THE GREATNESS OF GOD

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

In Psalm 145:3, King David declares “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.”  And as a popular praise chorus proclaims, there is none like HIM.  Occasionally, we are tempted to magnify “the creature more than the Creator.” (Romans 1:25)  But HE alone is worthy of our worship and adoration.

In 1715, King Louis XIV of France died after a long reign of 72 years.  He was the monarch who made the famous statement, “I am the state” and he had titled himself “the Great.”  His court was the most magnificent in Europe, and his funeral was equally spectacular.  As his body lay in state in a golden coffin, orders were given that the cathedral should be very dimly lit with only a single special candle set above his remains to dramatize his greatness.  At the memorial, thousands waited in hushed silence.  When Bishop Massilon began to speak, he slowly reached down, snuffed out the casket candle and remarked, “Only God is great.”  Truth.

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

AWARENESS OF OUR WEALTH

AWARENESS OF OUR WEALTH

Dear Lord,

I have been re-reading the record of the Rich Young Ruler and his obviously wrong choice. But it has set me thinking. No matter how much wealth he had, he could not-- ride in a car, have any surgery, turn on a light, buy penicillin, hear a pipe organ, watch TV, wash dishes in running water, type a letter, mow a lawn, fly in an airplane, sleep on an innerspring mattress, or talk on the phone. If he was rich, then what am I?

-Anonymous

It’s quite conceivable that we’re richer than others might imagine.  And in this ‘note’ to Heaven our awesome spiritual blessings haven’t even been considered or counted.

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

SOLUTIONS FOR BOREDOM

SOLUTIONS FOR BOREDOM

Many in our society experience ennui (apathy, weariness, sadness) that is directly related to feelings of boredom.  U.S. News and World Report cited a survey that identified respondents’ specific reasons for feelings of boredom.  54 percent state that, aside from earning a living, the main reason they work is to keep from getting bored.  41 percent reveal they are even bored while at work.  48 percent reveal that they are bored by what goes on in Washington.  70 percent of high school students report being totally bored with school, and 25 percent say they drink alcohol out of sheer boredom.

My friend, if you regularly experience a sense of boredom, likely it is an indicator of a lack of fulfillment in your life.  One effective means of managing those feelings is finding ways to serve others and focus on their needs.  This could come in the form of volunteer engagement in a church, hospital, community service organization like a food pantry - or by simply lending a hand to family members, friends or neighbors who are unable to adequately care for themselves due to chronic illness.

Additionally, it is advisable to consider increasing your personal participation in prayer, worship and Word study.  This should substantively engage both your mind and spirit.  Finally, you should absolutely refuse to sit idly day-after-day which potentially leads to pity parties, self-doubt and other unhealthy emotional states.  The Apostle John expressed our overall objective quite succinctly: “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (III John 3:2)

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

WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU?

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU?

The sage, King Solomon, penned something that sounds entirely pessimistic: “Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)  Solomon’s statement suggests that at its core, life can feel rather hollow, laborious and unfulfilling.  The tone of Ecclesiastes seemed to be so focused on negativity that it nearly failed to make into the canonized volume of The Holy Writ.

Although life can be a truly positive and productive experience, Solomon was merely stating the obvious fact that the frantic pursuit of temporal success, the passionate embrace of all things material, can only result in frustration, disappointment, and in some cases deep despair.

For example, Boris Becker was at the very top of the tennis world, yet he was on the brink of suicide.  At the pinnacle of success, he remarked, “I had won Wimbledon twice before, once as the youngest player.  I was rich.  I had all the material possessions I needed.  It’s the old song of movie stars and pop stars who commit suicide.  They have everything, and yet they are so unhappy.  I had no inner peace.  I was a puppet on a string.”

Unfortunately Becker is not the only one to experience that deep sense of emptiness.  The emotional ripples of a superficial and unsatisfying life seem to pervade our society.  Jack Higgens, acclaimed author of “The Eagle Has Landed,” was asked what he would like to have known as a little boy.  His response was striking and informative: “That when you get to the top, there's nothing there.”

My friend, if you are in the frenetic pursuit of acquiring more-and-more in life, perhaps you should redirect your thinking and give serious consideration to the things that are eternal.  Consider the words of the Apostle James: “For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)  Therefore, according to the Apostle Paul, you should “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)  FOCUS.

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

THE ORIGIN AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THANKSGIVING DAY

THE ORIGIN AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THANKSGIVING DAY

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the USA.  As a former history teacher and an insatiable history buff, I thought it fitting to reprise the history of this important day in American culture.

