CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

Have you ever become frustrated at the seemingly slow pace of progress or change in your life?  In this era of ‘microwave mentality,’ it is sometimes challenging to wrap our minds around the fact that GOD WORKS THROUGH PROCESS.  In other words, the changes HE institutes in our lives are often implemented over extended periods of time, through a multitude of life experiences.  Bottom-line: We cannot always trace God’s hand, but we must consistently trust His heart and His plan.

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.  Each morning, Grandpa rose early and sat at the kitchen table reading his old worn-out Bible.  His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him any way he could.  One day the grandson said, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book.  So what good does reading the Bible do for me?”

The grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.”  The boy did just as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back home.

The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home.  Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead.  The old man insisted, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water.  You can do this.  You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he watched from the window as his grandson attempted to please him again.

But at that point, the boy knew it was impossible, and he just wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got very far at all.  The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.  Out of breath, he wheezed, “See Papa, I told you that it’s useless!”

“So you think it is useless?” the old man said.  “Look down at the basket.”  The young lad examined the basket and for the first time realized that it looked quite different.  Instead of the dirty old coal basket he had first received, the one he held in his hands was now completely clean.

“Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible.  You might not understand or remember everything right away, but if you keep on reading, IT WILL SURELY CHANGE YOU…FROM THE INSIDE OUT.”

That is the work of The Father in our lives.  He changes us from the inside out, slowly transforming us into the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29)  Therefore, we must resist the temptation to become exasperated or frustrated by the cadence and content of our change.  Ultimately, we are in the hands of The Master Potter and we will be fashioned into the finished product that pleases Him and edifies His Kingdom. (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

The Apostle Paul sums it up succinctly for us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Let the change begin…and let the Changer have His way in the process!

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

THE TEARS THAT BRING JOY

THE TEARS THAT BRING JOY

Ironically the shortest verse of scripture (and arguably the saddest) is “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)  It is a striking and emotional portrait of Jesus Christ, standing before the burial site of his dear friend, Lazarus.  While the number of words recorded here by John, the apostle of love, is modest; their significance is monumental.  It is the clearest and most concise declaration of one key aspect of the person and work of Jesus.  That is, in Christ, we have A HIGH PRIEST who is “touched by the feeling of our infirmities.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Dictionary.com defines “INFIRMITY” as “a physical weakness or ailment” (or) “a lack of strength” (or) “a moral weakness or failing.”  Relative to us, Jesus Christ directly connects with each part of that definition.  As ‘VERY MAN,’ Jesus is intrinsically clothed in our humanity.  In other words, HE GETS US.  As ‘VERY GOD,’ Jesus has limitless power to totally transform our various conditions and circumstances.  In other words, HE CHANGES US.  Through Christ, our minds are transformed; our ailments become healings; our weaknesses become strengths; our failures (moral or otherwise) become undeniable victories.

I hope that you do not think me insensitive or unkind when I admit to you that I am hilariously happy that JESUS WEPT.  For his tears were not only the precursor to Lazarus’ resurrection, they become the catalyst for our regeneration, restoration, renewal and rejoicing.  Because JESUS WEPT, we can “glory in tribulations.” (Romans 5:3)  Because JESUS WEPT, we can “count it all joy.” (James 1:2)  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Regardless of what you are experiencing at this hour, be aware that YOU are the constant concern of The Compassionate Christ.  As a matter of fact, you must feel free to cast “all your cares upon him” with full assurance that (no matter what) “he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)  Bottom-line: “Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY COMES IN THE MORNING.” (Psalm 30:5)

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

INTAKE DETERMINES OUTPUT

INTAKE DETERMINES OUTPUT

One cold winter evening, a Cherokee Chief was sitting at the fireplace sharing a lifetime of sound judgment and wisdom.  “Every person experiences a life-or-death struggle,” he admonished, “a terrible fight between two powerful wolves.  One wolf is evil: it brings fear, anger, envy, greed, self-pity, resentment, selfishness, dishonesty and arrogance.  The other wolf is good: it brings truth, serenity, sincerity, confidence, generosity, gentleness, joy, compassion and humility.”

His young grandchild queried nervously, “Grandpa, which wolf wins?”

The elder sage looked the little boy straight in the eye and said firmly: “THE ONE YOU FEED.”

In life, we all have definite options.  We can choose either evil or good.  Moreover, the overall results we achieve are actually products of a LIFE DECISION TREE, which is comprised of a host of smaller and seemingly ordinary choices we make along the way.  How we spend our time is a choice.  The company we keep is a choice.  The spouses we choose, the books we read, the music we embrace, the television programs we follow, the events we attend, the church families we join – all are monumental choices that impact our thinking, and thus our short- and long-term decision making.

So make up your mind about the direction, meaning and quality of your life.  Just like Joshua challenged wilderness-weary Israel, “CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Choose well.  Guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)  The leaves, branches and fruit on your life-tree are the product of what you purposefully ingest along the well.  Intake determines output.  Since you are what you eat, dine healthily, sumptuously and faithfully…on THE WORD.

