HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part I)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part I)

The Gospel of Matthew (chapter 14) records a fascinating adventure story, one that begins with Jesus issuing a clear command to his disciples: ‘GO ON AHEAD…TO THE OTHER SIDE.’  I really love reading, but I confess that I never peruse the final pages of a novel ahead of time since I thoroughly enjoy navigating through the excitement and tension of tests and triumphs.  In this case, however, I will deviate from custom and reveal the conclusion of the disciples’ journey: “WHEN THEY HAD CROSSED OVER…THEY LANDED AT GENNESARET.” (Matthew 14:22-34) Their ultimate arrival at Gennesaret was never about the CONCLUSION OF THEIR JOURNEY; it was all about the FULFILLMENT OF CHRIST’S COMMAND.  

Bottom-line: WHEREVER GOD GUIDES…HE PROVIDES!

Here’s the thing.  In order to arrive at their final DESTIN-ATION, i.e. their place of divine destiny, the twelve disciples had to traverse through tremendous trouble.  It occurs to me that the corporate culture of the contemporary institutional church is reflective of what we might term a MICROWAVE MENTALITY.  That is, we seek (and require) instantaneous solutions to long-term problems.  We demand that GOD work out (in four minutes or less) situations which we could have created over the course of four years.  But please hear this with your spirit.  Our faith-walk involves process.  It bears repetition: OUR FAITH-WALK INVOLVES PROCESS!  It’s not that our God is incapable of RIGHT-NOW-MIRACLES.  After all, “He is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”  However, the latter part of that scripture verse is key to our understanding of the ways and works of God.  In the final analysis, GOD operates in the earth realm “according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

This scripture could be interpreted in a couple ways.  It could mean that God works through the Holy Ghost power that is divinely given and resident within believers.  II Corinthians 4:7 says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”  Also, it could mean that although our God is fully capable, He is fundamentally limited (by the practical application of OUR FAITH) in His capacity to reveal and fulfill His Word.  Consider this.  Even after Jesus had publicly presented his profound Parables of The Kingdom (Matthew chapter 13), he was rejected by those who knew him well during his formative years.  That is, when he went into the synagogue to teach “in his own country,” those who knew him the longest were “offended” because someone they ONLY saw as a fellow resident of Nazareth (a ‘homeboy’ if you will), had the audacity to try to teach them anything!  The result?  Jesus “did not [do] many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:54-58) In truth, THE OMNIPOTENT GOD IS RENDERED POWERLESS TO IMPACT OUR LIFE-SITUATIONS whenever we allow doubt and fear to dominate and thereby cause us to place God in a ‘limiting box.’

Please tune in with your spirit.  Whenever Jesus commands His disciples to ‘GO’ anywhere, there is a 100% probability that TURBULENT WEATHER will show up at some point in the journey.  In your own faith-walk, whenever you move in the direction of the eternal, i.e. whenever you finally make up your mind to settle on God’s will and way, you can count on the manifestation of trouble.  An unfortunate myth is frequently perpetrated on new believers.  It suggests that decisions for Christ somehow culminate in flowery beds of ease.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  

Here is the real deal, according to the Word of God: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that TRIBULATION works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.  And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

Your personal TRIBULATION is merely one component of DIVINE PROCESS.  Dictionary.com defines “tribulation” as “grievous trouble; severe trial or testing; affliction; hardship; distress; adversity.” Nevertheless, pain, pressure and problems are always PREGNANT WITH PURPOSE.  Some years ago, God revealed something vitally important while I was throwing a private pity party disguised as personal prayer.  Heaven’s advice for me?  “Stop asking WHY!  Start asking HOW!”  In other words, we don’t need to know WHY we are in the middle of challenging conditions; all we really need is a HOLY SPIRIT REVELATION of HOW we are going to emerge on the other side!  Think about it and stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

IF YOU CAN SEE IT...YOU CAN BE IT! (Part IV)

IF YOU CAN SEE IT…YOU CAN BE IT!  (Part IV)

THE GOD-KIND-OF-FAITH, the heritage of believers, is tantamount to a sustained CONFIDENCE in God’s Word.  It is vital for believers to understand that, although faith is fabricated within the heavenly halls of eternity, it is executed within the frail framework of human time.  Consider this.  Time allotted for Kingdom service is a precious gift from God, albeit it is a gift that is shared in pre-measured and finite proportions.  Our time is limited; therefore, we have a definite number of days to get the job done! (Psalm 90:12)  

Knowing this, believers can never afford to squander those important opportunities that are sown in our time by opting to major in minor matters.  Time represents potential, i.e. distinct possibilities for the future.  Every faithful and wise steward will ‘milk each moment’ of service for The Master. (I Corinthians 4:1-2) Never waste time complaining, for each second is a precious allotment that must be used productively to cultivate God’s gifts and maximize your potential.

