NEVER LOSE HEART

NEVER LOSE HEART

No matter what happens in or around your life, endeavor to maintain faith, balance and perspective.  During your crisis moments, consider the story of the shipwrecked survivor who was the only one person left alive on a remote Pacific island.  He prayed fervently every day, asking God to send someone along to rescue him.  Day by day, he looked for God’s help, but he simply could not find it.  Growing weary of waiting, he decided to construct a crude and meager shelter in order to protect himself and his few possessions.  But then one evening, after foraging the island for food, he returned and found his shelter completely consumed by fire.

Everything he owned was now burned up.

The castaway sailor was totally confused and terribly angry with God.  In despair, he shouted at God: “WHY?  Why did you do this to me?”  Then he fell into a deep sleep on the sandy shore.  Before dawn, he heard the sound of a boat rapidly approaching the island.  At long last, his rescuers had arrived!  He asked them how they knew he was on the island.  The rescuers said they saw the huge fire and smoke signals he had made the night before. 

Often our apparent accidents and incidents are divine providence in disguise. It is so easy to feel angry, confused or hopeless whenever things seem to go wrong for us.  But we should never lose heart, because GOD IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING behind the scenes.  So remember…the next time your HOUSE IS ON FIRE, it just might be a SMOKE SIGNAL that God has orchestrated for your personal deliverance.  As the Apostle Paul stated so eloquently, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Finally, we must reflect prayerfully on the example of JESUS, and draw inspiration from it.  He suffered the agony and humiliation of public crucifixion.  Yet, while “despising the shame,” HE “endured the cross” and won ultimate victory for all of humankind.  So during your darkest moments, “Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinners, so that YOU will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV)

In closing, we are constantly comforted and sustained by the promises, plans and purposes of God.  His Word is our beacon, our bounty, our rescue and our reward.  “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

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

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

PEACE is definitely something that emanates from within.  Unfortunately, THE EXTERNAL is frequently out of alignment with THE ETERNAL.  Nevertheless, you and I have attitudinal choices.  We must not allow ourselves to be irrationally influenced or controlled by outside circumstances.  How can this possibly be?  How can we shape and secure positive attitudes during close encounters with trouble or tragedy?  Indeed, it is possible because you and I are infinitely more capable and more competent than we might appear!

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 all 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 with the PEACE OF GOD.  Through Him, we 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, they concluded, it was a 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?  The king chose 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 and still remain 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 giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)  Yet, many Christians experience perpetual anxiety, shrouded in chronic and tormenting fear.  This need not be.

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

The logic of THE WORD is profoundly clear and simple.  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 every potentially troubling situation.  This is accomplished through the vehicle of prayer.  The fourth requirement is that we must PRAY FROM THE WORD (The Covenant Contract) as we confidently enlist the support of “the mediator” of the covenant. (Hebrews 8:6)

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

THERE IS HELP...ALONGSIDE

THERE IS HELP…ALONGSIDE

Jesus Christ extends an extraordinary privilege and promise to every believer: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)  Wow!  His statement simply suggests that there are no problems, no pains and no challenges which will totally overwhelm believing disciples who persistently pursue and practice the presence of the Lord.

I am so often encouraged by Christ’s departing decree to his disciples (and by extension to us): “I will not leave you comfortless: I WILL COME TO YOU.” (John 14:18)  Since JESUS CHRIST is the High Priest who is constantly concerned and intimately involved with us, He indeed shows up to engage and enlighten us as THE PARACLETE, the One who walks alongside us for fellowship, direction and comfort, every single day and in every life situation.  We need not seek alternatives or substitutes, because in Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith,” we indeed have THE REAL THING. (Hebrews 12:2)  As Jehovah Shammah, “THE LORD IS THERE”…all the time. (Ezekiel 48:35)  This inspiring truth reminds me of an intriguing story:

In a rural area, a poor farmer was tending to Buddy, his horse, when a stranger walked over, desperately in need of the farmer’s help.  This stranger had lost control of his vehicle and ran off into a ditch.  After informing the farmer that his vehicle was quite small, he asked if the horse could pull his car out of the ditch.  The farmer said he would come and take a look, but would not be able to help if there was any possibility that his horse could be injured.