The event that we commonly call ‘The First Thanksgiving’ was celebrated by the Pilgrims following their first American harvest in the year 1621.  According to one of the attendees, Edward Winslow, this feast lasted three full days and was attended by 53 Pilgrims and 91 Native Americans.

The Pilgrims had departed from Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620, seeking civil and religious liberty in a place they called ‘The New World.’  Although it was indeed ‘new’ to them, this land was already occupied by Native Americans.  For two months, 102 passengers on The Mayflower braved the harsh elements of the northern Atlantic Ocean.  Arriving in late November at the place they named Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, the Pilgrims signed “The Mayflower Compact” (America’s first document of civil government) and disembarked their ship in early December.

After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters.  However, they were grossly unprepared for the starvation and sickness that beset them during the harsh New England winter.  As a result, nearly half of their numbers died before the advent of spring.  Nevertheless, persevering in prayer and assisted by very helpful Native Americans, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following autumn.

The grateful Pilgrims declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to give thanks to God and to celebrate with their native friends.  Technically speaking, this was not the first Thanksgiving in America, since Thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607, but it was America’s first Thanksgiving festival. 

Edward Winslow described the Pilgrims’ inaugural Thanksgiving with these words: “Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men fowling [bird hunting] so we might rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors.  These four killed in one day as much fowl as served the company almost a week.  Many of the Indians came amongst us, including their King Massasoit and ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to us.  Although it be not always so plentiful as it was at that time…yet by the goodness of God we are far from want.”

In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, the fledgling American nation celebrated its first official Day of Thanksgiving to God under its new Constitution.  And the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become a regular day for the giving of th

However, Thanksgiving was first celebrated as a federal holiday in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” which would be celebrated annually on the last Thursday in November.

My friend, that is THE HISTORY of Thanksgiving Day. What is YOUR STORY for giving thanks to our God?

Roy Campanella had an amazing story of thanksgiving.  He was one of the first African-Americans to play in baseball’s major leagues.  In his storied athletic career, Roy won the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Most Valuable Player Award numerous times, and in 1955 made a very significant contribution toward his team’s victory in the World Series.

However, in January of 1958, his career was tragically cut short when a car crash left him a quadriplegic.  After he was injured, Roy spent a lot of time in The Institute of Physical medicine and Rehabilitation in New York.  One day he paused to read an inspirational inscription in the entryway.  For someone who had been blessed with phenomenal athletic gifts, but was now a quadriplegic, these words resonated deeply:

 

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve…
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.
I asked for health that I might do great things…
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy…
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of others…
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life…
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped for…
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered…
I am, among men, most richly blessed!

 

Let us all be sincerely appreciative to Almighty God on this Thanksgiving Day – and every day – for the abundant bounty, benefits and blessings rendered regularly toward us.  OUR GRATITUDE ATTITUDE is not predicated on present circumstances, nor on our station in life, nor on what we have accumulated, nor on what we have achieved.  It is merely the heartfelt recognition that “every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from THE FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

Wherever you are in this life, whatever you are in this life, however you are in this life, please take advantage of this golden opportunity to praise and worship HIM.  In the wise words of the Apostle Paul, “In everything GIVE THANKS; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)

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

HANDLING DISAGREEMENTS WITH GRACE

HANDLING DISAGREEMENTS WITH GRACE

It’s rather painful to witness public disagreements between natural or spiritual relatives.  After all, no one can or should lay claim to perfection.  Considering our own clay feet, we should try our best to see one another as GOD sees us – through the eyes of love, grace, compassion and forgiveness.

For example, during the mid-1700s, two historically prominent ministers, George Whitefield and John Wesley, held divergent views on certain theological issues.  However, both of those Godly men were sufficiently wise and prudent to avoid airing their differences in the public square.  They believed any such occurrence would hinder the preaching of the gospel.  Later, when someone asked Whitefield if he thought he would see Wesley in Heaven, he replied, “I fear not, for he will be so close to the eternal throne and we at such a distance, we shall hardly gain sight of him.”  That’s a very powerful picture of grace exercised during occasions of disagreement.

Just because others might disagree with our viewpoint, it does not automatically mean that they are enemies.  As the Apostle Paul wisely admonished the Christian community, “Let love be without dissimulation.”  He simply meant that there should be no hypocrisy, deception, or malice in our relationships or in our words.  FYI, for some that might necessitate a radical departure from social media or at least a substantial change in their postings.  

