Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Bible in One Year

Have you read the Bible? Okay, this is a trick question. Many Christians will say, “Yes.” But the question really is, “Have you actually read each and every book of the Bible in a concentrated effort to know and understand the Word of God we are to live by every day?” Hmmm…

As we enter 2011, people look to the New Year as an opportunity for a new start and a new commitment. I encourage you, my brothers and sisters and Christ, to make this your year of reading the complete Word of God. As we become more spiritually mature, we begin to realize that it’s not enough to know how to get to the books of the Bible and where to find popular verses that are often quoted. We need to really go deeper and read through all the pages of the Word we hold close to our hearts.

We live in a day and age—and most of us live in countries—where we have easy access to the Bible on a daily basis. And there are multiple translations available in our native tongue to help make it easy to read the Bible. But reading the Word of God in a year is not like picking up a coffee table book for a casual perusal. It takes a commitment. And it requires daily prayer for understanding. It means staying faithful even on the most difficult days of the year. And I for one can tell you that it’s not easy. But if you’re persistent, your reward will be immeasurable.

Thanks be to God that we live in a day and age where there are countless resources available to us. A simple online search will yield numerous programs that provide daily Bible readings that will help you accomplish your goal. My favorite can be found at www.ewordtoday.com/year.

There are a few things I enjoy about this daily reading program:
-- You can begin on the 1st or 15th of any month (but January 1st would be a great time to start, dear reader)
-- You can choose the type of reading program you want, such as cover to cover or a chronological series of events (tip: the chronological series really brings the events of the Bible to life!)
-- You can choose the translation you want to read throughout the year (I’m a big fan of the NIV for modern English speakers)
-- The readings take about a half hour or so, on average (before you begin your first reading, establish a dedicated hour of each day that you will turn over completely to God for the purposes of reading His Word and spending time meditating on it)

If you are truly considering reading the Bible in one year, turn your desire and intent over to God. He will guide you through it. While the task may seem overwhelming, keep in mind that through God nothing is impossible!

I thank God for each day in 2011 that I can draw closer to Him through His Word!



Sunday, December 19, 2010

Merry CHRISTmas!

This is the time of year where pleasantries are exchanged on a regular basis. “Happy holidays” is said with a smile. “Season's greetings!” is proclaimed with a nod. But for me, there's nothing sweeter or more refreshing to hear than “Merry Christmas.” I’ve always found it ironic that there are so many efforts to be "all inclusive" during the holiday season—the result is the exclusion of Jesus.

Attempts to X out Christ begin with the terrible "Xmas" label and go as far as removing any mention of Jesus from the holiday celebration. Without Jesus—the Christ—the entire meaning of the Christmas holiday is lost. What is the song Silent Night without the refrain “Christ the savior is born”? Why have a tree without topping it with either the star or angel in remembrance of the arrival of the Messiah? No wonder so many people are left feeling as empty as their unwrapped gift boxes after the holiday is done.

Luke 2:11 declares, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Christmas, or “Christ’s Mass” is a celebration of His birth. Now what sense does it make to have a birthday party and ignore the guest of honor? A simple “Merry Christmas” goes a long way in showing you know Who the party is for.

When I hear and say “Merry Christmas” these days, I consider it a purposeful and direct acknowledgement of Jesus Christ. It may not be politically correct—but I’d rather not be spiritually incorrect!

Merry Christmas, dear readers!



Sunday, December 5, 2010

Spiritual Multitasking

This may be a familiar scenario: You are busily working on your computer. The television is on. Your cell phone buzzes, letting you know that a text message has just arrived. Someone walks into the room and asks you a question. Your first response: “Huh?” While we like to pride ourselves these days on our ability to multitask, there are still things in life that require us to focus.

The human brain is exceptional. It can process millions of bits of information in an instant. And, yes, the brain does have the ability to handle a number of different tasks simultaneously. However, studies have shown that certain tasks should be given our complete attention. For example, it’s no urban legend that talking on one’s cell phone while driving can be deadly. And let’s not even get started with texting while driving! Without a complete focus on what’s happening on the road, you are vulnerable to every unexpected hazard.

The same line of thinking can be applied to our spiritual focus. With so much going on in our lives, seemingly at all times, we may often find ourselves spiritually multitasking: Sitting in church service, thinking about what to put on the table for dinner. Doing the daily Bible reading while listening to the traffic news or weather report for our morning commute. If at any point God were to say something to us, our spirit’s response would be “Huh?”

God makes it clear in His Word that He doesn’t want us to put anything before Him—or even alongside Him. Our focus should be on Him completely, especially at times when we are in worship, in study, or in prayer. When God made His covenant with the Israelites, He instructed, “Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.” (Deuteronomy 28:14) While the “other gods” back then were graven images carved out of wood and stone, today’s “other gods” may be our gadgets or other interests.

God demands and deserves our undivided attention. I’m going to make sure He gets mine!



Sunday, November 28, 2010

Broccoli Church

There are many different types of churches out there. I’m not talking denominations here, such as Baptist, Methodist, AME, or COGIC. I mean different church flavors. You have your Cotton Candy Church, where everything is always sweet and sugarcoated. Then there’s your Popcorn Church, where everyone settles in each week for the big show. But my favorite happens to be the one that’s losing popularity these days—Broccoli Church. You know, the one where you might not always like the way it’s prepared, but it’s always good for you.

What’s wrong with Cotton Candy Church? Doesn’t Psalm 119:103 say, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth”? True, the Word of God is sweet to us—but it is so much more than that. A look at 2 Timothy 3:16 shows us that other characteristics of the Word are “teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” And there are many more.

The truth is that the Word in and of itself is a full spiritual meal. Not just dessert. If you leave Cotton Candy Church every single Sunday with a “feel-good” spirit and never once with conviction or re-evaluation of your spiritual walk, you may not be getting your nutrients.

What about Popcorn Church? Why can’t we just sit back and enjoy the Sunday Show? We start with the musicians and a hot praise and worship set to get our soul all stirred up with praise dancers performing as spiritual cheerleaders, then on to the excitement of the service with more falling out than an old Michael Jackson concert—and that’s before the preacher even preaches. When the spiritual head of the House does arrive to take the podium, we’re hanging on to every word he utters, every phrase he turns, because his performance is just captivating. After service, you can hear folks leaving with words of, “Girl, that was some sermon” and “Oh, my spirit is so filled!” But come Monday morning, who knows what the sermon was about…oh, and who cares? We’ll be back on Sunday for the next show—and maybe even Wednesday night for the matinee!

There are plenty of defenses for Popcorn Church. There are those who will tell you that people don’t want to go to church and be bored to death. Or they argue that thanks to technology, we can take the church experience “to a new level.” Some may even say that because of the animated and likeable personalities of these preachers, more people are at least coming to church. But God is not looking for a church with quantity—He wants quality Christians.

And that brings me to Broccoli Church. I love Broccoli Church because it’s so beneficial to spiritual growth. It is full of healthy nutrients and always fresh. So it may be served up with praise and worship music that ministers to your soul—not just gets your heart racing. On the side you may get a presentation from the dance or drama ministry—not to distract you from the service, but to support it. And when the pastor comes to deliver the Word—it’s always so good, your spirit just eats it up. And even when the message is a little bitter in that it corrects or rebukes your spirit, it always goes down the right way.

I thank God for Broccoli Church, a place where I can grow spiritually healthy and strong!

What are other church flavors you’ve experienced? Are you also hungry for Broccoli Church? Leave a message!




Sunday, November 21, 2010

Oh, Give Thanks

Roasted turkey with stuffing. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Roasted corn. Sweet potato pies. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I begin to salivate! But like any holiday, we can easily lose sight of the real meaning. When we think of those who will go without the holiday roast and the prepared meal, it starts to bring us back to the real reason for giving thanks.

