LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

You are far more than what you feel like, or look like.  The Frillfin Goby is a rather unsightly little fish, 10 to 15 centimeters long, existing within tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world.  Typically, they are found in rock pools.  Seeing a Goby does not inspire even a second thought.  Unlike so many beautiful tropical species, they are rather ordinary, unimpressive in size and not good to eat.  The Frillfin Goby is just an ugly, nondescript little fish swimming around in rock pools.

However, it is indeed a remarkable creature.  For a fish living in a rock pool, the greatest danger is birds in search of their next meal.  There really aren’t many places to hide.  But the Goby has developed an incredible technique of escape.  It can somehow fling its body into a nearby rock pool to get away from a predator, and if necessary to another, then another, and on and on.

The reason this is incredible is that the Goby is jumping blind.  It cannot see the rock pool into which it leaps, yet it manages to jump with amazing accuracy.

How does the Goby do this?  Scientists have discovered that at high tide the Goby swims around the rocky areas and makes a mental map of the landscape, noting the locations of depressions that will form rock pools.  It accomplishes all of this with just one pass of an area!  Then, from memory alone, it is able to leap from rock pool to rock pool.  With a pea size brain, the Goby is able to accomplish this truly stunning feat.

The Frillfin Goby is just another example of the remarkable world that GOD has created for us, with all of its infinite variety and awesome possibilities.  My friend, although you may seem small or even insignificant in contrast to others, our GOD has endowed YOU with certain distinctives that the world is waiting to receive. Find them.  Use them.

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

NEVER BROKEN BEYOND REPAIR

NEVER BROKEN BEYOND REPAIR

As life unfolds, we experience reversals and setbacks, usually unexpected, sometimes unthinkable.  Satanic suggestion says recovery is unlikely, or even impossible.  As a result, many choose the avenue of apathy, never living according to God’s magnificent design – merely existing.  Others develop deep roots of bitterness, passing through days in cynical contemplation of what might have been, or might never be.

My friend, no matter what your natural senses suggest about your predicament and possibilities, GOD has designed you as HIS MASTERPIECE.  So never quit, because GOD is not through with you yet!

Recently, I read an intriguing true story.  One of the greatest ambitions of any violinist is to play a Stradivarius.  Meticulously handcrafted by Antonio Stradivari, these rare violins produce an unrivalled sound.  So we can envision the excitement that the acclaimed British violinist, Peter Cropper, felt when London’s Royal Academy of Music offered him a 258-year-old Stradivarius for a series of concerts in 1981.

But then the unimaginable happened.  As Peter entered the stage he tripped, landing on top of that rare violin and snapping its neck completely off!  We cannot even begin to imagine how Peter Cropper felt at that moment.  A priceless masterpiece had been utterly destroyed by his clumsy act.

Peter Cropper was inconsolable.  He took the violin to a master craftsman, doubting that he might be able to repair it.  But repair it he did.  So perfect was his repair that the terrible break was totally undetectable; and, more importantly, the sound quality was even more exquisite.

The Academy was most gracious and allowed Cropper to continue using the Stradivarius.  And so, night after night, as Peter drew his bow across those incomparable strings, he was reminded of the fact that what was once thought to be irreparably damaged had been fully restored by the hand of a MASTER CRAFTSMAN.

Peter’s unanticipated experience reminds me of my Mother’s favorite poem, which is entitled “THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND,” by Myra Brooks Welch.  It happens to be my favorite also.

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worthwhile
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,

“Who'll start the bidding for me?”
“A dollar, a dollar.  Then two!  Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?”

“Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three…” But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: “What am I bid for the old violin?”
 And he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand!  And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,

And going and gone,” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

“We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?” Swift came the reply:
“The touch of the Master's hand.”
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,

A game — and he travels on.
He is “going” once, and “going” twice,

He's “going” and almost “gone.”
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought

By the touch of the Master's hand.

Remember: Neither your life, nor the life of your loved one, is broken beyond repair.

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

OH, TO BE USED BY GOD!

OH, TO BE USED BY GOD!

