Thy Will Be Done

THY WILL BE DONE

 Jesus Christ endowed disciples with our model prayer.  Through it, He taught us to petition Heaven in complete harmony with the divine will.  “Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:10)  It is our humble and heartfelt recognition of the wisdom and sovereignty of God.

 It calls to memory the classic prayer of Bobby Richardson, New York Yankee second baseman, at a meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  It is a timeless supplication of sincerity, submission and brevity: “Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.  Amen.”

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

THE PEACE OF GOD

THE PEACE OF GOD

 Genuine and enduring peace of mind can be elusive in the midst of troubling events.  So for today, my task is simply to remind us that GOD is sovereign and in control, no matter what.

 Since Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, true safety consists not in the absence of danger, but in His presence and power.  Thus, peace can never be dependent on calm waters, but on confidence that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

 Believers are advised by the Apostle Paul to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

 So Rest.  Pray.  Meditate.  Trust.  Experience God’s Peace.

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

WHAT IS JOY?

WHAT IS JOY?

 True joy is simply this: Lasting assurance that Christ is at the center of one’s life and circumstances.  Thus, joy makes abundant life available, satisfying and sustainable.

 An unknown author penned the following truths about joy:

 “Men have pursued joy in every avenue imaginable.  Some have successfully found it while others have not.  Perhaps it would be easier to describe where joy cannot be found.

 Not in Unbelief -- Voltaire was a consummate infidel.  He wrote: "I wish I had never been born."

Not in Pleasure -- Lord Byron lived a life devoted to pleasure.  He wrote: "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone."

Not in Money -- Jay Gould, an American millionaire, had untold wealth.  When dying, he said: "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth."

Not in Position and Fame -- Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share fortune and fame.  He wrote: "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret."

Not in Military Glory -- Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world.  Having done so, he wept in his tent, realizing that "There are no more worlds to conquer.”

 My friends, where is true joy to be found?  The answer is quite simple: in Christ alone.

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

NEGATIVITY CAN BE SO DESTRUCTIVE!

NEGATIVITY CAN BE SO DESTRUCTIVE!

 According to the wise King Solomon, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)   Sometimes, we inadvertently damage those whom we love.  One survey tracked how many times mothers made negative comments to their children.  The results revealed that there were ten times more criticisms than favorable comments.  Also, an Institute of Family Relations study conducted in an urban school district found that teachers were negative in their approach to students about 74% of the time.  Further, the study concluded that it took four positive statements from a teacher to a child to offset the effects of one negative statement.

 In “Homemade,” Shad Helmstetter concludes that “as much as 77% of everything we think is negative and counterproductive which works against us.  People who grow up in the average American household hear “NO” or are told they cannot do something more than 148,000 times by the time they reach the age of 18.  The sad result is unintentional negative programming.” 

 If we wish to change the way we communicate, we must first revisit the way we think about others.  Try this: The next time you are tempted to carp or complain about something someone has said or done, pause for a moment and silently ask this question: ‘What things can I recall that are good or admirable about this person?’  And instead of speaking as you impulsively would have, “think on these things” and course correct. (Philippians 4:8)

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

OBEYING GOD: OUR BENEFIT AND BLESSING

OBEYING GOD: OUR BENEFIT AND BLESSING

It’s not only a logical response to the grace and mercy of God, it’s always in our self-interest to submit to Heaven’s will and way. 

 Consider this.  Conscientious parents recognize how challenging it is to consistently exercise God-given authority over our children.  That delicate balance between being tough and tender can be quite elusive, never easy to maintain.  Some parents intensify spirits of rebellion by being overly harsh and dictatorial.  Others easily yield their authority in the face of resistance and disapproval.  

 When a strong-willed child resists our wisdom, the pressure to cave for the sake of peace and harmony can be overpowering and overwhelming.  I am reminded of the mother who wanted to have the last word but couldn’t handle the hassle that resulted whenever she said “no” to her young son.  After an especially trying day, she finally flung up her hands and shouted, “All right, Billy, do whatever you want!  Now let me see you disobey THAT!”  I’m quite honored and happy that GOD does not take that approach with His children. 