The farmer saw that the stranger had assessed the situation correctly and that the vehicle was indeed small, so he fastened a strong rope, one end to the vehicle and the other to his horse.  He was confident that Buddy would be able to pull the car out of the ditch.  But then he did a strange thing.  The farmer shouted, “Pull, Casey, pull,” and the horse would not budge.  The farmer then called out, “Pull, Bailey, pull,” but, again, the horse would not budge.  The farmer then hollered, “Pull, Mandy, pull,” but his horse would not move one inch.  The farmer then said matter-of-factly, “Pull, Buddy, pull,” and his horse quickly pulled the vehicle out of the ditch.  The stranger was most grateful, but puzzled.  He asked the farmer why he had called his horse by four different names.  The farmer replied, “Buddy is blind, and I had to make him think he had a lot of help pulling the car out of the ditch or he might not have pulled at all.”

Quite interesting and applicable to us, isn’t it?  For whenever we embrace the mistaken notion that we are somehow incapable of accomplishing Christ’s Kingdom mission and mandate on our lives, we too wind up living far beneath our predestined position, power and privilege.  Although we were certainly designed to live in connection and community with others, we must never forget that the ONE TRUE SOURCE of our help is ALMIGHTY GOD.  He is the ever-present Supplier of help, encouragement and strength. (Philippians 4:19)  No wonder the Psalmist David exclaimed with such commitment and confidence, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills – from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)  Point To Ponder: With God’s help, are you pulling your intended weight in the Kingdom?

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

BE WHAT YOU 'IS'...

BE WHAT YOU ‘IS’…

During seminary days in Atlanta, a former classmate (now Bishop David M. Copeland) shared some simple and sagely advice that had been handed down by a family member.  It goes something like this: “SON, BE WHAT YOU ‘IS’…and not what you ain’t…‘cause when you is what you ain’t…YOU AIN’T WHAT YOU IS!”

While the grammar of that statement might seem somewhat unsuitable, its truth is irrefutable.  All too often, we expend enormous quantities of time and energy trying to imitate the characteristics, lifestyles, abilities, or even the successes of others.  In the process of constantly gazing OUTWARDS, we fail to truly appreciate and value our own God-given distinctives and as a result, they may remain dormant or underdeveloped.  It reminds me of a fictional but true-to-life story by Benjamin Hoff.

There once was a stonecutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.  One day, he passed a wealthy merchant’s house and through the open gateway saw many fine possessions and important visitors.  “How powerful that merchant must be!” thought the stonecutter.  He became very envious, and wished that he could be like the merchant.  Then he would no longer have to exist in the life of a mere stonecutter.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever dreamed of, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself.  Soon afterwards, a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants, and escorted by soldiers beating gongs.  Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession.  “How powerful that official is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be a high official!”

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by people all around who had to bow down before him as he passed.  It was a hot summer day, and the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair.  He looked up at the sun.  It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. “How powerful the sun is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be the sun!”

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers.  But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below.  “How powerful that storm cloud is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be a cloud!  Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone.  But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind.  “How powerful it is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be the wind!”

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, hated and feared by all below him.  But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it -- a huge, towering stone.  “How powerful that stone is!” he thought.  “I wish that I could be a stone!”

Then he became the stone, more powerful than anything else on earth.  But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the solid rock and felt himself being changed.  “What could be more powerful than I, the stone?” he thought.  He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stonecutter.  Oh my!

Sisters and brothers, at times we fail to discern the extent of our own personal power.  Ironically, the people that appear to be most insignificant are those who are GOD-POSITIONED to effect the greatest change.  This is especially true whenever we consciously activate and actualize the resident power within, the supernatural capability of THE ANOINTED ONE and His anointing.