Most Christians long to be used by The Master in significant ways, without realizing that there is a high price we must pay to experience the depths of His presence and power, and to be dispatched ultimately into our divine purpose and destiny.  How could this be when Jesus Christ died for us?  Indeed, Christ did die for us at Calvary, vicariously absolving our burdensome debt of sin and shame.  However, He never offered an exemption card from personal loss or suffering.  Quite the contrary.  He declares, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

To illustrate this Kingdom principle, let us consider the LEGEND AND LEGACY OF BAMBOO.  Once upon a time, in the heart of an ancient Kingdom, there was a beautiful garden.  And there, in the cool of the day, the Master of the garden would walk.  Of all the plants in the garden, the most beautiful and beloved was the gracious and noble Bamboo.  Year after year, Bamboo grew and prospered, fully conscious of his Master’s love and care, but always modest and gentle within.  Oftentimes, when the wind came to revel in the garden, Bamboo would dance and rejoice, tossing and swaying and leaping and bowing in complete abandon, which absolutely delighted his Master’s heart.

One day, the Master drew near to contemplate his Bamboo with eyes of curious expectancy.  And Bamboo, in total adoration, bowed his head to the ground as a loving salutation.

The Master called out to him, “Bamboo, Bamboo, I would use you this day.”

Bamboo flung his head to the sky in utter delight.  The day-of-days had come, the purpose for which he had been made, the reason he had been growing hour by hour, the moment in which he would realize his heart’s desire and fulfillment.

He responded immediately, “Master, I’m ready.  Use me as you please.”

“Bamboo,” the Master’s voice spoke gravely, “I will have to take you and cut you down!”

Great fear and trembling shook Bamboo.  “Cut…me…down?  Me who you, Master, have made the most beautiful in all the Garden?  Cut me down?  Oh, not that…not that!  Use me for your joy, use me for your glory, oh Master, but please do not cut me down!”

“Beloved Bamboo,” the Master’s voice grew sober and still, “If I do not cut you down, I cannot use you.”

The garden grew deathly quiet.  The wind held his breath.  Bamboo slowly bowed his proud and glorious head and whispered, “Master, if you cannot use me other than to cut me down, then let it be so.  Do your will and cut.”

“Bamboo, beloved Bamboo, I would also cut your leaves and branches.”

“Master, kindly spare me.  Cut me down and lay my beauty in the dust; but would you also have to take my leaves and branches?”

“Bamboo, if I do not cut the excess away, I cannot use you.”

The sun hid his face.  A listening butterfly glided fearfully away.  Shivering in terrible expectancy, Bamboo whispered: “Master, cut away.”

“Bamboo, Bamboo, we’re not quite finished yet.  I must also split you in two and cut out your heart, for if I cut not so, I cannot use you.”

Bowing to the ground, Bamboo fully submitted.  “Master, my Master…then cut and split.”

So the wise Master of the garden took Bamboo…and cut him down…and hacked off his branches…and stripped off his leaves…and split him in two…and cut out his heart.

And lifting him gently, the Master carried Bamboo to where there was a spring of fresh sparkling water in the midst of dry, unirrigated fields.  Then, placing one end of the broken Bamboo in the cool spring and the other end into a water channel in the field, the Master gently laid down his beloved Bamboo.  The spring started singing a song of welcome, and the clear sparkling waters raced joyously down the channel of Bamboo’s torn body into waiting and dying fields.  Then the rice was planted and the days went by; the shoots grew and the harvest came.

And on that day, Bamboo, once seeming so glorious in his stately beauty, was actually far more glorious in his brokenness and in his humility.  For in his first state, he only looked like life abundant; but in his brokenness, he became a channel of abundant life to his Master’s world.

As we earnestly pray, seeking to be used by the Master, let us be ever mindful that we must and shall be sown as seeds for the spiritual harvest of others.  Nevertheless, in the end, we bring ultimate glory to our Creator, along with fulfillment and favor to ourselves.  Indeed, our service and sacrifice are the benediction and blessing of our lives!

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

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

Pastor Robert L. Smith shared an interesting experience with us.  He was working with public school children, some of whom were experiencing difficult behavioral challenges.  A while back, one of his students was completely out of control, absolutely refusing to comport himself with orderly classroom conduct. Instead of raising his voice, or berating the student in some way, Pastor Smith wisely employed an alternative technique.  He simply smiled and said, “I think what you really need is a hug!”  Immediately, the young boy broke out into a broad grin.  He hugged his mentor affectionately and thereafter made radical adjustments in his behavior.