 Jesus Christ taught us ‘The Disciple’s Prayer,’ which asks that the Creator’s will be done on earth, just as it is in Heaven.  We owe it to ourselves, to our health, to our happiness and to “the heritage of the Lord” (our children) to meticulously follow the leading of the Lord in every aspect of daily life. (Psalm 127:3)  In doing so, we will make our way prosperous and guarantee long-term success. (Joshua 1:8)

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

AVAILABILITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ABILITY

AVAILABILITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ABILITY

 Our world overflows with talent.  Nevertheless, there is a definite paucity of people who willingly and selflessly serve.  Regarding the mission critical work of evangelism, Jesus Christ remarked, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)  I love the fact that Christ used a common category, “laborer,” to characterize the global task of winning souls to His Kingdom.

 It seems logical, then, that availability for service always trumps talent.

 Whenever you are tempted to devalue your potential or underestimate your impact, consider the sage words of Henry Van Dyke.  “Use what talents you possess.  The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”  Philips Brooks wholeheartedly agrees: “It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything.”  Wow!

 To wit, everyone counts.  It’s Heaven’s intentional design.  After all, God created us with unique talents.  Therefore, all have something of substance to bring to the table of life.  If you ever think you are less than others, consider the postage stamp.  It is modest in size and appearance, but it has considerable importance and usefulness – as long as it ‘sticks’ to one thing until it gets there. 

 My friend, show up for life; show us for service.  Our God graciously specializes in maximizing that which seems inconsequential or small.

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

YOU'RE SAFE SINCE GOD IS SOVEREIGN!

YOU’RE SAFE SINCE GOD IS SOVEREIGN!

 Fear is the intentional murderer of faith.  It is the primary weapon of spiritual warfare deployed by satanic forces to nullify our confidence in the absolute sovereignty of God.  Nevertheless, Satan cannot conquer us because the Word declares that he is a defeated foe whose proper position is under our feet. (Romans 16:20)

 Consider the following jewels of wisdom shared by an unknown and insightful author: “In the frigid waters around Greenland are countless icebergs, some little and some gigantic.  When you observe them carefully, you notice that sometimes the small ice floes move in one direction while their massive counterparts flow in another.  The explanation is simple.  Surface winds drive the little ones, whereas the huge masses of ice are carried along by deep ocean currents.  When we face trials and tragedies, it's helpful to see our lives as impacted by two forces--surface winds and ocean currents.  The winds represent everything that is changeable, unpredictable and distressing.  But operating simultaneously with these gusts and gales is another force that's even more powerful.  It is the sure movement of God's wise and sovereign purpose, the deep flow of His unchanging love.”

 Our wise, omnipotent and sovereign God knows the route and prevailing conditions through which you are sailing.  Trust His unchanging love and unfailing providence.  Wherever you are, HE is there.

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

YOU DON'T HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING

YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING

 Bishop T. D. Jakes made a memorable remark at MegaFest, a Christian conference that Belinda and I attended years ago in Atlanta.  He said, “If you are always the smartest person in the room, perhaps you’re in the wrong room.”  Life experiences have taught me that sometimes it’s best to remain quiet and allow others to speak, with the simple realization that you don’t know (and don’t have to know) everything.

 I read a related story in General Douglas MacArthur’s “Reminiscences.”  It took place during his college years of military training at West Point.  He wrote: “We were studying the time-space relationship which was later formulated by Albert Einstein as his Theory of Relativity.  The text was complex and, being unable to comprehend it, I committed the entire page to memory.  When I was called upon, I solemnly reeled off almost word for word what the book said.  Our instructor looked at me somewhat quizzically and asked, ‘Do you understand this theory?’  It was a bad moment for me, but I did not hesitate in replying, ‘No, sir.’  You could have heard a pin drop.  I braced myself and waited.  And then came the unexpected words of my professor: ‘Neither do I, Mr. MacArthur.  Class dismissed.’  Indeed it was a teachable moment.”

