INTERNAL AFFAIRS

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

 PEACE is something that unquestionably emanates from within.  However, OUR EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES are frequently out of alignment with THE ETERNAL PLANS AND PURPOSES OF GOD.  Nevertheless, you and I have attitudinal choices.  We must never allow ourselves to be irrationally influenced or controlled by outside circumstances.  How could this possibly be?  How can we shape and secure positive attitudes during daily close encounters with trouble or tragedy?  Indeed, it is possible because you and I are infinitely more capable and more competent than we might imagine!

 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 each of 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 by the PEACE OF GOD.  Through Him, we may 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, most observers concluded, it was the 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?  Surprisingly, the king decided on 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 while remaining still and 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 gives, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)  Nevertheless, many Christians experience perpetual anxiety, shrouded in chronic and crippling fear.  This need not be.

 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 has torment.  He that fears is not made perfect in love. (I John 4:18)
3. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
4. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:4-6)
6. Men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (Luke 18:1)

 The message of THE WORD OF GOD is profoundly simple and crystal clear.  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 potentially troublesome situations.  This is accomplished through the vehicle of prayer.  The fourth requirement is that we PRAY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORD (The Covenant Contract) as we confidently enlist the support of “the Mediator” of the covenant. (Hebrews 8:6)

 My friend, have your INTERNAL AFFAIRS been set in order, or are you still struggling to maintain composure and sanity whenever you encounter life’s storms?  It is God’s perfect will that you experience the provision and prosperity that resides within His peace. (III John 1:2)  So always “let the peace of God rule in your heart, 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 YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

PURSUE YOUR UNIQUE DREAM

PURSUE YOUR UNIQUE DREAM

 FAITH is a profoundly personal and powerful commodity.  As such, it should always be grounded in God’s Word, i.e. it must be based upon what THE CREATOR has purposefully spoken and seeded within, not on the outside limiting opinions of others.  After all, only THE MANUFACTURER is in position to reveal the ultimate purpose of what HE has created.  So throughout our lives, despite adverse circumstances or setbacks, we must have inner knowledge and supreme confidence that whatever GOD has spoken over us will ultimately come to pass.

 To assure that a heavenly vision would be reflected on and remembered, God instructed the prophet Habakkuk to “write the vision, and make it plain…that he may run that reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2)  To wit, it is of strategic importance to record your dream and to share it (only) with faith-filled dreamers.

 Kingdom Principle Number One: YOUR LIFE-VISION IS FOR AN APPOINTED TIME.  The fulfillment of your dream will manifest at the intersection of CHRONOS (man’s time) and KAIROS (God’s time).  According to David, a blessed wo/man “brings forth fruit in HIS/HER SEASON.” (Psalm 1:3)  Please do not allow impatience or frustration to abort either the vision or the actualization of Heaven’s earthly prospects for you.

 Kingdom Principle Number Two: YOUR LIFE-VISION MUST ACCURATELY REFLECT GOD’S WORD.  Whatever the Holy Spirit has communicated during your private moments of prayer must be carefully confirmed and authenticated in THE WORD.  If there are any contradictions, you must revisit and reconfigure your dream.  If it is of GOD, it will surely stand the tests of time and trouble.  If not…well you already know.

 Kingdom Principle Number Three: YOUR LIFE-VISION WILL SURELY COME TO PASS.  Although this might seem somewhat cliché, it is unquestionable truth: ‘DELAY DOES NOT EQUAL DENIAL.’  Jesus Christ advised, “In your patience, possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)  God’s admonition to Habakkuk is confirmation of the same: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

 So never fear or hesitant to become DREAMERS…DOERS…PIONEERS…TRAILBLAZERS.  Why?  Since God is the epitome of creativity, He forges and fosters distinctive plans and pathways for all of His children.  Therefore, no Kingdom endeavor should adopt a ‘cookie-cutter approach.’  In fact, winner-believers are as unique as snowflakes.  That is, no two disciples carry exactly twin hallmarks or missions.

 Although we submit to ONE LORD, subscribe to ONE FAITH, and drink of ONE BAPTISM (Ephesians 4:5), GOD has sown an endless array of variety into His world – and thus into us.  Bottom-line: THE LORD OF LIFE wants to use you and me in incredibly imaginative and personally particular ways.  So, we are obliged to keep on dreaming – to keep on reaching – even when others cannot discern or embrace our life-visions.

