BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

 In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew quite tired of royal court life and the constant pressures of being a monarch. So he applied to Prior Richard at the local monastery, asking to be accepted as a monk and to spend his remaining days in the monastery. “Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be very difficult because you have been a king.” His response was, “I do understand. For the rest of my life I will be obedient to you, just as Christ leads you.” Prior Richard smiled knowingly and said, “Then I will tell you what to do.  Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where GOD has put you.”

 When King Henry died, a royal proclamation was penned: “The King learned to rule by being obedient.” Should we become exhausted or bored with our roles and responsibilities, it will help to remember that God has planted us in a certain place.  He admonishes us to be a good accountant, or teacher, or carpenter, or laborer, or mother, or father, or whatever. Undoubtedly, Jesus Christ expects us to be faithful stewards wherever He has placed us.  At His return, shall be commended for fulfilling our part in His master plan, and we’ll spend eternity with Him.

 My friend, bloom where you are planted…even if it occasionally feels like a desert!

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

GET STARTED

GET STARTED

 Personal maturity is a definite work in progress.  Life wisdom can be elusive and long hidden to many.  In the words of Richard Evans, “The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.”  Absolutely true.

 So summon whatever life wisdoms you have acquired and internalized to date, and get moving.  As one of my more morbid colleagues suggests: “Life is short. Before you know it you’re dead!”  While I sincerely hope he learns to lighten up just a bit, my friend is actually on to unquestionable truth.  For those of us who are growing older [indeed we all are], the sobering realization eventually dawns – that the many years that have come before seem to have vanished or evaporated in a blink.

 It all goes by so very quickly.  Engage, enjoy, enlighten, encourage – and make a difference!

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

WHAT MESSAGE FLOWS FROM YOUR COUNTENANCE?

WHAT MESSAGE FLOWS FROM YOUR COUNTENANCE?

 Countenance is your facial appearance, aspect, visage, or demeanor – the silent message that others see and read regarding your attitude.  Rian Nejar wrote, “As eyes are mirrors into the soul, so is a countenance a reflection of character.”  Therefore, it behooves the believer to be ever aware that we are living epistles (letters) “known and read of all men.” (II Corinthians 3:2)  In other words, the only Christ that many will behold is etched on our Christian faces and deportment.

 In “The Grace Awakening,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll relates the following story about Thomas Jefferson.  During his days as president, he and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback.  They came to a river which had overflowed its banks due to a recent downpour.  The swollen river washed the bridge away and each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for life against the rapid currents.  The real possibility of death threatened each rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch.  After several plunged in and made it to the other side, that stranger asked Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river.  The president agreed without hesitation.  The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter both made it safely to the other side. 

 As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, “Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor?”

 The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him.  “All I know,” he said, “is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘no,’ and on some was the answer ‘yes.’  His was a yes face!”

 My friend, it isn’t necessary to wear a constant smile in the face of life’s rigor – but it is mission critical to always reflect the joy of the Lord.  Joy isn’t happiness.  It is peaceful assurance that Christ is at the center of one’s circumstances – and it shows, flows and glows.

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

LET'S JUST TRY HARDER

LET’S JUST TRY HARDER

 I am personally convinced that EFFORT trumps intellect, environment, education, geography, socio-economic standing and many other situational variables that people associate with opportunities for success.  It seems in life that honest, diligent, consistent effort is crowned king.  After reading many biographies, I have concluded that the human characteristic of effort is the common denominator of high achievers.

 Consider this.  A group of social researchers published a contrasting study of Japanese mothers and American mothers living in Minneapolis.  Both groups of mothers were asked to identify the most important thing that children need to succeed.  The responses are very revealing regarding the distinct difference in the two cultures.  Most American mothers chose “ability” as the primary ingredient of success.  The Japanese mothers collectively reported that “effort” is most important.

