KEEP KEEPIN' ON!

KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON!

Life has no success guarantees, not even a sound body, a brilliant mind, a cultural background, a huge amount of money, or a wonderful education. Booker T. Washington was born in slavery. Thomas Edison was deaf. Abraham Lincoln was born to illiterate parents. Lord Byron had a club foot. Robert Louis Stevenson had tuberculosis. Alexander Pope was a hunchback. Admiral Nelson had only one eye. Julius Caesar was an epileptic. Louis Pasteur was so near-sighted that he had a difficult time finding his way in his laboratory without glasses. Helen Keller could not hear or see, but she graduated with honors from a famous college. Michael Jordan attempted 24,537 shots in his time in the NBA, but missed 9,000 shots and lost 300 games. Set-backs are only set-ups for success.

My high school football coach, Joe Gladys, often repeated an inspirational Vince Lombardi quote: “Winners never quit; and quitters never win.” So never give up on yourself, and never give up on God!

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

THE FREE AND FEARLESS SNOWFLAKE

THE FREE AND FEARLESS SNOWFLAKE

We’re expecting significant snowfall in Connecticut tonight and tomorrow.  Admittedly, I have a definite love-hate relationship with winter weather.  I am particularly averse to those biting blasts of chilly Arctic air that frequently invade our borders from December through February, and beyond.  However, I do love to lounge in front of a cozy fireplace, totally mesmerized by its warmth, its glow, and the crackling of burning embers.

So far this winter, we have been getting a much-needed break.  Whenever we do get our fair share, the snowblower ably assists my efforts, but never increases my likability for wintry storms.  Yet, I love to stand at the window and gaze at the absolute beauty and awesome tranquility of newly fallen snow.  Although I am emotionally ambivalent about winter snow, I do have a deep-seated admiration for its basic building-blocks, a.k.a. SNOWFLAKES, BECAUSE SNOWFLAKES ARE SURVIVORS.

Their birthplace is high in the stratosphere, where they form amid violent blasts of frosty wind, conditions totally unimaginable and unendurable for us.  Along their gravity-driven journey, they collide forcefully with one another.  And they are continually shaped (and reshaped) by treacherous winds, changing temperatures and violent collisions with fellow flakes.

In fact, before reaching the ground, their transitions and transformations are far too numerous to count.  However, the difficulty of their journey produces miraculous results.  Every snowflake achieves the rare beauty of individual uniqueness.  No two are alike.  This is actually amazing in light of the multiplied millions of flakes that comprise any beautiful blanket of fallen snow.  I have a deep-seated and abiding admiration for these wintry intruders…BECAUSE WE, TOO, ARE SNOWFLAKES.

The circumstantial winds of life constantly shape us; the powerful gravity of life continually transports us.  We move…change…develop…and form in Christ.  Yet, along life’s journey, we rise; we fall; we rise again. (Proverbs 24:16) Indeed, we are constantly becoming freer and fearless, despite collisions, conflict, pressure, or pain.  Because the All-Wise GOD transforms our diverse situations into divine appointments that develop distinctiveness and destiny.

As we allow OUR CREATOR to define and refine our journey (and ourselves), we become beautifully crafted, absolutely awesome, BEINGS-OF-PURPOSE who were conceived in THE DIVINE MIND long before the foundation of the world.  It is HIS PLAN.  It is OUR PROCESS.

Romans 8:28 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

SO GLIDE FREELY AND FEARLESSLY, SNOWFLAKE, since divine meaning and mission reside within all of your wintry storms.

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

LET THE CHURCH SAY "AMEN!"

LET THE CHURCH SAY “AMEN!”

The word “amen” is remarkable. It was transliterated from the Hebrew into New Testament Greek, then into Latin and English and many other languages.  Therefore, “amen” is universal, commonly called the best-known word in human speech. That word is directly related to the Hebrew word for believe (aman). It came to mean “surely” or “truly,” an expression of absolute trust and confidence. When we believe God, we indicate our faith by an “amen.” When God makes a promise, the believer’s rightful response is “amen,” meaning it is so and it will be! In the New Testament, “amen” is often translated as “verily” or “truly.” When we pray according to God’s Word and will, we know that God will answer, so we close our prayers with an “amen.”

