NO ONE HAS TO NOTICE

NO ONE HAS TO NOTICE

We live in a society that, for so many, visibility is everything.  Self-promotion becomes the inevitable destination of those who harbor feelings of insecurity or inferiority.  I pause today to applaud the silent and unsung heroes that are all around us.  Their names are seldom called, and they tend at times to feel unnoticed or unappreciated.  But what they say and do does matter, both in time and eternity.

Thanks to the celebrated poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, most people have heard of the “midnight ride of Paul Revere.”  But few have heard of Israel Bissel, a humble post rider on the Boston-New York route, a bona fide yet unsung hero of the American Revolutionary War.

After the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, Bissel was ordered to raise the alarm in New Haven, Connecticut (the city where my family now resides).  He reached Worchester, Massachusetts, which was normally a day’s ride, in just two hours.  There, according to tradition, his horse promptly dropped dead from the strenuous ride.  Pausing only to get another mount, Bissel pressed on and by April 22 he arrived in New Haven--but he didn’t stop there.  He rode on to New York, arriving April 24, and then stayed in the saddle until he reached Philadelphia on the following day. Bissel's 126-hour, 345-mile ride signaled American militia units throughout the Northeast to mobilize for war. 

It is likely that you haven’t heard his name, but that does not diminish his honor or his contribution.  My friend, it is actually unnecessary for others to celebrate you.  Just look in the mirror and be contented with who you are and what you bring to the table of life.  No one has to see; God sees.  Incidentally, just in case you haven’t been told lately, thank you for your service!

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

WHERE DOES GREED LEAD?

WHERE DOES GREED LEAD?

In Christopher Winans’ book entitled Malcolm Forbes: The Man Who Had Everything, he tells of a tour that Forbes took through Egypt in 1984.  After viewing the staggering burial tomb of King Tut, Forbes seemed to be in a reflective mood.  Later, Forbes turned to one of his associates and asked with all sincerity: “Do you think I’ll be remembered after I die?”

Winans noted that Forbes is certainly remembered as the man who coined the phrase, “He who dies with the most toys wins.”  That was the wisdom of Malcolm Forbes.  In fact, that was his ambition.  That’s why he collected scores of motorcycles.  That’s why he would pay over a million dollars for a Faberge egg.  That’s why he owned castles, hot air balloons and countless other toys that have no lasting value at the end of one’s life.

Unchecked greed is the absolute pinnacle of shallow and superficial thinking.  The way Jesus Christ assesses it should resonate deeply with all of us: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

He who dies with the most toys isn’t the real winner; he who accepts Christ as Savior and Lord gains ultimate and eternal victory.

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

WE REMEMBER

WE REMEMBER

On this Memorial Day, we pause annually to remember and reflect on loved ones who have transitioned at various ages and stages of life.  Of course, we also soberly consider the ultimate sacrifice of those who exchanged their very lives for our freedom and democracy.  We remember.

As Christians, it also seems appropriate to recall the goodness, grace and mercy of Almighty God who has faithfully preserved us while wisely directing life’s footsteps.  Here is how F .E. Marsh describes what the Christian sees while looking back at the providence of our Creator:

The deliverances the Lord has wrought. (Deuteronomy 5:15)

The way He has led. (Deuteronomy 8:2)

The blessings He has bestowed. (Deuteronomy 32:7-12)

The victories He has won. (Deuteronomy ll:2-7)

The encouragements He has given. (Joshua 23:14)

In the face of present challenges, it is tempting to minimize or forget God's past faithfulness.  Our tendency might be to focus on the difficulties or dangers of our present paths.  Nevertheless, looking back allows us to re-experience the absolute joy of victories won, mountains climbed, setbacks endured, and challenges overcome.  Also it serves to position (top-of-mind) the reassuring fact that Jehovah-Shammah is “there” (right here, right now) to proactively supply all of our need and to safeguard our purpose and destiny.  Perhaps the Psalmist David expressed it best:  “God is our refuge and strength, a very PRESENT HELP in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

So, as the old praise chorus goes, “Jesus, I’ll never forget what You’ve done for me!”  We remember.

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

Things always work out better when we’re paying prayerful attention.  For example, during the American Revolutionary War, a loyal spy appeared at the headquarters of the Hessian commander Colonel Johann Rall, carrying an urgent message. It revealed that General George Washington and his Continental army had secretly crossed the Delaware River and were advancing on Trenton where the Hessians were encamped.