 Only God knows all.  Just know what you know, and be inwardly content that you know it.  The affirmation of the crowd should only be thought of as unreliable and unnecessary.

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

FAITH IT INTO BEING!

FAITH IT INTO BEING!

 We just finished an anointed time of prayer with our extended family, and I believe God!  After all, faith is moving forward through dim and dismal places while trusting that the invisible God is present, holding our hands, leading us on.

 The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet and in a single leap cover a distance greater than 30 feet.  Yet these magnificent creatures can be secured in a zoo enclosure with a 3-foot wall.  You see, the impala will not jump without first seeing where its feet will land.  

 That’s leaping by sight, and it’s an extremely limiting life experience.  On the other hand, faith is the ability to trust in what we cannot see.  “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (II Corinthians 5:7)  Jesus declared that just a little faith, the size of a miniscule mustard seed, is sufficient to free us from any things that life brings to enclose us, paralyze us, or stop us from reaching our purpose and destiny. (Matthew 17:20)

 My friends, don’t you dare doubt.  Pray about it.  Trust God’s Word.  And ‘faith’ whatever it is into existence.  Because faith is much more than a noun; it is a verb, a dynamic and liberating action word.

 I believe God!

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

TUNE IN TO GOD TO TUNE IN TO OTHERS

TUNE IN TO GOD TO TUNE IN TO OTHERS

 The whole world seems to be engaged in a never-ending quest for that elusive reality called unity.  We seek for it in the United Nations general assembly; it isn’t there.  We seek for it in the enacting of new or more rigorous laws; it isn’t there.  We seek for it by way of our natural impulses to draw relationally closer to family and friends; it isn’t there.  Indeed, no human situation or circumstance is a sure and steadfast portal to unity.

 However, A. W. Tozer describes its true and singular Source in his classic book, “The Pursuit of God.”  Pay prayerful attention to his insightful revelation, reprinted below:

 “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other?  They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow.  So one hundred worshipers meeting together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.” 

 My friend, if you’re looking to grow genuinely closer to others in any significant or sustained sense, draw purposefully closer to God, as revealed in His Word.  The heart of God transforms the hearts of men.

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

RANDOM THOUGHTS ON BEAUTY

RANDOM THOUGHTS ON BEAUTY

I’ve observed an unsettling tendency on social media platforms, an overemphasis on physical beauty. This concerns me, especially when I consider the fact that ALL of us will change (possibly gradually but definitely radically) in the course of time and circumstance. This raises a mission critical question: ‘What is beauty?’ Is it solely determined by the contours of one’s frame or the characteristics of one’s face? I think not.

True beauty is an inexplicable spiritual phenomenon.  It has little to do with exteriors; it’s all about inside reality.  It emerges from truth, integrity, compassion and wisdom in our relationships with God and man.  I love President Abraham Lincoln’s comedic commentary on beauty: “The Lord prefers common-looking people.  That is the reason He made so many of them.”   Good one, Mr. Lincoln!

Never become obsessed with outward appearances.  Charles William Eliot, a former president of Harvard, had a birthmark on his face that bothered him to no end.  As a young man, he was told that surgeons could do nothing to remove it.  But his wise and loving mother offered this sage advice: “My son, it is not possible for you to get rid of that hardship – but it is possible for you, with God's help, to grow a mind and soul so big that people will forget to look at your face.”  Wow! 

We must also be mindful that standards of beauty differ greatly from person to person and culture to culture.  Missionaries have discovered that in some nations female beauty is synonymous with a buxom anatomy.  In “Fan the Flame,” J. Stowell tells of a young missionary whose small, slender wife was mocked by the indigenous people who insisted that this was a terrible reflection on him since he was obviously not providing well enough for his family.  One villager cited the local folk wisdom, i.e. “If your wife is on a camel and the camel cannot stand up, your wife is truly beautiful!”

One of my favorite poets, John Keats, penned an important truth in his “Ode to a Grecian Urn.”  Keats opined, “TRUTH is beauty; beauty is TRUTH.  That is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”  Amen!

