-Believer, our GOD has fully endowed you and miraculously empowered you to tackle any and every temptation.  You are an overcomer!

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