There is a humorous story about an Italian monk who joined the Monastery of Montserrat in Spain.  One of the requirements for being a monk at Montserrat was an oath of perpetual silence.  [Editorial Note: That’s a definite disqualifier for most of us]!  Those monks were only allowed to speak after two initial years had passed, and then they could only say two words.  After two more years had passed by, they were allowed to say two more words.  Two additional years…two additional words…and so forth.  You get the picture.

After the new monk’s first dual year stint, he was called before his superior to offer his initial two-word statement.  The first two words out of his mouth were “Bed hard!”  Two more years passed.  His next two words were “Food bad!”  After another couple of years, the monk mumbled “I quit!”  His superior looked him over for a moment or two and said, “Doesn’t surprise me.  All you’ve done since you’ve been her for six years is complain, complain, complain!”

It’s a funny story, but the point is well taken.  We don’t need to expend our somewhat limited time and energy focusing on the negative side of things.  Life is far too short and our time of Kingdom service will expire before we know it!  Complaining is a satanic distraction that accomplishes several undesirable ends. Firstly, it affects our state of mind, our thinking, and actually makes us miserable. (Philippians 4:6-8)  Secondly, it disturbs the atmosphere around us.  There is something distinctly troublesome about being in the presence of a chronic complainer. (Job 16:1-2) Thirdly, it wears away at our faith foundations. (Psalm 27:13) Fourthly, it affects our health and our emotional well-being since “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) Finally, negativity absolutely nullifies praise.  We who truly love God exercise a level of self-control that allows us to set and maintain our focus on praise. (Psalm 35:28 and Psalm 84:4)

Bottom-line: Do not waste valuable time ‘SEEING’ or ‘SPEAKING’ anything other than the powerful promises of God into your present and future life.  During my early years of seminary, I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the late Dr. Benjamin Mays, the distinguished former president of Morehouse College in Atlanta.  It was his custom to mentor young African-American male protégés via the recitation of his signature poem:

Life is just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon you, can’t refuse it;
Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.
But it’s up to you to use it;
You must suffer if you lose it.
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it!

Since time wasted can never be recovered, it is incumbent upon us to invest our moments wisely.  We have decided to SEE all the good that God has designed for us (before the foundation of the world), and we will praise Him for it, even through any adverse circumstances.  Why?  Because our ATTITUDE OF PRAISE mobilizes positive responses to current conditions while stimulating an EXPANSIVE VISION FOR OUR FUTURE. (Proverbs 29:18)

And…IF WE CAN SEE IT…WE CAN BE IT!

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

IF YOU CAN SEE IT...YOU CAN BE IT! (Part III)

IF YOU CAN SEE IT…YOU CAN BE IT!  (Part III)

Our current life-situations neither define our present, nor predict our future.  Not now; not ever.  However, for ultimate success, we must diligently activate TENACIOUS FAITH – faith that absolutely will not let go of God’s promises – faith that steadfastly refuses to surrender to doubt, fear, or sensory perceptions, no matter what comes and no matter who goes.  This is the GOD-KIND-OF-FAITH that (for every believer) is tantamount to sustaining CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S WORD. Bottom-line: CHRIST’S WORD NEVER FAILS! (Matthew 24:35 - I Peter 1:23 – Colossians 3:16) The Apostle Paul concisely captures our prerequisites for success:

Hebrews 10:35-36 (NKJV)

Therefore, do not cast away your CONFIDENCE, which has great reward.  For you have need of ENDURANCE, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

Others around you may perish due to a lack of knowledge or clear vision. (Hosea 4:6 and Proverbs 29:18) But YOU are a true believer, a bona fide achiever and a world system survivor.  YOU have learned how to daily activate THE LOGOS, the Living Word of God seeded inside you.  So, at all costs, you must not be tempted to worry or stress should someone in close proximity somehow fail to SEE what you have seen through the eyes of faith.  Just stay focused, with full assurance that CHRIST-IN-YOU, “the hope of glory,” will surely bring to pass everything He has promised.  GOD cannot and will not fail! (Colossians 1:27 and Philippians 1:6) Jesus Christ declared “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) 

Sisters and brothers, IF YOU CAN SEE IT…YOU CAN BE IT!