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

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

There are times in life when we feel that we have given our all.  More often than not, this is only a feeling, not a reality.  Consider the following inspirational story about two youthful-but-sick siblings from California, which, quite literally, has motivated me to reassess my own giving.

Many years ago, when I worked as a transfusion volunteer at Stanford Hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liza who was suffering from a dreaded disease and needed blood from her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.  The doctor explained this situation to her little brother, and asked the young lad if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.  I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it, if it will save Liza.”

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks.  Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.  He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?”

Being very young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor and thought his sister needed ALL his blood.

What a love!  This true story causes us to reflect on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  On Calvary (and even before the foundation of this world), Jesus became willing and ready to GIVE HIS ALL to redeem us from the twin scourges of sin and death.  In His own words, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

The question is begged, “How much of ourselves are WE willing to give?”  The world in which we live places such heavy demands on our time and energy that sometimes we find it difficult to attend to the most mundane of matters that might bring a smile to the faces of our loved ones.  Think about it.  Husbands, are you too busy, too tired, or just too important to rise up from your chair and carry a glass of water to your thirsty wife?  Or is that just “women’s work?”  Wives, are you too preoccupied with the demands of your day to speak a word or encouragement or correction to your children?

The truth, plain and simple, is that LIFE GOES BY VERY QUICKLY.  A friend and colleague from Ohio, Elder Willie Templeton, is often heard saying “MAKE IT COUNT!”  Such a timely and emotionally present attitude is imperative since, according to James, the brother of Jesus, our lives may be likened to a vapor that appears for one fleeting moment, then swiftly fades away. (James 4:14)  Therefore, we must resolve TODAY to perform purposeful and random acts of kindness for our families, our friends, and yes, even to the strangers that we meet.  The Word admonishes us that “thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” (Hebrew 13:2)  Agape love manifests itself through ultimate sacrifice.  Why not give it a try?  It will surely cast light into your dark places.

Sisters and brothers, as you sow compassionate and bountiful seeds, be continually blessed!  And please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

WISE FRIENDS

WISE FRIENDS

King Solomon penned sage advice for all of us to live by.  In his memorable words, “He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)  Today’s key question to ponder is simple: DO YOUR CLOSEST ASSOCIATES BRING HELP OR HARM INTO YOUR LIFE?  Consider the story of the powerful king who unwisely chose a monkey as his dearest companion and friend.

In a distant land, there was a king who had a monkey that was not only his pet; he was indeed his best friend.  The king loved that monkey very much, so he fed him with scrumptious fruits from the royal orchards and even dressed him in the finest garments in the land.

In fact, this king trusted his monkey friend so much that he decided to make him his personal guard.  That way, he would have his good friend alongside him at all times.  Once this decision was made, the king took his monkey friend everywhere, from the battleground to the court, and on every royal journey throughout the kingdom.

The monkey apparently loved the king with the same intensity and was most delighted and proud to have been appointed as his personal guard.  He resolved to carry out his duties with utmost devotion.  While the king slept, it was his monkey friend’s job to guard the royal bed chambers.  He would faithfully see to it that no one or nothing would disturb the king from getting much needed rest.  He even fanned the king to maximize his comfort, as he slept.

Daily, the royal bed chambers were bedecked with a variety of gorgeous and fragrant flowers.  Attracted by the alluring aroma of these flowers, a rather determined bee buzzed in through an open window while the king took his royal nap.  As was his custom, the monkey sat by the king’s bed, protecting and fanning him.  Once the diligent monkey spotted the intrusive bee, he tried to chase it away by using his fan.  But the bee lingered tenaciously, buzzing dangerously close to the king’s face.

After continuous efforts to discharge the bee, the monkey became rather angry.  At that moment, the bee settled itself on the king’s forehead.  By now, the monkey was totally outraged.  Caught up in his devoted zeal to protect the king, the monkey drew the king’s sword that lay on a nearby table.  He hoisted the sword high in the air to strike down the bee that now rested on the king’s forehead.  Alas, the unwise friend and appointed protector split the royal head in two, bringing about the king’s untimely demise.

Think about it.  We are not only known by the company that we keep, our eternal destiny is directly impacted (for better or worse) by those with whom we closely associate.  What does your selection of friends reveal about your wisdom and character, or lack of the same?  And how will those choices ultimately affect your God-ordained purpose, dreams and destiny?  Could there be a dangerous ‘monkey’ in your chamber?

Sisters and brothers, let us walk in God’s wisdom and be continually blessed!  And please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

NEVER LOSE HEART

NEVER LOSE HEART

No matter what happens in or around your life, endeavor to maintain faith, balance and perspective.  During your crisis moments, consider the story of the shipwrecked survivor who was the only one person left alive on a remote Pacific island.  He prayed fervently every day, asking God to send someone along to rescue him.  Day by day, he looked for God’s help, but he simply could not find it.  Growing weary of waiting, he decided to construct a crude and meager shelter in order to protect himself and his few possessions.  But then one evening, after foraging the island for food, he returned and found his shelter completely consumed by fire.

