ASSUMPTIONS ARE DANGEROUS

ASSUMPTIONS ARE DANGEROUS

 Making assumptions can be rather risky business.  Even though that is definitely the case, would you kindly allow me a bit of humor to make my point?

 The photographer for a national magazine was assigned to get photos of a great forest fire.  Smoke at the scene hampered him and he asked his home office to hire a plane.  Arrangements were made and he was told to go at once to a nearby airport where the plane would be waiting.  When he arrived at the airport, a plane was warming up near the runway.  He jumped in with his equipment and yelled, “Let's go! Let's go!”  The pilot swung the plane into the wind and they were soon in the air.  “Fly over the north side of the fire,” yelled the photographer, “and make three or four low level passes.”  “Why?” asked the pilot.  “Because I’m going to take pictures!” cried the exasperated photographer. “I'm a photographer and photographers take pictures!”  After a pause the pilot said, “You mean you're not the instructor?”  No happy ending for this assumptive tale! 

 A violinist noticed that his playing had a profoundly hypnotic effect on his audiences.  They sat motionless, as though they were in a trance.  He found he had the same effect on his friends’ pets.  Dogs and cats would sit spellbound while he played.  Wondering if he could cast the same spell over wild beasts, he travelled to a jungle clearing in Africa, took out his violin and began to play.  A lion, a gorilla and an elephant charged into the clearing, stopped to listen, and sat mesmerized by the music.  Soon the clearing was filled with every kind of ferocious animal, each one listening ever so intently.  Suddenly another lion charged out of the jungle, pounced on the violinist, and killed him instantly.  The first lion, bewildered, asked, “Why did you do that?”  The second lion cupped his paw behind his ear. “What?”  Lesson learned, the hard way!

 Careful listening is not only an indispensable communication tool, it can be a matter of life or death.  So listen.  And in relationships of any kind, never ever assume that you automatically know where other people are coming from…unless and until you DO know exactly where they are coming from!

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

AMAZING GRACE

AMAZING GRACE

 The classic hymn, “Amazing Grace,” is arguably the most beloved hymn of Christendom.  Its highly inspirational message has a phenomenal impact on Christians everywhere; this popular hymn is estimated to be sung in churches at least 10 million times every year.

 Interestingly enough, “Amazing Grace” was written by a former enslaver of Africans.  John Newton was a Londoner, born in 1725 to a Puritan mother who died just before his seventh birthday, and to a stern ship-captain-father who took him to sea at the tender age of eleven.  John became a rough and rowdy sailor with a reputation for having a foul mouth and an appetite for all things immoral.  He seemed to hate life and he was convinced that life detested him.  Following many sea voyages and a reckless youth, Newton was impressed into the British navy.  After attempting to desert from the navy, he was brutally beaten with eight dozen lashes and reduced to the rank of seaman. 

 While serving later on The Pegasus, a slave ship, Newton seemed perpetually at odds with the crew, which eventually left him in West Africa with Amos Clowe, an enslaver.  Later on, John Newton became captain of his own slave ship.  At some point, he came across a copy of Thomas a Kempis’ “The Imitation of Christ.”  When Newton accepted Christ as Savior, he travelled all over England sharing his faith. 

 However, 34 years passed before he formally renounced his former sinful profession in a pamphlet entitled, “Thoughts Upon the Slave Trade.”  In it, he described the inhumane conditions on slave ships and sincerely apologized for participating in that horrific trade.  He wrote, “It will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.”  Newton’s pamphlet was so popular that it was reprinted several times and distributed to every member of Parliament.  It was directly influential in outlawing slavery in Great Britain in 1807, with the help of the Christian leader, William Wilberforce. 

 Sometimes God uses those who have fallen very deeply into sin to proclaim the most unique, anointed and clear messages of gospel grace.  Undoubtedly, “Amazing Grace” is the spiritual capstone of John Newton’s ministry, and its awesome lyrics are printed below:

 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.

 

‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

 

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun;

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’ve first begun.

Amen, John Newton, Amen!  It’s God’s unmerited favor bestowed so freely upon us.

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

THE TRUTH ABOUT TRUTH

 THE TRUTH ABOUT TRUTH

 Upon the completion of academic studies at Fisk, Harvard and the University of Berlin, William Edward Burghardt DuBois , the renowned black educator, sociologist and historian, was convinced that change in the condition of American blacks would be effected via careful scientific investigations into the truth about the black experience in America.  So his research proceeded on that premise, producing flawless graphs and charts to document his findings.  After waiting for several years and seeing not the slightest evidence of reform, Dr. DuBois had to accept the truth about truth.  That is, truth being available does not mean that truth will be accepted and appropriated.