Some years ago, an unforgettable horse named Sunday Silence graced The Kentucky Derby.  This horse was doubly amazing because all odds were against him and he should never have made it into the elite ranks of The Derby.  As a young colt, he developed an advanced case of colic, typically a career-ender for race horses. Additionally, he was involved in a near fatal accident when his trailer driver had a heart attack while traveling on a busy highway.  As a result, nobody believed in, or wanted to purchase, Sunday Silence.  As far as they were concerned, any future involving that horse was a dead-end street.

Nevertheless, after two unsuccessful auctions, a visionary thoroughbred horse trainer named Charles Whittingham bought Sunday Silence, sight unseen.  He reasoned that if this horse had survived all that trouble, he must be extremely tough and determined.  Incidentally, Mr. Whittingham was 76 years old when he conceived this idea, so you are never too old to pursue your life’s dream!  The owners of the million-dollar horses mocked and laughed at him prior to The Derby.  Even his jockey, a man named Pat Valenzuela, had major stability issues, having recently been rehabilitated from drug abuse.  Most people would not have bet one dollar on that crazy trio: a damaged horse, an addict rider and an old foolish trainer.  But Charlie and Pat had great faith in Sunday Silence and labored quietly and untiringly to get him ready for The Kentucky Derby.

Something quite miraculous happened on Derby day.  At the starting gate, Sunday Silence looked utterly confused.  He wobbled back and forth at the gate and could not manage to run in a straight line once the race started.  But suddenly, it looked like Sunday Silence woke up and realized ‘I’m in a race, and I want to win!’  He straightened up and streaked down the track like a bolt of lightning.  On that day, history was made by a team of three unlikely champions who were counted out long before the starting gun.  To everyone’s surprise, Sunday Silence won The Kentucky Derby because he had been unconditionally loved, trained and supported; and, because he had sufficient heart to realize: ‘I’M IN IT TO WIN IT!’

Undoubtedly, the owner/trainer, Charles Whittingham, possessed tremendous VISION.  Dictionary.com defines vision as “the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be.”  VISION emerges from (and is the product of) FAITH.  And “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) The scriptures advise us that “faith comes by hearing…and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) Carefully consider.  What have you ‘SEEN’ (in your past) that adversely positioned you – to become discouraged, deactivated or discarded, based solely on the attitudes or actions of others?  Most importantly, WHAT ARE YOU SEEING NOW?  This is your RHEMA WORD for today: Go back and reclaim your VISION.  Reclaim your PROMISE!  Reclaim your POWER!  Reclaim your ANOINTING!  Reclaim your DREAM!  IT’S YOURS…and though it may have been delayed, it shall not be denied.  It is your GOD-GIVEN HERITAGE, and it WILL come to pass!  Prayerfully consider these powerful Words from the Lord – and be encouraged to continue.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NKJV)

Then the Lord answered me and said: “WRITE THE VISION and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.  For THE VISION IS YET FOR AN APPOINTED TIME; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.  Though it tarries, wait for it; because IT WILL SURELY COME, it will not tarry.”

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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

IF YOU CAN SEE IT...YOU CAN BE IT! (Part II)

IF YOU CAN SEE IT…YOU CAN BE IT! (Part II)

Almighty God is the creative artist of your eternal existence.  His original portrait of you is exceedingly bold, bright and beautiful.  Therefore, your current state-of-being or situation does not define you or your life.  More significant is the revelation and manifestation of the true image AND LIKENESS of God that He designed, destined, deposited and designated as “YOU.” (Genesis 1:26-27) My friend, if you can somehow manage to SEE IT…you can BE IT.  In a word, there is hidden treasure ‘buried’ inside of you.  No thrill in life exceeds the discovery of the divine intention that shapes and sparks your very existence.  This is something that is absolutely extraordinary and fascinating about God.  He hides His greatest treasures in the least likely of places: within frail, fallible, human vessels of clay.

As I say so often, GOD IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING BEHIND THE SCENES.  It reminds me of a story I heard in a seminary class on world religions.  Some years ago, a priceless statue called “The Golden Buddha” was discovered in the city of Bangkok, Thailand.  It had been hidden in plain sight (right under everyone’s nose) for centuries.  Ostensibly, it was a plain concrete statue of Buddha, supposedly standing guard over the town square.  No one paid any attention to it.  In fact, tourists discarded their soda cans there, and rested packages on it while changing their camera film to snap the next ‘big’ picture.

