READY, SET, GO!

READY, SET, GO!

It has wisely been said that the tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.  The Psalmist David petitioned Heaven with the intention of soundly investing his time: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

My friend, don’t waste one more moment on ‘Calendar-Anxiety.’  No matter how old or young you are, you’re in it to win it.  So just get started.

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

SELF-CONTROL: A HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCT

SELF-CONTROL: A HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCT

 There is no upside whatsoever in wallowing in the throes of pointless anger.  However, sometimes anger is justifiable.  For example, when Jesus became distressed over the sinful money-exchanging practices that were practiced regularly in The Temple, he overturned the tables of those ‘church thieves’ and expelled them. (Mark 11:15-17)  And undoubtedly, believers reserve the right to become angry over social injustices or societal sins.  Indeed, the scriptures do allow us to experience anger, but they require that we “sin not” whenever we become emotionally distraught. (Ephesians 4:26)

 Self-control (a.k.a. “temperance”) is one of the life-changing “fruit of the Spirit” outlined in Galatians 5:22-24.  A consistent prayer life, coupled with Word study and meditation, enables Spirit-filled believers to become sensitive to the Father’s will during any upsetting moment in time.

 Never allow anger to control you.  Rather, allow it to become a productive agent to display divine order.  In my youth, during an NBA playoff game between the Knicks and the Bullets, one of the Bullets came up from behind the legendary Walt Frazier and punched him in the face.  Strangely, the referee called a personal foul on Frazier, who make a deliberate decision to avoid complaining and just focus on the game.  Neither his facial expression or attitude changed.  Frazier simply went to work and put in seven straight shots to win the game.  It was an amazing display of productive anger.

 So if you become angry about something, never allow it to possess you, i.e. to control your attitude, harm your health, or impact your future.  Think.  Pray.  If possible, resolve the issue.  Then move on.  It may not feel very comfortable for us to consider God’s perspective on our anger issues, but here it is:  “Anger rests in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)  I know that’s not who we are!

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

RITUALISTIC TRADITION VS. SPIRITUAL INTIMACY

RITUALISTIC TRADITION VS. SPIRITUAL INTIMACY

 Although traditions are often noteworthy, even commendable, it is important for believers to avoid becoming paralyzed in the robotic implementation of rituals that others have embraced in the past.  In “The Vindication of Tradition,” Jaroslav Pelikan writes: “Tradition is the living faith of those now dead.  Traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living.”  We must wisely discern the difference between the two.  While there is much to be gleaned from traditions that were established out of strong conviction and sincere faith in God, embracing them in the absence of a similarly strong faith is merely establishing rituals that are hollow and void of spiritual intimacy and communion with Christ.

 The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the TRADITION OF MEN, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

 The singular spiritual guidepost for us, the disciples of Christ, is God’s eternal Word, not our finite and customary practices.  His Word never fails since it was designed in the halls of eternity to exalt The Living Lord, not dying men.  Therefore, any ritual that the church embraces should solely and positively pursue the glory of Almighty God.  We love and worship God with our body, mind and spirit–with all that we are–FOR ALL THAT HE IS. 

 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 SELL YOURSELF SHORT

DON’T SELL YOURSELF SHORT

 In the late 1980s, Rob Cutshaw owned a little roadside shop outside Andrews, North Carolina.  He enjoyed hunting for unique rocks and selling them to collectors or jewelry makers.  Rob knew enough about rocks to decide which to pick up and sell, but he wasn’t an expert.  So the appraising of his rocks was mostly left to others.  As much as he loved doing this, it didn’t always pay the bills.  So occasionally Rob would take a moonlighting gig to make ends meet.

 While on a dig some time ago, Rob found a rock that he described as “purdy and big.”  He tried unsuccessfully to sell it, and decided to keep the rock in his closet for a while.  Rob guessed the blue stone could bring as much as $500 dollars, but he would have taken less if something urgent came up like paying his electric bill.  That’s how close Rob came to hawking for a few hundred dollars what turned out to be the largest, most valuable sapphire ever found.  The blue rock Rob had left stored in his closet is now known as “The Star of David” sapphire.  It weighs nearly a pound, and could easily sell for $2.75 million dollars.