As Christians, our Thanksgiving holiday isn’t about stuffing ourselves more than the bird on the table. We believe in truly giving thanks to the Lord for His provision over the year. Psalm 118 tells us to “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” And this appears in the chapter not once, but twice (verses 1 and 29).

We understand that we must give thanks—regardless of what our current situation looks like. Due to the current economy, there are families whose tables will not be full this Thanksgiving. And even those who will eat on the actual holiday—thanks to food banks, soup kitchens, and the help of people who care—those families may still be faced with the challenge of putting food on the table the rest of the winter. In Psalm 118:5-14, the psalmist speaks of some of the troubles and hardships the Lord has brought him through. It reminds us that it may be frightening and upsetting when we don’t know what tomorrow holds, but through it all, we must continue to be faithful to our thanksgiving to the Lord.

Let’s remember that Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday—it’s a way of life. Through the good times and the bad, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever!



Sunday, November 14, 2010

“In a Relationship”

A friend of mine recently changed her Facebook status from “Single” to “In a Relationship.” I started to think about how as Christians, our daily status is “In a Relationship…With Jesus.” And I thought about how important it is for us to realize how precious our spiritual relationship with Him really is.

The one we love is sometimes called our “significant other.” The term implies that no matter how many others we have coming and going in our lives, there is “one” who has a significant impact on us. This is the one we care about most and the one we think about most often. A famous pickup line goes, “Wow, you must be tired, because you’ve been running around my mind all day.” While I’m not sure this line has led to any life-long relationships, the sentiment is correct. In our relationship with Jesus, He is on our mind all day—we’re thinking about Him and how to please Him, and thinking about what He’s thinking of us. He is the most significant “One” in our lives.

Being in a relationship also means taking time out to ensure the one you love knows you’re in love. This includes carving out time to spend with your loved one. When I wake up in the morning, I realize how important and special it is to start my day in conversation with Jesus. In fact, sometimes my prayers begin with, “Good morning, Lord.” It’s my way of letting Him know that I’m not coming before Him out of habit or compulsion, but a true desire to start my day with Him. And I dedicate one day a week, Sunday, to visit His house, talk with others about Him, and enjoy being surrounded by His presence. Giving my time is an important part of showing Him my love.

A relationship should not be taken for granted—it requires a lot of work. We often call it “give and take.” In our relationship with Jesus, we may sometimes feel like we take too much. After all, He gave His very life in order to have an eternal relationship with us. What can we possibly give Him in return? Well, the love we show others is our way of giving back to Him. And when we honor and praise Him with our thoughts and actions, He blesses us in return.

What I love most about being in a relationship with Jesus is that it never ends. In the physical world, He surrounds us with His love, and we know that when we pass on to a spiritual place, we will rest with Him in glory. It’s a relationship that goes on and on. With none other can your status be “In a Relationship” forever!

Throughout the book of Psalms, David declares his relationship status with the Lord. As I read his songs of praise, such as Psalm 145, I thank God that I am, and will forever be, “In a Relationship…With Jesus.”




Sunday, November 7, 2010

The Lesson in the Maze

Recently a group from my church paid a visit to a local farm. As a city girl, it was a treat for me to take a hayride, pick fresh pumpkins, and enjoy nature for a few hours on a brisk, fall day. As part of the fun, I decided to take a walk through the corn maze—which God used as a great teaching moment.

I made sure everyone who wanted to explore the maze went in first. Some of the teens, parents with small children, and even my husband and 2-year old nephew went in ahead of me. Then I took a deep breath and said a quick prayer as I entered the maze myself, with its neat walls of corn stalks that stood about 7 feet tall. In the beginning, I loddy-doddied my way through, figuring I’d simply let my instincts and a little help from the Holy Spirit guide me through.

The Lord gave me a few minutes of “me time.” I wandered alone, with the dirt path under my feet, checking out the dried ears of corn that were still on some of the stalks. I had a map of the maze in my hand—but as I said earlier, I’m a city girl, so it wasn’t of any worth to me. After about 15 minutes, I realized it was probably time to get serious about getting out. So, I started to make a concentrated effort to get to the end.

Just then, I ran into my husband. He had our nephew by one hand and the maze map in the other. “Are you really trying to read the map?” I asked. “Of course—you have to follow the instructions,” he replied. “Yeah right,” I said, taking a right while he took a left. And my right led me straight into a dead end. I suddenly recalled that Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” So, I decided to go with my husband!

We made it to the center of the maze, where there was a platform. We walked up the stairs of the platform which provided great view that overlooked the farm. I paused to take in the colors of fall—brown, gold, green, orange, and red—which were just gorgeous. My husband told me it was time to move on and he continued to lead us by the map.

I was starting to wonder if this map thing was really working out. We hadn’t really hit any dead ends while following it—but we still weren’t out of the maze, either. My nephew, who had grown tired of walking, was now in my husband’s arms, along with the map. As I was beginning to doubt my husband’s map-reading skills, we were joined by a young lady from another group. “You look like you know what you’re doing. I’m following you!” she said. Well, there was no way some one else was going to have more faith in my husband than me! “Yep, he’s a smart guy and he’s going to lead us out of here,” I told her.

Soon after, we were out of the maze! The young lady was the first of her group to make it out, and she triumphantly sat at the exit to wait for the others. I told my husband I was really proud of him for getting us out with the map. He replied, “It’s easy when you follow the instructions.”

That’s when the Lord laid on my heart the full scope of his words. When I followed my own way without the map, my “right” took me to the wrong place. Isn’t that a lot like life? When we try to follow our own mind, we end up in a dead end. In my home, we try each day to “follow the instructions” that God gave us for daily living—in other words, our Bible. And my husband is the one we depend on most to lead the charge and keep us on the right track—just as he had done in the maze. Even more so, his conviction and our example were an encouragement for someone else to follow the right path!

Lord, You have mapped out the best way to navigate through this life—I’m going to trust and follow Your way!



Sunday, October 31, 2010

Masquerading Christians

Today, the streets will be filled with costumed trick-or-treaters collecting candy by the bagful. There will be vampires, zombies, ghosts, and demons—and oh my, actual Christians! Why are there so many Christians this year pretending to be something they are not?

I find that my position on Halloween is not one that wins a lot of support. Both the unbelievers and the Christians I know often disagree with me on this topic. I don’t celebrate Halloween in my home because there is nothing about it that celebrates what I believe in. As Christians, we are the light of the world. I’m not a fan of a holiday that is consumed by darkness.

If you’re still reading this ☺, here are some things to consider…

One of the things that I can appreciate about the holiday is the creativity that goes into it. The elaborate design of some of the handmade costumes and intricate makeup is just breathtaking. And as a kid, I loved wearing costumes and pretending to be someone or something else for a day. Currently, I even admire the work that goes into the house in the middle of town which—taking full advantage of its location—puts out a display that looks like a Hollywood set. Yet, it still doesn’t sit right with me that some of the images (for example, a guy hanging himself) are part of the “fun” of the holiday.

I also have a serious sweet tooth. So the idea of FREE CANDY is seductive enough to get me sucked in. Yet, isn’t that how the enemy works? Temptation begins with, “Aw, that doesn’t look so bad,” and ends in death. I love candy. But not enough to rot in hell for it. I’m just saying.

And trust me, I’m not caught up in the fact that it was based on a pagan holiday, because I understand that my lovely Christmas tree and those really fun Easter egg hunts also have pagan roots.* It’s more than that. Think about it—this year Halloween falls on a Sunday. I’ve heard quite a few Christians say, “It just doesn’t seem right to go to church, then go home and go trick-or-treating.” A town in Alabama decided to celebrate Halloween on Saturday this year because the officials even felt that it was a conflict to do it on Sunday. If something in your spirit is telling you it’s not right…don’t you think you should listen?