The word “amen” is even a title of Christ Himself. The last of Christ’s Revelation letters to the seven churches of Asia begins with a remarkable salutation by the glorified Lord: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness.” (Revelation 3:14). We can be certain that His Word is always faithful and true, because He is none other than the Creator of all things and He is our eternal “Amen.” The Word declares that every promise of God is attainable through our “yes and amen.” (II Corinthians 1:20)

Finally, it is absolutely meaningful that the entire Bible closes with an “amen.” John the revelator writes, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21) This assures us that the entire Bible is absolutely true and trustworthy. 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 MASTER BUILDER

THE MASTER BUILDER

I read an essay today by C. S. Lewis that caught my attention, so I’ll share part of it with you.

I think that many of us, when Christ has enabled us to overcome one or two sins that were an obvious nuisance, are inclined to feel (though we do not put it into words) that we are now good enough. He has done all we wanted him to do, and we should be obliged if he would leave us alone. But the question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what he intended us to be when he made us...

Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on. You knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.

But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of -- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.

You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage, but he is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it himself.

God has spoken through our brother, C. S. Lewis, so 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!

WHO'S ON FIRST?

(Thu.) 23 Feb. 2023 ~ Daily Devotional of Pastor Wayne M. Bass

WHO’S ON FIRST?

Quite likely, I am seriously dating myself since I recall an old Abbott and Costello routine entitled, “Who’s on First…and What’s on Second?”  It was back-and-forth comedic banter, but it implied an important principle, that some things (and certainly some people) are more important in your life.

For us Christians, that special someone is Jesus Christ, our superlative, supernatural Savior who is preeminent, powerful and much more precious than any.  From my seminary days, I recall the teachings of Augustine who wrote, “Jesus Christ is not valued at all until He is valued above all.”  Truth.

Indeed, Christ must rule and reign over our time, our talent and our treasure.  Truth is, if we do not allow Him to be Lord of ALL, He graciously declines to be Lord at all, at least not in our lives.  A. W. Tozer, one of my favorite Christian authors, states that committed Christians have three distinct marks: (1) They face only one direction, (2) they can never turn back, and (3) they no longer have plans of their own.  Thus, life is all about HIM, and our short tenure on earth is rather meaningless if it is all about us.

My friend, allow me to share a mission critical truth.  Our God is ready, willing and able to assume full responsibility for any life that is wholly yielded to Him.   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!

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

PAY ATTENTION TO THE LIGHT!

PAY ATTENTION TO THE LIGHT!

A ship captain peered into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance.  Immediately he told his signalman to send out a message, “Alter your course 10 degrees south.”

Promptly a return message was received, “Alter your course 10 degrees north.”

The captain was angered because his command had been ignored.  So he sent a second message, “Alter your course 10 degrees south—this is the captain!”

Soon another message was received, “Alter your course 10 degrees north--I am seaman third class Jones.”  Immediately the captain sent a third message, knowing the fear it could evoke, “Alter your course 10 degrees south—this is a battleship!”

The unexpected reply came hurriedly, “Alter your course 10 degrees north—this is a lighthouse!”

My friend, likely it’s been your personal experience that In the midst of dark and foggy times, all sorts of voices are shouting orders into your night, telling you what to do and how to adjust your life.  However, in the darkness one voice signals something quite opposite to the rest--something that sometimes might even seem absurd.  But that voice happens to be the Light of the World, and we ignore it at our own peril.  Pay attention to The Light!

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

QUALITY TIME IN HIS PRESENCE

QUALITY TIME IN HIS PRESENCE

Early African converts to Christianity were quite earnest and regular in their private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn.  As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon visually apparent to the others.  They would kindly remind the negligent one, “Brother, the grass grows on your path.”