 Have you yet realized that priceless treasure has been deposited in you by our Creator?  So never stop searching until you discover the awesome uniqueness and irreplaceable value of yours.  And by all means, never ever allow yourself to be sold cheaply – not for anything, not for anybody.

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

THE AUTHOR OF WITTY INVENTIONS

THE AUTHOR OF WITTY INVENTIONS

 Since I firmly believe that ALL of God’s Word is absolute truth, I subscribe to the biblical revelation that our Creator offers “witty inventions” as life opportunities for His children. (Proverbs 8:12)  Consider this.  How many of us have been suddenly endowed (seemingly randomly) with a unique concept that seemed to materialize out of nowhere.  The sad truth is that some fall prey to the self-inflicted wound of procrastination, while others are paralyzed by doubt – thoughts of not being well connected enough, not financially stable enough, or not even good enough.  Eventually, we watch in horror while our God-given idea streams along through someone else’s T. V. commercial!

 It happens more times than we can imagine because GOD speaks to all of us and bestows favor in unusual ways.  if only we would learn to listen and respond with timely and faith-filled obedience.  Allow me to share the inspirational story of someone who was actually tuned in to divine opportunity.  I call it “divine” because all good things come from above, from the Father who turns on His light in human minds. (James 1:17) 

 Some years ago an energetic young man began as a clerk in a hardware store.  Like many old-time hardware stores, the inventory included thousands of dollars of items that were obsolete or seldom called for by customers.  The young man was smart enough to know that no thriving business could carry such an inventory and show a healthy profit.  So he proposed a sale to get rid of all that stuff.  The owner was rather reluctant but finally agreed to let him set up a table in the middle of the store and try to sell off a few of the oldest items.  Every product was priced at ten cents.  The sale was a success and the young fellow got permission to do it again.  It, too, went over just as well as the first.  This gave the young employee a great idea.  Why not open a store that would sell only nickel and dime items?  He would run the store and his boss could supply the capital. 

 The young man's boss was not at all enthusiastic.  “Your plan will never work,” he said, “because we can’t find enough items to sell at a nickel and a dime.”  The young man was disappointed but soon went ahead on his own and made a fortune from that simple idea.  His name is F.W. Woolworth.  Those of us who are older have a clear memory of ‘Five and Ten Stores.’  Years later his old boss lamented, “As near as I can figure it, every word I used in turning Woolworth down has cost me about a million dollars!” 

 Let’s ask God for two mission-critical life skills: listening and follow-through.

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

 

BLESSED ASSURANCE

BLESSED ASSURANCE

 We have absolute confidence in our God for, as Jehovah-Shammah, He is always there.  I stand in agreement with the victorious declaration of the Psalmist David: “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 16:8) 

 We are admonished in scripture to hold steadfastly to faith because the presence and power of God is available to handle any and all life situations.  I am reminded this morning of Hebrews 10:35, which advises us, “do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”

 And so…we trust in HIM. (Jude 1:23-25)  Amen!

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

MARANATHA!

MARANATHA!

 The word “maranatha” is a Syriac expression which means, “our Lord comes.”  It was often used as a greeting in the early church.  When believers gathered together or departed, instead of saying “hello” or “goodbye,” they shared an encouraging message of hope, “Maranatha!”  They lived in constant expectation that Christ would return as promised: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

 If we would consistently maintain that same upward look and expectant mindset, it would completely revolutionize our church and evangelize this world.  

 One of my favorite old covenant scriptures records the fact that the children of Issachar were sufficiently wise  to have a keen “understanding of the times,” i.e. they walked in clear awareness of the season in which they were living. (I Chronicles 12:32)  My friends, it is my heartfelt prayer that our generation would walk in the center of God’s will and actualize that same degree of wisdom and discernment.  Why?  Because  the signs of the end of the age are everywhere.  There is no doubt.  Christ will soon return.  Soon…

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

GOD NEVER FAVORS THE UPPER-CRUST

GOD NEVER FAVORS THE UPPER-CRUST

 Some feel that they should have an ‘in’ with God and man because of their family pedigree or their socio-economic status.  Nevertheless, I am thrilled to report that, while our Creator does not disdain family heritage or wealth, He looks upon everyone from the same vantage point, unconditional love.