The spy was denied an audience with the commander and instead wrote his message on a piece of paper. A porter took the note to the Hessian colonel, but because Rall was involved in a poker game he stuffed the unread note into his pocket. When the guards at the Hessian camp began firing their muskets in a futile attempt to stop Washington's army, Rall was still playing cards. Without time to organize, the Hessian army was defeated. That battle occurred on December 26, 1776, giving the colonists a belated Christmas present, their first major victory of the war.  Pray attention!

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

EVERYTHING THAT LOOKS OK...ISN'T!

EVERYTHING THAT LOOKS OK…ISN’T!

The South Pole could be called the healthiest place on earth because there is no pollution, no dust, and very few people. The air is as fresh and clean as it must have been everywhere before people started pouring industrial wastes into the atmosphere. Furthermore, it’s one of few locations where humans aren’t bombarded by germs. Not only is it too cold for germs to be active, but there’s nothing for them to live on. Well, it would seem logical that people would be eager to live in such a germ-free environment, but actually they’re not. With temperatures that drop to 100 degrees below zero, it's just too cold and miserable.

Quite possibly, there are some Antarctic regions in and around your life. Everything there looks good and seems good, but health and happiness are elusive because that apparently ‘healthy’ environment has a toxic effect on you and yours. Always remember to ask ‘The All-Wise God’ for wisdom and direction in your daily decisions. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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

EVERYONE COUNTS!

EVERYONE COUNTS!

Just in case you have occasionally doubted the importance of every single person within your family, church organization, place of employment, etc., please carefully consider the following:

“Xvxn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works wxll xxcxpt for onx of thx kxys. I'vx wishxd many timxs that it workxd pxrfxctly. Trux, thxrx arx 42 kxys that function, but onx kxy not working makxs thx diffxrxncx.

Somxtimxs, it sxxmx to mx that our organization is somxwhat likx my typxwritxr -- not all thx pxoplx arx working propxrly. You might say, "Wxll, I'm only onx pxrson. It won't makx much diffxrxncx."

But you sxx, an organization, to bx xfficixnt, nxxds thx activx participation of xvxry pxrson. Thx nxxt timx you think your xfforts arxn't nxxdxd, rxmxmbxr my typxwritxr, and say to yoursxlf, "I am a kxy pxrson and thxy nxxd mx vxry much.”

You might actually be seen by some as just a little “e”…but God knows that you mean so very much to the effectiveness, cohesiveness and ultimate success of your group.  My friend, you do count.

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

FOR YOU, WHAT COUNTS MORE THAN MONEY?

FOR YOU, WHAT COUNTS MORE THAN MONEY?

A poll published in “The Day America Told the Truth,” by James Patterson and Peter Kim highlights a very interesting hypothetical question that reveals our social values: “What are you willing to do for $10,000,000?”  Two-thirds of Americans polled agreed to at least one (some to several) of the following things they’d do to secure the big bucks:

Would abandon their entire family (25%)

Would abandon their church (25%)

Would become prostitutes for a week or more (23%)

Would give up their American citizenships (16%)

Would leave their spouses (16%)

Would withhold testimony and let a murderer go free (10%)

Would kill a stranger (7%)

Would put their children up for adoption (3%)

Undoubtedly, the Bible is right.  “The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”  (I Timothy 6:10)  Jesus Christ poses a mission critical question for all to soberly consider: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”   (Mark 8:36)

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

LOVE

LOVE

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” -Jesus Christ  (John 13:34-35)

Enough said…

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

BE WATCHFUL AND PRAYERFUL

BE WATCHFUL AND PRAYERFUL

When silver is mined from the ground it is commonly mixed with a number of other elements. In order to get pure silver that can be used for commercial purposes, it must be refined. Silver has an extraordinarily high melting point. It must be heated to nearly 2,200 degrees in order to be refined to complete purity. Only when it has been through that process does the silver become useful. Without that process, it is largely worthless.

Satan is delighted when we allow wicked influences/impurities to remain in our lives, because they keep us from fulfilling the purpose and will of God for our lives. One of his most effective lies is that such influences won’t really have any impact on us. Believing this lie has destroyed many who fell prey to spiritual attacks that they did not recognize and guard against. In the words of Jesus Christ, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41)

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

CHOICES MATTER

CHOICES MATTER

Samuel Clemens, more commonly known by his pen name, Mark Twain, was an extremely gifted American author. Nevertheless, Twain held a deep contempt for Christianity. He once referred to it as a “slaughterhouse religion” because of the doctrine of the blood atonement, and he frequently ridiculed those who believe in the Bible. However, he met and fell in love with Olivia Langdon, a young woman from a good Christian family. While they were courting, he apparently downplayed his lack of faith, and she agreed to marry.