Question: What if GOD dealt with people in the same manner that so many of us deal with so-called enemies?  Answer: We’re so thankful He doesn’t!  Let’s forgive others and we shall surely be forgiven. (Matthew 6:12)

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

KEEPING THE MAIN THING AS THE MAIN THING

KEEPING THE THING AS THE MAIN THING

In life, it’s mission critical to set and maintain proper priorities.  In his book, “The Eye of the Storm,” Christian author Max Lucado tells the following true story from more than a century ago.

Two paddleboats left Memphis, traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.  As they journeyed side by side, sailors from one vessel made remarks about the slow pace of the other.  Words were exchanged, challenges made, and a frantic river race began.

However, one boat fell behind because of insufficient fuel.  There had been plenty of coal for a normal trip, but not enough for a rapid race.  As the boat dropped back, a competitive young sailor took some of the cargo and tossed it into the ship’s furnace.  Wow!  They fueled their boat at the expense of valuable cargo they had been assigned to transport.  They actually won the race but totally forfeited their purpose.  In the heat of the moment, they sacrificed their reason for being.

Similarly, God has entrusted priceless ‘cargo’ to us: our children, our spouses, our friends.  Our job is to do our part in seeing that this cargo reaches its divinely intended destination.  When goals take priority over people, the inevitable result is suffering.  Prayerfully consider this: how much cargo is sacrificed to achieve self-centered goals?  How many people never reach their life-destinations because of our aggressive and competitive spirits?

Set love-based priorities.  Always keep the main thing as the main thing.

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

WHY BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF?

WHY BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF?

Some people feel and act as if their lives reflect sheer perfection.  From their ‘flawless’ point-of-view, nothing of negative consequence has ever been uttered or produced by them.  However, others have the debilitating tendency to see themselves as perpetually flawed failures.  Both positions are extreme, and neither represents reality.

Don’t be so quick to toot your own horn, but by all means – when it comes down to self-evaluation – try to give yourself a break!  This emotional assignment is actually difficult for some.

For example, John Quincy Adams held more important offices than anyone else in the history of the United States.  He served with distinction as president, senator, congressman, ambassador to major European powers, and also participated in various capacities during the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and events leading up to the Civil War.  Yet, at age 70 [my own age], he wrote, “My whole life has been a succession of disappointments.  I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything that I ever undertook.”  Wow!

My friend, your life might not have been a picture of perfection, but surely there are bright spots, meaningful, measurable and memorable moments of success.  So don’t be so hard on yourself.  Learn to give YOU a break!

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

ENCOURAGING IS A GIFT

ENCOURAGING IS A GIFT

You may never know the seed blessings you have planted in someone’s life, just by deciding to be an on-purpose encourager.  Consider the following true story.

Forty thousand fans were on hand in the Oakland stadium when Rickey Henderson tied Lou Brock’s career record of stolen bases.  According to USA Today, Lou Brock, who left baseball in 1979, had actively followed Henderson's baseball career and was extremely excited about his success.  Realizing that Rickey would set a new record, Brock said, “I’ll be there.  Do you think I’m going to miss it?  Rickey did in 12 years what took me 19 to do.  He’s amazing!”

The greatest success stories in life are actually the people who can rejoice in the successes of others.  What Lou Brock did in cheering on Rickey Henderson should be a way of life, both in our natural families and in the family of God.  Few circumstances give us a better opportunity to exhibit God’s grace than when someone succeeds and surpasses us in an area of our own strength and achievement. 

My friend, be an encourager.  It’s a marvelous blessing to others – in ways you may never know.

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

YOUR OPTIMISTIC ADVANTAGE

YOUR OPTIMISTIC ADVANTAGE

Both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over our nation’s deserts.  All vultures see is rotting meat, because that is the target and expectation of their search.  They subsist on that diet.  However, hummingbirds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals.  Instead, they look for the colorful blossoms of desert plants.  The vultures live on what was; they live on the past, filling themselves with what is dead and gone.  Hummingbirds live on what is; they seek new life, filling themselves with freshness and vitality.  Ultimately, both of these birds find what they are looking for – so do we.

Bottom-line: Look forward and embrace life.  There is no blessing or benefit in in gazing backwards.

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

FAITH FOR HEALING (Part III)

FAITH FOR HEALING (Part III)

In addition to spiritual redemption, physical healing is available to believers because of our faith-filled covenant with God.  However, many modern-day Christians now assume that the age of miracles has passed or was solely limited to the public earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and the early church apostles who walked daily with Him.  Since there is definite biblical evidence that the reverse of this assumption is true, and since miracles actually remain as a fundamental component of Christian ministry, what are the conditions that block or minimize their manifestation in our generation? 