Romans 12 tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Unfortunately, there are so many Christians who make compromises—such as masquerading as those who follow the patterns of this world—that they are unable to see what God’s perfect will is for their daily lives.

I refuse to hide myself behind masks and costumes today—I’d prefer to hide behind the cross every day of my life!


* By the way, the reason pagan traditions found their way into Catholic celebrations (such as Christ’s mass, or Christmas) is because there was at least some parallel that could be drawn between the native culture’s celebration and the Christian observance. But there is nothing about Halloween that is even remotely familiar to Christianity. For more information about other Christian perspectives on Halloween, please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween#Christianity.





Sunday, October 24, 2010

What Are You Thinking???

I was recently reminded that what we think about could have a direct impact on what we do and how we respond to situations in life. Remember The Little Engine That Could? Even when all seemed lost, he said, “I think I can, I think I can,” until he reached success. What are you thinking these days?

When we are faced with a challenge, we are often confronted with the negatives: Why something can’t be done. Who’s fault it is—or will be. What went wrong in the first place. We may forget that the battle starts from within. We have a spiritual enemy that can’t wait to present us with the reasons we cannot overcome a situation. And he will flood our mind with the negatives.

Effective problem-solvers will tell you that you have to look at all sides of a problem in order to overcome it. You have to understand where the limitations are in order to get past them. However, too often we get stuck focusing on the limitations only. We have to remember that when you dwell ON the negative, you have a great chance of ending up dwelling IN negativity.

In Philippians 4:8, while giving encouragement to believers, Paul wrote, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” His advice could be summed up by something we used to say in my neighborhood back in the day: “Get your mind right!”

Think about a challenge you’re facing right now. Maybe it’s a family issue. Maybe it’s unemployment. Maybe it’s poor health or depression. Now think about how you have been thinking about the situation. Stop and say a prayer. Turn it over to the Lord and ask Him—who is and has been with you all along—to help you think about anything that is excellent and praiseworthy surrounding that challenge. Think about those things and watch what happens!

I’m thinking that it’s time for a change in my life—and with the help of the Lord, I know it’s going to happen!




Sunday, October 17, 2010

Victory Celebration!

Imagine going though—or think about the last time you went through—a terrible situation in your life. Think about spending hours on your knees praying over the situation, asking God for guidance and deliverance. Think about humbly reaching out to loved ones, prayer partners, and others to ask for support during our trying times…. Now think about overcoming the situation. Think about the joy that comes with deliverance! What comes next? My brothers and sisters in Christ, we need more Victory Celebrations!

I recently attended a wonderful affair hosted by a lovely married couple, friends of the family. It was a Victory Celebration—a thanksgiving for God’s goodness and awesome saving power. The attendees were friends and family members who have been witnesses to the couple’s testimony. It was an event unlike any other I’ve ever attended under circumstances that few of us would ever imagine. Let me explain…

Over the last several years, this family has been plagued by financial problems, job loss, even threat of criminal prosecution. They have faced devastation that many of us would shudder just thinking about. Yet through it all, they held to their faith in God and continued to weather each terrible storm together, with nothing but trust in the Lord to get them through. Family members and friends also prayed and lent any support they could through the trying times. And about a month ago, they received relief from their most recent trial. It was a major win for the family and an event definitely worth celebrating.

Psalm 34:19 tells us, “a righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Often, we hear about the troubles of those around us. We have prayer lists in our church bulletins and prayer requests from people we know. But how often do we hear how the Lord “delivers him from them all”? Not that we need confirmation for every prayer we send up, because we trust that the Lord is always faithful to answer our prayers. But sometimes it is nice to see that He is still in the miracle business!

During the Victory Celebration, the couple offered words of wisdom about the lessons learned during their trying times. I got a lot out of it, but one of the most important things I learned wasn’t just from what they said but what they demonstrated: When times are dark and the future is uncertain, we can reach out to loved ones, prayer partners, and even professional help—but when the clouds clear away and you are able to enjoy the light again, have them all join in as you GIVE GOD THE GLORY!

Matthew 6:6 tells me that when I pray in secret, the Lord will bless me openly—I’m inviting all those who prayed with me to join my Victory Celebration and share in the blessing!

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Each week, notification is sent out to our valued readers, letting them know that a new blog has been posted. Don’t be left out—to become part of our circle of valued readers, send your email address to info@vocabllc.com. Just write ADD ME in the subject line.



Sunday, October 10, 2010

More Than a Feeling

Did you ever wake up and just feel like not doing anything? Maybe you were under the weather. Maybe you were tired from “overdoing it” the day before. Or maybe, you were just feeling a little down and out. The truth is, sometimes the way we feel dictates our actions. Thank goodness our salvation isn’t based on feelings!

As Christians, we may not always “feel” like doing things we know we should. We might not feel like reading our Bible on a daily basis. We may sit out a few Sundays from church because we don’t feel like going. We may even find ourselves entrenched in sin, because we simply don’t feel like doing the right thing. If it were left up to us, our feelings would eventually lead us into some very dark and dangerous places.

During His time on earth, Jesus had feelings. He became weary. He felt hunger and thirst. He even demonstrated feelings at the hearing of the death of a friend (“Jesus wept.”). However, His divine nature would not allow feelings to get in the way of His purpose. In the garden of Gethsemane, just prior to His crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39) Jesus demonstrated perfect submission—overcoming any personal feelings He may have had so that He could completely serve the will of God.

We should always follow Christ’s example and yield to the will of God. That’s because God’s grace saves us from the chaotic nature of our feelings. He cares for us even when we are careless with own lives. He watches over us, even when we take our eyes off of Him. He loves us even when we are unlovable.

I’m going to do my best to do His will—even when I don’t really “feel” like it!



Sunday, September 26, 2010

Get Some Rest

“The city never sleeps.”
“We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
“If you snooze, you lose.”
With so much business to attend to, personal interests to pursue, and the buzz of so much social energy, there seems to be hardly any time for rest. But taking time out is part of the natural order of things. Without rest, we find ourselves in an ongoing cycle that leads to becoming burnt out, sick, and just plain exhausted.

God created the world in six days. After putting forth all the energy and detail into creating the earth we live in, He took a seventh day to rest (Genesis 2:2-3). When leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, God directed His people to follow His example and set aside a Sabbath day for rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11).

Today, the pressure is on. For many people, in order to be the best at what they do and get the things they want—or even just to keep up—means putting in extra hours and putting personal needs aside. This leads to a cycle of people working late, working weekends, and working themselves to death. Literally.

The saying, “I’m sick and tired,” is actually very revealing. Studies have proven that a lack of sleep can wear down the body’s immune system. The more tired you are, the more vulnerable you become to getting sick. Rest is essential to good health.

On another note…”the city that never sleeps” is also the city that has one of the highest crime rates. Ever wonder why residential neighborhoods with hardly any illicit activity are called, “sleepy towns”? Because when almost all of the residents are in bed at 9 p.m., there’s not a lot of criminal activity going on!

Rest is also important to our spiritual health. A weary mind gives way to low impulse control, leading us more susceptible to sin. And when we neglect to set aside time for worship, we not only disobey God’s ordinance to keep the Sabbath holy, but we don’t get the rejuvenation we need to stay spiritually refreshed.

I’m taking another look at the importance of rest in my life—and adjusting my schedule accordingly!





Sunday, September 19, 2010

What Would YOU Do?

You are walking down the street and you hear the sound of a baby’s cries coming from inside a locked car on a hot day…. You are shopping at a local store and you hear the cashier making derogatory comments to someone who is disabled…. You see someone who appears to be stealing a bike from the local park…. What would you do? A television show—armed with hidden cameras—seeks to answer that question.