Soon afterward, Twain began to openly mock Christianity again, and before too much time passed Olivia stopped attending church altogether. Twain and his family suffered many great reversals, including complete financial collapse and the death of their beloved daughter. At one point, while Twain was attempting to comfort his grieving wife, he conceded, “Livy, if it comforts you to lean on your faith, do so.” She replied sadly, “I cannot. I do not have any faith left.”

Bottom-line: We are truly influenced by the people and things we allow to get close to us. Family, friends, books, music, social media, television, conversations, etcetera have great impact in time and eternity. Choose wisely.

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

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

It was the 1957 World Series with the Milwaukee Braves competing against the New York Yankees.  Slugger Hank Aaron came up to bat. Yogi Berra, the catcher for the opposing Yankees team, noticed that he was holding the bat wrong. “Turn it around,” he advised Aaron, “so you can read the trademark.” That was the usual wisdom on how one should hold a bat.  Hank never looked back, but said, “Didn’t come up here to read.  Came up here to hit!”

My friend, why are you here?  Think.  When you identify your purpose, you also reveal your destiny.

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

GIFTS OF LOVE REFLECT THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST

GIFTS OF LOVE REFLECT THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST

There were nearly 34 million Christians in the world by 350 A.D.  Many scholars believe that Christianity’s explosive growth was at least due in part to the early Christians’ compassionate treatment of the poor.  Their generosity was so effective that pagan groups began copying from it to increase their numbers.  A letter from the Roman Emperor Julian (known as Julian the Apostate) recommended that they start acting more like the Christians and giving more to those in need. 

Emperor Julian wrote: “We ought then to share our money with all people, but more generously with the good, and with the helpless and poor so as to suffice for their need.  And I will assert that it would be a pious act to share our clothes and food even with the wicked. For it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious Galileans [the Christians] support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see our people lack aid from us.”

Never forget the powerful and transformative influence of agape, generous sacrificial love.

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

MARVELOUS MOTHERS

MARVELOUS MOTHERS

Since yesterday was Mother’s Day, I thought it appropriate to reprint this affirmation of motherhood from John Killinger’s “Lost in Wonder, Love, and Praise.” 

I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the loving God, who was born of the promise to a virgin named Mary.

I believe in the love Mary gave her son, that caused her to follow him in his ministry and stand by his cross as he died.

I believe in the love of all mothers, and its importance in the lives of the children they bear. It is stronger than steel, softer than down, and more resilient than a green sapling on the hillside. It closes wounds, melts disappointments, and enables the weakest child to stand tall and straight in the fields of adversity.

I believe that this love, even at its best, is only a dim shadow of the love of God, a mere reflection of all that we can expect of him, both in this life and the next.

And I believe that one of the most beautiful sights in the world is a mother who lets this greater love flow through her to her child, blessing the world with the tenderness of her touch and the tears of of her joy.

Amen, John Killinger, Amen!

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

DON'T BE CHEAP WITH YOURSELF

DON’T BE CHEAP WITH YOURSELF

One of America's most miserly millionaires was John G. Wendel, who died in 1915 at his home in New York City. Seeking to keep their inherited fortune in the family, Wendel and five of his six sisters remained unmarried. He instilled incredible frugality in his sisters. When the last one died in 1931, it was found that although her estate amounted to more than $100 million she never had a telephone, electricity, or an automobile. Her only dress was one she had made herself and worn for nearly 25 years. Wow!

While saving is very important, never neglect to be good to yourself…today.

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

TRY THE IMPOSSIBLE

TRY THE IMPOSSIBLE

The late great Walt Disney was an absolutely courageous visionary.  Vision is mission critical. The Bible states that “without vision, people perish,” and it is also true that without courage, vision perishes. In his book entitled “Living Above the Level of Mediocrity,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll reprises this fascinating story about Disney’s vision and his tenacious pursuit of it. 

“Several years ago I met a gentleman who served on one of Walt Disney’s original advisory boards. What amazing stories he told! Those early days were tough; but that remarkable, creative visionary refused to give up. I especially appreciated that man sharing with me how Disney responded to disagreement. He said that Walt would occasionally present some unbelievable, extensive dream he was entertaining. Almost without exception, the members of his board would gulp, blink, and stare back at him in disbelief, resisting even the thought of such a thing. But unless every member resisted the idea, Disney usually didn't pursue it. Yes, you read that correctly. The challenge wasn't big enough to merit his time and creative energy unless they were unanimously in disagreement!” Wow!