Is your prayer path well worn or overgrown with the cares of this life?  Remember the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “Men always ought to pray, and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1, NKJV)

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

JEHOVAH SHAMMAH

JEHOVAH SHAMMAH

Bible scholars consider Ezekiel 48:35 to be a prophetic portrayal of the heavenly city known as The New Jerusalem, which is fully described in the 21^st chapter of the book of Revelation.  Ezekiel sums up the character and atmosphere of that holy city by ascribing to it a Hebrew term, “Jehovah Shammah,” which simply means “the Lord is here.”  When we pause to think about it, isn’t The Father always present in every one of our life-situations?

Consider the story of a little boy who eagerly anticipated the birthday party of a friend who lived only a few blocks away.  When that special day arrived, a blizzard made the sidewalks and roads nearly impassable.  Sensing danger, the boy’s father was hesitant to let his son go.  His son reacted tearfully and pleaded, “Dad, all the other kids will be there.  Their parents are letting them go.”  The father thought for a moment, then relented, “Alright, you may go.”  Surprised but overjoyed, the boy bundled up and plunged out into the raging storm.  The driving snow made visibility almost impossible, and it took more than half an hour to trudge the short distance to the party.  As he rang the doorbell, he turned briefly to look out into the storm. His eye caught the shadow of a retreating figure.  It was his father. He had followed his son’s every step to make sure that he arrived safely. 

Indeed, we expect that kind of protective care from fathers.  That’s why every believer can readily identify with David’s declaration, that “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very PRESENT HELP in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1-2)  My friend, relax.  Trust.  Your Father is here.

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

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL

Professional golfer Tommy Bolt was playing in Los Angeles alongside a caddy who had a reputation of being a constant chatterbox.  Before they teed off, Bolt admonished him, “Don't say a word to me.  And if I ask you anything, just answer yes or no!”

During that round of golf, Bolt found the ball next to a tree.  He would have to hit under a branch, over a pond, and onto the green.  So he got down on his knees and looked through the trees to carefully size up the coming shot.

“What do you think?” he asked the caddy.  “Five-iron?”

“No, Mr. Bolt,” the caddy sheepishly replied.

“What do you mean, not a five-iron?” Bolt shrugged his shoulders and shouted, “Just watch this shot!”

The caddy was now rolling his eyes.  “No-o-o, Mr. Bolt.”

But Bolt hit the ball anyway, and it stopped about two feet from the hole.  He turned to his caddy, handed him the five-iron and said, “Now what do you think about that?  You can talk now.”

“Mr. Bolt,” the caddy said, “that wasn't your ball!”

God gave us two ears, and one mouth, which likely means we should listen twice as much as we speak.  But the corollary to this is also true: We must never muzzle the mouths of others, or we just might miss out on some sound and indispensable wisdom.

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

NOONE CAN TELL YOU HOW TO GRIEVE

NO ONE CAN TELL YOU HOW TO GRIEVE

The passing of a friend’s loved one presents a real dilemma of support.  How do we effectively empathize with the loss of another person’s loved one?  We can certainly identify with and sense the pain of a friend who’s experienced a profound loss, but actually somewhat at a distance.  If you have been in that circumstance of trying to offer support, or if you have ever personally lost someone who is near and dear to your heart, you recognize that the typical platitudes which fall so easily from the lips of others who sincerely want to help will typically miss the mark.  Although they genuinely care, other people cannot completely inhabit or share the pain of your unique grief experience.

Nevertheless, the question is begged: ‘Is there an appropriate time frame in which we could or should try to free ourselves from the protracted agony of grief, to make a firm resolution to move forward – always loving, never forgetting, but realizing that eventually life must go on?’

To illustrate, I’ll share a true story about the famed poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar, whose Dayton, Ohio home is open for public visits.  When Dunbar died, his mother left his room exactly as it was on the day of his death.  The desk of this brilliant man held his final poem, handwritten on a note pad.  After his mother died, her friends discovered that Paul Laurence Dunbar's last poem had been lost forever.  How so?  Since his mother had made Paul’s room into a shrine and never moved anything, the bright sunlight had bleached the ink in which the poem was written until it became invisible.  The poem was permanently gone.  

Lesson learned.  No one can rightfully tell you or me how to grieve, or for how long a time, but If we choose to remain in mourning forever, we potentially lose so much of life.  So we will allow the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit to surround and sustain us as we faithfully pursue divine wisdom on how to move forward, just as our cherished loved one would likely desire.

