RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

It’s fairly easy to assume a posture of abject negativity, especially while you are wading through a powerful stream of personal opposition, which means you are surrounded by people who just don’t ‘get’ YOU, or what you are all about.  Whenever your buttons are pushed to the max, whenever others seem to take delight in your reversals, it is awfully tempting to become a naysayer.

But keep on saying “YES!”  Be encouraged to respond affirmatively to opportunities, to others, and even to yourself.  Your positive perspective is a place of pure power since durable blessings dwell at the intersection of true faith and ongoing affirmation.  The Word declares that “all the promises of God in Him are YES, and in Him AMEN…to the glory of GOD…through US.” (II Corinthians 1:20, NKJV)

In the late 1800s, an American shoe manufacturer sought to expand his market, so he sent one son to Africa and the other son to India.  He received two telegrams posthaste.  The first wire reported, “No one in Africa wears shoes – returning home immediately.” The second wire described similar conditions, but offered a radically different conclusion: “No one in India wears shoes – send lots of stock immediately.” It’s easy to guess which son eventually took control of the company.

Ask yourself: “Am I a RAINMAKER or a NAYSAYER?”  The rainmaker produces life – purposefully, habitually and continuously.  The naysayer simply reports the weather, e.g. the existence of a drought, with little hope or viable plans for improvement.  The naysayer is a thermometer; the rainmaker is a thermostat.  The naysayer is a mere commentator, while the rainmaker is a proactive change-agent.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, tribal rainmakers were among the most celebrated members of the community.  They were honored for their ability to break deadly droughts and bring on desperately needed rains that would mean extended life for crops and animals, and prosperity for the tribe.

Legend has it that a young Indian boy asked a renowned Native American rainmaker how he knew when it was time to stop his rain dance.  The elder bent down over the boy and whispered with a smile, “The dance is over when it RAINS.  I just keep dancing until then.”

That is sound and practical advice for all.  Never stop until it rains.  In other words, PUSH!  PRAY Until Something Happens.  But while you are pushing, never forget to WASH!  WORK…And Something Happens.

Jesus Christ personified this practical Kingdom principle.  When the Jewish hierarchy questioned the timing of His miracles, Jesus’ response was clear and decisive: “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” (John 5:17, NKJV) Instead of caving to the constant complaints of critics, Jesus declared “I MUST WORK the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” (John 9:4, NKJV) PUSH, my friend!  WASH!

Jesus set forth an apt description of our responsibilities, relative to both our personal lives and Kingdom commitments.  We are proactive workers, not passive naysayers.  As people of faith, as sons and daughters of God, we are (and ever shall be) consummate and continuous RAINMAKERS.  Indeed, we are catalysts for opening up the floodgates of Heaven.  So don’t curse the darkness or the drought.  LET IT RAIN!

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

WISDOM FOR LIVING

WISDOM FOR LIVING

According to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Therefore, receive and reverence the Word of the Lord.

Proverbs 2:1-9

1 My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.

Amen.

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

ABIDE IN THE CENTER

ABIDE IN THE CENTER

The Center of God’s Will is the place of His Power and Provision.  Winner-Believer, in order to ratify your covenant relationship with Christ and to receive His promises, move (swiftly and deliberately) away from the periphery and stride (purposefully and faithfully) toward the center. 

For “all the promises of God in Him are YES, and in Him AMEN.” (II Corinthians 1:20) Just say “no” to every satanic influence and shout an everlasting “YES” to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

DRIVEN BY A TOUCH

DRIVEN BY A TOUCH

The Jewish religious establishment seemed to have a perpetual problem with the Son of God, simply because Jesus would not act like He was ‘supposed’ to act.  Jesus just didn’t fit.  He never ever plugged into the patterns, policies or plans of the holier-than-thou religiosity that the Pharisees espoused.  And, at least according to their ecclesiastical hierarchy, Jesus was always found doing the wrong thing! 

One of the things I love best about Jesus is that he did not select his daily ‘companions’ on the basis of their status in society.  Quite the contrary!  Jesus seemed to have an affinity for those who were disapproved, disavowed and dispossessed.  He seemed to gravitate to people who were somewhat rough-around-the-edges, people who had been pummeled by pain and shackled with sorrow.  How I love the incredible compassion of Jesus…and how I love Him!

Not only was it the norm for Jesus to purposefully encounter needy people, they were simultaneously drawn to Him by virtue of His charismatic compassion and His magnetic ministry.  Because of this, Jesus’ detractors labelled Him as a glutton, a winebibber and a friend of sinners. (Luke 7:34) In fact, the more unsavory those contemporary characters were, the more at ease they would eventually come to feel in the presence of the King of Kings.  