My friend, never allow the noise or opinions of the crowd to shackle you or your dream.

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

ALL GLORY AND HONOR BELONG TO GOD

ALL GLORY AND HONOR BELONG TO GOD

John Sobieski III, king of Poland in the late 17th century, is best remembered as the man who saved central Europe from the invading Turkish army in 1683. With the Turks at the walls of Vienna, Sobieski led a charge that broke their siege. His rescue of Vienna is considered one of the most decisive battles in European history. In announcing his great victory, the king paraphrased the famous words of Caesar by saying simply, “I came; I saw; GOD conquered.”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

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

STAY ENGAGED

STAY ENGAGED

A classic and gifted violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his fine instrument to his home city of Genoa. His bequest carried one condition. The violin was never to be played; it would simply be placed on display. But such inactivity doesn’t bode well for a finely crafted stringed instrument. It needs to be used and handled regularly if its beauty and value are to be retained. As a result of Paganini's request, his marvelous violin has become nothing more than a decaying form, wasting away as a museum piece.

There’s an important truth hidden here.  In our senior years, retirement can be a wonderful option, but it is mission critical to remain engaged in life.  Find other worthwhile and meaningful pursuits that transcend your working career, and stay active, healthy and joyful.

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

STICK TO IT!

STICK TO IT!

A very famous and highly effective 19^th century evangelist by the name of George Muller penned these important observations regarding prayer and the study of God’s Word: 

“It is a common temptation of Satan to make us give up the reading of the Word and prayer when our enjoyment is gone; as if it were of no use to read the scriptures when we do not enjoy them, and as if it were no use to pray when we have no spirit of prayer. The truth is that in order to enjoy the Word, we ought to continue to read it, and the way to obtain a spirit of prayer is to continue praying. The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” 

It's very simple yet wise wisdom.  As I often say, it is mission critical that we believers continually practice the presence of the Lord.  So attend church services, even when you don’t feel like it; pray and read the Bible, even when you feel less inclined to do.  One week without prayer makes one weak!  Remember: Christ honors and rewards faithfulness. (Matthew 25:21)

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

PERSPECTIVE

PERSPECTIVE

Charles Francis Adams, a 19^th century political figure and diplomat, kept a daily diary. One day he made the following brief entry: “Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted.” His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: “Went fishing with my father--the most wonderful day of my life!” The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as a tremendous investment of time.

It would seem that the only way to tell the difference between wasting and investing time is to know one’s ultimate purpose in life and to judge accordingly. Life is all about gaining and maintaining wise perspective.  By all means, try to really see and understand the viewpoint of others.

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

WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU WANT?

WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU WANT?

What are you aiming for in life?  Know this: Your God-given gift was ordained in Heaven long before the foundation of the world.  In case you are presently engaging in self-doubt, each of us has a unique talent that actually is the Creator’s fingerprint on our existence.  Long before you were conceived in time, God had you on His mind in eternity.  How well you develop and deploy your gift within your particular sphere of influence brings ultimate glory and honor to God.  So invest your time, talent, and treasure with wisdom, purpose, energy and integrity.

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

THINK!

THINK!

In Reader’s Digest, Astronaut Alan Bean shared the following observations about keeping a clear head and a balanced perspective in times of stress and pressure.

“Test pilots have a litmus test for evaluating problems. Whenever something goes wrong, they ask, “Is this thing still flying?” If the answer is yes, then there’s no immediate danger, no need to overreact. When Apollo 12 took off, the spacecraft was hit by lightning. The entire console began to glow with orange and red trouble lights. There was a temptation to ‘Do Something!’ But the pilots asked themselves, “Is this thing still flying in the right direction?” The answer was yes--it was headed for the moon. They let the lights glow as they addressed the individual problems, and watched orange and red lights blink out, one by one. That’s something to think about in any pressure situation. If your thing is still flying, think first, and then act.”  

I couldn’t agree more. Uncontrollable panic and knee-jerk responses are powerful enemies of wise problem-solving. So, the next time life seems to be going off the rails, take a few deliberate breaths, pause to reflect soberly, and put your brain in gear before engaging any clutch-action that you may later deem to be an overreaction. Think.

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