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

PAY ATTENTION

PAY ATTENTION

One of Solomon’s most unusual proverbs states, “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.” (Proverbs 8:12)  Have you ever had an unusually creative idea and failed to act on it – later observing some version of your unrealized invention rolling across your T.V. screen?  Often, it’s the simplest of concepts that solves a universal problem, resulting in a creative invention.  Allow me to share a true story of inventive genius that might not have been actualized if someone had not been paying attention or lacked the motivation to act.

As with many innovations, the originator of 3M’s sticky yellow Post-its didn’t know what he had, at least not at first.  A researcher named Spence Silver was curious about what would happen if he blended an unusual amount of monomer into a polymer-based adhesive he had been working with. The result was an innovative adhesive that would ‘tack’ one piece of paper to another and later even re-stick, without leaving any residue on the second piece of paper. 

The company had no use at all for this new adhesive until 3M chemist Arthur Fry began having problems in his church choir loft.  The slips of paper he used to mark the pages in his hymnal often fluttered to the floor, leaving him frantically searching to find the proper place in the hymnal.   Eventually he remembered Silver's adhesive.  The result was a better bookmark for Fry which soon evolved into the unique Post-it notes that are a mainstay in offices throughout the country.

Our Creator is still transmitting witty inventions (phenomenal new ideas) to ordinary people.  My friend, are you listening…and are you acting?

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 OF VALENTINE'S DAY

THE ORIGIN OF VALENTINE’S DAY

Happy Valentine’s Day!  In case you don’t already know it, here’s the back-story for this widely celebrated folk holiday.

The origin of Saint Valentine’s Day goes back to the 3rd century.  At that time, the Roman Empire was being invaded by Goths.  At the same time, the Plague of Cyprian (probably smallpox) broke out killing 5,000 people a day at its height. So many died that the Roman army was depleted of soldiers.  And Roman Emperor Claudius II needed more soldiers to fight the invading Goths.  He believed that men fought better if they were not married, so he banned traditional marriage in the military.

Rome was also torn apart from internal rivalries which continued since the assassination of the previous Emperor named Gallienus.  Emperor Claudius II quelled these tensions by requesting that the Roman Senate deify Emperor Gallienus, so as to be worshiped along with the other Roman gods.  Citizens were forced to worship the Roman gods and the ‘deified’ emperors, by placing a pinch of incense on a fire before their statues.

Those who refused to worship the Roman gods were considered politically incorrect or unpatriotic enemies of the state, many of whom were killed.  Later, persecution ordered Emperor Decius specifically targeted Christians with legislation forcing them to deny their faith or die.  During the first three centuries of Christianity, there were ten major persecutions in which the government threw Christians to the lions, boiled them alive, had their tongues cut out, or worse. Roman soldiers would break into church meetings held in the catacombs or homes, confiscating and destroying Christian writings, scriptures and church records.

Because so many records were destroyed, details of Saint Valentine’s life are somewhat scant. What little is known is from the works of the historian Eusebius, compiled around 362 AD and the writings of one of the early church fathers, Jerome.

Though several individuals may have had that name, it appears Saint Valentine was either a priest in Rome or a bishop in central Italy.  He risked the emperor’s wrath by standing up for traditional marriage, secretly marrying soldiers to their young brides.   When Emperor Claudius demanded that Christians deny their faith and worship pagan idols, Saint Valentine refused.  He was arrested, dragged before the Prefect of Rome, and condemned to die.

While awaiting execution, his jailer asked Saint Valentine to pray for his blind daughter.  When she miraculously regained her sight, the jailer converted to Christianity and was baptized, along with many others.  Right before his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter, signing it, “from your Valentine.”

Saint Valentine was beaten with clubs and stoned.  When that failed to kill him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269 AD. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius designated February 14th as “Saint Valentine’s Day.”  It was initially celebrated as a liturgical feast to honor the life and memory of a church martyr.  Since then, it has morphed into an annual celebration of human affection 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!

DOES YOUR LIFE-MUSIC GLORIFY GOD?