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 GOD OF THE ORDINARY

THE EXTRAORDINARY GOD OF THE ORDINARY

 The Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, penned a book entitled “Day by Day We Magnify Thee.”  In it, he describes the constant presence of God’s hand in our world, which sometimes is underestimated or devalued since it is quite familiar to us.

 Luther writes, “God's wonderful works which happen daily are lightly esteemed, not because they are of no import but because they happen so constantly and without interruption.  Man is used to the miracle that God rules the world and upholds all creation, and because things daily run their appointed course, it seems insignificant, and no man thinks it worth his while to meditate upon it or to regard it as God's wonderful work.”

 Think about it.  The sun rises and sets every day with stellar precision and without interruption.  Animal life behaves in mostly familiar and predictable ways.  Plant life is apt to grow and flourish given the proper conditions and nurture.  Water and oxygen are widely available on earth.  Stars and constellations travel predictable courses in the heavens.  Gravity is a dependable and unchangeable constant.  And on and on and on…

 As the poet, Robert Browning, remarked: “God is in his heaven and all is right with the world.”  Although so many things around us appear to be chaotic and troublesome, our extraordinary God still reigns in Heaven and earth, in nature and humanity, and even over this perilous world system.

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

GENEROSITY

GENEROSITY

 One day a roadside beggar asked for alms from Alexander the Great as he passed by.  The man was quite poor and had no claim upon the ruler or the right to ask for anything.  Yet the Emperor threw him several gold coins.  A courtier was very astonished at his generosity and commented, “Sir, copper coins would adequately meet that beggar’s need.  Why give him gold?”  Alexander responded in royal fashion: “Copper coins would suit the beggar’s need, but gold coins suit Alexander’s giving.”  Indeed!

 The widow’s two mites were extremely significant to Christ, both because of her apparent willingness to give and the fact that her small offering was such a large percentage of her possessions. (Mark 12:42-44)  We should likewise be generous participants in total stewardship, i.e. sharing our time, talent and treasure.  After all, ‘our possessions’ already belong to The Creator, and He freely rewards any who liberally assist others who are in need. (Psalm 24:1 – Proverbs 19:17 – Luke 6:38)

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

WHY NOT BE AN OPTIMIST?

WHY NOT BE AN OPTIMIST?

 It is highly likely that within your sphere of influence there are people with diverse attitudes toward life.  Some always see the glass of water as half-full; others typically see the same glass as half-empty. 

 To be transparent, I find it extremely difficult to expend my God-given (finite) days with people who habitually see the worst outcomes in life as unavoidable and inevitable.  From their perspective, sickness is sure to knock at their door; losses are just around every corner; friends will always disappoint.  I have reprinted a related insight by an unknown author for your consideration:

 “An optimist believes we live in the best of all possible worlds.  A pessimist fears this is true.  However, winners see risks as opportunities.  They envision the rewards of success in advance.  They do not fear the penalties or stigma of failure.  The winning individual knows that bad outcomes are attracted by negative thinking and that an attitude of optimistic expectancy is the surest way to create an upward cycle that attracts victories.  Winners realize that so-called ‘luck’ is nothing more than the intersection of preparation and opportunity.  If an individual is not prepared, he or she simply does not see or take advantage of a situations that move them toward their potential.   Opportunities are always around, but only those who are prepared will utilize them effectively.”

 My friend, life is short, so make a wise and productive choice.  Optimist or Pessimist?

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

CHRIST RETURNS...SOON!

CHRIST RETURNS…SOON!

 Biblical prophecy provides some of the greatest encouragement and hope available.  The Old Testament is saturated with prophecies concerning Christ's first advent, but both the New and Old are filled with references to the second coming of Christ.  In the 260 chapters of the New Testament, there are 318 references to the second advent of Christ--an amazing one out of every thirty verses.  Consider this.  For every prophecy in the Bible concerning Christ's first advent, there are eight prophecies which anticipate His second!