 It reminds me of the story about a Chicago bank that requested a professional reference on a young Bostonian being screened for employment.  His Boston investment house could not say enough about the young man.  They reported that his father was a Cabot and his mother was a Lowell.  Farther back in his family lineage was a prominent blend of Saltonstalls, Peabodys, and other distinguished Boston families.  This very positive recommendation was dispatched without any hesitation whatsoever.  

 Several days later, however, the Chicago bank sent their response, which stated that the information supplied was altogether inadequate.  Their letter read in part: “We are not contemplating using the young man for breeding purposes.  Just for work.”  😊

 I like that bank’s style, don’t you?  Neither is God a respecter of persons, but He accepts those from every nation, family, race and ethnicity who fear Him and diligently strive to establish His kingdom.

 Having gained Heaven’s perspective on the divisive issues of partiality and prejudice, the Apostle Peter related the following testimony to Cornelius and his non-Jewish family.  “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:34-35)  Friends, if you and I truly love, honor and obey our Creator, we shall ever be card-carrying members of what I have taken the liberty to label as ‘The Favor-Rite Tribe’ of Heaven.

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

HUMMINGBIRD OR BUZZARD MENTALITY?

HUMMINGBIRD OR BUZZARD MENTALITY?

 We cannot always determine our situation.  We may always choose our attitude.  Viktor Frankl was a courageous survivor of Nazi Germany’s World War II concentration camps.  In his classic book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Frankl wrote “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing, that is to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”  Truth.

 The best way I can portray diverse life attitudes is to contrast the hummingbird and the vulture, both of whom survive in our nation’s deserts.  Vultures subsist on rotting meat; therefore, that’s all that they look for and see.  On the other hand, hummingbirds seek colorful desert plants for nourishment.   Vultures live on what was – thriving on the past, that which is dead and gone.  Hummingbirds live on what is – filling themselves with freshness and life.  Their attitude toward living things (present or past) mobilizes their daily search and diet.

 What does your attitude motivate you to seek for life nourishment?  What are you hungry for?  Think.

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

NEVER LIVE IN THE PAST

NEVER LIVE IN THE PAST

 Years ago, the Holy Spirit breathed into my troubled mind a life-changing Rhema that was dispatched from the throne of grace.  It was a simple yet profound message of hope: “Your flow is in your future, not in your past, so get out of the rearview mirror.”  These are sage words for all of us to live by.

 The prolific author, Warren Wiersbe, strongly agrees.  He writes, “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better or worse than these?’  You do not move ahead by constantly looking backward.  The past is a rudder to guide you, not an anchor to drag you.  We must learn from the past but not live in the past.”  Amen, Dr. Wiersbe, Amen!

 Arguably, the most potent satanic strategy is to attack one’s mind (the arena of spiritual warfare) with deep feelings of regret, shame, anger, despair, or condemnation, centered around past experiences.  My friend, if you messed up, get up and allow our loving GOD to recreate, renew and restore.  And since you are now seated in Christ, the Word decrees that “there is therefore now no condemnation.” (Romans 8:1)  For good measure, your Heavenly Father affirms this liberating truth pertaining to all of His spiritual sons and daughters: “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:17)

 So let go, and let God…

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

IT'S IMPERATIVE TO WIN YOUTH TO CHRIST

IT’S IMPERATIVE TO WIN YOUTH TO CHRIST

 Believe it or not, there is some truth in the axiom that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.  It is applicable in both canine and human populations.  Indeed, the heart of one’s moral and spiritual temperament is framed and formed rather early in life.  This does not mean that older persons are somehow incapable of genuine repentance and conversion, but it suggests that over time there are diminishing prospects since people are creatures of habit and tend to become set in their ways.

 Therefore, it is mission critical to do everything possible to proactively present Christ as early as we can to evangelize our children and youth.

