MAINTAINING A CHILD'S SENSE OF WONDER

MAINTAINING A CHILD’S SENSE OF WONDER

Jesus Christ alluded to a childlike attitude of openness in order to describe the necessary conditions for living the abundant life and entering into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Luke 18:17)  Sometime ago, The Washington Post conducted a fascinating social experiment at a Washington D.C. Metro Station.  It was designed to evaluate people’s priorities, i.e. the degree to which we focus on the moment (on our surroundings) due to the harried and frenzied state of mind that is a disconcerting byproduct of contemporary society.

The scene:  Washington D.C. Metro Station on a cold January morning.  A skillful musician played six Bach pieces for about an hour.  During that time, approximately two thousand people passed by, most of them on their way to work.

After 3 minutes: A middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing.  He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to continue his busy schedule.

After 4 Minutes: The violinist received his first dollar.  A woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk.

After 6 Minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

After 10 Minutes: A 3-year-old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the child stared at the violinist.  Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time.  Several other children repeated this action.  Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on.

After 45 Minutes: The musician continued to play.  Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while.

About 20 people dropped money but continued to walk in their normal pace.  In total, he collected 32 dollars.

After 60 Minutes: The musician finished playing and silence took over.  No one noticed; no one applauded; nor was there recognition of any kind.

No passerby knew that the violinist was Joshua Bell, a world renowned violinist.  That morning, he had played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, and he had done so with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the average ticket cost 100 dollars.

This is a true story. 

Are you paying attention to your life?  Hopefully, we will never become so mesmerized by our agendas or so absorbed in our anticipation of the next that we fail to perceive and appreciate the now.

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

SHOULD DISSENTING VOICES BE SILENT?

SHOULD DISSENTING VOICES BE SILENT?

Recently, I have read various postings on Facebook that very forcefully condemn the so-called dissonant voices within THE INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH, which (incidentally) is never synonymous with The Invisible Church.  During the month of May, I posted an open essay detailing certain counterproductive attitudes and actions that are now prevalent within THE INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH.  The vast majority of those who responded voiced hearty agreement; and, only a relative few voiced disagreement. 

Either way, this posting is (by no means) an effort to muzzle or dissuade those who do not necessarily agree with me.  However, it seems prudent to present a brief follow-up for the sake of completeness and clarity.

THINK!  If we promote the perspective that one should never speak publicly regarding the untoward attitudes or unrighteous actions enacted by people of faith, we (by extension) nullify the PROPHETIC VOICES of biblical stalwarts such as Jeremiah, John the Baptist (and others) who refused to maintain silence or embrace compliance regarding those situations which GOD declared to be out of order.  Interestingly enough, the greatest dissenting voice against the religious status quo was (and is) JESUS CHRIST, HIMSELF.  To wit, the Apostle Paul instructs us: “let GOD be true but every man a liar.” (Romans 3:4)  Is not CHRIST the HEAD OF THE CHURCH, and not man?  It seems that we have somehow become hopelessly confused about our God-ordained roles.  At best, our titles notwithstanding, we are UNDER-SHEPHERDS ALL...we are SERVANT-SUBORDINATES of THE GOOD AND GREAT SHEPHERD.

One of the greatest challenges in the contemporary church is the unfortunate fact that we have become gradually victimized by various and sundry versions of ‘CHRISTIANITY LIGHT.’  That is, we are now prone to embracing those ideas which stroke our egos or ignite our imaginations about how much greater WE can BE or how much more WE can GAIN.  This is a patently iniquitous form of IDOLATRY (a SELF worship) that has seeped subtly into our midst – invading and infecting us like the satanic plague that it is – and causing us to blaspheme THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD by erroneously embracing a HUMANISTIC worldview vis-à-vis a KINGDOM MINDSET, which upholds those mission-critical matters that are inspired by THE HOLY SPIRIT and defined by THE LIVING WORD.

Sisters and brothers, these are THE LAST DAYS.  Indeed, only the spiritually blind are incapable of discerning the lateness of the hour.  OUR LORD HAS NEED OF MORE PROPHETIC VOICES. Therefore, I shall continue to speak out against anything that GOD disapproves, with candor, clarity, conviction, courage and consistency.  Since the FULL GOSPEL represents good news for some and bad news for others, maintaining our prophetic voices is a very significant component of our end-times calling.  Always remember that many colleagues (ministers and laity alike) share similar concerns and convictions.  While no sensible person seeks reversals in relationships, should I personally lose any acquaintances, friends or even family members in the fulfillment of my calling, I must and shall deem it to be the inescapable impact of my decision to spend the rest of my days doing all things GOD’S WAY.  Be continually blessed and (above all else) make sure that you are ready to meet our soon coming King. Maranatha!