Sometimes we do not achieve positive relational results because of our erroneous assumptions.

A conflict counselor was enlisted by a parish priest to resolve a long-standing problem.  The relationship between the priest and the parochial school principal had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer communicate.  The conflict counselor prepared them for a face-to-face meeting with the following instruction: “Before we get together, I want both of you to write down what you think the problems are in your relationship.”

The principal and the priest arrived at their first meeting and sat opposite one another.  The counselor asked them to read their lists.

The priest described the problem from his point of view. “I feel that the principal resents my presence in the school.  I would like to play a larger role but feel I can’t.  I’d especially like to be more involved in religious education, but I feel pushed out.”

The principal then read his assessment of the situation. “I feel the priest doesn’t want to get involved in the school.  For the life of me, I can’t understand why he feels that way because we desperately need him, especially in religious education.”

Wow!  So much of conflict has its origins in negative or false impressions and suppositions about the other party.  Wouldn’t it be much better if we were to see others through the empathetic eyes of grace and mercy, just as GOD sees us?

It reminds me of a historic setback for Standard Oil, then one of the largest companies in the world, led by the wealthy industrialist, John D Rockefeller.  A company executive had made a bad business decision that cost the firm two million dollars, an extraordinary sum in the late 1800s.

A corporate partner, Edward Bedford, had an appointment to see Mr. Rockefeller.  When he entered Rockefeller’s office, he saw his boss at his desk, bent over a piece of paper, busily scribbling notes.  Mr. Rockefeller finally looked up and said to Bedford, “I suppose you’ve heard about our loss?  I’ve been thinking it over,” Rockefeller said.  “Before I ask the man in to discuss the matter, I’ve been making some notes.”

Bedford looked across the table and saw the page Rockefeller had been scribbling on.  Across the top of the page was the heading, “Positive Points in Favor of Mr. ____.”  Below that heading was a long list of the employee’s good qualities, including specific notes about three occasions where he made decisions that earned the company many times more than the losses from his recent error.

Bedford never forgot that strategic and gracious lesson.  He remarked, “Whenever I am tempted to rip into anyone, I force myself first to sit down and thoughtfully compile as long a list of that person’s good points as I possibly can.  Invariably, by the time I finish this personal inventory, I see the matter in its true perspective and keep my temper in check.”

What about US?  There are hundreds of things that have the potential to annoy us on a daily basis.  However, JESUS CHRIST admonishes us to handle potential setbacks with wisdom, compassion and patience.  In fact, according to Jesus, “In your patience you possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

So when we are tempted to fly off the handle and react too swiftly or strongly, let’s just pause for one or two moments.  Let’s take a deep breath and THINK.  And exactly what should we think about? 

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

It’s a spiritual and emotional discipline that will bring blessing and benefit to all.

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

IF CHRIST WAS AMONG US

IF CHRIST WAS AMONG US

Random Thought: “Wouldn’t the world be much better off if JESUS CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, actually lived AMONG us?”  It’s something to really think about, isn’t it?  So prayerfully consider the following story.

There was once an old stone monastery tucked away in the middle of a picturesque forest.  For many years people would make the significant detour required to seek out and experience this splendid monastery.  The peaceful spirit of that place was emotional healing for the troubled soul.

However, over the passage of time, fewer and fewer people made their way to the monastery.  Why?  The monks had grown jealous and petty in their relationships with one another, and their animosity was soon sensed by all who visited.

The Abbot of the monastery was extremely distressed by what was happening, and he poured out his heart to his good friend, Jeremiah.  Jeremiah was a wise old Jewish rabbi.  Having heard the Abbot’s tale of woe, he asked if he could offer a suggestion.  “Please do,” responded the Abbot.  “Anything you can offer.”

Jeremiah said he had received a vision, a very important vision, and the vision was this: The MESSIAH was alive and living among the ranks of the monks.  The Abbot was flabbergasted.  One among his own was the Messiah!  Who could it be?  He knew it wasn’t himself, but who?  He raced back to the monastery and shared this exciting news with his fellow monks.

