BE COMFORTED

BE COMFORTED

This devotional is sent out to all who have lost loved ones, particularly to my own family members who not too long ago experienced the loss of my sister-in-law, Audrey, in a tragic auto accident.  Today is Audrey’s birthday, and we will always remember her bright and beautiful spirit.  While we mourn her passing, we do so with full knowledge that we will see her again in the Rapture.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

May the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit surround and sustain each and every one who has experienced the transition of a loved one.

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

ALL ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD

ALL ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD

In a world that is largely governed by pluralism, humanism, pleasure, corruption and greed, we must never ever forget to keep the main thing as the main thing.  What is the main thing?  We are all accountable to God, firstly to accept the redemptive and atoning grace that Christ offers at Calvary, and secondly to allow Him to be alive in us via our decisions, our actions and our attitudes.

Titus 2:11-15

¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.¹⁵ Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

GOD IS GOD…and beside Him “there is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:39)

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

WHAT WILL YOUR REWARD(S) BE IN HEAVEN?

WHAT WILL YOUR REWARD(S) BE IN HEAVEN?

In addition to the bountiful blessing of eternal life in the presence of Almighty God, His dedicated disciples will also receive certain tangible rewards.

In the words of Jesus Christ, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)

Subsequent to the Rapture of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:15-18), the Kingdom works of all believers will be judged and rewarded by Christ at the Bema, which is the judgment seat of Christ.

II Corinthians 5:10 (New King James Version)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

This is to be distinguished from the great White Throne Judgment, which will occur at the close of the 1000 year Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 20:12)

At the Bema, (prior to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which will take place during The  7-YearTribulation Period, believers’ works will be judged, not our salvation, for we who will be caught up in the Rapture of the Church will have been fully cleansed and forgiven via the vicarious suffering and atoning grace of Christ at Calvary. (Titus 3:4-7 and Revelation 19:9)

Nevertheless, our Kingdom works will be evaluated and rewarded.

I Corinthians 3:11-17

¹¹ For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

¹⁶ Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? ¹⁷ If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

FIVE SPECIFIC CROWNS WILL BE AWARDED AT THE BEMA:

AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN (The Victor’s Crown)

I Corinthians 9:25

And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

[Awarded to those who have purged themselves from the pleasures of the world in order to be more effective servants in the Kingdom of God]. --I Corinthians 9:27

A CROWN OF LIFE (The Martyr’s Crown)

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which you will suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.

[Awarded to those who have endured extreme suffering and  death for the cause of Christ].

A CROWN OF GLORY (The Shepherd’s Crown)

I Peter 5:2-4

² Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

³ Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

⁴ And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.

[Awarded to those who have given their lives to teaching the Word of God].

A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (The Crown for all those who love His appearing)

II Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

[Awarded to those who have lived a holy and righteous life].

A CROWN OF REJOICING (The Soul Winner’s Crown)

I Thessalonians 2:19-20

¹⁹ For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

[Awarded to those who have brought souls into the Kingdom of God].

WHAT WILL YOUR REWARD(S) BE IN HEAVEN?  Think about it…

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

WHO ARE YOU?

WHO ARE YOU?

Dear Caterpillar:

I was thinking and praying about you when out of the blue it struck me.  YOU CAN FLY! 

Transition is a challenging journey, isn’t it?  At this existential moment, you are merely a ground-hugger (from the perspective of others), totally trapped in a one-dimensional plane, apparently unable to rise above.

Now hear this.  You are more than what you SEEM like or LOOK like to those mortal masses!  potential is a decidedly strange phenomenon.  One never knows until one dares to dream and triumphs by trying.

So find your God-ordered tree and elevate…rise!

As you inch your way upward, you will discover something HIDDEN INSIDE that you never knew existed.  Actually, it is the ‘stuff’ of your cocoon, the genesis of your metamorphosis.

From now on, tune in ONLY to the voice that calls you to higher heights.

Know this: I believe in you, caterpillar.  No, I stand corrected.  I believe in you, BUTTERFLY.

Your friend and brother for life,

Wayne M. Bass

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

UNYIELDING HOPE

UNYIELDING HOPE

A friend approached me some time ago, shouting “I’M HOPPING MAD!”  He was completely outraged at the attitude and comments of a co-worker.  I paused to reflect for a moment, and then decided to challenge him.  I asked, “Why don’t you decide right now to REFOCUS YOUR FEELINGS about this?  Never ever give another person that much power and control over your day.  Instead of being “HOPPING MAD,” why don’t you make up your mind to be “HOPING GLAD?  I’m talking about HOPE!”  Hearing this, he smiled faintly, and remarked, “That’s sounds pretty corny, brother, but I feel you.  I refuse to HOP through this day in anger.  Instead, I will HOPE my way through!”  At that point, a genuine smile surfaced and transformed his countenance.