 There’s a valuable lesson embedded in that study.  If we could just try a little harder, both individually and collectively, some of the solutions to our major societal challenges might be more easily conceivable and achievable.  After all, at the very core of effort is FAITH.  It carries the firm conviction that results which seem just out of reach are indeed possible and doable.  TRY!  Let’s all offer a bit of added effort…to be nicer, friendlier, more flexible, more fair and truly consistent in our daily encounters with the people and conditions that make up this complex journey called life.

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

FAITH SEES THE INVISIBLE

FAITH SEES THE INVISIBLE

 The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance greater than 30 feet. Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a 3-foot wall. The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will land.  However, faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see, and with faith we are freed from the flimsy enclosures of life in which fear entraps us.

 In the words of Augustine, “Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.”

 You may safely trust in the providence and power of our sovereign Savior.  His love is the guarantee.

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

THE COMMON DENOMINATOR OF ENCOURAGEMENT

THE COMMON DENOMINATOR OF ENCOURAGEMENT

 We humans yearn for occasional recognition of our accomplishments and for uplifting words of encouragement from significant others.  However, few have expressed this intrinsic need as clearly and concisely as the little boy who called out to his father: “Let’s play darts this afternoon.  I’ll throw, and you’ll say Wonderful!”

 My friend, why not be an encourager?  After all, it’s a mutually fulfilling enterprise.  Actually you reap far more benefit from sowing encouraging seeds than random recipients of the same.  Because edifying words do travel along with us – through our tough times and tears.  William Arthur Ward describes their impact this way: “Flatter me, and I may not believe you.  Criticize me, and I may not like you.  Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.  Encourage me, and I will never forget you.” 

 Try it; I guarantee you’ll like it.

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

LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE

LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE

 In synch with today’s title, Erma Bombeck offers these humorous admonitions:

 1. Never have more children than you have car windows.

2. Never loan your car to someone to whom you have given birth.

3. Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.

4. Know the difference between success and fame. Success is Mother Teresa. Fame is Madonna.

5. Never hurry to end a marriage. Someday you may need that person to finish a sentence.

6. There are no guarantees in marriage. If that’s what you're looking for, go buy a car battery.

I hope you’re able to smile and laugh in the face of life’s ups-and-downs. (Proverbs 17:22)

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

WHO OR WHAT IS THE OBJECT OF YOUR PASSION?

WHO OR WHAT IS THE OBJECT OF YOUR PASSION?

 During the Antarctic summer of 1908-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton and three companions attempted the challenging trek to the South Pole from their winter quarters.  They set off with four ponies to help carry the load.  Weeks later, with their ponies dead and rations all but exhausted, they turned back toward base, failing to accomplish their goal.

 Altogether they travelled for 127 days.  On the return journey, much of their time was spent talking about food – elaborate feasts, gourmet delights, sumptuous meals.  They staggered along, suffering from dysentery and practically starving, with every waking hour occupied with thoughts of eating.  Perfectly understandable…

 However Jesus Christ, who was also intimately aware of the keen discomfort of food deprivation, declared “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  It would seem that the Master desires that we would be as passionate in our quest for spiritual ‘Soul-Food’ as we are in satisfying the natural needs of our bodies.  While it is completely human to focus on your physical needs, make sure that you are at least equally attentive to your spirit.  According to the Psalmist David, “In HIS presence is the fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)  So in every circumstance, 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!

TRUSTING THE ALL-WISE GOD

 TRUSTING THE ALL-WISE GOD

 We mortals tend to waste precious time and energy questioning the wisdom and Word of God.  However, where God inscribes a period, no one should place a question mark.

 Actually, our constant questioning and rebelling against the Creator’s clearly expressed will is tantamount to idolatry.  Most of us would refuse to bow in worship to gods forged from metal or stone.  Nevertheless we bow in cavalier fashion to our own fallible opinions, whims and intellectual insights.  As such, we adopt an ‘ala carte faith’ constructed from the variable mortar of human perceptions and logic.  Our eternal destiny must not rest on such shaky ground.