It is so interesting to see human psychology at play while watching this program. What Would You Do, which airs on ABC, exposes the absolute worst and the very best of our natural response to various situations. And week after week, the program brings to life the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37.

While almost all of us celebrate the humility of the man who would help someone in need—even going so far as to do it at his own personal expense—the fact is that many people have a hard time putting this into practice. And there are plenty of reasons, too. Sometimes, we are too caught up in our own lives and oblivious to the needs of others. Sometimes we are afraid for our own personal safety. And sometimes we just don’t know what to do.

A couple of years ago, the popular phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?” was everywhere. As Christians, the Spirit of Christ is in us. So what WE do should actually be a reflection of what HE would do. If the hidden cameras caught our response to any of the situations proposed by the program, would the Christ in us shine through?

What would you do?




Sunday, September 12, 2010

“Bring Another Race to Church Sunday”

Okay, so the idea was a bit heavy handed, but the pastor wasn’t completely off his rocker. Ministering to a large inner-city congregation, he wondered aloud why he didn’t see more diverse faces in the pews. Certainly the members had coworkers, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances of different backgrounds and nationalities. Why weren’t members of the congregation extending the invitation to their house of worship?

Truth be told, many of us attend racially and culturally segregated churches. Of course, there is a difference between de jure segregation (which is mandated by law) and de facto segregation (which happens by coincidence)—and I would believe that there are very few churches left in this country that would openly denounce the mixing of races in the pews. But in this day and age, having just one or two families in the church who don’t fit the congregation’s racial or cultural majority isn’t enough. A true multicultural worship experience still lacks in many churches.

One may cite language barriers, denominational differences, or simple fear of the unknown as factors that prevent more interracial worship. But as Christians, we need to simply get over it. It is concerning that there are more churches that are willing to travel abroad to reach people of different races than go into a local community to do the same. As the saying goes, “Charity begins at home.” Charity, by the way, is another word for Love.

The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

In Christ, there should be no cultural fear, no racial hatred, and no ethnic discrimination. As the song goes, “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!” I tend to believe that the rejoicing will take place among people of all nationalities, cultural backgrounds, languages and traditions. Why can’t we start here on earth?

I believe it’s important to fellowship with all Christians—including those who don’t look like me!




Sunday, September 5, 2010

Put to the Test

“Oh no!” I screamed, staring at the computer screen. I had just fully completed that week’s blog and as I tried to save it, Microsoft Word “quit unexpectedly.” I broke out into a sweat. “Oh, please don’t tell me it’s lost,” I mumbled. When I tried to reopen the doc, it “recovered” a previous version that had most of the good stuff missing. All that work! It was all lost! And not to mention the fact that my deadline was quickly approaching! When we’re faced with these types of unfortunate circumstances, what do we do? What would you do?

I let out a deep, disappointed sigh. And I said, “Well Lord, help me prepare the blog You want me to publish this week.” I acknowledged that He gave me the strength and inspiration to prepare the first draft, so I was going to trust Him to help me prepare the new one. I quit the “recovered” document and reopened Word. And through some miracle, every single word of the blog that I lost was right there on the screen! (Okay, it’s not quite a “fishes and loaves” type of miracle, but at that moment, it was just as impressive to me!)

I actually felt relieved—and rewarded—for passing the test with my spiritual maturity. I had put Philippians 4:6 into action. I turned over my problem to Him and He worked it out! But there’s more…

Not even a week later, I upgraded my electronic calendar system to new software. Now, due to my frail memory, I rely heavily on my calendar. I write down everything and set lots of reminders. However, somewhere in the transfer process, I completely wiped out my entire calendar history! Years of appointments, birthdays, special occasions, and upcoming events were instantly obliterated. And in almost the same blink of an eye, I freaked out!

I spewed a few choice words at the computer, let everyone in the house know how angry I was about the situation, and sat there trying to remember every calendar entry that had been deleted. And I spent hours in a state of complete agitation. Eventually, I was able to recover some of my calendar—but not all of it. And that’s when I realized…I had failed the test!

All of that spiritual maturity I had demonstrated just a few days before completely evaporated when presented with this new, and arguably, slightly greater challenge. I mean, really—I’ve been through some things over the last couple of years, and I’ve faced some situations that were a lot more difficult than a lost document or a deleted calendar. And because of those trials, I thought I had learned to trust God for ALL things—even computer glitches. But this little incident served as a reminder that there’s still some room for improvement.

In the end, I had much more to recover than a lost calendar: I had to regain my spiritual footing. I apologized to everyone in the house for the histrionics. And it took me a while, but I eventually brought it before the Lord and asked for forgiveness from Him. How awesome is it that we serve a God who never runs out of second chances?

When put to the test again, I’ll remember to look to the Lord for the answers!




Sunday, August 29, 2010

Comfortable Christians

Many of us get dressed on Sunday morning to attend worship services, sit in our “regular” seat in the sanctuary, say hello to our church friends, and participate in all of the activities outlined in the bulletin. After exchanging a few pleasantries after service, we go home and put away our Bibles until the following week, when we do it all again. Ahh, the life of a “Comfortable Christian.”

A good job, a nice car, and a decent home are what many prosperity preachers tell us to aspire to. “Name it and claim it” and “believe it and receive it” are the mantra of these motivational leaders. From the pews, it would seem that salvation is linked to how much you can get from God. And once this prosperity has been achieved…then what?

Recently, I spoke with a pastor from Liberia, a country still recovering from a devastating civil war. As we talked, it occurred to me how “comfortable” we are as Christians. If it wasn’t enough that America allowed for some of the physical comforts that many countries lack…I realized that as a nation, our spirituality is in a comfortable state as well.

Like many of our other selfish pursuits (a good job for “me”, a nice car to take “me” where “I” want to go, and a big home for “my” family), our spirituality is all about ourselves. “I” need to be saved so that “I” can have eternal life. And while it is true that we only have ourselves to answer for on Judgment Day, one of the things that God requires of us as Christians is to spread the Good News. Not only through our actual word-of-mouth testimony, but through our actions and the love we show to others.

Paul recognized that as a Christian, it was spiritually dangerous to fall into a state of comfort. When he found himself with a thorn in his side (whether it was figurative or literal is up to the theologists to debate), Paul considered it to be a device from God to keep him from boasting about the great spiritual things that had been revealed to him. Paul went on to say that it was the hardships and challenges that were spiritually profitable, and revealed, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) When we operate outside of our comfort zone, we have the best opportunity to be used by God.

Are you willing to step outside of your comfortable Christianity to be of help to others? Ask yourself: what more can I do? How can I be of help to people in other parts of the world—or my neighbors down the street? Allow God to speak to your spirit and He’ll give you the strength to do the rest!




Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Last Day

If this were your last day on earth, what would you do? Who would you say goodbye to and where would you go? Are there debts you would want to settle? Are there any last words you would want to say? We don’t often think about “the end,” but every now and then, perhaps we should to give ourselves a better perspective of where we are today.

Most of us will not know the time or place of our demise. Yet we do know that one day, we will experience death—it’s a part of life. It’s not something that most of us think about too often, in fact, many of us try our best not to think about it. As a result, we sometimes lose perspective of what this life is really all about. When we live day-to-day, we can sometimes lose sight of eternity.

When Jesus was on earth, He lived life keenly aware of His mortality. He knew that there would come a time when He would die (Matthew 20:17-19). But He did not live in a depressed state, or with the attitude of, “Well, it’s all just going to end, anyway.” Instead, He went about His daily work of ministering to people, healing them, and teaching His disciples, preparing them for ministry after He was gone. When He was eventually crucified, Jesus was able to die knowing that He accomplished His mission on earth—and that He would be resurrected from the grave with eternal power.

I have heard it said that all of us are simply “spiritual beings having a human experience” and that the Bible can be considered an acronym for: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. If we live life with our eternity in perspective, perhaps we would have fewer fears or concerns about “the last day.”

