THERE IS HELP...ALONGSIDE

THERE IS HELP…ALONGSIDE

Jesus Christ extends an extraordinary privilege and promise to every believer: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)  Wow!  His statement simply suggests that there are no problems, no pains and no challenges which will totally overwhelm believing disciples who persistently pursue and practice the presence of the Lord.

I am so often encouraged by Christ’s departing decree to his disciples (and by extension to us): “I will not leave you comfortless: I WILL COME TO YOU.” (John 14:18)  Since JESUS CHRIST is the High Priest who is constantly concerned and intimately involved with us, He indeed shows up to engage and enlighten us as THE PARACLETE, the One who walks alongside us for fellowship, direction and comfort, every single day and in every life situation.  We need not seek alternatives or substitutes, because in Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith,” we indeed have THE REAL THING. (Hebrews 12:2)  As Jehovah Shammah, “THE LORD IS THERE”…all the time. (Ezekiel 48:35)  This inspiring truth reminds me of an intriguing story:

In a rural area, a poor farmer was tending to Buddy, his horse, when a stranger walked over, desperately in need of the farmer’s help.  This stranger had lost control of his vehicle and ran off into a ditch.  After informing the farmer that his vehicle was quite small, he asked if the horse could pull his car out of the ditch.  The farmer said he would come and take a look, but would not be able to help if there was any possibility that his horse could be injured.

The farmer saw that the stranger had assessed the situation correctly and that the vehicle was indeed small, so he fastened a strong rope, one end to the vehicle and the other to his horse.  He was confident that Buddy would be able to pull the car out of the ditch.  But then he did a strange thing.  The farmer shouted, “Pull, Casey, pull,” and the horse would not budge.  The farmer then called out, “Pull, Bailey, pull,” but, again, the horse would not budge.  The farmer then hollered, “Pull, Mandy, pull,” but his horse would not move one inch.  The farmer then said matter-of-factly, “Pull, Buddy, pull,” and his horse quickly pulled the vehicle out of the ditch.  The stranger was most grateful, but puzzled.  He asked the farmer why he had called his horse by four different names.  The farmer replied, “Buddy is blind, and I had to make him think he had a lot of help pulling the car out of the ditch or he might not have pulled at all.”

Quite interesting and applicable to us, isn’t it?  For whenever we embrace the mistaken notion that we are somehow incapable of accomplishing Christ’s Kingdom mission and mandate on our lives, we too wind up living far beneath our predestined position, power and privilege.  Although we were certainly designed to live in connection and community with others, we must never forget that the ONE TRUE SOURCE of our help is ALMIGHTY GOD.  He is the ever-present Supplier of help, encouragement and strength. (Philippians 4:19)  No wonder the Psalmist David exclaimed with such commitment and confidence, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills – from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)  Point To Ponder: With God’s help, are you pulling your intended weight in the Kingdom?

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

BE WHAT YOU 'IS'...

BE WHAT YOU ‘IS’…

During seminary days in Atlanta, a former classmate (now Bishop David M. Copeland) shared some simple and sagely advice that had been handed down by a family member.  It goes something like this: “SON, BE WHAT YOU ‘IS’…and not what you ain’t…‘cause when you is what you ain’t…YOU AIN’T WHAT YOU IS!”

While the grammar of that statement might seem somewhat unsuitable, its truth is irrefutable.  All too often, we expend enormous quantities of time and energy trying to imitate the characteristics, lifestyles, abilities, or even the successes of others.  In the process of constantly gazing OUTWARDS, we fail to truly appreciate and value our own God-given distinctives and as a result, they may remain dormant or underdeveloped.  It reminds me of a fictional but true-to-life story by Benjamin Hoff.

There once was a stonecutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.  One day, he passed a wealthy merchant’s house and through the open gateway saw many fine possessions and important visitors.  “How powerful that merchant must be!” thought the stonecutter.  He became very envious, and wished that he could be like the merchant.  Then he would no longer have to exist in the life of a mere stonecutter.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever dreamed of, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself.  Soon afterwards, a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants, and escorted by soldiers beating gongs.  Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession.  “How powerful that official is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be a high official!”

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by people all around who had to bow down before him as he passed.  It was a hot summer day, and the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair.  He looked up at the sun.  It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. “How powerful the sun is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be the sun!”

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers.  But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below.  “How powerful that storm cloud is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be a cloud!  Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone.  But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind.  “How powerful it is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be the wind!”

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, hated and feared by all below him.  But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it -- a huge, towering stone.  “How powerful that stone is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be a stone!”