It's Monday and time for most of us to get back to work. So...one word of advice to anyone who might ‘appear’ to be having a bad day: ALWAYS CHOOSE HOPE!  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose INFINITE HOPE.”  More importantly, our GOD declares, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE.” (Jeremiah 29:11)  To wit, the Apostle Paul so eloquently advised all believers to “have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5, NASB)

Prayerfully meditate on the following scriptures, and if needed, give yourself an attitude adjustment.

Psalm 119:49 (NKJV)
Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope.

Psalm 130:5 (NKJV)
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.

Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Romans 15:4 (NKJV)
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Therefore, as we hold fast to the UNYIELDING HOPE that resides at the heart of our covenant relationship with Christ, we will be continually blessed!  Amen?  Amen!

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

THE BIG ROCKS OF LIFE

THE BIG ROCKS OF LIFE

A while back I was reading a book by an expert on the subject of time management.  One day this expert was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration I'm sure those students will never forget. After I share it with you, you'll never forget it either.

As this man stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers he said, “Okay, time for a quiz.” Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed jar and set it on a table in front of him. Afterwards he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.

When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class said, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Really?”  He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel.  Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.  Then he smiled and asked the group once more, “Is the jar full?”

By this time the class was onto him.  “Probably not,” one of them answered.  “Good!” he replied.  And he reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand.  He started dumping the sand in until it filled all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel.  Once more he asked the question, “Is this jar full?”  “No!” the class shouted.  Once again he said, “Good!”  Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim.

Then he looked up at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?”

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things into it!”  “No,” the speaker replied.  “That's not the point.  The truth this illustration teaches us is simple. If you don't put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”   The title of this lecture is “The Big Rocks of Life.”

What are the big rocks in your life?  A project that you want to accomplish?  Time with your loved ones?  Your faith, your education, your finances?  Some special cause?  Teaching or mentoring others?  Remember to put these BIG ROCKS IN FIRST, or you’ll never get them in at all.

So, as you reflect on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the BIG ROCKS in my life?  Then, put those in your jar….first.

-Author Unknown

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

THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION

THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION

It’s Wednesday night and you are at Bible Study when someone runs in from the parking lot yelling, “Turn on a radio, turn on a radio!”  And while the church listens to a little transistor radio with a microphone stuck up to it, the announcement is made: “Two women are lying in a Long Island hospital dying from a ‘mystery’ flu.” Within hours it seems an epidemic sweeps across the country.  People are working around the clock trying to find an antidote. Nothing is working…from California to Arizona to Florida to Massachusetts.  It’s literally sweeping across the states! 

And then, all of a sudden, the good news comes out.  The code has been broken.  A cure has been found.  A vaccine can be made but, it’s going to take the blood of somebody who has not yet been infected.  And so, through every channel of emergency broadcasting, people are asked to do one simple thing: “Go to the nearest hospital so we can get a sample of your blood.”

Sure enough, when you and your family arrive, there is a long line.  Nurses and doctors are pricking fingers, taking blood and putting labels on vials.  When they take your blood they say, “Wait here in the parking lot and we’ll let you know when you are dismissed to go home.”  You stand around, scared, wondering if this is really the end of the world.

Suddenly a young man comes running out of the hospital yelling to the top of his lungs.  He’s shouting a name and waving a clipboard.  What?  He yells it again!  And your son tugs on your jacket and says, “Daddy, that's me!”  Before you know it, they have grabbed up your boy.  Wait a minute!  Hold on!  And they say, “It’s okay, his blood seems clean and pure, but we want to make sure he doesn’t have the disease.  We think he is just the right type.”  Five tense minutes later, then doctors and nurses run out, crying and hugging one another, some are even laughing.  It’s the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and a doctor walks up to you and says, “Thank you, sir.  Your son’s blood is just what we need.  It’s clean, it’s pure, and we can make our vaccine now and save our world.”

As this tremendous news spreads, people across the globe are screaming and praying and laughing and crying.  Then a gray-haired doctor pulls you and your wife aside and asks, “May we see you for moment?  We didn’t realize that the donor would be a minor and we need you to sign a consent form.”  You start to sign, but then you notice that the number of pints of blood needed has been left blank.  “How many pints?” you ask.  And that is when the doctor’s smile fades and he says,

“We had no idea it would be a little child.  I'm sorry sir, we need it all!”

“But, but…that’s my son!”

“We are talking about saving the whole world, sir.  Please sign.  We need it all!”

“But can't you give him a transfusion?”

“If we had clean blood we would.  Could you sign?  Would you just sign?”

In numb silence and tears, you sign the document.

Then they say, “Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?”  How would you feel, walking into that hospital room where your child anxiously waits, laying on a gurney?  “Daddy?  Mommy?  What's going on?”  Could you take his hands and say, “Son, your Mommy and I love you, and we would never let anything happen to you that did not have to be.  Do you understand that?”  The doctor comes back in and says, “I’m sorry, we’ve GOT to get started.  People all over the world are dying!” Could you leave your son behind?   Would you walk out while he is crying: “Mommy?  Daddy?  Father…why?  Why have you forsaken me?”  Think about it.

For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life.  (John 3:16)

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