IN CASE YOU DID NOT SUCCEED RIGHT AWAY...

IN CASE YOU DID NOT SUCCEED RIGHT AWAY…

There is a class of flowering plants known as LATE BLOOMERS.  The following article by an unknown author demonstrates that this state of being is not limited to flora.  Indeed, it is a human experience.

Whenever you feel a little discouraged, just remember what these people accomplished great things when everyone else looked at them as failures.  So believe in yourself!

Albert Einstein was 4 years old before he could speak and 7 years old before he could read.

Isaac Newton performed poorly in grade school and was considered “unpromising.”

When Thomas Edison was a youngster, his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything.  He was counseled to go into a field where he might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality.  Can we say “electric light bulb?”

F. W. Woolworth got a job in a dry goods store when he was 21, but his boss would not permit him to wait on customers because he “didn't have enough sense to close a sale.”

A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he “lacked imagination and had no original ideas.”

Winston Churchill failed 6th grade and had to repeat it because he did not complete the tests required for promotion.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,300 times, a major league record.

A person may make mistakes, but is not a failure until he or she starts blaming someone else.  We must believe in ourselves, and somewhere along the road of life we will meet someone who sees greatness in us and lets us know it.

AMEN!  This article is so inspirational that I feel motivated to add to it…:

Henry Ford went broke 5 times before pioneering mass production and founding the Ford Motor Company.

R. H. Macy started 7 failed businesses before establishing Macy’s.

Soichiro Hondo was turned down by Toyota for an engineering job and went on to form one of the world’s most successful car manufacturing companies.

Bill Gates was a Harvard drop-out who started a failed company called Traf-O-Data.  He persevered, founded Microsoft and is one of the wealthiest persons on the planet.

Harland David Sanders, a.k.a. Colonel Sanders, had his famous secret recipe rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant accepted it.  The result: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

ORVILLE and WILBUR WRIGHT battled serious depression and illness before their famous ‘flight’ into history.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN was busted from captain to private and started several failed businesses before becoming president of the USA.

OPRAH WINFREY was abused as a child and fired as a television reporter because she was “unfit for T.V.”

At his first audition, SIDNEY PORTIER was counseled by a casting director: “Why don’t you stop wasting people’s time and go out and become a dishwasher or something?”

HARRISON FORD was told by several movie execs that he didn’t have what it takes to become a star.

STEVEN SPIELBERG was rejected 3 times by the Southern California School of Theater, Film and Television.

Contemporary art critics cruelly mocked MONET for his impressionist style of painting.

LUDWIG BEETHOVEN was completely deaf when he composed 5 of the world’s greatest symphonies.

In addition to being cut from his high school basketball team, MICHAEL JORDAN missed more than 9,000 shots during his career, lost almost 300 games and missed the winning game shot 26 times.  His commentary: “I have failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.”

YOU just might be a late bloomer – or perhaps YOU are a delayed bloomer.  Just keep on cultivating yourself.  It will happen.  Enough said! 

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

CONTINUE!

CONTINUE!

Changing circumstances are an integral component of the human existence.  According to the philosopher, Descartes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”  In other words, change happens.  In fact, change is inevitable – so we must expect it, prepare for it and ultimately embrace it.

Customary conditions constitute comfort zones, those well-worn paths which, while familiar, may not be our ideal course or optimal choice.

Consider this: How do you handle CHANGING OR ADVERSE conditions?  Do they tend to overwhelm long-term dreams or derail short-term goals?

An apostolic admonition for those of us who are confronted with changing conditions is recorded in Paul’s epistle to the Church of Galatia.  It simply says, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV)

Do you recall the time Jesus miraculously crossed treacherous waters (on foot) to attend to terror stricken disciples engulfed in a raging storm?  Seeing the faint image of Jesus approaching and assuming he was a ghost, the disciples cried out in fear.  How I love the comforting greeting of The Master: “Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)  Jesus had commanded them to cross over to the other side, so He provided sufficient grace and mercy for their hour of need.  Where God guides, God provides.  His manifest presence is the assurance of safety and success.

Today, the Master of Stormy Seas is also onboard with YOU.  Wherever HE leads, do not stress or worry over current conditions or changing circumstances.  Here is the assurance of the “author and finisher” of our faith: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Hebrews 12:2 and Matthew 28:20)

Never worry.  Never fear.  HE is there.  CONTINUE!