Then he became the stone, more powerful than anything else on earth.  But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the solid rock and felt himself being changed.  “What could be more powerful than I, the stone?” he thought.  He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stonecutter.  Oh my!

Sisters and brothers, at times we fail to discern the extent of our own personal power.  Ironically, the people that appear to be most insignificant are those who are GOD-POSITIONED to effect the greatest change.  This is especially true whenever we consciously activate and actualize the resident power within, the supernatural capability of THE ANOINTED ONE and His anointing.

Nevertheless, while we are active in the Kingdom, we must achieve a SUSTAINABLE INNER PEACE.  The Apostle Paul expressed God’s perfect will for our inner tranquility through his personal testimony: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be CONTENT.” (Philippians 4:11b)

Throughout our lives, we may always “strive for masteries,” but we must always “strive lawfully.” (II Timothy 2:5)  And while we are in hot pursuit of our dreams, ambitions and goals, we should continually “be CONTENT with such things as [we] have.” (Hebrews 13:5)  Why?  Because “GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT is great gain.” (I Timothy 6:6)

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

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

I love this creative parable by an unknown author, so I will share it with you:

The PENCIL-MAKER took the PENCIL aside, just before putting him into the box.  “Before I send you out into the world,” he told the pencil, “there are five important things you must know.  Never forget them and you will become the best pencil you possibly can be.”

“One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.”

“Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become better.”

“Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.”

“Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.”

“Five: On each surface where you are used, leave your mark.  No matter what, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood, promised to remember and went into the box with purpose in its heart.  Now let’s substitute YOU for the pencil.  Always remember these wisdom nuggets; and, if you never forget, you will become the best person you possibly can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand.  Also, you must allow people to access the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time by via various problems in life, but you need this process to become a stronger person.

Three: With God’s help, you will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.

Five: Wherever you walk, leave your mark. No matter what the situation, be faithful and true.

Please allow this parable of the pencil to encourage and energize you.  Remember how absolutely special you are to GOD, and to us.  Only YOU can fulfill that unique purpose and destiny for which you were born and now exist. 

Never allow yourself to become so discouraged that life seems insignificant or there is little hope and expectation for positive change.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

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

A PRACTICAL EQUATION FOR SUCCESS-IN-LIFE

A PRACTICAL EQUATION FOR SUCCESS-IN-LIFE

Prayerfully consider this:

THE WORD + SURRENDER + OBEDIENCE + PRAYER + FAITH + WORSHIP + FELLOWSHIP + SERVICE = OUR CHRIST-KINGDOM CONNECTION

When we authentically establish this COVENANT CONNECTION, we have access to whatever GOD has eternally envisioned and empowered for us.

In other words…:

“I can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13, KJV)

“I have strength for ALL THINGS IN HIM that gives me power.” (Philippians 4:13, Darby)

“I can make it through ANYTHING IN THE ONE who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:13, The Message)

Finally, we must never forget the wise counsel of the Apostle Peter concerning our status and stature in HIM: “According as his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS, through the knowledge of HIM that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (II Peter 1:3)

Indeed, as committed BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, we already have it; so let’s use it!

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

THE SHAMGAR ANOINTING

THE SHAMGAR ANOINTING

Biblical signs suggest it is far later in human history than is commonly recognized.  Jesus Christ foretold the signs of His coming, including wars, rumors of wars, famine, pestilence and earthquakes in diverse places. (Matthew, chapter 24).  Even the scientists responsible for setting the infamous ‘doomsday clock’ recognize the extreme lateness of the hour.  On January 10, 2012, they reset the doomsday clock’s symbolic time to just five minutes before midnight.  Since believers are deputized as God’s end-times soul harvesters, we should understand the times and seasons in which we live.  Additionally, we must identify our unique gifts and come together with synergy to potentiate the growth and development of the Kingdom.

Consider the following passages of scripture:

Judges 3:30-31
So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel.  And the land had rest fourscore years.  And after him was SHAMGAR the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

Matthew 11:12
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

During the time of Judge Shamgar, a gripping fear paralyzed the nation.  Judges 5:6 suggests that conditions were so deplorable that “the highways were unoccupied.”  In other words, people feared for their lives and were reluctant to engage their travel plans.  Fears of flourishing crime and unsafe conditions caused highways to be unoccupied, trade to be diminished, fields to be abandoned and overall progress to be abated.  The Philistines, the archenemies of Israel, grievously afflicted the people of God.  And largely due to a vacuum in leadership, the citizens of Israel were generally doing that which “seemed right” in each man or woman’s own eyes. (Judges 17:6)

Does this remind you of conditions in contemporary society?  Today, we exist in a pluralistic society, in absolutes are deemed passé and politically incorrect.  Even the illicit relationships that the Bible condemns are now termed ‘alternative lifestyles’ and are increasingly legitimized by those who control the media, the judicial system and the reins of government.  We call this progress; God calls it sin.  Nevertheless, we are reminded that He provides a substantive solution for the individual and corporate dilemma of sin, via the atoning grace of Jesus Christ.