If you are not sure about your eternity, please don’t leave this life, or even this blog today, without praying this prayer:

“Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner, but I am asking for Your forgiveness. I believe in Your son, Jesus Christ. I believe that He lived a life on earth without sin and that He died on the cross to pay the price for my sins. I believe that He rose from the grave so that I may have eternal life with You. I invite Jesus to come into my life and guide me each day with Your Holy Spirit so that I may live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”


If you have said this prayer, then you don’t have to worry about “the last day,” because after that will come the beginning of your eternity!



Sunday, August 15, 2010

This Is the Day

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) This is an affirmation I’ve heard and have repeated myself many, many times. It’s an acknowledgement that no matter what we anticipate or experience during the course of the day, we can still find contentment in the Lord.

There are days that we just don’t look forward to: the day of the big test, the day of the dentist’s appointment, or even Monday. However, no matter what we think the day has in store for us, the Lord has already worked it out. Acknowledging that the Lord has handcrafted our day could result in it going in a direction we never could have expected. For example, in the dentist’s waiting room, you might meet the love of your life sitting in the chair across from you!

And then there are the days when it seems that nothing can go right. You know Murphy’s Law, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” And as each hour passes, it seems things are getting progressively worse. Sometimes it may be an attack of the enemy, sometimes it can be a test, and sometimes it’s just the way things go. Before you throw up your hands or throw in the towel, remember to acknowledge that the Lord is in control—and rejoice in the fact that all your problems are in His hands.

When we acknowledge the Lord’s authorship of our days and look to Him during the course of each one, we have the best opportunity of finding joy in our lives. There’s little room for anxiety, depression, or anguish when we turn everything over to Him. And this is where we find our blessing.

I remember to acknowledge the Lord each and every day, and I’m so glad He is in control!




Sunday, August 8, 2010

Pass It On

Has God helped you recover from an illness? Given you a financial blessing? Provided you with comfort in the time of mourning? One of the best ways to show thanks for what God has done for you is to share your testimony with someone else. You never know when sharing your experience of God’s awesome power can bless the person next to you.

Back in the day, many churches had a testimony service. As part of the regular program, time would be set aside for people to stand up and testify. The witness would begin with something like, “Giving honor to God who is the head of my life…,” and then the praise would begin. Even as a kid, I remember listening to the powerful accounts and realizing how awesome God is.

Some have speculated as to why the testimony service has dwindled away. Perhaps it took too much time away from the other aspects of service, like altar call. Maybe it created too much pressure for members of the congregation and made them feel “put on the spot.” Maybe people simply lost perspective of what testifying is all about.

Throughout the Bible, God instructs people to pass on the testimony of their deliverance to others. Moses recounted the exodus from Egypt over and over to the children of Israel, and they passed it on to their children. Jesus also encouraged people to declare their testimony. In Mark 5:1-20, after healing the man who had been possessed by demons, Jesus told him to share his story with others. He did, and as the Word tells us, “all the people were amazed.”

Sharing a testimony is not bragging. It is an opportunity to give God praise. It is also not a story about what someone is “going through.” A testimony allows people to look back and declare what God has done in their lives to encourage others. And finally, a testimony is not long-winded or verbose. The purpose of testifying is not to spin a tale of intrigue and suspense, but to acknowledge the ongoing power of God at work in the world today.

I’m going to pass on the good news of what God has done for me!



Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Wisdom of Solomon

Solomon is known for having an extraordinary gift of wisdom. His legendary court ruling involving two women and a baby serves as testament to his great discernment. (1 Kings 3:16-28) However, a closer look may reveal the key to Solomon's wisdom and how it may be applied to our own lives.  

Solomon came from a somewhat dysfunctional family. Although he had a privileged upbringing as the son of King David, that didn't preclude him from a wealth of family drama. One of his brothers led a failed campaign to overthrow his father as king. Another brother tried to usurp Solomon's succession to the throne just before his father's death. Solomon's life as a prince was far less than charming.  

Upon receiving the crown as king of Israel, Solomon made an extraordinary request of the Lord. He prayed that he would be granted the wisdom to effectively lead the people. Not long life, not great wealth, not fantastic strength or military prowess--Solomon simply asked the Lord to guide him in leading His people. (2 Chronicles 1:7-10)

How many of us today would make such a pure, selfless request? It seems that even many religious leaders today would be hard pressed to make such a humble petition. Not a congregation of thousands, not financial security, not even an outstanding reputation, but the wisdom to lead God's people in spirit and in truth. 

Because of his purity of heart and the sheer innocence of his request, God blessed Solomon with much more than wisdom. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12) He bestowed many other blessings on him as well--great wealth, a peaceful reign, and a great name that is known to this very day. 

When given the opportunity, will we be able to look past our personal needs  to ask God for the wisdom to do His will? Could we make such a simple request with such purity of heart? This was the key that unlocked Solomon's greatness, in spite of some of his personal shortcomings. 

Lord, my desire is to do Your will, because the fear of You is the beginning of wisdom.



Sunday, July 25, 2010

Talking to Myself

I’ve been doing this blog for some time now, and there are weeks where the Holy Spirit will lead me to write something that I really don’t want to write! The truth is, I’ve had to write through pain, through disappointment, and through some pretty tough trials in my life. But you know what? I know that you have been reading through the difficult times in your own life, too. And I thank God that there have been weeks that the blog as been as encouraging to you has it has been to me!

Sometimes, there will be a topic that God gives me to write about and it doesn’t appear in the blog for weeks. That’s because God has to deal with me about some things first. Before I can write about loving your enemies, for example, God throws a couple my way, so I can experience it firsthand.

Then there are the weeks when I will have heard the topic loud and clear and jumped on it right away. But when I sit down to actually write about it, it’s not what I want to say at all. In fact, my very well organized and well-crafted sentences get obliterated by the delete key. And what’s left is not what I sat down and intended to write. But each time, whenever I publish the blog and say, “That’s not what I wanted to say,” that someone leaves a comment of “Amen!” Or just when I feel like that day’s blog entry was out of whack, I’ll run into someone who says, “Wow, the blog today really touched me.” And my reply is always, “To God be the glory!” Because truthfully, it is not about me, it is the working of the Holy Spirit.

Personally, I have grown spiritually through working on this blog and I hope you have too! My prayer is that God will continue to use me, even in this very small way, to encourage the people of God. Each week, I call those who read this blog “Valued Readers,” in honor of those who take the time out of their busy schedules to read and reflect on the topics covered. It’s like when Paul said to the members of the church of Corinth, “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

I thank God for the opportunity to talk to myself—and I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to minister to others through these words as well!



Sunday, July 18, 2010

Gray Areas

Is stealing a CD from the music store a crime? Most of us would say yes, no question about it. But what about downloading “free” music online? Is talking to an ex on Facebook wrong if you’re married? Should Christians watch violent movies? Many believe there are plenty of “gray areas” that are not covered in the Bible. So how do we apply ancient teaching to today’s high-tech modern era?

It was Jesus himself who, when asked which was the greatest commandment of the Law*, replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” He clarified that this is the basis for all the Law, saying, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40)

Hmm. Well, that makes it easier for us to apply God’s Will to our daily lives. If we look at our actions in the context of, “Does this behavior demonstrate a love for God? Does it show love for others?” Some of those “gray areas” become more black and white. Using the previously mentioned examples:

• One may argue that downloading music is no big deal, that no one is getting hurt. However, you’d pretty much have to be living under a rock not to know that it is considered illegal—no matter how easy it is to do, or how unlikely you are to be arrested for it. Does it please God for you to break the law of the land?

• When talking to an ex on Facebook, is the conversation Godly, in the sense that it is open and nonthreatening? If the tables were turned and your spouse was having the same conversation, would you be okay with the content of the transcript? If not, you may not be loving your spouse as you love yourself.