DOES YOUR LIFE-MUSIC GLORIFY GOD?

In all that we are, in all that we do, our ultimate aim should be to render heartfelt honor, devotion and worship to our Creator.  One exemplar of this is the noted composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, who had a very strong conviction about the purpose of his music.  He wrote, "all music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment.  When this is not remembered there is no real music, only a devilish hub-bub."

That’s why Bach began every written composition with the initialed prayer, “J. J.,” which is short for “Jesus Juva,” meaning “Jesus help me.”  And he ended every composition with the initials, “S. D. G.,” the abbreviation for “Soli Dei Gratia,” which means “To God alone be the praise.”

In essence, all of our lives are entirely unique compositions crafted skillfully by the Master.  Are we allowing His divine creativity to show and glow, or is it sometimes muted by our ego, our passions, or our pride?  The most noble and noteworthy of human ambitions is to allow our ‘life-music’ to resonate positively and harmoniously, to the glory of Almighty God.

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

GOD HEARS US WHEN WE'RE BOASTING

GOD HEARS US WHEN WE’RE BOASTING

Pastor David Jeremiah penned the following fascinating insights about our occasional temptation to assume a bragging or boastful spirit. 

“An elderly minister who survived the Pennsylvania tragedy known as the Johnstown Flood of 1889 loved to regale audiences with tales of that harrowing event.  When he died and went to Heaven, he found himself in a meeting of saints who were sharing their life experiences.  He took St. Peter aside and asked if he could tell about surviving the Johnstown Flood.  Peter hesitated, then said, ‘Well, you can tell your story, but just keep in mind that Brother Noah will be in the audience.’

My!  There is something in our human nature that loves to tempt us to talk about ourselves — how big, tall, great, smart, wealthy, or wise we are.  Even how humble we are!  But God has His ways of helping us learn that we not quite what we would like others to believe.  In fact, to prompt a little humility in us, He tells us that all our goodness is just like filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)  It’s not that God doesn’t want us to be lifted up.  It’s just that He wants to exalt us His way, not the world’s way.  He wants us to see that our greatness is because of Christ’s greatness, not because of ours.  So, next time you’re tempted to talk about yourself, look around the room and see who God might have planted in the audience.”

Well said, Pastor Jeremiah, well said!

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

TO BELIEVE OR NOT BELIEVE?

TO BELIEVE OR NOT BELIEVE?

Upon completion of his studies at Fisk, Harvard and the University of Berlin, W.E.B. DuBois, the renowned African-American educator, sociologist and historian was convinced that change in the condition of American blacks would be effected by careful scientific investigation into the truth about their socio-economic status.  So he proceeded with flawless research that included objective data, graphs and charts.  After waiting several years and hearing not the slightest stir of real reform, Dr. DuBois had to accept one challenging fact about truth.  Its availability does not necessarily mean that it will be appropriated and accepted.

Similarly, although the gospel of Jesus Christ is presented with tremendous insight and clarity, many continue to reject its apparent truths and hold fast to self-serving personal views.  Our God always allows freedom of choice for His highest creation, humankind.  My friend, what have you chosen? “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

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

IS ACCOUNTABILITY BAD OR GOOD?

IS ACCOUNTABILITY BAD OR GOOD?

In a pluralistic society, too often permissiveness is confused with love.  Hence, we tend to lean on scriptures like “love will cover a multitude of sins,” interpreting it to mean that anyone who applies correction to another person’s sin is either harsh or judgmental. (I Peter 4:8)  This is a patently erroneous view of the love and grace of God.  Remember this: HOW we do (whatever we do) makes all the difference in the way it is received and its ability to effect change.

Also prayerfully ponder this: It is neither an act of love when we fail to dissuade another believer from sin, or when we remove alcohol or drugs from close proximity with an addict, or when we take away matches from a child who may not realize the potential danger and destruction. Bottom line: True love demands and dispatches accountability.  Of course, biblical accountability is rightfully and reasonably blended with compassion – always.  Nevertheless, when discipline is properly applied, it stretches us and grows us in grace and fellowship with our Creator and others.