Shamgar was the third of twelve judges, whose leadership and influence dominated the years before Israel crowned its first king, Saul.  We know precious little about Shamgar, but we are told that there were “fourscore years that the land had rest” following the ministry of Judge Ehud. (Judges 3:30)  However, even during those moments of apparent peace, enemies were present.  After the Moabites were subdued, the Philistines assumed the mantle of opposition against Israel during the days of Shamgar.  Truth be told, the presence of naysayers and detractors often serves as a ‘litmus test’ for discerning whether one is moving in the direction of God’s will.  Jesus declared “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” when enemies rise as the result of your faith convictions, and He promised that “great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12)  Isaiah declared “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19)

The name “Shamgar” means ’sword.’  Regarding his origins, the Bible simply says he was the son of Anath, and we are unsure of the meaning of this.  “Anath” could have been a reference to a particular man, (or) it could have derived from a Galilean city called Beth-anath, (or) this name could have come from the Canaanite goddess, Anath.  The latter possibility suggests that Shamgar might have been converted from idol worship to serve the True and Living God.  Bottom-line: We really don’t know Shamgar's roots or where he came from, and I am thrilled and encouraged by that.  It suggests that, in spite of our parentage, pedigree, or past, GOD is fully able to use us and to gain glory whenever our lives are submitted to His authority and we are endowed with ample anointing.

Shamgar stood…as one man…against the phenomenal power of the Philistines.  It’s rather reminiscent of young David, standing as a solitary warrior against the giant Goliath.  The difference, however, is very significant.  Shamgar stood…as one man…against (not one)…but against six hundred Philistines.  That is an incredible feat!  Visualize this hypothetical.  Even six hundred children would experience little difficulty defeating one man.  As you think about Shamgar, reflect on this fact.  Some soldiers go through an entire war without killing even one enemy combatant.  Many soldiers go through an entire war without killing five (or less) of the enemy . But Shamgar possessed an awesome anointing from God for his assignment to utterly devastate the enemy.

Judge Shamgar did not apply his own might to win the battle.  Rather, he utilized an unusual (and God given) weapon of warfare.  He procured an ox goad, a long handled pole, seven-feet long (the number of divine perfection), to obliterate the enemy.  The ox goad was a farm tool, created to goad on (urge on) oxen.  So remember: Shamgar never possessed a weapon of great renown, not even a weapon of warfare.  He was a humble man, deploying a humble weapon, but he was ‘pregnant’ with purpose, power and anointing!

GOD + ONE FAITH-FILLED AND SPIRITUALLY-EQUPPED INDIVIDUAL = TOTAL VICTORY.

Here’s something to carefully consider: Have you identified the specific gift and distinct anointing with which you have been endowed and empowered by our God?  Winner-believer, your personal fulfillment lies in the discovery and implementation of YOUR UNIQUE OX GOAD.  Despite the fact that the Kingdom of God suffers violence (both from within and without), you have been provided with extraordinary tools to secure and sustain the strategic work of God.  “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (II Corinthians 10:4)  In the entire scheme of things, it may be much later than you think.  It’s almost midnight.  What are you waiting for?  Pick up your unique weapon today…and use it…in JESUS’ mighty name!

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

HYPOCRISY: A DANGEROUS DILEMMA

HYPOCRISY: A DANGEROUS DILEMMA

One of the most dangerous things we could possibly do is to walk through this life in the guise of a HYPOCRITE.  Authenticity, truthfulness and transparency are non-negotiable keys for admission into the grace and glory of God.  Jesus Christ expressed it simply and succinctly. “Blessed are the PURE IN HEART: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Consider the story of “The Jackal in the Lion’s Skin.”  [Note: I am aware that lions and tigers do not inhabit the same geographical region, but it’s a worthwhile story anyway].  Here it goes.  An unwise jackal lived in the jungle.  One day he felt powerful hunger pangs.  He looked for an animal to eat for lunch, but could not find any.  But in that remote corner of the jungle, the jackal discovered the skin of a dead lion.  He donned the skin, then raced to the tiger family’s cave.  He called out confidently, “Is anyone home?”