It is a most striking pattern - absolutely interesting and intriguing!  Who was it that Jesus would seek out, and who would seek Him?  Among the multitudes, several examples stand out: a Samaritan woman who was a social outcast, a woman with a spirit of infirmity who had been bent over physically for 18 years, ten lepers who had no relatives or friends who would own or assist them, a disliked military officer of the tyrant King Herod, a woman who had been possessed by seven demons, an abominable tax collector who pilfered as much as he collected for the Roman government, a man struggling with so many demonic spirits that he spent his days naked and cutting himself inside the cemetery, a female adulterer who was about to be stoned by an angry and self-righteous mob of men – and the list goes on and on and on. 

Due to Christ’s atypical connections, some of the more ‘respectable’ types labeled Him (and His friends) as unsavory and unsuitable.  The pious Pharisees dismissed Him as uncouth and worldly; the rich young ruler considered Him to be too dispassionate about material gain; and, even the more open-minded Nicodemus sought Jesus only under cover of night.  The religious legalists of Jesus’ day found His human associates to be wholly repulsive or, at best, somewhat questionable.

The Bible tells of numerous occasions when Jesus accepted dinner invitations.  Three of these (the wedding at Cana of Galilee, the hospitality of Mary and Martha, the interrupted meal in Emmaus after his resurrection) might be said to be ‘normal’ and ‘acceptable’ social occasions.  At other times, however, Jesus is observed going to dinner with sinners, defying cultural norms and religious expectations.  Two of these meals took place in the homes of unpopular tax collectors, Levi (Matthew) and Zachaeus.  When people strenuously objected, Jesus shrugged it off and declared “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick,” and “The son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost.” (Matthew 9:12 and Luke 19:10) 

Later on, Jesus accepted the dinner invitation of a prominent Pharisee, which seemed more acceptable to religious practitioners.  But when He had the audacity to heal a man suffering from dropsy (excessive edema and swelling) on the Sabbath day, religious leaders were outraged.  Of course, Jesus rejected their criticisms, declaring that His ministry is available at any time to social outcasts: the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. (Luke 14:1-5)

Shortly before His vicarious suffering and death on the cross, and against the stringent admonitions of Mosaic Law, Jesus dined with Simon, a leper (according to Mark) and a Pharisee (according to Luke). (Mark 14:3 and Luke 7:36) During this dinner, a detestable woman from the city streets unexpectedly interrupted.  She kneeled down and washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and dried them with her hair.  Then she did a most unlikely thing: she took an alabaster box of precious ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus.  It was a most sincere act of worship, a prophetic pre-memorial for his impending crucifixion.  Nevertheless, it was completely repugnant to religious onlookers, those who deemed themselves eminently righteous and acceptable in the sight of God.  According to the biblical record, Simon thought “This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:39)

To be sure, Jesus Christ was fully aware of the identity and character of this woman – but Jesus Christ was even more so conscious of the essence and integrity of His own person and work. (Hebrews 13:8) To wit, He transformed an ordinary social occasion into a ‘teachable moment’ – providing Simon a practical and memorable lesson on the atoning grace and mercy of God.  Finally, Jesus Christ forgave this worshiping woman for all of her sins and offered a benediction of “peace” at her departure.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

The intruding woman had not arrived there by virtue of any dinner invitation or expectation of the host.  She was ‘driven’ there by the deepest of human needs – the necessity of being touched and regenerated by The Master.  Here is a most important question to consider today: How badly do YOU want…how urgently do YOU need…TO TOUCH AND BE TOUCHED BY HIM?  If you really need JESUS CHRIST (and you certainly do) – whether to establish a new and intimate relationship with Him or to renew your former covenant with Him – DO NOT allow anyone or anything to stand in your way.  YOU can and will be totally transformed and miraculously healed by His touch, so I strongly urge you to reach out and touch JESUS…today.  Your life will never be the same!

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

THE LOVE REVELATION

THE LOVE REVELATION

It’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth – SO HELP US GOD!

I Corinthians 13:1-13 (The Message)

¹ If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

² If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

^3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

^8-10 Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

¹¹ When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

¹² We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

¹³ But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

God has spoken…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!

JEHOVAH-JIREH

JEHOVAH-JIREH

The name, Jehovah-Jireh, is a covenant name ascribed to our God in The Holy Writ.  It simply means, “God, my provider.”  In this connection, I love a powerful testimony that my longtime friend, Pastor Carlton Crudup, shared with us.  While awaiting his turn in a grocery store cashier line, the woman just ahead attempted to pay for her groceries, but her card was declined.  She was holding a baby, and half of her grocery cart was loaded with baby food.  Pastor Crudup felt deeply compelled to pay for this stranger’s groceries (especially for the baby's sake), although he had already budgeted those funds to pay a major bill.