• Murderous movies with graphic representation of body parts blown off and blood everywhere glorifies violence. Is this something that pleases God?

Deciding whether or not to do these things is making a conscious choice to sin or not to sin. But we should not try to absolve ourselves of the consequences of our choice by claiming they are “gray areas.” As a general rule of thumb, if you have to ask if it’s a sin…it just might be.

When we live in the light of the Son, there are no gray areas.

* A note about the Law: In Exodus 20, the original rules and regulations of living were given to God’s chosen people, the Israelites. These Ten Commandments outlined the way in which they should live. The book of Leviticus expands on those ten commandments and offers even more detailed instructions. But it was difficult for God’s people to live under the Law. The millions of doves, goats, bulls, and other animals that were sacrificed in atonement for their sins (their inability to follow the Law) could hardly suffice. So God offered the ultimate sacrifice. He sent his Son, Jesus, to live a life without sin and to be killed for our sins. Jesus paid the price of our sin (the cost is death). The power of His resurrection is that we were all saved from the penalty of death through Jesus.



Sunday, July 11, 2010

Fear vs. Faith

Fear and faith cannot coexist. They are opposites. Fear is paralyzing; in faith, there is freedom. Think about it—you cannot walk freely if you are afraid of everything that lies ahead. There are times in our lives where we have to make the conscious decision to step out on faith or let fear hold us captive. So, what’s it going to be?

One of my favorite scenes in the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” is when Jones has succeeded in overcoming a series of dangerous obstacles in trying to reach his treasure. Just when it seemed he had overcome the very last one, he reaches what looks like a dead end at the edge of a cliff. His treasure map tells him that he must press forward—or in other words, he has to basically step out on faith. With nothing but an abyss beneath him, Jones puts forth the first foot and…lands on an invisible bridge! (Not so much invisible, but to the naked eye, you can hardly tell that the bridge is there because it is so well camouflaged to blend in with the surroundings.) It makes my heart leap every time I think about it!

Indiana Jones demonstrated the principle that so many Biblical figures put into practice. Without any evidence of even the slightest possibility of the desired end result, they stepped out on faith. By trusting in God, they received the reward they had hoped for. In Hebrews 11, we see the great Hall of Faith, with a listing of many of those who pleased God by living by faith. It’s also important to note that a couple of them didn’t see the promise completely fulfilled in their lifetimes (for example, Moses never actually entered the Promised Land himself), but God held true to His promises and generations prospered.

What happens to those who allow fear to control their lives? Well, in the Indiana Jones movie, fear would have prevented him from reaching the Holy Grail. In real life, it prevents many people from achieving their goals. Fear of failing keeps some from pursuing higher education or starting a business. Fear of not being good enough prevents some from trying out for a team or applying for a promotion. Those who live in fear don’t end up in a “hall of greats.” It is faith that can help you achieve reward beyond what you can even imagine.

Although some things may frighten me, I refuse to live in fear—I will trust in the Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me to success!



Sunday, July 4, 2010

In God We Trust

I spent my elementary school years in a private, Christian school. So if you ask me why this nation was established, I would tell you that the original settlers came here for the freedom to worship. I was taught from the beginning that this country was founded on Christian principles. Today, as we celebrate the 234th anniversary of our independence, I challenge anyone to refute that premise.

My textbooks from grammar school were written from a Christian perspective. Prayer, worship, and thanksgiving to God were told to be a part of our founding fathers’ daily lives. These men were persecuted for their religious beliefs in Great Britain and found refuge in the land that would later be known as the United States of America.

At the founding of our country, there was no “separation of church and state.” Ironically, many of those today with a public school education (where prayer is “banned”) may not know about the prayer sessions that were held before those original meetings of Congress. The founding fathers, in spite of their human flaws and failings, turned to God for guidance.

A strong Christian influence helped shape the documents and decisions that affect us to this very day. From the first lines of the Declaration of Independence—which acknowledge the Creator—to the inscription on the Liberty Bell, which is cited from Leviticus 25:10, Christian imagery and references can be found embedded in almost everything from the first days of our nations’ founding. Including our currency, which is imprinted with the covenant, “In God We Trust.”

Christian principles were a significant part of the belief system that established this nation. Today, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s especially celebrate our freedom to worship. And please, remember to pray for our political leaders at all times, so that they may make wise decisions and forward the beliefs that established our nation and helped make it great.

America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!




Sunday, June 20, 2010

Giving Dad His Due

This week’s blog is dedicated to all the fathers who are doing the best they can to provide for their families. It’s for the fathers who understand their role in the household and tirelessly handle their responsibilities. It’s in appreciation for the men who put God first in their lives and trust the Holy Spirit to guide their decision-making. Believe me, these men are out there.

A growing trend is to use Father’s Day as a platform to point out all that is wrong with families in our society. In particular, it’s often used as a sounding board to air grievances against fathers. This week, I’ve heard quite a few statistics about absentee dads, deadbeat dads, and how the declining presence of men in families is corrupting the young people in homes across America. In fact, it’s all made to sound very hopeless.

Yet, when I look around, I see so many men who are striving to do the best they can for their families. Men who have been put out of work in this economy, but have taken on jobs for which they are overqualified, just to support their families. Men who are raising their sons and daughters on their own, but are unrecognized in the “single parent” conversation. Men who have married women with children and have become fathers, not by seed, but by selection. All of these are men who are often overlooked and undervalued in favor of sensational headlines that reinforce the downfall of the modern family.

Today, in some churches, the pastor may ask for all the fathers to stand in recognition of Father’s Day. And there will actually be some women who stand as well. “I’m both a mother AND a father to my kids,” they will contend. While there are certainly plenty of women who are raising kids all alone, and doing a commendable job by themselves, there is a time to recognize their efforts. It’s called Mother’s Day.

Exodus 20:12 tells us to honor our father and our mother. On Father’s Day, let’s give dad his due. Let’s really take the time to recognize the men in our communities who are trying to do the right thing.

I thank my Heavenly Father for the fathers on earth who put Him first!



Sunday, June 13, 2010

40

I’ve been thinking a lot about the significance of the number 40 lately. It certainly appears very prominently in certain events in the Bible. Think about it: Noah’s ark was afloat for 40 days and 40 nights. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Hmm…maybe there’s something to this number.

According to Biblical references, “40” can refer to a long trial, or a probation of some kind. Noah spent 40 days and nights in the ark while the world was under water. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering the land without a home. Jesus spent 40 days and nights without food in the wilderness. In each instance, they had to completely trust and rely on the Lord. These were periods of testing…and preparation.

It’s amazing when you stop to think about what happens after the trial has ended. After 40 days, the waters stopped—and when they receded, Noah stepped off the ark onto a new earth (Genesis 7-8). After 40 years, the Israelites entered the promised land, a place flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 8). After Jesus’ 40-day fast, He began the greatest ministry known to man (Matthew 4).

There used to be a saying among sassy older women that went, “Life begins after 40.” From a Biblical perspective, perhaps those earlier years were just trial and error for the fabulous 40-somethings they were to become.

Thank God that after the trial of 40 we can enjoy His countless blessings!




Sunday, June 6, 2010

Poison Ivy and Milkweed

As a child I adopted a great love for the outdoors. Leaving Newark for rural West Virginia, where I lived for 8 years, I was intrigued by nature and quickly adapted to the outdoor life. Unfortunately, in my woodland adventures I soon discovered the perils of this green environment. Poison ivy came to be a frequent interruption to my enjoyment.

However, rising through and towering above the contagious vine-covered field of poison ivy was another notable plant—milkweed. An old-timer dropped an invaluable bit of wisdom on me to ease my suffering. He taught me how to extract the thick white sap (hence the name milkweed) from the plant and apply it to my rash. I must admit—at first it stings like alcohol and later creates an intense itch as it dries, but it dries out the blisters and commences healing.