 Keenly aware of Christ’s return and our coming judgment, the Apostle Peter penned a mission critical question: “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (II Peter 3:11)  It’s a challenge that requires a very sober response, i.e. a reordering of our entire lives.  It’s the underlying motivation for Daniel Webster’s heartfelt conviction: “My greatest thought is my accountability to God.”

 The Final Judgment is a momentous occasion when all that is hidden shall be revealed.  Things we have done in our lifetimes will meet us there, whether good or bad.  Every righteous thought; every thought of sin; every secret prayer; every secret curse; every unknown deed of charity; every hidden deed of selfishness – we will face them all and acknowledge that they are our own.

 The only way any of us can successfully meet that awesome moment is to embrace and sustain an intimate relationship with Christ, for He alone can cover all our sins with His precious atoning blood.  This means that in the moment of every believer’s judgment, the Father sees only the Son.  His matchless grace is greater than all of our sins.  Christ is coming soon.  My friend, prepare now so that you and your eternal destiny are fully ‘covered’ – by His redeeming blood.

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

NEVER ASSUME GOD'S WILL

NEVER ASSUME GOD’S WILL

 One of the more challenging endeavors of believers is to find the will of God for specific situations.  Thus, our efforts to seek divine direction must be a purposeful, prayerful and scripture-based.  Walter Knight told of an old Scottish woman who traveled from home-to-home selling thread, buttons and shoestrings.  When she came to an unmarked country crossroad, she would simply toss a stick into the air and go in the direction that the stick pointed when it landed. 

 However, one day she was observed tossing that stick up in the air several times.  “Why do you toss your stick more than once?” a good friend asked.  “Because,” replied the woman, “it keeps pointing to the left, and I want to take the road on the right.”  She then dutifully kept throwing the stick into the air until it pointed in the direction she wanted to go! 

 Never confuse God’s will with yours.  He often works in mysterious and unexpected ways.

 Early in the 1900s, a bishop pronounced from his pulpit and in the periodical he edited that heavier-than-air flight was both impossible and contrary to the will of God.  Life brings so many unanticipated events.  Bishop Wright was wrong, though entirely confident he had discerned the plans of God.  The incredible irony is that he had two sons, Orville and Wilbur, who happened to achieve a remarkable flying feat on December 17, 1903!

 Stay open.  God and life just might surprise.

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

SAFE IN HIS ARMS

SAFE IN HIS ARMS

 Some things appear dangerous but are actually less hazardous than safer-looking alternatives.  For example, commercial air travel is 30 times safer than transportation by automobile.  It may not seem so to the person who prefers navigating ground traffic over riding a Boeing 747 at 35,000 feet.  But being carried by tons of metal being thrust through the air by huge jet engines is actually far safer than being pulled along in a 6-cylinder vehicle that never leaves the earth.

 Similarly, it is an indisputable truth that you and I are safer – much safer – in the loving and sovereign arms of the Lord than we are while depending upon ourselves or any other.  The lyrics of a favorite gospel song resonate deep within my spirit:

Because the Lord is my shepherd
I have everything I need;
He lets me rest in the meadow's grass
And He leads me beside the quiet streams;
He restores my failing health
And He helps me do what honors Him the most;
That's why I'm safe,
That's why I'm safe,
That's why I'm safe –
Safe in His arms.

 

When the storms of life are raging
And the billows roll,
I’m glad He shall hide me…

So glad He shall hide me…

Safe in his arms.

 My friend, it really doesn’t matter what things ‘look like’ – you are absolutely SAFE IN HIS ARMS!

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

CONFORMITY AT ANY COST?

CONFORMITY AT ANY COST?

 We have an overwhelming challenge in the USA, one which must be confronted if we are to survive and thrive as a nation.  It is the uncanny influence of group-think, i.e. the tendency of many to override their upbringing, education, values and instincts and to embrace a herd mentality.  True freedom is the capacity for independent and critical thinking, not going along just to get along.