Let’s logically and scripturally consider this issue.

Some believe that the availability of modern medicine results in a tendency for many to avoid seeking or praying for divine healing.  In a word, many conclude that health challenges will be addressed satisfactorily by their physicians.  The anecdotal evidence for this is etched in the memories of those in my own age-group.  Growing up, our parents possibly found the cost of regular doctor visits to be unaffordable.  As a result, they leaned more so on the Lord, on prayer, for the healing of their families.

Another limiting factor is the general erosion of faith due to the preaching of a diluted and humanistic gospel.  Many have developed ‘ala-carte faith’ – meaning they only believe segments of the scriptural record that seem appealing or plausible to them.

An additional problem is the failure of many to follow principles of holiness that are clearly required by Almighty God.  Since all of God’s promises are conditional, haphazard lifestyles serve to nullify the covenant, and our healing can be delayed or denied.

Finally, the end-time has produced a series of destructive frontal attacks by our satanic adversary.  In fact, I am convinced that believers are under greater emotional, physical and spiritual pressure than at any point in human history.

Since all of this sounds quite disappointing and depressing, so what is our solution?

In order to gain ultimate victory in and over this world system, we must purposefully tune out the world.  That is, we must be filled with the Spirit; we must walk in intimate and consecrated commitment to Christ; we must maintain authentic and loving relationships with those without and within the church; and, we must be found fully embracing the essential mission of the church, which is soul-winning.

I am fully persuaded that ALL of God’s promises are available and accessible to us when we give ALL of ourselves to Him.  Therefore, any failure to receive are never attributable to God, only to us.  Referring to the healing virtue that is present in Christ’s cross, the Apostle Peter penned these words: “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” (I Peter 2:24)

Faith is an indispensable requirement.  Prayerfully consider this divine telegram for you and me:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

I conclude with my personal appeal to the grace and mercy of God. “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” (Mark 9L24)

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

FAITH FOR HEALING (Part II)

FAITH FOR HEALING (Part II)

I firmly believe that healing is a promised provision in our covenant relationship with God.  In addition to spiritual redemption, a primary component of Jesus’ earthly ministry was physical healing.  Hear the Word of the Lord:

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

This supernatural healing capability was extended to His disciples as a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel of the Kingdom:

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1)

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mark 16:17-19)

[The apostles] stayed there (in Iconium) a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)

The prevalence and power of miracles both during and following Jesus’ public ministry, indicates His intention to minister to the whole man: body, mind and spirit. (Luke 4:18)

Therefore, the question is begged: ‘What about modern-day Christians?  Is the age of miracles past, limited to a select few of those who physically walked with Jesus?  If not, what current conditions serve to minimize Heaven’s healing power?  Prayerfully consider this and stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

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

FAITH FOR HEALING (Part I)

FAITH FOR HEALING (Part I)

During my post-surgical recovery, I have not posted devotionals – actually since the first week in October.  Happily, I am now able to resume this ministry assignment and to provide you with daily doses of information and inspiration.  Presently, I will focus on the subject of divine healing, which has occupied my thoughts and prayers in recent weeks.

First of all, I firmly believe that healing is a promised provision in our covenant relationship with God.  Does this mean that true believers will be healed of any and all diseases, in every instance?  Both observation and experience inform us that the most likely response to that question is “no.” 

However, divine purpose is sown in every human condition.  In “Run Today’s Race,” Oswald Chambers (one of my ‘spiritual heroes’) penned these apropos words: “Faith for my deliverance means that, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love.  There are some things only learned in the fiery furnace.”  Wow!

While I do not subscribe to the idea that sickness results from our sovereign God, I am confident that HE uses every life situation to draw us closer and increase our faith.  So if you are now challenged physically (or otherwise), you must and shall trust in the knowledge, the love, and the power of God.  He KNOWS all about your condition; and, He LOVES you enough to meet you at the point of your need; and, He has the POWER to fully deliver or faithfully sustain you, today and tomorrow.

During this devotional series, I’ll highlight God’s Word regarding healing and our faith for healing.  These verses provide spiritual encouragement and faith focus.  You’ve heard what others have said (and even what you’ve said to yourself); now hear what GOD says:

He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20)

He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed. (I Peter 2:24)

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17)

God has spoken, so let the church say “Amen!”  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

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