One day, a priest asked to relocate the statue to a temple in a rather obscure neighborhood of Bangkok.  His request was approved quickly, simply because no one cared about the statue.  Nevertheless, while the heavy statue was being removed, the crane cable snapped and the statue fell forcibly to the ground.  The severe impact caused the exterior concrete to crack.  Nevertheless, what appeared to be tragedy morphed quickly into triumph.  The next morning, visible shafts of brilliant sunlight reflected off the gold that was hidden inside the crack. To everyone’s astonishment, inside that eight-foot tall statue was an awesome work of art, forged from the world’s largest single chunk of gold.  Years before this, Thai citizens were in danger of being overrun by enemies, so they melted down all their gold and created a statue of Buddha.  Then they covered the gold image with concrete and mud to hide its enormous value from their attackers.  Since all of those people were killed, their golden secret died with them and remained undetected for hundreds of years. Uncanny!

Consider this: WHO KNOWS WHAT GOD HAS HIDDEN INSIDE YOU?  It reminds me of the teachings of Paul, as recorded in II Corinthians 4:7. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”  Practical application?  YOU will have to look ‘underneath’ your present condition and circumstance (with spiritual discernment) to discover all that GOD has created.  I love what the Word reveals about God’s propensity to use ‘concrete vessels’ to bring forth ‘pure gold.’

I Corinthians 1:26-29

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

So don’t be surprised if something ‘breaks’ in and around your life, so that your divine purpose and ultimate beauty can be revealed out of the depths of your cracked and broken vessel.  Look underneath and live.  

It bears repeating: LOOK UNDERNEATH!  There are precious deposits of gold hidden there!  If I may be permitted to paraphrase the words of Job: ‘I’m in a real tight situation right now.  My children are dead.  All my stuff is gone.  My friends have abandoned me.  My health is disastrous.  My body is covered with oozing sores and I feel sure that I’m dying.  And in the middle of all this misery, my wife seems to be losing her mind and abandoning her faith.  She’s telling me to curse the Creator and Lord of the Universe and just lay down to die.  Nevertheless…GOD KNOWS THE WAY THAT I TAKE.  And even in the midst of these decaying and dying circumstances…I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!  And deep down in my spirit I BELIEVE…when this is all over…I’M COMING OUT LIKE PURE GOLD!’  Job was surely aware of his circumstances, but he was empowered to SEE something else.  And so, he challenged himself to SAY something else.  And his subsequent RESULTS were something else! (Job 42:10-16)  IF YOU CAN SEE IT…YOU CAN BE IT!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

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

IF YOU CAN SEE IT...YOU CAN BE IT! (Part I)

IF YOU CAN SEE IT…YOU CAN BE IT!  (Part I)

As was his custom, a homeless man slept on the sidewalk across the street from an artist’s studio.  One morning, the neighboring artist sketched the face of this poor soul who for years had experienced the humbling indignities of living outdoors and begging for bread.  After his initial sketch was completed, the artist began to add bright colors to the homeless man’s face.  As the brilliant hues of oil paint were brushed skillfully across the canvas, the overall image of this destitute soul began to transform dramatically.  The artist brightened the man’s unwashed skin and gave his eyes a look of fierce determination and strength. Finally, he artistically ‘brushed’ the poor man’s clumpy and unkempt hair, giving him a polished and regal appearance.

When the painting was completed, the artist called the indigent man to view his work of art.  The homeless man was hesitant and fearful because he had never been summoned to the studio and did not know what to expect.  As you might imagine, the invited beggar did not immediately recognize himself.  “Who is this?” he whispered in subdued tones.  The proud artist only smiled.  Coming closer to the painting, the man had a growing realization that there was something vaguely familiar about the image caught on canvass.  “Is this…ME?” he finally asked.  “Could this possibly be a painting of ME?”  The artist replied “Yes, this is how I see you.”  After a few moments, that beggar squared his shoulders, stood significantly taller than he had in years, and announced proudly, “If this is the person you SEE…then that is the person I will BE!”

My friend, If you can see it…you can be it!

Our Creator looks upon you and I in the same manner that the artist viewed and conceptualized the humble beggar.  Whenever God considers us, He never focuses on the obvious: our faults, failures, foibles and fiascoes.  El Shaddai, The All-Sufficient One, The Alpha and Omega, The Designer of the Universe, SEES US for who we were ultimately INTENDED TO BE in the sovereign Mind and Will of Almighty God. Wow…chew on that for a moment!