 The infinite diversity of our dreams reminds me of THE MOTH WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH A STAR.  All his friends and relatives mocked him.  Every day, they told him he was being totally unrealistic, and urged him to focus his efforts on some local, possible, attainable goal: a street lamp, a porch light, a candle, a lantern, or even a chandelier.  But this moth was truly in love with his star, and steadfastly refused to give up.

 Unhappily, his parents, pals and siblings soon burned themselves out swarming around local and readily accessible lights, ending their days as charred bits of ash on sidewalks, porches, tables and floors.  But the steadfast moth enjoyed a lengthy, happy and healthy life in endless pursuit of his distant star.  Perhaps he never achieved his objective, but in some sense, the journey is just as important as the destination.  Truth is, small goals can be more detrimental and risky than more expansive ones.  SO GO FOR IT!  Never listen to the negative voices (without or within) that affirm doubt, delay or denial of whatever GOD HAS SPOKEN.

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

ARE YOU CONSISTENTLY PRAYING?

ARE YOU CONSISTENTLY PRAYING?

 AMERICA, what we are witnessing is highly disturbing.  Nevertheless, whatever your thoughts and feelings about the current conditions in our nation and world, it is mission critical that we COLLECTIVELY PRAY for our leaders, for presidents, kings, queens, prime ministers and heads of state in every nation so “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (I Timothy 2:2, NKJV)

 It’s our indispensable duty – to GOD and to all of humanity.

 An age-old pronouncement from above is absolutely applicable for our nation and generation: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)

 While it is so tempting to play the blame game and assign responsibility to particular groups or individuals (past and present), we must somehow rise above the political noise and divisive rhetoric, which only serve as a distraction from our common purpose and destiny.

 Let’s agree to enthusiastically disagree while maintaining our moral compass and retaining a modicum of mutual respect and civility.  Never forget: GOD IS ON THE THRONE and HE, alone, moderates, modifies and measures the attitudes and actions of all.

 Always pray for the USA and for every nation.  “HAVE FAITH IN GOD.” (Mark 11:22)

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

IT IS WELL!

IT IS WELL!

 

One of my favorite hymns, entitled “It is Well with My Soul,” was composed in 1873 by Horatio G. Spafford.   I thought it would be inspirational to ‘sing’ it along with you.  Take courage, my sisters and brothers, your current circumstances notwithstanding.  YOU are who GOD says you are, not others, not your conditions, not your circumstances, not your careers or bank accounts, and certainly not your problems, pains, trials, or troubles.  Prayerfully reflect on that, and sing these inspirational, scripture-based lyrics with me:

 

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

 

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

 

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

 

Oh Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so it is well with my soul.

 

Chorus:
It is well…It is well…

With my soul…With my soul…
It is well…It is well…With my soul.

 

Amen!

 

II Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

 

May the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit surround and sustain you, now and evermore.

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

THE THREE F'S OF LIFE

THE THREE F’s OF LIFE

 I read an interesting article by Michael A. Adeniyi and thought it would be nice to share it with you.  Enjoy!

 FAITH and FEAR are significant measures that determine the FUTURE.  

 Faith and fear are actually infectious because both will spread like epidemics, so you must be careful about the things you listen to and the people with whom you choose to associate.  Many people have allowed the faithless words of others to drive them into despair and thus end up being future failures.

 What is FAITH?

F - Future
A - Actions
I -   Intended
T - To
H - Happen

 What is FEAR?

F - False
E - Evidence
A - Appearing
R - Real

Thus, a person with fear is similar to a coward because ‘a coward dies ten times before their death.’

 Here is a true story that confirms this fact.  A man started running down the street of his town screaming, “The dam has broken.”  Women shopping in the supermarket heard the scream, dropped their grocery baskets and joined him.  Men in the barbershop and offices heard the mob and joined them, as did the police and the firemen.  Soon the street was filled with people screaming, “The dam has broken!”  One old man ran as fast and far as he could and then sat down on the curb for a moment and thought, “I've lived here all my life.  What dam?”

 The truth is that the facts were quite simple.  There was no dam.  There was no danger.

 A short while later the citizens came shuffling back into town, collectively embarrassed by their irrational response to fear.  Some suffered physically from the stampede; some even died.  Thankfully, most survived.  Lesson learned.  Reject FEAR and choose FAITH to create a better present and a blessed FUTURE.