 If God is actually omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent (as we say He is), why not fully trust 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 FATHERHOOD OF GOD

THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD

 In “Holy Sweat,” Tim Hansel relates an experience as a natural father that reflects our relationships with the Heavenly Father.  Read and prayerfully ponder.

 “One day, while my son Zac and I were in the country climbing around in some cliffs, I heard a voice from above me yell, ‘Hey Dad! Catch me!’  I turned around to see Zac joyfully jumping off a rock straight at me.  He jumped first and then yelled ‘Hey Dad!’  So I became an instant circus act, catching him.  We both fell to the ground.  For a moment after I caught him I could hardly talk.  When I found my voice I gasped in exasperation: ‘Zac! Can you give me one good reason why you did that?’  He responded with remarkable calmness: ‘Sure...because you're my Dad!’  

 His calm assurance was based solely on the fact that his father was trustworthy.  He was confident that he could live life to the fullest because I could be trusted.  Isn't that even more true for those of us who are sons and daughters of Almighty God?”

 Because our God is such a loving and dependable Father, we may rest and stand on His promises – trusting in His Word without any hesitation or fear of failure – both in time and eternity.  May I wish a Happy Father’s Day to all who seek to emulate His faithfulness, provision, dependability and love!

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

WE SURELY REAP AS WE HAVE SOWN

WE SURELY REAP AS WE HAVE SOWN

 Supreme Court Justice Horace Gray admonished a man who once appeared before him in a lower court and had escaped conviction on a mere technicality, “I know you are guilty, and you know it, and you must remember that one day you will stand before a better and wiser Judge, and there you will be dealt with according to justice and not according to law.”  That very guilty man was found ‘innocent’ that day and escaped punishment.

 But years later, his crimes caught up with him.  When he was interrupted while burgling a house in Antwerp, Belgium, this thief fled out the back door and clambered over a nine-foot wall.  Dropping down on the other side, he found himself in the locked confines of city prison.  Wow!

 In life, we might seem to be getting by, but we will not get away.  For all must stand before the Creator and be evaluated regarding the deeds that are done in our time on earth. (II Corinthians 5:10)

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

WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER!

WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER!

 Geese are especially impressive because of their instinctive and intentional participation in teamwork.  Winging their way to warmer climates, they cover thousands of miles before reaching their destination.  It isn’t the flight distance that is most impressive; it’s the manner in which they engage each other throughout the journey.  Consider their phenomenal group duties and discipline:

 1.       Those in front rotate leadership.  When one lead goose gets tired, it changes places with      one in the wing of the V-formation and another moves in position to fly point.

2.       By flying as they do, the members of the flock create an upward air current for one another.  Each flap of the wings literally creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.  One scientist estimates that by flying in V-formation, the whole flock gets 71 percent greater flying range than if each goose flew on its own.

3.       When any goose gets sick or wounded, two fall out of formation and follow it down to help and protect.  They stay with the straggler until it’s able to fly again.

4.       The geese in the rear of the formation are the ones who do the honking.  Perhaps it's their way of announcing that they're following and all is well.  For sure, the repeated honks encourage those in front to stay at it. 

5.       As we think about all of this, one lesson stands out above all others.  It is the natural instinct of geese to work together.  Whether it's rotating, flapping, helping, or honking, the flock is fully engaged in community.  Together they are empowered to accomplish an awesome objective.

 We humans would do well to emulate their aviary community, thereby receiving the blessings, safety, confidence and fulfillment that reside in shared vision and unity.

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

DEPENDING ON THE LORD

DEPENDING ON THE LORD

 Despite our intellectual capabilities and phenomenal accomplishments, we humans owe our continued existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains – both of which were designed and created by God.

 So what makes any of us feel that we can survive and thrive without HIM?

 A southern textile mill had this employee sign: “When your thread is tangled, call the foreman.”  When the thread of a new employee became tangled, she thought, “I’ll just straighten this out myself.”  She tried and tried, but the situation only worsened.  Finally she called the foreman and said, “I did the very best that I could.”  “No you didn’t,” replied the supervisor.  “To do your best, you would have called ME.”