 In Chuck Swindoll’s book, “Living Above the Level of Mediocrity,” he cites a study that aptly describes this curious group phenomenon: “A few years ago psychologist Ruth W. Berenda and her associates carried out an interesting experiment designed to show how people handle group pressure.  The plan was simple.  They brought groups of ten adolescents into a room for a test.  Subsequently, each group of ten was instructed to raise their hands when the teacher pointed to the longest line on three separate charts.  What one person in the group did not know was that nine of the others in the room had been instructed ahead of time to vote for the second-longest line.”

 Pastor Swindoll continues, “Regardless of the verbal instructions they would later receive, once they were all together in the group, the nine were not to vote for the longest line, but rather vote for the second-longest line.  The experiment began with nine teen-agers voting for the wrong line.  The one differing person would typically glance around, frown in confusion, and slip his hand up with the group.  The instructions were repeated and the next card was raised.  Time after time, the self-conscious individual (who was actually right) would ultimately agree that a short line is longer than a long line, simply because he lacked the courage to challenge the group.  This remarkable conformity occurred in about 75% of the cases, and was true of all ages of students. Humorously, Berenda concluded that, ‘Some people had rather be president than right’ – which is certainly an accurate assessment.”

 My friend, think for yourself.  Even better, strive to discern God’s perspective on any issue; you can discover it in the Word.  Our ministry motto is “Loving, learning and living from God’s point of view.”

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

GRACE

GRACE

 Years ago, Billy Graham was driving through a small southern town when he was stopped by a police officer and charged with speeding.  Graham readily admitted his guilt, but was told by the officer that he would have to appear in court.

 The judge asked, “Guilty, or not guilty?”  When Graham pleaded guilty, the judge replied, “That’ll be ten dollars--a dollar for every mile you went over the limit.”  But suddenly the judge recognized the world-famous minister.  “You have violated the law,” he said, “and the fine must be paid--but I am going to pay it for you.”  He took a ten-dollar bill from his own wallet, attached it to the ticket, and then took Graham out and bought him a steak dinner!  “That,” said Billy Graham, “is how God treats repentant sinners.”  Amen!

 The lyrics of a beloved praise chorus proclaim the wondrous grace of Almighty God:

Grace, grace, God’s grace…

Grace that can pardon and cleanse within…

Grace, grace, God’s grace…

Grace that is greater than all my sins.

Our loving and merciful Savior freely forgives all who bow at Calvary’s cross.  It’s unmerited favor.  It’s grace.

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

IN CONFLICT, ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE!

IN CONFLICT, ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE!

 Having recently surpassed my threescore-and-ten, I am increasingly aware that most conflict can be avoided by simply considering an alternative perspective – other than the one that pride and passion propel to the front and focal point of our initial thoughts.

 Consider this classic example.  Years ago, a large statue of Christ was erected high in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile.  Named “Christ of the Andes,” the statue symbolizes a solemn pledge between Chile and Argentina that as long as it stands there will be peace.  However, shortly after the statue was erected, Chileans began to protest that they had been slighted.  You see, the statue has its back turned toward Chile.  But just when tempers were at their highest in Chile, a wise journalist saved the day.  In an editorial that not only satisfied the citizen’s egos but made them laugh, he simply commented, “The people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans.” 

 My friend, look for the bright side in every situation.  Though it is often obscured, there always is one.

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

A BUILDER OR A WRECKER?

A BUILDER OR A WRECKER?

As I watched them tear a building down
A gang of men in a busy town
With a ho-heave-ho, and a lusty yell
They swung a beam and the side wall fell

 

I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled,
And the men you'd hire if you wanted to build?”
He gave a laugh and said, “No, indeed,
Just common labor is all I need.”

 

“I can easily wreck in a day or two,
What builders have taken years to do.”
And I thought to myself, as I went my way
Which of these roles have I tried to play?

 

Am I a builder who works with care,
Measuring life by rule and square?
Am I shaping my work to a well-made plan
Patiently doing the best I can?

 

Or am I a wrecker who walks the town
Content with the labor of tearing down?
“Oh Lord let my life and my labors be
That which will build for eternity!”

 

-Author Unknown

 

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