Several days later, he received two unexpected communications from different sources, notifying him of funds he would receive that were the equivalent to 2,000 percent of the amount he had paid for that unknown family’s groceries.  One of those blessing communiqués came via an email message that he read after a church service.  It had been transmitted during a sermon in which the preacher emphasized that God works behind the scenes to create your blessing…out of nothing.  Elder Crudup closed his testimony with this question: “Can you handle a 2000% increase, a way that God makes out of no way?”  I love it!

Since my friend has a Kingdom-servant's heart, his acts of obedience fostered fertile ground for seeds faithfully and sacrificially sown – and for future harvests. (II Corinthians 9:6) I love the fact that our God is a promise keeper.  Jehovah-Jireh always fulfills His covenant provisions, and believers walk in divine favor whenever and wherever we honor and obey His Word.   Jesus Christ summed it up like this: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” (Luke 6:38)

Sometimes we do not receive the full provisions of the covenant because we place God in a box, thereby limiting His access to bestow divine favor upon our lives.  This rises from our tendency to prescribe specific and narrow methods that God can and will use to honor the covenant relationship.  It reminds me of a story I read years ago.

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college.  For many months, he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer showroom.  Knowing his wealthy father could well afford it, he told his dad that this sports car was all that he ever wanted.  As graduation day approached, the young man looked for signs that his father had purchased his dream gift.  On the day of his graduation, his father called him into his private study.  He told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and talked about how much he loved him.  Finally, he handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.

Curious but disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely leather-bound Bible on which his name was embossed in gold letters.  He grew angry, sprang from his seat and shouted at this father.  “With all the money you have, you chose to give me a BIBLE?”  The son stormed out of the office, vowing never to return home again.

Many years passed and, just like his father, the son became very successful in business.  He had a beautiful home and a wonderful family of his own.  But by then he realized that his father was growing old and thought to go home, for he had not seen his father since graduation day, many years before.  But before he could complete his travel arrangements, he received a telegram notifying him of his father’s death.  Despite the distance in their relationship, the father had lovingly willed all of his material wealth to the son he loved.  The only requirement was that he return home for the funeral and handle any necessary business matters.

When he arrived at his father’s mansion, overwhelming sadness and regret filled his heart.  Later on, as he searched through his father’s personal effects, the now middle-aged son discovered the Bible that his father had tried to give him years before.  It was still brand new, just as he had left it.  With tears in his eyes, he opened the Bible for the first time and began to slowly turn the pages.  His father had carefully underlined Matthew 7:11, which says “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

As the grieving son read and reread that poignant passage with tears flowing down his face, the Bible slipped out of his hands.  As it fell to the floor, a car key slipped from the back of the Bible.  It had a tag with the name of the dealer who still had in his possession the car that the son had so badly wanted.  On the tag, his father had inscribed this message: “From Dad with love…paid-in-full.”

How many times do we miss out on God’s intended blessings because they are not ‘packaged’ exactly as we had imagined or petitioned?  Let us resolve, therefore, to be open to whatever, wherever, whenever, or however God chooses to honor His Word.  “Any way You bless me, Lord, I’ll be satisfied!”

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

YOU WILL BE COMFORTED

YOU WILL BE COMFORTED

During this past week, Belinda and I experienced a medical crisis with our daughter, Whitney.  As an expectant mother, she arrived in New Haven to attend a funeral (with her doctor’s permission), and then went into labor prematurely.  The baby girl was actually due in mid-September.  Whitney had very serious complications that caused major concern about the medical outcomes for her and the baby.  Thank God, both have survived and are doing quite well.  Nevertheless, as we welcome Kennedy (our 13^th grandchild) into this world, we cannot help but consider the feelings of others who have had different and devastating outcomes.

Whatever transpires in your life and circumstances, please be assured that CHRIST cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) He knows that It is difficult (beyond words) to observe the deteriorating health and loss of those whom you love and hold close, intimate relationships.  Nevertheless, we must remain keenly conscious of the fact that our GOD is always involved in our process. (Romans 8:28) Therefore, while we must mourn the passing of our natural/spiritual family members, we do so with the full knowledge and assurance that we will see them again in The Rapture.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

From my perspective, it is always inappropriate to say to mourners, “Don’t weep,” or to attempt (in any way) to minimize the journey of recovery that they are navigating through.  Memo To Mourners: We outsiders can only empathize with your loss, as best as humanly possible.  Only YOU and GOD are absolutely aware of the totality of your hurt, sorrow, grief and loss.  For that reason, you must resolve to look steadfastly to HIM. (Psalm 121 – Hebrews 12:2)

Over time, you will start focusing on the more happy and positive memories of your shared life experiences.  It is my belief that this is an emotional coping mechanism that has definite origins in Heaven.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, declares “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) To that end, I offer this simple and sincere prayer: “May the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit surround and sustain everyone who has experienced the transition of a special loved one.  Amen.”

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