 All too often, we convince ourselves that solutions to life’s problems are easily accessible and attainable.  The cause of this tendency is ‘spiritual amnesia,’ – i.e. we forget for the moment that God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.  So calling on ourselves in lieu of our God always results in unforced errors or results that are far less than they could have been.

 Growing up in the Bass household, our dining room wall displayed a constant reminder: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”  (Proverbs 3:6)  David struck a similar chord when he penned, “The steps of a good man [woman] are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23)  Lesson learned.  CHRIST is Captain of life’s ship!  Amen?  Amen!

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

INTEGRITY'S ANGUISH

INTEGRITY’S ANGUISH

 In “The Integrity Crisis,” Warren Wiersbe pens the following insights that powerfully resonate in our current cultural conditions.  Prayerfully consider:

 Will Rogers was known for his laughter, but he also knew how to weep.  One day he was entertaining at the Milton H. Berry Institute in Los Angeles, a hospital that specialized in rehabilitating polio victims and people with broken backs and other extreme physical handicaps.  Of course, Will Rogers had everybody laughing, even patients in really bad condition; but then he suddenly left the platform and went into the rest room.  Milton Berry followed him to give him a towel; but when he opened the door, he saw Will Rogers leaning against the wall, sobbing like a baby.  He closed the door, and in a few minutes, Rogers appeared back on the platform, as jovial as before.

 If you want to learn what a person is really like, ask three questions: What makes him laugh?  What makes him angry?  What makes him weep?  These are fairly good tests of character that are especially appropriate for Christian leaders.  I hear people saying, “We need angry leaders today!” or “The time has come to practice militant Christianity!”  Perhaps, but the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)

 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.

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

ANGRY?

ANGRY?

 Billy Sunday was a professional baseball player who became a highly influential early 20^th century evangelist.  He related a memorable encounter with a lady who tried to rationalize her angry outbursts.  “There's nothing wrong with losing my temper,” she said.  “I blow up, and then it’s all over.” 

 “So does a shotgun,” Sunday replied, “and look at the damage it leaves behind!”

 Actually, God’s Word offers us mortals a pass on becoming angry, as long as it is not followed up by sinful behavior. (Ephesians 4:26)  At times, anger can even be unexpectedly traded for positive behavior.  Years ago during a Knicks-Bullets playoff game, one of the Bullets came up from behind the great Walt Frazier and punched him directly in the face.  Strangely, the referee called a foul on Frazier. But Frazier didn’t complain and his expression never changed.  He simply called for the ball and put in seven straight shots to win that competition – an amazing display of productive anger.

 So if you’re angry about something, just discipline yourself and refuse to lash out.  Instead, channel your emotions and produce righteous results.

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

THE ABSOLUTE POWER IN UNITY

THE ABSOLUTE POWER IN UNITY

 In one of his more memorable cartoon posts, Charles Schultz, of “Peanuts” fame, told an intriguing tale.  Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn’t.

 “What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?” asks Linus. 

 “These five fingers,” says Lucy. “Individually they’re nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold!”

 Submissively Linus remarks, “Which channel do you want?” And turning away, he looks down at his fingers and says, “Why can't you guys get organized like that?”

 Hmmm…  What in the world do you imagine would happen if all of God’s people came together in unity against the powers of darkness?

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

A SURE FORMULA FOR FAILURE

A SURE FORMULA FOR FAILURE

 I must confess that I do not possess any readily available or sure-fire formula for life-success.  But I do know of one indisputable guarantee of failure.  It’s simply this: Try to please everyone.

 Live freely and confidently – under the all-wise authority of Jesus Christ.  He alone is Lord.