Here is a powerful exercise you can try right now.  After you finish reading this paragraph, close your eyes for a moment.  Try not to think of today’s duties or demands…think about YOU…for just one moment.  Don’t think about your past.  Don’t consider your present condition and circumstances.  For just one moment, TRY TO SEE YOU…AS GOD SEES YOU…on the DAY OF YOUR BIRTH…your very first moments on Planet Earth. Incidentally, the God who is “the same yesterday, today and forever,” sees you that way still! (Hebrews 13:8) It is likely that you had little or no issues on the day of your birth, or at least no awareness of any deficits or deficiencies.  In the months that followed, you smiled and laughed, freely and frequently, for scarcely any reason at all.  You were carefree, joyful, overflowing with energy and full of expectation about everything that was and would be.  C lose your eyes and SEE that GOD-CREATED PERSON…right now…

My friend, WHAT did you see with your eyes closed?  WHO did you see?  Undoubtedly, some of you might have difficulty VISUALIZING YOURSELF through THE EYES OF GOD, so to speak.  It may seem impossible to see that BEAUTIFUL AND BEST YOU – because over time you have been programmed by life experiences to see ANOTHER YOU.  Perhaps in your childhood, your parents did not sufficiently care for, nurture, or encourage you.  Perhaps others (significant others) chose to highlight your limitations and losses, your insufficiencies and inabilities.

Maybe you even married someone who lacks the ability to appreciate or support you.  So now – when you see yourself – you only visualize doubt, negativity, failure, or defeat.  If that be the case with you, please say these words after me: “IT IS RE-PROGRAMMING TIME!”  Affirm your ‘image emancipation’ once more, but this time say it louder and with more enthusiasm: “STARTING TODAY…I WILL RE-PROGRAM MYSELF…AND I WILL SEE MYSELF AS GOD SEES ME…BECAUSE IF I CAN SEE IT…I CAN BE IT!  AMEN!  AMEN!  AMEN!”

In the world of computer technology, there is a familiar adage: ‘Garbage in…garbage out.’  This means that if ‘erroneous stuff’ is somehow programmed into your computer software, your eventual output will be useless.  ‘JUNK IN…JUNK OUT!’  Whether you realize it or not, YOU CAN rise above the MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL SOFTWARE that OTHERS have licensed and YOU have allowed to be programmed onto the emotional computer of your life!  I have a vital announcement to make, and I am now speaking with spiritual authority to your future: “IT IS RE-PROGRAMMING TIME!”

Never forget this simple truth: ALMIGHTY GOD IS THE CREATIVE ARTIST OF YOUR ETERNAL EXISTENCE – AND HIS ORIGINAL PORTRAIT OF YOU IS EXCEPTIONALLY BOLD, BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL!

It does not matter at all whether you appear to be hapless, helpless, or homeless at the moment your TRUE IMAGE is manifested and revealed to you.  As Presiding Bishop Charles Edward Blake says so often, “I see you in your future…and you look much better than you do today!”  So get up from wherever, whatever, or however you seem to be…and declare with all the faith you can muster: “IF I CAN SEE IT…I CAN BE IT!”  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

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

MOMENTUM

MOMENTUM

Your opportunity-of-a-lifetime only takes place during the lifetime-of-the-opportunity.  In other words, your God given assignment has a definite shelf life.  In light of this, David prayed fervently, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) “Carpe diem,” a Latin phrase coined by the poet Horace, literally means “seize the day.”  This classic truth says as much about our FOCUS, as it does about our TIMING. 

As Kingdom Kids, it is an indispensable mandate to seize our GOD-GIVEN MOMENT (our vision, our assignment, our anointing) while it is OUR SEASON.  The Word declares that a blessed man “shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit IN HIS SEASON.” (Psalm 1:3) Therefore, in all matters of life, TIMING IS KEY!  Even though GOD IS ETERNAL, i.e. from “everlasting to everlasting,” He works out His perfect will for us within the context and framework of TIME. (Psalm 90:2) So I repeat, TIMING IS KEY!

What is the practical application here?  We should avoid becoming stagnant and stuck in any situation, or even on any level of success.  Obviously, we do not want to get mired in our failures, endlessly reliving them and bogged down by ‘the paralysis of analysis.’  But neither should we become stuck on and in our successes.  It is possible to complete a specific Kingdom assignment and then fail to move forward to the next – all due to our natural sense of comfort in things that seem cozy and familiar.