 Intriguing research on this matter was accomplished by a 19^th-century Scottish preacher named Horatius Bonar.  When he queried 253 Christian friends as to what ages they were converted, he got the followed results:

 Under 20 years of age, there were 138 conversions.  Between ages 20 and 30, there were 85.  Between ages 30 and 40, 22 accepted Christ.  Between ages 40 and 50, there were 4 conversions.  Between ages 50 and 60, there were 3.  Between ages 60 and 70, there was only 1.  And over age 70, there were none.  Granted, life expectancy then was less than ours, but the implications are quite clear.  The earlier one is exposed to the gospel, the greater the possibility of attaining salvation.

 Of course, with GOD, all things are possible, at any time and any place.  But we must be diligent and dedicated to maximize opportunities for youth to bow at the cross of Calvary.  Let’s all do our part.

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

THE ZEAL THAT KILLS

THE ZEAL THAT KILLS

 Zeal is a wonderful thing when it is enacted appropriately because it rejects procrastination, projects energy and releases purpose.  However, the Apostle Paul warned against being overly zealous people, saying “they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:2)  So he left us this sage admonition: “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” (Philippians 4:5)  Therefore, the most practical approach to life, based on scripture, is the application of moderation in all things.

I thought some of you could possibly use a smile-break today, so I’ll share a true but humorous story about ZEAL, adapted from Warren Wiersbe’s “Handbook of Preaching and Preachers.”

 When he was pastor at the Methodist church in Scarborough, William Sangster had a somewhat eccentric member who tried his best to be a zealous Christian. However, this man was overly aggressive in his witness and usually took the wrong approach. This Christian barber was lathering his customer for a close shave. But as he approached him with a very sharp razor, he remembered his evangelical duties and suddenly blurted out, “Are you prepared to meet your God?” That terrified gentleman fled the shop with lather on his face and never returned!

 Remember: You never have to ‘scare’ people into making a decision for Christ, whether you are doing it inadvertently or purposefully. Just let CHRIST shine through in your attitude and actions. 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!

IS OUR WITNESS CREDIBLE?

IS OUR WITNESS CREDIBLE?

 It is of paramount importance that those who present Christ would strive at all times to maintain credibility so the gospel message can be heard, believed and received.  In G. Campbell Morgan’s book, “Preaching,” he relates a true story that strikes at the very heart of this issue. 

 An eminent preacher once remarked to the great English actor, Macready, “I wish you would explain something to me.”  “Well, what is it?” queried Macready, “because I don’t know that I could possibly explain anything to a preacher.”

 “Well, I simply need to know the reason for the difference between you and me.  You appear before people night after night with fiction, and large crowds gather wherever you go.  I preach the essential and unchangeable truth, and I’m not getting any crowd at all.”

 Macready’s response went directly to the crux of the matter. “This is quite simple,” he reasoned, “and  I can easily tell you the difference between us.  I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your truth as though it were fiction.” 

 Lesson learned.  Apparently, there was too much of the eminent preacher wrapped up in the message and, therefore, the results were far less than Heaven had intended.  We must be ever mindful that we are ambassadors of Christ’s Kingdom.  Almighty God never requires our pseudo-spiritual theatrics to proclaim His eternal truth.  He simply requires our obedience, preparation, diligence, transparency and sincerity.  After all, the gospel message is always about HIM, never about us.

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

LET IT GO

LET IT GO

 Letting go of hurtful relationship issues is a real challenge for most of us.  The following apropos story is an excerpt drawn from “Guiding Your Family in a Misguided World” by Pastor Tony Evans.

 One day, two monks were walking through the countryside.  They were on their way to another village to help bring in the crops.  As they walked, they spied an old woman sitting at the edge of a river.  She was upset because there was no bridge, and she could not get across on her own.  The first monk kindly offered, “We will carry you across if you would like.”  “Thank you,” she replied gratefully, accepting their help.  So the two men joined hands, lifted her between them and carried her across the river.  Once they got her to the other side, they continued on their way.