The tiger’s wife came out.  She saw the jackal in the lion’s skin and thought he was indeed a lion.   Mrs. Tiger was terrified. “Please, sir,” she said. “What do you want?”  The jackal commanded loudly, “Give me some meat or I shall kill you and your children!”

Mrs. Tiger ran inside.  She brought out lots of meat.  The crafty jackal ate and ate till he could eat no more.  Then he went away.  But every day the jackal returned to the tiger’s cave.  The tiger’s wife was totally afraid of him, so she provided meat daily.  The jackal ate and ate.  In fact, he ate so much that he soon grew fat.  One day the jackal said to the tigress, “Today I shall take your children to the river for a bath.  Tell them to get ready.”  Mrs. Tiger prepped her cubs, “Children, your uncle is taking you to the river for a bath.  Get ready quickly and go with him.” The tiger cubs were quite happy and went along with the jackal.  When they came to the river, the jackal announced, “You can now have a swim; I shall stand here and watch you.”

The tiger cubs jumped into the river with glee.  They swam in the water and had tons of fun.  Then they came out and offered, “Uncle Lion, now it is your turn to have a bath.”  The jackal was afraid to go into the water, but did not want the tiger cubs to find out.  So he said, “Very well, children. I shall have my bath now.  I shall take off my clothes, so close your eyes tight.  Don’t peek!”  All the tiger cubs closed their eyes.

The jackal carefully removed his ‘lying’ lion skin.  Then he headed toward the river, but was afraid to enter.  So he stood near the water and called out loudly, “Chup-chup, chup-chup, chup-chup!”  The tiger cubs believed he was swimming in the river.  They could not see him since their eyes were closed tightly.  But the youngest cub was naughty, so he opened one eye to look.  What did he see?  He spied a not-so-clever JACKAL standing near the river, simply perpetrating, and crying out loudly, “Chup-chup, chup-chup, chup-chup!”  So the youngest cub said to his elder brothers, “He is not a lion at all!  He is just a jackal!”  “Shhhh!” his brothers whispered.  “Don’t say that.  He is a lion.  And if he hears you, he will kill us all!”

“But I tell you he is a jackal!” the youngest cub insisted.  “Just look!”  All the cubs opened one eye and looked.  They saw that the so-called lion was only a jackal.  So, all at once, they pounced on the jackal and ate him up.  The cubs went back and informed Mrs. Tiger: “Mother, uncle is not a lion.  He is a jackal, and we have killed and eaten him.”

“Shhhh!” cautioned the panicky mother.  “Don’t say that, children.  He is a lion, and if he hears you, he will be very angry with us!”  “But mother, he is not a lion,” the cubs repeated with excitement. “ He is a jackal.  He was only wearing a lion’s skin.  We have killed and eaten him up!”  By now, Mrs. Tiger was very ecstatic.  “Thank you, my children,” she shouted with a smile.  “Now he will not cheat or bother us anymore!”

Prayerfully ponder this real life addendum to that fictitious story:  

Not only is HYPOCRISY dangerous, it is downright uncomfortable.  Decades ago, I worked for a man known as “Dr. _______.”  He represented himself as if he had an earned doctorate, when in fact, he did not.  One day, while we were dining with our group, a curious young lady walked up and asked him the following embarrassing question: “Dr. _______, where did you pursue your graduate studies and earn your Ph.D.?  My employer practically choked on his food!  You see, LYING IS UNNECESSARY, and only leads down the path of additional deception.  And quite often, the only one you are really fooling is yourself!

The story of “The Jackal in the Lion’s Skin” is reminiscent of Christ’s strong warning to HIS CHURCH: “Beware of FALSE PROPHETS, which come to you in SHEEP’S CLOTHING, but inwardly they are RAVENING WOLVES.” (Matthew 7:15)  Albeit, the people of God are never left without divine direction, provision and protection.  Jesus Christ advised his disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES: be ye therefore WISE AS SERPENTS, and HARMLESS AS DOVES.” (Matthew 10:16)  The implicit truth in Christ’s directive is this: If HE sends us…HE WILL BE WITH US!  (Matthew 28:19-20)  Nevertheless, it is of paramount importance that the people of God remain ever alert and watchful – lest we be led foolishly into the subtle snares of “ravening wolves.”  So WATCH and PRAY! (Nehemiah 4:9 – Matthew 26:41 – Ephesians 6:18 – Colossians 4:2 – I Peter 4:7)

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

GOD'S GRACE...IT'S AMAZING!

GOD’S GRACE…IT’S AMAZING!