As Christians, we’re occasionally tempted to take walk on the wild side. We take the chance and turn away from where God’s been leading and keeping us safe, thus, ending up poisoned from the experience. The Lord wants us to steer clear of these known dangers set by the enemy, understanding what looks so enticing at first can leave us with a tremendous itch. Trust and believe that there are serious consequences for flirting with a sinful world—and who knows just what may rub off on us.

I still wondered why the remedy is found amidst the poison ivy itself. I then realized that sometimes the only way we can discover the cure from our ailment is from within the center of our pain. I won’t say that God’s way of getting our attention is by inflicting pain, discomfort, or distress (we often do that ourselves), but He uses these trials to our advantage by remaining present in our times of suffering. In compassion, He stands above the creeping ivy teaching us to look to the hills from which cometh our help. He helps us to stand fast among a sea of evildoers and rise above our negative and wretched circumstances. And we learn the cure can only be found in Christ—His blood and His love, which covers a multitude of sins—and all that’s needed is its application.

So, if by chance, you’ve found your way into a hurtful situation and are left blistered by the experience, look for the One who stands above it all and is ready to nurse us back to health with His milk of understanding, guidance, patience, and love. Sure, it’s going to sting at first, but let go of your pride and admit you’re in a bad way, and be soothed by His balm and relieved by His healing.


This week’s blog is brought to you by Min. Reginald Harris, Youth Leader of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington, NJ.




Sunday, May 30, 2010

Does He Have Your Attention?

I once heard a preacher say that people often form very a close relationship with God when they are in the hospital or in jail. He said that these are two occasions in which God has their full attention. He went on to declare, “God, you have my full attention right now—so if it’s okay with You, I’d like to skip the hospital and the jailbed!” In the spirit of levity, he still makes a good point.

When we are going through a trial or a rough patch in our lives, we often call out to God in prayer. Then we actively look for His hand of deliverance. Financial problem? We seek a miraculous blessing to solve it. Family problem? We ask God to make it right. Many of us have gotten very good at reaching out to God in times of need.

But what about when all is well? Those times when there are no burning issues to petition God about. Are we listening for His voice to us? Still praying faithfully? Reading His Word daily? Too often, we get “caught up” in our daily lives and don’t pay God much attention. We begin to develop this one-way relationship of sorts, talking to Him only when we need something.

God desires an ongoing relationship with us, rich with communication. He wants our attention. He desires for us to set aside private time for Him, and include Him in our daily walk. When we make ourselves available to open communication with the Lord, we begin to see Him in everything we do. He’s at our job, in our home, on the street, in the car. And that makes for an awesome relationship. Jesus gave us the example we should follow. He often prayed to the Father, and in Matthew 6, outlines how we should pray to remain in fellowship with God.

I want to hear what God has to say to me, so I’m giving Him my full attention!




Sunday, May 23, 2010

Why Church? (Part 2)

My husband has taught “Children’s Church” for a number of years. It’s a lot like Sunday School, as the children are taught Bible lessons and participate in age-appropriate activities. However, Children’s Church takes place during the regular adult church service—and lasts as long. Often, when service runs longer than usual, a grumpy child will ask my husband, “When is church over?” His patent reply is, “Church is never over. Because YOU are the church.” I often wonder how many adult Christians know this.

The church is a body of believers who come together at an appointed time and place to worship the Lord. As a “body”—just like the human body—each part is essential. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul constructs a beautifully vivid picture of what it means to be part of the body of Christ.

We are all part of the body, and each of us plays an important role in the church. There are some who have obvious responsibilities, such as the pastor, deacon, usher, and trustee. But even those of us who sit in the pews have a part. We participate in singing the praise and worship songs, we bring tithes and offerings, we unite in prayer, and in some churches we “turn to your neighbor” as the preacher instructs during the sermon. Whether you are at the “head” or just a “foot” in the door, you are essential to the body of Christ.

But what happens when a part of the body becomes injured? I can tell you from personal experience that there’s no hurt like church hurt. But do you know that God is a Healer? Through prayer and forgiveness, He can help overcome the pain, and make us stronger for it. In Hebrews 10:25, Paul says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Why church? Because you are an important part of the body of believers.



Sunday, May 16, 2010

Why Church? (Part 1)

This morning, many will put on their “Sunday best” and make their way to their local place of worship. Yet there are those who will sit at home and wonder, “Why do I have to go to church? Can’t I be a Christian all by myself?” The answer to that depends on what you understand about church.

There are several definitions for “church.” One speaks to the physical building in which Christian worship takes place. But the other, more relevant definition, is that a “church” is a body of believers. It is a congregation of like-minded Christians who come together to serve the Lord and fellowship with one another.

I’ve heard many people say, “I get my church on TV,” and proceed to name their favorite Christian cable network and/or televangelist. For those with no means of getting to church, this may suffice. But unfortunately, many people use this medium as a way to avoid contact with other Christians altogether.

On the flip side, there are those who go to church every week—because it’s a tradition. They put no more thought into going to the church house on Sunday than they do of getting into the shower in the morning. It’s just the thing to do.

As Christians, our attitude toward church should not be one of avoidance nor obligation. We should actually be excited about the thought of coming together! On Sunday morning, we get to go to a building that is dedicated to our Father and join a group of people in acknowledging all that He has done for us! We sing songs to His glory! We learn more about His promises to us and how to live life with Him! This is why in Psalm 122:1, David said, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”

Why church? For those who love the Lord, it’s a place to enjoy worship with people who love Him also.




Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day

For many, Mother’s Day is a day filled with cards and flowers. Moms are given gifts and many are taken out to dinner. It’s a day set aside to show mom a little appreciation for the great things she’s done and sacrifices she has made. But especially today, let’s not forget about the motherless. And the moms whose children are no longer here to give them handmade treasures. Today’s blog is dedicated to the moms and the children for whom Mother’s Day has a different meaning.

The Baptist church has a tradition where women are pinned with carnations on Mother’s Day. A red carnation signifies that mom is still living. A white carnation indicates that mom has passed on. Maybe your church does the same thing. You may even overhear an elder woman of your congregation who has the distinction of wearing a red carnation proudly declare, “Yep, my mother is 92 [or insert incredible age here] and is still with us!” But do not overlook the young woman wearing a white flower pinned to her chest. Maybe the sting of her mother passing is as fresh of the flower she’s wearing.

The pews may be filled with moms whose adult children have decided to join them for service this morning. (These same adult children will be elbowed sharply to stand on their feet for the Visitor’s Welcome, so that mom can beam proudly as they introduce themselves.) But do not ignore the mom who sits alone today, who may even wipe a tear every now and then while the pastor delivers a patent sermon about “a mother’s love.”

We live in a society that’s anything but traditional. More common today than ever before, we have stepfamilies, blended families, extended families, adoptive families and more. We should not take it for granted that our experience with our mother is the same as everyone else’s. One person’s definition of a mom (“the woman who gave birth to me”) may be different from another’s (“the woman who raised me”). And even being a mother has different meanings. One mom may be struggling to make ends meet to feed her children, and another has given her children away to someone who can better provide for them. Both are mothers, regardless of our judgment.

Today, let’s remember that Mother’s Day is truly a celebration of our Father, who has put certain women in our lives to help mold us into the people He wants us to be. But we are not to place the gift of being a mom, or having a mom, above the gift of God. In fact, in Matthew 10:37-38, Jesus reminds us that we are to love Him above all else: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

And a special word to those who are feeling alone today: God has not left you without hope or comfort (John 14). Just as He has helped you get through each day so far, He is with you—especially today. God has wrapped you in the covering of His love, which you can wear proudly as you go out today. So celebrate with those who celebrate, and love with the Love that your Father has given you. That is the best gift you can give on Mother’s Day and one that will be returned to you in abundance.