The monks grew silent as they looked into each other’s faces.  Was this one, or that one, the MESSIAH?

From that day on, the atmosphere in the monastery changed radically.  Joseph and Ivan started talking again, neither wanting to be guilty of slighting the Messiah.  Pierre and Thomas left behind their frosty attitudes and sought each other’s forgiveness.  The monks began serving each other, proactively looking for opportunities to assist, always seeking healing and forgiveness where any offense had been given.

As travelers again found their way to the monastery, the word rapidly spread about the remarkable spirit of that place.  People once again sojourned to the monastery and afterwards found themselves renewed and transformed.  All of this came about because those monks KNEW that MESSIAH was among them.

At the outset of this devotional, I asked a ‘loaded’ question: “Wouldn’t the world be better off ‘IF’ THE MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST, actually lived AMONG us?”  The answer is quite simple: CHRIST DOES LIVE AMONG US!  Our Living Lord was revealed (two millennia past) as “EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is “GOD WITH US.” (Matthew 1:23)  Thereafter, He promised never to leave or forsake us. (I Samuel 12:22 – John 14:18 – Matthew 28:20)

Consider this.  Some have an unhealthy tendency to develop SPIRITUAL AMNESIA, i.e. to forget that CHRIST is always near and absolutely aware.  In fact, far too many ‘believers’ have become PRACTICAL ATHEISTS, which means we PROFESS that there is a God, but we LIVE as if there is no God.  It’s time for a change.  Let’s start living as if JESUS CHRIST is our next-door neighbor.  Wouldn’t that transform our attitudes, habits, decisions and lifestyles?  I’m confident that it would.  But guess what?  Jesus is NOT merely a next-door neighbor.  JESUS LIVES…WITH US…and…IN US!  So, from now on, let everything that we do and say reflect His presence and His power.  THE MESSIAH LIVES AMONG US!

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

SHARPEN YOUR AXE!

SHARPEN YOUR AXE!

In pursuit of dreams and goals, so many have the tendency to move too fast.  The unfortunate by-products of this helter-skelter existence are bad decisions, knee-jerk reactions, high anxiety and even poor health.  It is mission critical to regularly reserve quality time to relax, meditate, pray, think and restore ESSENTIAL BALANCE in the body, mind and spirit.

A noted archaeologist once hired Inca tribesmen to lead him to a site deep in the Andes Mountains.  After some time, the tribesmen stopped and insisted they would go no farther.  The archaeologist grew impatient and then angry.  But no matter how much he cajoled the tribesmen, they would not move.  Then, all of a sudden, the tribesmen changed their attitude.  They picked up their gear and set off once more.  When the bewildered archaeologist asked why they had stopped and refused to move for so long, the tribesmen responded, “We were moving too fast and had to wait for our souls to catch up.”

Although this sounds a bit superstitious, it contains a kernel of truth.  MOVING TOO FAST is not only detrimental to the BODY, it is potentially damaging to the SOUL.  King Solomon wrote, “Keep your HEART [your SOUL, your MIND] with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)  Keeping your heart simply means tending to it with consistency, caution and care.  Remember this: Failure to take occasional ‘ME TIME’ could cause you to miss out on seeing ‘THE BIG PICTURE.’

It reminds me of the story of a young man who approached the foreman of a logging crew to ask for a job. “That depends,” replied the foreman.  “Let’s see you fell this tree.”

The young man stepped forward, and skillfully felled a great tree.  Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, “You can start on Monday!”

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by — and Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, “You can pick up your pay check on the way out today.”

Startled, the young man replied, “I thought you paid on Friday.”

“Normally we do,” said the foreman.  “But we’re letting you go because you’ve fallen behind.  Our daily work charts show that you dropped from first place on Monday to last place today.”

“But I’m a hard worker,” the young man objected.  “I arrive first, leave last, and even work through coffee breaks!”

Sensing the young man’s integrity, the foreman thought for a minute and then asked, “Have you been sharpening your axe?”

The young man replied, “No sir, I’ve been working too hard to take time for that!”