To wit, GOD OFTEN CALLS US OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONES.  God never changes; however, His seasons for us actually do change.  Whenever God’s clarion call is trumpeted and a clear command ensues to ‘move the camp,’ those who are trapped by either ‘failures’ or ‘familiars’ might be left behind.  That is, the human resistance to CHANGE results in a spiritual resistance to RHEMA (a fresh ‘NOW WORD’ from God) and causes us to miss out on the present day move of God or the unveiling of future plans. (Jeremiah 29:11) Let s/he that hath ears, hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. (Revelation 2:7)

During the course of my personal walk with God, I have observed that The Creator has ingenuously imbedded spiritual truth within nature.  Allow me to offer an example.  Sir Isaac Newton’s FIRST LAW OF MOTION  informs us that an object at rest tends to stay at rest, while an object in motion tends to stay in motion.  [Gee, and  you thought you would never use those physics classes in real life]!  This law is often referred to as the LAW OF INERTIA or the LAW OF MOMENTUM.  It explains why it might be difficult ‘starting something’ and why it seems relatively easier to ‘keep it going’ once it is started.  Think about it.

As a student of church history, it is clear to me that it is challenging for us to ‘START’ moving in the direction of God’s perfect will if we have become acclimated to the status quo and (once we are moving) it is just as difficult to change our course should The Divine Navigator decree new compass settings.  For example, every major denomination in the history of the Christian Church seemed to start off on ‘the good foot.’  Typically, crystal-clear vision was present, i.e. a sharp discernment of God’s will and way, along with profound dedication to living under the sovereignty of God.  But typically, by the third or fourth generation of adherents, there is an historical pattern of shifting and drifting from the plan and purpose of God.  This is not due to God’s silence.  God always speaks to us, whether we are listening or not.  But all too often we turn deaf ears to His voice (to His Word) since we have become acclimated and comfortable with our own word, will and way.

Historically, God chooses human agents to give voice to divine revelation and redirection.  It reminds me of an old movie entitled “Field of Dreams.”  It’s not a perfect parallel since I am not an avid proponent of ghosts and such, as portrayed in the screenplay.  Albeit, Kevin Costner plays the main character who loves baseball with all his heart and desperately wants to experience in rural America what was solely available to urban areas: to watch live professional baseball games.  But there is no baseball diamond, no FIELD OF DREAMS on which any baseball game could ever be played.  While contemplating the unlikely possibility for changing this rural circumstance, an otherworldly voice whispers to him: “If you build it…they will come.”

I find myself wondering if anyone reading this devotional has heard the inner voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to you in a similar way: “IF YOU BUILD IT…THEY WILL COME.”  How did He speak uniquely and clearly in your situation, causing you, unquestionably, to hear His message?  And since then, how have you responded?   Was your response calibrated by fear, or characterized by faith?  When faith prevails, forward momentum will be a sustained reality, despite any appearances to the contrary.  Think.

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

RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

My friend, 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 might be surrounded by people who just don’t ‘get’ YOU, or what you are all about.  Whenever your emotional buttons are pushed to the max, whenever others seem to take delight in your reversals, it’s awfully tempting to become a naysayer.

But keep on saying “YES!”  Be encouraged to respond affirmatively to opportunities, to others, (and yes) even to yourself.  Your positive perspective becomes 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 to India.  He received two diverse telegrams from two different sons, posthaste.  The first wire reported, “No one in Africa wears shoes – returning home immediately.” The second wire described a similar condition yet 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 change or improvement.  The naysayer is a commentator; the rainmaker is a 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 the rain that would mean extended life for crops and animals, and growing 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.”

Actually, that elder’s perspective is sound and practical advice for all.  My friends, never stop until it rains.  In other words, we must PUSH!  PRAY Until Something Happens.  But while we are pushing, we must never forget to WASH!  WORK…And Something Happens.

Jesus Christ personified this wisdom 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 chronic complaints of critics, Jesus declared “I MUST WORK the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” (John 9:4, NKJV) PUSH!  WASH!

Jesus set forth an apt description of our responsibilities, regarding our personal lives and Kingdom commitments.  We believers are proactive workers, not passive naysayers.  As people of faith, as sons and daughters of The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are (and ever shall be) consummate and continuous RAINMAKERS.  Indeed, you and I are earthly catalysts for opening the floodgates of Heaven.  So, 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!