Everything he owned was now burned up.

The castaway sailor was totally confused and terribly angry with God.  In despair, he shouted at God: “WHY?  Why did you do this to me?”  Then he fell into a deep sleep on the sandy shore.  Before dawn, he heard the sound of a boat rapidly approaching the island.  At long last, his rescuers had arrived!  He asked them how they knew he was on the island.  The rescuers said they saw the huge fire and smoke signals he had made the night before. 

Often our apparent accidents and incidents are divine providence in disguise. It is so easy to feel angry, confused or hopeless whenever things seem to go wrong for us.  But we should never lose heart, because GOD IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING behind the scenes.  So remember…the next time your HOUSE IS ON FIRE, it just might be a SMOKE SIGNAL that God has orchestrated for your personal deliverance.  As the Apostle Paul stated so eloquently, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Finally, we must reflect prayerfully on the example of JESUS, and draw inspiration from it.  He suffered the agony and humiliation of public crucifixion.  Yet, while “despising the shame,” HE “endured the cross” and won ultimate victory for all of humankind.  So during your darkest moments, “Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinners, so that YOU will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV)

In closing, we are constantly comforted and sustained by the promises, plans and purposes of God.  His Word is our beacon, our bounty, our rescue and our reward.  “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

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

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

PEACE is definitely something that emanates from within.  Unfortunately, THE EXTERNAL is frequently out of alignment with THE ETERNAL.  Nevertheless, you and I have attitudinal choices.  We must not allow ourselves to be irrationally influenced or controlled by outside circumstances.  How can this possibly be?  How can we shape and secure positive attitudes during close encounters with trouble or tragedy?  Indeed, it is possible because you and I are infinitely more capable and more competent than we might appear!

In the context of time, we merely LOOK LIKE human bodies, subject to an endless array of sensory stimuli: auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile and visual.  Admittedly, we are impacted by all these human factors, many of which supersede the span of our control.  Nevertheless, WE ARE MUCH MORE than our frail human bodies suggest.  Far beyond our physical anatomies, THE CREATOR has endowed us with exceptional minds and eternal spirits.  This means we can live in total transcendence; and, despite anything, WE CAN RISE.  Fact is, we are nothing less than WINNER-BELIEVERS, endowed with the MIND OF GOD and encompassed with the PEACE OF GOD.  Through Him, we embrace inexplicable peace…even in the midst of our storms.

Consider the tale of the ancient king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the most accurate portrayal of peace.  Many artists submitted their work and the king carefully examined all the pictures.  There were only two he really liked, so he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake, perfectly mirroring the peaceful, towering mountains all around it.  Overhead was a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.  It was the favorite of all who saw it.  Truly, they concluded, it was a perfect portrait of peace.

The other picture had mountains also, but they were rugged and bare.  Above was an angry sky from which rain poured down and lightning danced about menacingly.  Down the side of the mountain roared a foaming and powerful waterfall.  It would be difficult to imagine a less peaceful place!  But when the king looked more closely, he saw beside the waterfall a tiny bush growing out of a crack in the rock.  Inside the bush, a mother bird had built her family nest.  There, in the midst of that angry rush of water, sat a contented mother bird, warming and protecting her young – in perfect peace.

Which picture would you have selected?  The king chose the second picture.  When asked “Why?” the king replied, “Because peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, no trouble, or no issues.  Peace means to be in the midst of all these things and still remain calm in your heart.  That is the true meaning of peace.”

Jesus Christ bequeaths peace as a legacy to every believer: “Peace I leave with you,” he declares, “my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)  Yet, many Christians experience perpetual anxiety, shrouded in chronic and tormenting fear.  This need not be.

Please prayerfully consider the following scriptural solutions:
1. God is love. (I John 4:8)
2. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that fears is not made perfect in love. (I John 4:18)
3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)
4. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:4-6)
6. Men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (Luke 18:1)

The logic of THE WORD is profoundly clear and simple.  The first requirement for personal peace is to fully embrace GOD (who is LOVE), which positions and empowers us to expel fear.  However, this is not automatic; there is a process involved.  The second requirement is to constantly meditate on the essence and character of God, via the Word of God.  The third requirement is to seek specific direction from God for every potentially troubling situation.  This is accomplished through the vehicle of prayer.  The fourth requirement is that we must PRAY FROM THE WORD (The Covenant Contract) as we confidently enlist the support of “the mediator” of the covenant. (Hebrews 8:6)

Sisters and brothers, have your INTERNAL AFFAIRS been set in order, or are you still struggling to maintain composure and sanity whenever you encounter storms?  It is God’s perfect will that we experience the provision and prosperity that resides within His peace. (III John 1:2)  So always “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

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