Solomon was absolutely on point when  he wrote, “a fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent.” (Proverbs 15:5)  Responsibility and accountability are first-cousins who dwell together in peace while in the presence and power of wisdom, which works for the individual and collective good.  My friend, never purposefully disparage or hurt anyone, but never retreat from a God-given opportunity to motivate and mobilize others in the direction of whatever is right.

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

CHARACTER COUNTS

CHARACTER COUNTS

Character is who we are in the dark – when there are no eyes to spy or ears to listen.  Character is not constructed in great circumstances.  Rather, it is forged in smaller, obscure, unseen situations.  And it shines most brilliantly in the furnace of personal opposition. 

Reputation is what most people notice.  Character is that which is known and evaluated by God.

I love how C. S. Lewis frames it: “Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is.  If there are rats in a cellar, you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly.  But the suddenness does not create the rats; it only prevents them from hiding.  In the same way, the suddenness of the provocation does not make me ill-tempered; it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am.”  Wow!

America’s eighth ‘First Lady,’ Abigail Van Buren, expressed it another way: “The best index to a person’s character is (a) how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and (b) how he treats people who can’t fight back.”  Character…

My friends, let the light of Christ shine…wherever…whenever…forever.

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

KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE

KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE

Throughout this journey called life, it is advisable and advantageous to be aware of the articles and attributes you possess which are fully accessible but possibly undervalued because of their close proximity.

A story published in the 80s in the Atlanta Journal Constitution recounted a tale of the unknown worth of that which was nearby.

Rob Cutshaw owned a little roadside shop near Andrews, North Carolina.  He would hunt for unique rocks, then sell them to collectors or jewelry makers.  Although Rob was somewhat knowledgeable, he was no expert, so he would leave the appraising of his rocks to others.

Approximately twenty years before, Rob found a rock which he described as “purdy and big.”   He tried unsuccessfully to sell it, so he kept the rock in his closet.  He guessed that blue chunk could bring as much as $500 dollars, but he would have taken less if some need arose.  He came so close to selling for a few hundred dollars what turned out to be the largest, most valuable sapphire ever discovered.  The blue rock that Rob had abandoned to the darkness of a closet became known as "The Star of David Sapphire" which weighed one pound and sold for $2.75 million dollars!

My friend, what do you have within you, or around you, that is more valuable than you might consider?  Be very aware of the people and circumstances in your life.  They just might be worth far more than you think.

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

SERVICE SUSTAINS

SERVICE SUSTAINS

An incredible aqueduct in Spain built by the Romans in 109 A.D. carried water from the mountains to Segovia for eighteen hundred years.  Nearly sixty generations of grateful citizens drank from its life-giving flow.  Thereafter, their short-sighted descendants concluded, “This aqueduct is so awesome an architectural marvel that it ought to be preserved as a museum piece. We shall relieve it of its centuries-long labor.”

They did so, laying modern pipes in its stead and giving the ancient brick-and-mortar a reverent rest.  But soon the aqueduct began to fall apart.  The sun beating down on dry mortar caused it to deteriorate and crumble.  Brick stones sagged and threatened to fall.  What ages of service would never destroy was doomed and disintegrated by sheer idleness.

Lesson learned.  Consistent service not only provides immeasurable benefit to others; it is a fundamental source of life for us.

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

HOLY BOLDNESS

HOLY BOLDNESS

The 19^th century German poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, penned these spiritual truths about boldness.  “The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.  All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.  Whatever you can do or dream you can, just begin it now.  Boldness has genius and power in it.”

The scriptures stand in agreement that “boldness” opens awesome avenues of strength, liberation and empowerment, for true believers and all those whom they encounter.  My friend, live courageously.  Embrace boldness.

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

GRACE ISN'T A PASSIVE GIFT

GRACE ISN’T A PASSIVE GIFT

One man prayed, “Lord, so far today I’ve done all right.  I  haven’t gossiped or lost my temper.  I haven’t been nasty or greedy or grumpy.  But in a just a few minutes I’ll have to get out of bed, and then I’m gonna’ need all the help I can get!”

Grace is never given for nothing.  It’s a divine gift for progress.  So trust God…and move ahead.

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