 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7)

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

THINK AND DO

THINK AND DO

Solomon, the son of King David, penned powerful words regarding the connection between one’s thoughts, actions and destiny: “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) It is the foundational truth for one of his signature admonitions: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) As we carefully reflect upon our lives, we recognize that every single thing (good or bad) emerges from how we think.  How so?  Every decision springs from internal thought processes, and the actions that follow are merely reflections and realizations of what we think.

It naturally follows that our thinking must be judiciously regulated and aligned with Heaven.  Nevertheless, how are we to accomplish this when our senses are overwhelmed hourly by a tidal wave of worldly inputs via the mass media and interactions with others who are lacking in balance or devoid of faith?

First and foremost, we must adopt SPIRITUAL COMPASSes by which to govern and navigate our lives.  King David’s prayer is key.  He petitioned God to “ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WORD, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133) This is the only logical and practical avenue to fully embrace Solomon’s sage advice (referenced above), i.e. to “guard your heart.”  For only the “WISE GOD” is “able to keep you from falling” and surrendering to cycles of sin and shame. (I Timothy 1:17 and Jude 1:24)

Why not ask GOD for help in filtering out the background noise, the worldly distractions, the confusing voices and the media assault on our senses, so we can THINK – supernaturally and wisely?  Indeed, this is absolutely necessary since the Word declares that “the carnal mind [the natural or unredeemed mind] is enmity [enemy] against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7)

The scriptural solution?  “Do not be 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 12:2) This may only be accomplished in the life of one who seeks to fully submit to the lordship of Christ. Thus, David’s prayer becomes our path forward to purpose and destiny: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.  Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law.  Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” (Psalm 119:33-34)

Paying attention to what we are THINKING involves paying attention to what we are HEARING, that is, what we are reading, watching and internalizing.  Back in ‘The Stone Age’ – when I was in elementary school – we had English grammar workbooks entitled “THINK AND DO.”  It was an effective way to learn fundamentals of the English language.  Those practical workbooks taught us how to read and write with understanding, insight and accuracy.  In truth, all of us are far better positioned for life when we adopt a similar model to govern our attitudes and actions.  MY FRIEND…THINK AND DO!  Allow yourself to reflect on the right things, then purposefully follow the right path.  Life will be infinitely better and blessed!

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

HEY YOU...THERE'S GREATNESS INSIDE!

HEY YOU…THERE’S GREATNESS INSIDE!

 Traversing this incredible journey called life, all eventually encounter the occasional roadblocks or hurdles.  In truth, sometimes we fail.  At times, we manage to exceed our own expectations.  Each of these experiences is necessary and expedient to personal development. 

 Now hear this!  Every one of us must take a careful look inside for, quite arguably, the primary challenges of life are internal (not external) in nature. 

 MY SISTER, MY BROTHER, ARE YOU AFRAID OF YOURSELF? 

 Are you terrified by your own possibilities?  Have you been gradually conditioned by your environment (or associates) to believe that you can never break free from any and every chain that binds?  Are you like the proverbial elephant that has been tethered since birth to a tiny tree – never realizing your own power and potential to break free – because you are incarcerated in vague memories of times long since past when you were so much less than your present self?

 At the end of the day, it is the resolute power of your human will (augmented and assisted from above) that grants you the capacity to boldly declare, “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” (Philippians 4:13)  Know this: YOU are infinitely MORE than any societal norms, family history, or critics might declare you to be!

 In “A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles,” Marianne Williamson writes:  “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

 So start today.  Start right now.  Be as fearless as David in your arena, because the foreboding Goliath is actually no match for you.

 Be as courageous as Mary, standing unafraid to embrace your God-ordained destiny, with full knowledge that many may fail to understand the origin or meaning of “the holy thing” that is seeded within. (Luke 1:35)

 HEY YOU…THERE’S GREATNESS INSIDE!

 “FEAR NOT!” It’s a powerful phrase, oft repeated within The Holy Writ.  It challenges us to transform dismal days into bright tomorrows.  It summons us to sojourn out of ourselves – to a higher plane of knowledge and purpose and being – into awesome and appointed spaces where the will and Word of God eternally reside.

 I feel the power.  I will not fight it.  Indeed, it is THE LIVING CHRIST, who is resurrected and fully alive within my heart and exalted within my spirit.  

So I will BE.  I will BECOME.  I will STAND.  I will TRIUMPH!

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