 It’s quite difficult to conceptualize or wrap our brains around the awesome volume of knowledge that is accessible in the 21^st century.  In 1979, “Campus Life” published the following statement: “Knowledge is exploding at such a rate--more than 2000 pages a minute--that even Einstein couldn't keep up.  In fact, if you read 24 hours a day, from age 21 to 70, and retain all you read, you would be one and a half million years behind when you finish.”  Wow!  It is now generally believed that the sum total of human knowledge actually doubles every 13 months, with scientists projecting that in the near future knowledge will double every 12 hours.  That’s truly mind-blowing!

 But with all of our learning, are we actually achieving the wisdom that comes from the acquisition and application of TRUTH?  It seems that half-truths and falsehoods are the communication realities of our time.  It feels like we are being literally swept away by tsunamis of doubt and deceit.  So many are curiously drawn to magnetic tides of falsity, fantasy and deception in our public discourse.  Where will it end? 

 Governor Pilate asked Jesus Christ a question for the ages: “What is truth?” (John 18:38)  Christian disciples have keen awareness that truth is never relative (as some suggest), but truth is immutable, revelatory, life-changing and eternal.  To wit, TRUTH IS JESUS CHRIST.  In His words, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)  While we aim to be life-long learners, any so-called knowledge that does not fully engage and embrace Christ is sheer folly.  It is devoid of truth, and thus totally lacking in wisdom.

 I am personally persuaded that the Apostle Paul got it right.  His highest ambition was simply this: “That I may know HIM, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” (Philippians 3:10)  Whether we realize it or not, whether the world is conscious of it or not, their spirits are still crying out, “We would see JESUS!”  After all, HE is the truth about TRUTH.

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

VISION

VISION

 My friends, prayerfully consider this.  What are seeing?  Just as importantly, how long will you persist in seeing it when confronted with the inevitable challenges of time and trouble?

 Nearly four centuries ago a shipload of travelers landed on the northeast coast of America.  The first year, they established a town site.  The second year, they elected a town government.  The third year, the town government planned to build a road five miles westward into the wilderness.  In the fourth year, the citizens tried to impeach their town government because they considered it a waste of public funds to build a road five miles westward into a wilderness.  Their position: ‘Who needs to go there anyway?’

 Remember that these were people who had sufficient vision to see three thousand miles across an ocean and the determination to overcome great hardships to arrive there.  But in just a few years they were not able to ‘see’ even five miles out of town.  They had lost their pioneering vision.  Lesson learned.  With a clear vision of what we can become in life (and in Christ), no ocean of difficulty is too great.  Should we lose that vision, we cannot move beyond our current boundaries.  Think.

 Bill Hybels relates a vision story in his book entitled, “Who You Are When No One’s Looking.”  It started like so many evenings, Mom and Dad at home and Jimmy playing after dinner.  It was a full moon and some of the light seeped through the windows.  Jimmy’s parents were absorbed in various tasks and did not notice the passing of time.  Then Mom glanced at the clock. “Jimmy, it's time to go to bed.  Go up now and I’ll come and settle you later.”  Jimmy went straight upstairs to his room.  An hour or so later his mother came to check on him.  To her astonishment, her son was staring quietly out of his window at the moonlit scenery.  “What are you doing, Jimmy?”  “I'm looking at the moon, Mommy.”  “Well, it's time to get into bed now.”  As the excited and reluctant boy settled down, he remarked confidently, “Mommy, you know one day I’m going to walk on the moon.”  Who could have known that the boy in whom the dream was planted that night would survive a near fatal motorbike crash which broke almost every bone in his body, and would bring to fruition his childhood dream about 32 years later when James Irwin stepped on the moon's surface, just one of the 12 members of the human race to have done so?  

 True vision means seeing, believing, reaching and achieving.  Just do it.

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

IT IS WELL!

 IT IS WELL!

 Many of Christianity’s inspirational songs were written in the wake of deeply troubling times.  Such is the case with the classic hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.”  Its music was composed by Philip Paul Bliss, but the powerful lyrics were penned by Horatio G. Spafford.  The back story is a blend of deep sorrow and life-changing faith.

 It’s so strange how life’s dreams can turn on a dime, so to speak.  Horatio Spafford was keenly aware of the profound impact of unexpected challenges.  Although he was a successful attorney and real estate investor, Horatio lost most of his fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871.  In that same year, his beloved four-year-old son succumbed to scarlet fever.

 Believing that a vacation might prove beneficial for his family, he sent his wife and four daughters to England, promising to join them once his business was completed.  However, during the transatlantic crossing, their ship had a collision which tragically claimed the lives of 200 people, including all four of Horatio’s daughters.

 Having survived that horrific accident, Horatio’s wife, Anna, telegrammed with two sorrowful sentences: “Saved alone.  What shall I do?”