 After they had walked another mile or so, the second monk began to complain. “Look at my clothes,” he said.  “They are filthy from carrying that woman across the river.  And my back still hurts from lifting her.  I can feel it getting stiff.”  The first monk just smiled and nodded his head.

 A few more miles up the road, the second monk griped again, “My back is hurting me so badly, and it is all because we had to carry that silly woman across the river!  I cannot go any farther because of the pain.”  The first monk looked down at his partner, now lying on the ground, moaning.  “Have you wondered why I am not complaining?” he asked.  “Your back hurts because you are still carrying the woman.  But I set her down five miles ago.”

 That is what so many of us are like in dealing with our families.  We are that second monk who cannot let go.  We hold the pain of the past over our loved ones’ heads like a club, or we remind them every once in a while, especially when we want to get the upper hand, of the troublesome burden we still carry because of something they did years ago.

 For your physical, emotional and spiritual health, just let it go.  As the gospel hymn wisely suggests, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”

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

NEW AGE DECEPTION AND THE DILUTION OF THE GOSPEL

NEW AGE DECEPTION AND THE DILUTION OF THE GOSPEL

 My friends, you are NOT gods.  You were never designed or intended to be.

 The very first lies that the ‘master deceiver’ strategically concocted and craftily presented to human beings are recorded in Genesis 3:1-5.

 “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.  And he said unto the woman, Yes, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, you shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.  And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die: for God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and yOU shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

 Satan is the master of lies and half-truths.  Yes, you were created in the image of God, after the likeness of God.  Yes, you were endowed with certain characteristics of God.  But no, you are not a god!  At the risk of sounding somewhat uncouth, let me break it down this way.  Does God use a toilet?  Does God need to wash His body?  Does God work for a living?  Does God ever become tired?  Does God contract disease and (as a result) experience death?  Does God make any errors or commit any sins?  I could go on and on.  Although we are much more than our human bodies reveal, meaning that at our core we are alive spirits, there is so much about our nature, our attitudes and our actions that is so very far removed from the supernatural being of Almighty God.

 The foregoing insights frame our inquiry into one scripture that Satan uses as an effective weapon in his New Age-soul-destructive agenda.  It is frequently misquoted and typically misunderstood.  Psalm 82:6 states, “I have said, ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”

 First of all, the most accurate translations of the Hebrew word for “gods” used in this scripture, i.e. the translations that align with the totality of God’s Word are recorded in The Message and Amplified Bibles, as follows:

 “I said, You are gods [since you judge on My behalf, as My representatives]; indeed, all of you are children of the Most High.” [Amplified Bible Classic Edition]

 “I appointed you judges, each one of you, deputies of the High God, But you’ve betrayed your commission and now you’re stripped of your rank, busted.” [The Message Bible]

 Therefore, the word “gods” does not literally mean gods.  Rather, it is a synonym for representatives, judges and deputies.  When we translate or attempt to comprehend it literally, and walk away with the understanding that we are some sort of quasi-deities, we are perceiving and proclaiming a message that is devoid of wisdom because it is in stark contradiction to the totality of Bible truth.  According to New Testament teachings, our fundamental task is “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)

 This false, misleading, egocentric teaching (that we are gods) is currently projected in pulpits across America.  We must ask ourselves a mission critical question: “What is its source?”  The obvious answer is the New Age movement.  Therefore, we must courageously reveal what it really is, a systemic and deadly spiritual disease that is sweeping the Christian community with the intent of diluting the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is now reaching pandemic proportions.  And Satan, whom Christ identified as “the thief…who comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” is its diabolical enabler. (John 10:10)

 What is Satan’s modus operandi?  He is characterized in Genesis 3:1 as being “more subtle” than any of God’s creations.  As such, he skillfully capitalizes on the fulfillment of the end-times prophecy that “knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4)  But generally speaking, are we better off for it?  Our generation certainly appears to be far more informed than previous ones, but clearly not any wiser.

 What is the New Age movement?  Generally speaking, it is a conglomeration of humanistic beliefs, with roots in Eastern mysticism.  It includes pseudo-spiritual activities such as meditation, the occult, the teaching that man is inherently good and thus needs to focus on self-help, self-actualization, self-reliance and self-love.  A recent Pew Research study reveals that New Age thinking has aggressively infiltrated the Christian community.