Our lives are just like that.  It is easy to get so busy that there is too little time left to SHARPEN ONE’S AXE.  In today’s world people are more driven than ever, but are also less productive and less happy than ever.  Why is that?  Could it be that we have forgotten to take time to attend to the CORE ISSUES that define us and ultimately lead us to our purpose and destiny?   My friend, take time for YOU.  Sharpen your axe!

This devotional is especially targeted to those who always serve the needs and wants of others.  Remember: You serve better when you are at YOUR BEST! 

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

AWESOME HEALING POWER

AWESOME HEALING POWER

Have you ever wondered whether your condition is beyond the scope of recovery and healing?  Faced with an impossible situation, the Lord presented an important truth and a challenge to the faith of Jeremiah, the prophet.  This is the Word of the Lord: “BEHOLD, I AM THE LORD, THE GOD OF ALL FLESH.  IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27)  Amen!  There is nothing – absolutely nothing – that is too difficult for THE ONE “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

An amazing story about the miraculous healing power of God was first reported in an issue of “Time  Magazine” on April 10, 1995.

Elisabeth Jernigan is the beloved daughter of Betsy and Lennie Jernigan of North Carolina, USA.  When she was just months old Elisabeth’s parents noticed her right eyelid weaken, then drooping as the pupil become fixed.  Her grandfather, a Harvard trained surgeon, was worried and advised her parents to take Elisabeth to an ophthalmologist.  The ophthalmologist referred them to a pediatrician and the pediatrician to a neurologist.  Eventually Elisabeth was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Exploratory surgery removed part of the tumor from the nerve that controls the right eye, but it was far too dangerous to remove it all.  The pathology report came back with the worst news of all.  Elisabeth had an extremely rare malignant meningioma which typically kills anyone who ever has it.  The prognosis was for continued growth of the tumor, eventual paralysis and certain death.

Elisabeth’s parents started praying; their friends prayed; their church prayed.  They prayed that Elisabeth might be healed, but also for the ability to accept her death if healing was not God’s will.  Elisabeth’s surgeon grandfather didn’t have the faith to pray for healing, but he did pray for wisdom in selecting doctors, and the ability to get through the inevitable suffering.

Elisabeth’s condition deteriorated as expected.  Fluid began accumulating on her brain, with the doctors repeatedly relieving it with a large needle.  Elisabeth grew lethargic and nauseated.  It was agreed that more surgery was needed, to insert shunts that would drain the fluid.

The evening before her surgery, the family gathered as their minister anointed Elisabeth with oil and prayed for her healing.  That same night, the doctor had to remove so much thick, infected fluid from her brain that he postponed the operation for a few days.  He returned twelve hours later and was completely baffled to find there was virtually no more fluid.

During the surgery, the doctor decided to make a last-ditch effort to remove the rest of her tumor. Removing the section of nerve that the cancer had invaded would leave Elisabeth blind in her right eye but would give her a slim hope for survival.  However, when the surgeon went into Elisabeth’s brain, he could not find the lesion.  He removed the nerve section as planned, but when the pathology tests came back it reported that there were no cancer cells.  Regular cat scans since then have revealed no evidence of a tumor.

Doctors describe what happened to Elisabeth as a “spontaneous resolution.”  Elisabeth’s family rightly calls it a “miracle.”  In June 1995, Elisabeth turned 13.  Elisabeth’s father, Lennie, said “In the years ahead, if you happen to see a young girl walking down the street with her right eye permanently closed, please don’t think that some tragedy has befallen her and extend your sympathy.  Instead have cheerful thoughts, knowing that the Holy Spirit dwells in her, and our God is powerful, benevolent and magnificent.”

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

Jeremiah, the prophet, revealed a powerful key to divine intervention.  It is quite simple.  Since God actually inhabits the praises of His people, HEARTFELT WORSHIP brings His supernatural presence – and targets His awesome power on any of our natural conditions or circumstances. (Psalm 22:3)  Why not try the Jeremiah strategy?  Instead of blaming God for his troubles, Jeremiah worshipped Him: “Ah, LORD GOD!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

Our faith is both manifested and measured during the elapsed time between our call and God’s answer.  So wait on Him.  Worship Him.  Trust Him.  And know this: God does answer prayer.

“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)

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