 Horatio was devastated and soon set sail for London.  Because the ship captain was aware of his passenger’s plight, he summoned Horatio when they arrived at the location where his daughters had lost their lives.  As he contemplated his deep loss and profound faith in the sovereignty of God, Horatio penned these words, which later became the world-renowned hymn:

 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.

 My friends, it is an incomparable consolation to encounter the presence of Almighty God while traversing the depths of pain, loss and despair.  No matter what you are presently experiencing, remember the encouraging words of Jesus Christ, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)  “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end.” (Matthew 28:20)  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)  Therefore, nothing “shall separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:39)  For that reason alone, that HE is with us, we are absolutely sure that It is well…

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

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE ANGRY?

 DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE ANGRY?

 One of the most intriguing sights to behold is an individual who is completely caught up in a whirlpool of anger.  I love what Ben Franklin wrote about it.  “Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.” 

 Anger is somewhat fascinating since it is a flaw that feels somewhat satisfying when you fully surrender to it.  In his book, “Wishful Thinking Transformed by Thorns,” Frederick Buechner writes, “Of the seven deadly sins, anger is possibly the most fun.  To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back--in many ways it is a feast fit for a king.  The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself.  The skeleton at the feast is you.”  Hmm…pardon the pun, but that’s quite a mouthful to ponder.

 Allow me a moment of transparency.  In earlier days, I suffered from what ‘felt’ like inevitable appointments with anger.  In later years, I learned a priceless life lesson about self-control.  That is, in any situation you lose when you allow another person sufficient control of your temperament to produce attitudes or actions outside of your core character.  Uncontrollable anger is a destructive undertaking which only earns a fool’s reward.

 Continual anger even has a detrimental impact on health.  Doctors from Coral Gables, Florida compared the efficiency of the heart’s pumping action in 18 men with coronary artery disease to nine healthy control subjects.  Each of the study participants underwent one physical stress test (riding an exercise bicycle) and three mental stress tests (doing math problems in their heads, recalling a recent incident that had made them angry, and giving a short speech to defend against a hypothetical charge of shoplifting).  Using advanced radiology, the doctors examined the subjects’ hearts in action during these tests.  For all the subjects, anger reduced the amount of blood that the heart pumped to body tissues more than the other tests, but this was especially true for those who had heart disease.  They found anger to be much more potent and harmful than fear or other kinds of mental stress.  

 One of our wisest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, offered helpful counsel to his secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, who had been angered by an army officer who accused him of favoritism.  Stanton complained about this to Lincoln, who suggested that he write that officer a very sharp letter.  Stanton did so, and showed the strongly worded missive to the president.  “What are you going to do with it?” Lincoln inquired.  Surprised, Stanton replied, “Send it, of course!"  Lincoln shook his head. “You don't want to send that letter,” he said.  “Put it in the stove.  That’s what I do when I’ve written a letter while I’m angry.  It’s a good letter, Edwin, and you had a good time writing it.  You feel better.  Now burn it, and write another.”  Sage advice.

 My friend, before you press down on the accelerator of your mouth, always engage the clutch of your heart and apply the brakes of your brain.  You’ll live much longer and more peacefully.

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

THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS

 THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS

 It has often been said that kindness is a virtue, but not everyone would necessarily agree.  This calls to mind William Shakespeare’s play, “Macbeth,” in which Lady Macbeth complains that her husband is “too full of the milk of human kindness” to kill off his rivals.  In fact, some might consider kindness to be synonymous with weakness.  It is not.  Kindness reflects its own unique brand of strength.

 One wonderful example of this benevolent trait is the British statesman, Cecil Rhodes, whose fortune was used to endow the world-famous Rhodes Scholarships.  Rhodes was a stickler for correct dress, but apparently not at the expense of someone else’s feelings.  A young man who had been invited to dine with Rhodes arrived late by train and circumstance forced him to go directly to Rhodes’s home in his wrinkled and shabby travel clothes. Once there, he was utterly appalled to find that the other guests had arrived wearing full evening dress.  After what seemed like a long time, Rhodes appeared in an old, worn-looking, every day suit.  Later, the young man learned that his host had been originally dressed in fine evening clothes, but put on that old suit when he learned of his guest's dilemma.  Rhodes was far more concerned with the young man’s comfort than bent on impressing the crowd.  Now that’s kindness!

 According to Alexander Maclaren, kindness actually makes anyone far more attractive.  He wrote, “If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.”  I once read that the English playwright, Somerset Maughan, had a mother who was extraordinarily beautiful.  But she opted to marry his father, whom some quite rudely described as extraordinarily ugly.  When a close family friend inquired as to why Mrs. Maughan had chosen such an unlikely suitor, her response came quickly and confidently: “He has never once hurt my feelings!”  In truth, kindness is both handsome and beautiful!

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