 Let me be clear.  Although we are correct in assuming that humans have intrinsic value (since we were created by God and we are loved by God), the Word reveals that we are born in sin and need to be redeemed by the vicarious atonement of Christ on Calvary’s cross. (Psalm 51:5 – John 3:3;16 – I Peter 1:23)  Thus, there is nothing inherently good about fallen humanity.  In the identical messages of the Psalmist David and the Apostle Paul, “there is none who does good…no, not one.” (Psalm 53:3 – Romans 3:12)  Instead of having dominion and taking authority over this world system (as was the divine plan for God’s highest creation), we have allowed ourselves to be governed by “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” (Genesis 1:27 – I John 2:16)  Notably, these were the exact three temptations that Satan presented to our fore-parents who failed to overcome, and eventually to Jesus Christ who prevailed victoriously over them. (Genesis 3:1-7 – Matthew 4:1-11)

 Now let us carefully note the primary lie that the deceiver presented to our fore-parents.  He implied that God’s true motive for denying them access to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was some strange sort of jealous control, i.e. that God knows that once you disobey and eat, “your eyes will be opened, and you shall be as gods.” (Genesis 3:5)  Think.  How would the omniscient and omnipotent God be somehow intimidated or diminished by the ‘knowledge’ of one of His creations?

 The not-so-subtle strategy of the New Age movement is to deploy this same satanic lie against us.  As “the prince of the power of the air,” Satan seeks to invade the mind (the battleground of spiritual warfare) and appeal to the flesh, i.e. that which is seen, or felt, or would directly appeal to our ego and pride. (Ephesians 2:2 – I John 2:16)  His intent is to cause us to embrace the most subtle and addictive form of idolatry, to worship ourselves and, for all practical intents and purposes, to sit on the throne that must be occupied solely by God, to become captains of our ship and masters of our destiny.  Satan lied to our fore-parents that they could somehow be gods; and he is actively spreading that same lie today.

 We cannot allow this destructive New Age deception to dilute the Christian faith.  This devotional is not intended to denigrate or rebuke any persons or groups, but it is my heartfelt appeal to every one of us to “study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)  God has spoken; let the church say, “Amen!”

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

PARENTING: OUR MOST IMPORTANT VOCATION

PARENTING: OUR MOST IMPORTANT VOCATION

 Let’s begin with a rather humorous story that aptly sums up the extremely difficult challenges that are part and parcel of parenting.  Owen Wister, an old college friend of Theodore Roosevelt, was visiting at the White House.  Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice, kept running in and out of the room until Wister became exasperated and blurted out, “Isn’t there anything you can do to handle your daughter?”  Roosevelt simply smiled and responded, “Well, I can do one of two things.  I can be President of the United States or I can control Alice.  I cannot possibly do both.”

 Every parent (or grandparent) has experienced those ‘mind-altering-moments’ when you literally feel like tearing your hair out, if you have any remaining follicles.  Parenting is emotionally draining and exhausting, but it is undoubtably the most important natural stewardship on the planet.

 And here’s why.  A classic child development study set out to prove that crime is caused solely by environmental influences.  Over the course of 17 years, two psychological experts studied hundreds of prison inmates and, much to their surprise, concluded that a life of crime is not directly traceable to environment, poverty, or oppression.  Rather, crime is the result of individuals making wrong moral choices.  Their findings were later verified in a Harvard child study that determined that crime is largely due to the result of proper moral training during the formative years, ages one to six.

 These conclusions should cause every parent pause.  Although raising children can be an entirely exasperating enterprise, in the midst of the major obligations and powerful distractions of daily life it is mission critical to maintain a laser sharp focus.  Because the future of our children is largely dependent on our ability to sustain genuine love, adequate support, wise guidance, and yes, consistent correction.