Nevertheless, while we are active in the Kingdom, we must achieve a SUSTAINABLE INNER PEACE.  The Apostle Paul expressed God’s perfect will for our inner tranquility through his personal testimony: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be CONTENT.” (Philippians 4:11b)

Throughout our lives, we may always “strive for masteries,” but we must always “strive lawfully.” (II Timothy 2:5)  And while we are in hot pursuit of our dreams, ambitions and goals, we should continually “be CONTENT with such things as [we] have.” (Hebrews 13:5)  Why?  Because “GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT is great gain.” (I Timothy 6:6)

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

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

I love this creative parable by an unknown author, so I will share it with you:

The PENCIL-MAKER took the PENCIL aside, just before putting him into the box.  “Before I send you out into the world,” he told the pencil, “there are five important things you must know.  Never forget them and you will become the best pencil you possibly can be.”

“One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.”

“Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become better.”

“Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.”

“Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.”

“Five: On each surface where you are used, leave your mark.  No matter what, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood, promised to remember and went into the box with purpose in its heart.  Now let’s substitute YOU for the pencil.  Always remember these wisdom nuggets; and, if you never forget, you will become the best person you possibly can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand.  Also, you must allow people to access the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time by via various problems in life, but you need this process to become a stronger person.

Three: With God’s help, you will be able to correct any mistakes you will make along the way.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what lies on the inside.

Five: Wherever you walk, leave your mark. No matter what the situation, be faithful and true.

Please allow this parable of the pencil to encourage and energize you.  Remember how absolutely special you are to GOD, and to us.  Only YOU can fulfill that unique purpose and destiny for which you were born and now exist. 

Never allow yourself to become so discouraged that life seems insignificant or there is little hope and expectation for positive change.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

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

A PRACTICAL EQUATION FOR SUCCESS-IN-LIFE

A PRACTICAL EQUATION FOR SUCCESS-IN-LIFE

Prayerfully consider this:

THE WORD + SURRENDER + OBEDIENCE + PRAYER + FAITH + WORSHIP + FELLOWSHIP + SERVICE = OUR CHRIST-KINGDOM CONNECTION

When we authentically establish this COVENANT CONNECTION, we have access to whatever GOD has eternally envisioned and empowered for us.

In other words…:

“I can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13, KJV)

“I have strength for ALL THINGS IN HIM that gives me power.” (Philippians 4:13, Darby)

“I can make it through ANYTHING IN THE ONE who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:13, The Message)

Finally, we must never forget the wise counsel of the Apostle Peter concerning our status and stature in HIM: “According as his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS, through the knowledge of HIM that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (II Peter 1:3)

Indeed, as committed BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, we already have it; so let’s use it!

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

THE SHAMGAR ANOINTING

THE SHAMGAR ANOINTING

Biblical signs suggest it is far later in human history than is commonly recognized.  Jesus Christ foretold the signs of His coming, including wars, rumors of wars, famine, pestilence and earthquakes in diverse places. (Matthew, chapter 24).  Even the scientists responsible for setting the infamous ‘doomsday clock’ recognize the extreme lateness of the hour.  On January 10, 2012, they reset the doomsday clock’s symbolic time to just five minutes before midnight.  Since believers are deputized as God’s end-times soul harvesters, we should understand the times and seasons in which we live.  Additionally, we must identify our unique gifts and come together with synergy to potentiate the growth and development of the Kingdom.