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

SELF-EXAMINATION

SELF-EXAMINATION

 In I Corinthians 11:28, the Apostle Paul admonishes us: “Let a man examine himself.”  According to the Greek philosopher, Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”  To wit, Gordon MacDonald in “Rebuilding Your Broken World,” offers twenty-six insightful questions to aid in the development of personal spiritual accountability.  It’s a very effective tool for self-examination:

 

1. How is your relationship with God right now?
2. What have you read in the Bible in the past week?
3. What has God said to you in this reading?
4. Where do you find yourself resisting Him these days?
5. What specific things are you praying for in regard to yourself?
7. What are the specific tasks facing you right now that you consider incomplete?
8. What habits intimidate you?
9. What have you read in the secular press this week?
10. What general reading are you doing?
11. What have you done to play?
12. How are you doing with your spouse? Your kids?
13. If I were to ask your spouse about your state of mind, state of spirit, state of energy, what would the response be?
14. Are you sensing spiritual attacks from the enemy right now?
15. If Satan were to try to invalidate you as a person or as a servant of the Lord, how might he do it?
16. What is the state of your sexual perspective? Tempted? Dealing with fantasies? Entertainment? Mutual marital fulfillment?
17. Where are you financially right now? Things under control? Under anxiety? In great debt?
18. Are there any unresolved conflicts in your circle of relationships right now?
19. When was the last time you spent time with a good friend of your own gender?
20. How have you interacted with non-Christians recently?
21. What challenges do you think you’ll face in the coming week? Month?
22. What would you say are your fears at this present time?
23. Are you sleeping well?
24. What three things are you most thankful for?
25. At this point in your spiritual pilgrimage, do you like yourself?
26. What are your greatest questions about your relationship with God? 

 Let your prayerful self-examination begin…

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

WE ARE CHANNELS OF BLESSING!

WE ARE CHANNELS OF BLESSING!

What an awesome privilege, joy, and honor it is when any of the Lord’s servants are deemed (by His grace) to be useful and usable in His plan and purpose.  Remember: “Little is much…if GOD is in it!”

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

HOW DID MY NEW BIRTH HAPPEN?

HOW DID MY NEW BIRTH HAPPEN?

 Undoubtedly, spiritual regeneration is enacted by God, and by God alone.  In 1772, a former slave-trader by the name of John Newton penned the classic hymn, “Amazing Grace.”  Its lyrics include a relevant line: “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.”  In other words, our present covenant connection with Christ is all about HIS work on the cross of Calvary and HIS gracious mercy that brings us face-to-face spiritually with Him.  Indeed, Jesus Christ declares that it is impossible for any person to come to the Father unless He draws them to Himself.

 R.C. Sproul frames this truth similarly in Tabletalk.  He writes, “A dead man cannot cooperate with his own resurrection.  Lazarus did not cooperate in his resurrection.  Regeneration is a sovereign act of God in which man plays no role.  After God brings us to life, of course, we certainly are involved in ‘cooperating’ with Him.  We are to believe, trust, obey, and work for him.  But unless God acts first, we would never be reborn in the first place.  It is not as if dead people have faith, and because of their faith God agrees to regenerate them.  Rather, it is because God has regenerated us and given us new life that we have now faith.”

 John and Charles Wesley called this “prevenient grace.”  It’s what God was up to in our lives long before we had any degree of acceptance or affection for Him.  Therefore, our salvation is ALL about HIM.  That’s why we are eternally grateful and absolutely devoted.

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

ALLOWING GOD TO RULE AND REIGN

ALLOWING GOD TO RULE AND REIGN

 The revealing autobiographical testimonial entitled “The Confessions of Saint Augustine,” was required reading in our seminary.  After surviving years of profound depravity, Augustine eventually bowed at the foot of the cross.  “Dear Lord,” he declared, “our hearts are restless, and we find no rest at all until we rest in Thee.”  

 Regarding the human tendency toward rebellion against our Creator, Augustine wrote: “Sin comes when we take a perfectly natural desire or longing or ambition and try desperately to fulfill it without God.  Not only is it sin, it is a perverse distortion of the image of the Creator in us.  All these good things, and all our security, are rightly found only and completely in Him.” 

 Indeed, one can never be completely fulfilled until an unconditional “yes” is offered to the Lord.

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