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

NO MAN HAS SEEN GOD

NO MAN HAS SEEN GOD

Last evening, I discovered an intriguing story by Wayne Rice. It is a highly creative and allegorical response to all those who doubt the existence of God and His marvelous plans for us. (Jeremiah 29:11 and John 1:18)

Once upon a time, twin boys were conceived in the womb. Seconds, minutes, hours passed as the two embryonic lives developed. The spark of life grew and each tiny brain began to take shape and form. With the development of their brain came feeling, and with feeling, perception--a perception of surroundings, of each other, and their own lives. They discovered that life was good and they rejoiced in their hearts.

One said to the other, “We are surely blessed to have been conceived and to have this wonderful world.”

The other chimed in, “Yes, blessed be our mother who gave us life and each other.”

Each of the twins continued to grow and soon their arms and fingers, legs and toes began to take shape. They stretched their bodies and churned and turned in their little world. They explored it and found the life cord which gave them life from their mother’s blood. They were grateful for this new discovery and sang, “How great is the love of our mother--that she shares all she has with us!”

Weeks passed into months and they noticed changes in each other and in themselves.

“We are changing,” one said. “What can it mean?”

“It means,” said the other, "that we are drawing near to birth.”

An unsettling chill crept over them. They were afraid of birth, for they knew that it meant leaving their wonderful world behind.

Said the one, “Were it up to me, I would live here forever.”

“But we must be born,” said the other. “It has happened to all the others.” Indeed, there was evidence inside the womb that the mother had carried life before theirs. “And I believe that there is life after birth, don't you?”

“How can there be life after birth?” cried the one. “Do we not shed our life cord and our blood tissue when we are born? And have you ever talked to anyone that has been born? Has anyone ever re-entered the womb after birth to describe what birth is like? NO!”

As he spoke, he fell into despair, and in his despair he moaned, “If the purpose of conception and our growth inside the womb is to end in birth, then truly our life is senseless.” He clutched his precious life cord to his breast and said, “And if this is so, and life is absurd, then there really can be no mothers!”

“But there is a mother,” protested the other. “Who else gives us nourishment? Who else created this world for us?”

“We get our nourishment from this cord -- and our world has always been here” said the one. “And if there is a mother, where is she? Have you ever seen her? Does she ever talk to you? NO! We invented the mother because it satisfied a need in us. It made us feel secure and happy.”

Thus, while the one raved and despaired, the other resigned himself to birth and placed his trust in the hands of his mother. Hours turned into days, and days into weeks. And soon it was time. They both knew their birth was at hand, and they both feared what they did not know. As the one was first to be conceived, so he was the first to be born, the other following.

They cried as they were born into the light. They coughed out fluid and gasped the dry air. And when they were sure they had been born, they opened their eyes, seeing life after birth for the very first time. Their first sight was the beautiful face of their mother, as she cradled them lovingly in her arms. They were home.

EDITOR'S NOTE: While this is a somewhat fictional (and thus imperfect) analogy, it has much to teach us about the nature and reality of God, i.e. His prevenient grace and wondrous love, acting on our behalf long before our birth, eons before the foundation of our world.

“No man has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared him.” (John 1:18, NKJV)

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29b, NKJV)

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?

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’s awfully tempting to be 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 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 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 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 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!  WASH!

Jesus set forth an apt description of our responsibilities, relative to 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.  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!

PURPOSE RESIDES IN PRESSURE

PURPOSE RESIDES IN PRESSURE

Amid the recurrent problems, pains and pressures of daily life, it is rather easy to succumb to anxiety, worry, fear, and even depression.  However, I am in possession of a personal prescription that is a sure-fire remedy for troubled times.  Whenever I feel situationally challenged or overwhelmed, my heart always leads me to “THE ROCK that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)  Typically, this redirection of my spirit is accomplished through conscientious participation in prayer, praise and the power that is present in the Word of God.

One of my favorite scripture passages serves well in this occasional need to refocus: 

Romans 8:28-31 (NKJV)

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who [or what] can be against us?

We must never forget: Purpose always resides in pressure. 

Therefore, any situation which seems completely incidental, coincidental, haphazard or problematic is likely the providential outer shell of divine destiny.  Pay attention.  Phenomenal possibilities frequently emerge from irritating conditions.  If you have difficulty believing this, check out the oyster that produced a priceless pearl from an unlikely grain of sand, or the brilliant diamond that sprang forth from meager substances and pressurized conditions. 

The following story by an unknown author captures the undeniable truth that GOD stands by us (always) as “a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 – Matthew 28:20)

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.  Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut engulfed in flames, with the smoke rolling upwards in the sky.  The worst thing possible had happened, and everything was lost.  The man was stunned with grief and anger.  “God, how could you do this to me!” he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island.  It had arrived to rescue him.  “How did you know I was here?” inquired the weary man of the smiling sailors.  “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied. It is so easy to get discouraged when things are going bad.  But we shouldn’t lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.  Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

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