God’s unmerited favor bestowed lavishly upon us is revealed in a powerful array of scriptural portraits.  I love the spectacular story of Mephibosheth because it is so characteristic and revealing of the Father's nature.  How special it is for God-in-Christ to touch and transform us through agape love, thus making the ultimate sacrifice for our safety, security and salvation!  And how utterly marvelous it is that the He encounters us in the places in which we reside, and transports us to providential palaces of peace and provision.

Although David was a bona fide champion of Israel, he had become increasingly despised by King Saul.  The king was motivated by a fierce jealousy; and, the Word declares that “jealousy is cruel as the grave.” (Song of Solomon 8:6)  It fueled Saul’s dark determination to seek David’s total destruction.  However, the principles of sowing and reaping apply in every arena of life.  The Word declares, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)  Thus, Saul’s animus toward David eventuated in his own death, and even in the death of Prince Jonathan, Saul’s beloved son and David’s closest friend.  There is a definite correlation between our deeds and the welfare of those connected to us; this we should never forget.  Nevertheless, I find it entirely fascinating that God provides refuge for His own in the least likely of places.  Who would have thought that David would experience such a remarkable friendship, freely bestowed by the offspring of his chief enemy?

I Samuel 19:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David.  2 So Jonathan told David, saying, “My father Saul seeks to kill you.  Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide.  3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you.  Then what I observe, I will tell you.”

In the aftermath of King Saul’s death, agape love motivated David to ask an unlikely and unexpected question: “Is there anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (II Samuel 9:1)  In response, Ziba, one of Saul’s stewards, informed David of a surviving heir, the grandson of Saul and the son of Jonathan.  He bore a rather strange sounding name, Mephibosheth.  Not only was he dwelling in the god-forsaken city of Lodebar, he was physically handicapped as well.  Question: Why would the son of the prince of Israel dwell in such a terrible place?  Answer: FEAR is the ultimate mind-killer and the destroyer of destiny.  Mephibosheth’s fear of retribution, coupled with anxiety regarding his physical state, moved him away from (not towards) the place of his heritage.  When summoned by King David, he arrived with great trepidation and trembling.

Remember this: Fear aggressively distorts the image of God in us.  It is a highly effective satanic strategy that encases our perceptions within perverted prisms of doubt and despair, through which we come to view ourselves, others and the world around us.  Nevertheless, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7)  The key to understanding Mephibosheth’s state-of-mind is the fact that his adverse life circumstances were caused by the negligence of others.  At the age of five, his nurse dropped him while fleeing in haste, resulting in his permanent foot disability.  So Mephibosheth arrived (with a limp) for his audience with the newly-crowned king.  Incidentally, whenever God calls us to His royal courts, He is totally aware of our limp, that is, He knows all about our sins, deficits and deficiencies.  Mephibosheth was profoundly shaken because he knew his grandfather had been King David’s archenemy.   He had the expectation that he would become a victim of revenge, based upon his unfortunate lineage and his obvious physical challenges.  Isn’t it characteristic of satanic deception to motivate us to look ONLY at what is negative or what is NOT present in our lives, as opposed to the power or potential that IS present?  Mephibosheth’s fear caused a curious strain of spiritual amnesia.  He totally forgot that the newly-crowned king and his father, Jonathan, were the best of friends!

As Mephibosheth bowed before the king, his very first words were a self-debasing question:  “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”  What an incredibly distorted self-portrait he had painted!  Always remember that your first step toward spiritual liberation and blessing is to start seeing yourself as GOD sees you!  However, instead of pursuing anything that was punitive, the king offered what I call a GRACE-REWARD.  Summoning Ziba, King David decreed that Mephibosheth would inherit all the lands that had belonged to Saul and Jonathan.  Ziba, along with his fifteen sons and twenty servants, would be held accountable to farm those lands and to pass along all profits to the self-proclaimed “dead dog,” Mephibosheth.  And from that moment onward, Mephibosheth would live rent-free in the palace and dine daily with the king.  King David proclaimed “He shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” (II Samuel 9:11)  What a miraculous manifestation of God’s grace!

Although your past captivity in this world system of sin and shame might make you feel at times like a “dead dog,” THE KING OF KINGS “RESTORES” YOUR SOUL (your mind, will, intellect, imagination and emotions) and extends to you His matchless, inimitable, everlasting and amazing grace. (Psalm 23:3)  And from that point onward, you commune daily and fellowship joyfully in HIS presence.  David had received such amazing grace from his HEAVENLY FATHER, and he paid-forward that same grace-legacy by demonstrating mercy and kindness to his ‘apparently undeserving’ NEWLY-ADOPTED SON.  Here’s how David would have visualized those twin miracles of God’s grace: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)  God’s grace…it’s absolutely amazing!

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