 This is a tough road to hoe in America where we have an overpowering legacy of individualism, which sometimes manages to erode foundations of virtue, morality and righteous living.  In our time, adulthood is mostly defined as being able to do what one wants to do, not what one is supposed to do.  And in the eyes of far too many, making a baby is a sign of status; caring for one is not.  Standards of right and wrong are often seen as old-fashioned or rigid.  And marriage has become more of a temporary hobby than a lasting covenant commitment.  The result is a deteriorating family structure.  As former surgeon general, Joycelyn Elders, states, “It is easier for many children to find drugs than it is for them to find hugs.”

 My friends, we’ve got a tremendous amount of work to do.  Our society must resolve to reaffirm the role of ‘parent’ as an honorable, esteemed and high calling.  It is my conviction that public schools should grant more resources, i.e. increased time and attention, to developing practical life-skills, not just academic achievement.  Maybe I’m just venting today.  Perhaps this devotional is just one aging man standing on his proverbial soapbox.  Nevertheless, I am totally convinced that if our society does not do a much better job of equipping the parents of this and future generations, we are in grave danger of damaging or destroying what we have always valued and treasured most, our children.

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

PROVIDENCE IS REAL...FOR SURE, FOR SURE!

 PROVIDENCE IS REAL…FOR SURE, FOR SURE!

 Almighty God, who watches over His Word to perform it, is consistently looking out for you.  I love the awesome promise He reveals in Jeremiah 29:11.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”  This means that God has been proactively contemplating the totality of your life and mine, our moments in time and our destiny in eternity, long before the foundation of the world.  Wow!

 There’s an awesome story drawn from the early life of Abraham Lincoln that speaks so eloquently about the phenomenal plans and provision of God.  On the front porch of his little country store in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln stood wondering with Berry, his business partner.  Things were in a nosedive, and Berry asked, “How much longer can we keep this going?”  Lincoln answered, “It looks as if our business has just about winked out.”  Then he continued, “You know, I wouldn’t mind so much if I could just do what I want to do.  I want to study law.  I wouldn’t mind so much if we could sell everything we’ve got and pay all our bills and have just enough left over to buy one book, Blackstone's Commentary on English Law.  But I guess I can’t.”

 A strange-looking wagon was coming up the road.  The driver angled it up close to the store porch, then looked at Lincoln and said, “I’m trying to move my family out west, and I’m out of money.  I’ve got a good barrel here that I could sell for fifty cents.”  Abraham Lincoln’s eyes went along the wagon and noticed the wife looking at him pleadingly, face thin and emaciated.  Lincoln ran his hand into his pocket and took out, as he later described it, “the last fifty cents I had” and said, “I reckon I could use a good barrel.”  

 All day long the barrel sat on the porch of their store and Berry kept chiding Lincoln about it.  Late in the evening Lincoln walked out and looked down into the barrel.  He saw something in the bottom, papers he hadn’t noticed before.  His long arms reached down into the barrel and hit something solid.  He pulled out a book and stood there shocked and petrified.  It was Blackstone’s Commentary on English Law.  Lincoln later wrote, “I just held onto the book and looked up toward the heavens.  There came a deep impression on me that God had something for me to do and He was showing me that I had to get ready for it.  Why would this miracle happen otherwise?”  What a mighty God we serve!

 My friend, you may be assured that the God who loves all of us equally has something especially designed for you.  Never lose heart or hope.  Be faithful to His Word and be ready to walk into your personal season of fulfillment.  Never doubt.  God has great expectations for you!

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

NEVER FEED ON SLANDER

NEVER FEED ON SLANDER

 Admittedly, it’s difficult to do so, but any attempts to degrade your character or reputation should be purposefully ignored, especially when such personal attacks are devoid of truth.  While I am a committed Christian, I have to admire the poise and style of Prince Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.

 When a harsh critic confronted Buddha in a verbally abusing manner, he only listened in silence.  After his attacker had finished, Buddha asked gently, “If a man declined to accept a present made to him, to whom would it belong?”  His accuser responded cautiously, “To him who offered it.”  Buddha smiled and said, “My son, I decline to accept your abuse and grant you permission to keep it for yourself.”

 Lesson learned.  Ignore foolishness.  Most often, it directly reflects the character of the one who fostered it, not yours.

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