Consider the following passages of scripture:

Judges 3:30-31
So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel.  And the land had rest fourscore years.  And after him was SHAMGAR the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

Matthew 11:12
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

During the time of Judge Shamgar, a gripping fear paralyzed the nation.  Judges 5:6 suggests that conditions were so deplorable that “the highways were unoccupied.”  In other words, people feared for their lives and were reluctant to engage their travel plans.  Fears of flourishing crime and unsafe conditions caused highways to be unoccupied, trade to be diminished, fields to be abandoned and overall progress to be abated.  The Philistines, the archenemies of Israel, grievously afflicted the people of God.  And largely due to a vacuum in leadership, the citizens of Israel were generally doing that which “seemed right” in each man or woman’s own eyes. (Judges 17:6)

Does this remind you of conditions in contemporary society?  Today, we exist in a pluralistic society, in absolutes are deemed passé and politically incorrect.  Even the illicit relationships that the Bible condemns are now termed ‘alternative lifestyles’ and are increasingly legitimized by those who control the media, the judicial system and the reins of government.  We call this progress; God calls it sin.  Nevertheless, we are reminded that He provides a substantive solution for the individual and corporate dilemma of sin, via the atoning grace of Jesus Christ.

Shamgar was the third of twelve judges, whose leadership and influence dominated the years before Israel crowned its first king, Saul.  We know precious little about Shamgar, but we are told that there were “fourscore years that the land had rest” following the ministry of Judge Ehud. (Judges 3:30)  However, even during those moments of apparent peace, enemies were present.  After the Moabites were subdued, the Philistines assumed the mantle of opposition against Israel during the days of Shamgar.  Truth be told, the presence of naysayers and detractors often serves as a ‘litmus test’ for discerning whether one is moving in the direction of God’s will.  Jesus declared “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” when enemies rise as the result of your faith convictions, and He promised that “great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12)  Isaiah declared “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19)

The name “Shamgar” means ’sword.’  Regarding his origins, the Bible simply says he was the son of Anath, and we are unsure of the meaning of this.  “Anath” could have been a reference to a particular man, (or) it could have derived from a Galilean city called Beth-anath, (or) this name could have come from the Canaanite goddess, Anath.  The latter possibility suggests that Shamgar might have been converted from idol worship to serve the True and Living God.  Bottom-line: We really don’t know Shamgar's roots or where he came from, and I am thrilled and encouraged by that.  It suggests that, in spite of our parentage, pedigree, or past, GOD is fully able to use us and to gain glory whenever our lives are submitted to His authority and we are endowed with ample anointing.

Shamgar stood…as one man…against the phenomenal power of the Philistines.  It’s rather reminiscent of young David, standing as a solitary warrior against the giant Goliath.  The difference, however, is very significant.  Shamgar stood…as one man…against (not one)…but against six hundred Philistines.  That is an incredible feat!  Visualize this hypothetical.  Even six hundred children would experience little difficulty defeating one man.  As you think about Shamgar, reflect on this fact.  Some soldiers go through an entire war without killing even one enemy combatant.  Many soldiers go through an entire war without killing five (or less) of the enemy . But Shamgar possessed an awesome anointing from God for his assignment to utterly devastate the enemy.

Judge Shamgar did not apply his own might to win the battle.  Rather, he utilized an unusual (and God given) weapon of warfare.  He procured an ox goad, a long handled pole, seven-feet long (the number of divine perfection), to obliterate the enemy.  The ox goad was a farm tool, created to goad on (urge on) oxen.  So remember: Shamgar never possessed a weapon of great renown, not even a weapon of warfare.  He was a humble man, deploying a humble weapon, but he was ‘pregnant’ with purpose, power and anointing!

GOD + ONE FAITH-FILLED AND SPIRITUALLY-EQUPPED INDIVIDUAL = TOTAL VICTORY.

Here’s something to carefully consider: Have you identified the specific gift and distinct anointing with which you have been endowed and empowered by our God?  Winner-believer, your personal fulfillment lies in the discovery and implementation of YOUR UNIQUE OX GOAD.  Despite the fact that the Kingdom of God suffers violence (both from within and without), you have been provided with extraordinary tools to secure and sustain the strategic work of God.  “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (II Corinthians 10:4)  In the entire scheme of things, it may be much later than you think.  It’s almost midnight.  What are you waiting for?  Pick up your unique weapon today…and use it…in JESUS’ mighty name!

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