Celebrate Mother’s Day through the love of our Father!



Sunday, May 2, 2010

Practice, Practice, Practice

According to an age-old joke, a young man who is lost in Manhattan runs into a gentleman on the street. When the young man asks, “Excuse me, sir, how do I get to Carnegie Hall?” the gentleman earnestly replies, “Practice, practice, practice.” In all seriousness, the same answer can be given to the question, “How can I find righteousness?”

Righteousness is shown throughout the Bible as more than just faith, or a belief in God. It may be defined as faith in action. The first mention of righteousness is Genesis 6:9, which reports, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” Then in Genesis 15:6, we find that after being told of his impending prosperity, “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” In both examples, these great men didn’t just believe in God, they acted upon their faith. Noah lived a life that was pleasing to God. Abraham surrendered all disbelief and followed God.

Most often, we hear the word “righteous” used in the context of someone being “self-righteous.” A person accused of being such is normally seen as judgmental, narrow-minded, and condescending. If you think about it, someone who is “self” righteous puts his faith in himself, not God. But true righteousness means living according to God’s way.

So how do we achieve righteousness? Not just by believing in God, but by practicing those things that are pleasing to God. Putting our faith in action. Prayer (communication with God), worship (demonstrating love for God), and fasting (putting something aside to focus on God) are just the start of what we should practice. In our daily life, we can also practice patience, humility, kindness, and honesty. Let’s put our faith in action and live the righteous life to which we are called.

Let’s practice what is preached, so that we may attain righteousness!




Sunday, April 25, 2010

Flip the Script

Have you ever played out an entire scenario in your head? It goes something like this, “Well, if I say such and such, I know that so and so is going to say this and that, and then I’m going to have to do this, that, and the other.” In our daily walk, we have a “script” that we tend to follow which helps shape our interactions with our family, friends, and associates. But every now and then, we need to flip the script.

Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” When you think about your daily interactions, that begins to ring true. For example, when you see someone you know in passing, you may ask, “How are you doing?” and the expected and scripted response is, “Fine.” When you get to church on Sunday morning, your “Good morning! How are you?” may be answered with, “Blessed!” In either example, a response of, “Well, my husband and I argued again all night last night, I’m feeling a little depressed right now, and I’m really not sure how I’m going to make it today,” would be jarring. In fact, most of us would not know how to immediately respond. It’s not in the script.

One of the greatest problems that the Pharisees and Sadducees had with Jesus Christ was that he refused to follow the script. Religious leaders at that time had a prescribed way of doing things. Even their worship followed a certain script. Their relationship with God was impersonal and matter-of-fact. But Jesus introduced a new way to live. Instead of living scripted, He challenged them to live Spiritually!

In Matthew 5:21-48, as part of the awesome “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus presents key elements of our scriptural script, “Do not murder…Do not commit adultery…An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” But He challenges the way we look at and respond to these things. Even a slow-burning anger against a brother is linked to murder, a lustful look is akin to adultery, and instead of revenge, Jesus presented the notion of loving our enemies. By flipping the script, we come closer to righteousness.

As you go about your daily walk, consider the way you interact with your family, friends, and coworkers. Are you following the usual script with all of your dialogue and responses set in a predictable pattern? Maybe it’s time to flip the script! Greet your family with an “I love you” instead of “Good morning” today. Give your coworker a genuine compliment on a work-related effort, just because. Make a conscious decision to not get upset the next time someone slights you, but immediately turn it over to God and let Him deal with it.

Flip the script and watch the blessings bounce back to you!




Sunday, April 11, 2010

Not by Chance

It’s not a coincidence that you’re reading this today. Nor is it by chance that you may have just talked to someone about this very subject: Every thing happens for a reason. Some Christians call it “Divine appointment,” because everything happens at its appointed time in its appointed place.

In the book of Judges, chapter 7, Gideon was about to set out for battle. Yet, he still had doubts about whether or not God was going to deliver the enemy into his hand. So the Lord told him to go down to the enemy’s camp that night. When he did, he overheard a conversation between two soldiers. One was retelling a dream that he’d had—a loaf of barley had tumbled into their camp and knocked down their tent. The other soldier realized that this was a sign that their army was going to lose the fight to Gideon. Encouraged, Gideon ran back to his camp and set charge against the enemy, where he was victorious.

Was it a coincidence that Gideon overheard this conversation? Was it by chance that he just happened to be in the right place at the right time? Gideon is just one of the countless examples the Bible gives us of how things work together as part of God’s plan.

Even the most tragic events produce the most wonderful works of the Lord. Does that mean that God wants us to suffer so that He can perform miracles in our lives? Absolutely not! But the world is sinful and as long as we live in this world, we will experience our share of suffering from time to time. Yet, as Christians, we can rest assured because as Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It all happens for a reason.

I don’t need good luck, because I have a great God!




Sunday, April 4, 2010

A Gift for You

Easter, like Christmas, is one of the most important holy days (or “holidays”) on a Christian’s calendar. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by giving gifts to one another. Yet on Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection with the greatest gift of all—salvation.

Luke 24:1–8 is the basis of our Easter celebration, “He has risen!” To understand the significance of that, remember that we were born into sin. And sin has a cost. Death.

When Adam disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, he brought sin into the world. Because of the impropriety of one man, the entire world had to suffer the consequences of sin. Back in the days of Moses, to repent for their sins, God’s chosen people had to make sacrifices of animals. Blood for blood. And they couldn’t sacrifice just any animals, they had to be the best of the flock. Now, the Old Testament prophets promised that this would not always be the case. A great Savior (or Messiah) would come to pay the sin-debt once and for all.

Generations later, along came Jesus, born of a woman through the Holy Spirit. Part human, part divine, and God himself. He was the perfect sacrifice, the best that humanity had to offer. He spent about 3 years teaching the Word of God, performing miracles, and building up disciples who would continue to spread the Word. In spite of His wisdom and evident holiness, the religious leaders of the time could not accept Jesus as the Messiah. Convinced that He was a heretic, the religious leaders convicted Jesus of blasphemy had had Him crucified.

Jesus endured torture and crucifixion, dying a humiliating death on the cross. In actuality, for those who followed Him at the time, all seemed lost. But it was His resurrection that proved His divinity. Jesus demonstrated power over death! And it all began to make sense—Jesus, who was able to even raise Himself from the dead, allowed himself to be persecuted, humbly submitting to the beatings and insults. He endured the persecution and gave himself as a willing sacrifice—a perfect specimen whose blood was shed to save us from our sins. Just as one man (Adam) brought the penalty of sin into the world, one man (Jesus) was able to redeem us from it. This is why Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Celebrate Easter all year long by sharing the gift of the Good News with others. Pray this prayer with them, which accepts the gift of salvation: “Lord, I know that I have sinned. But I believe that Jesus lived a life without sin, that He died as a sacrifice for my sins, and that he was raised from the dead so that I might have everlasting life. Jesus, please come into my life. Be my Lord, my Savior, and my friend.”

What a wonderful gift!





Sunday, March 28, 2010

Are You Smiling?

You may have seen it on the street. Maybe on your way to work or while shopping at the mall. Hopefully, you saw quite a few the last time you were in church. I’m talking about a random, cheerful, open smile, that warmed your heart and made your day. Of all the ways that we as Christians can spread the love of God, the easiest may be through a smile.

Yes, it’s no secret that I’m part of the smile ministry. Coworkers, friends, and complete strangers have often commented on my “smiley” disposition. And every now and then, I’m accused of “smiling for no reason.” But one of my favorite Sunday School arts and crafts remnants is a small pillow that puts it all into perspective. The pillow says, “Smile, Jesus loves you!” So even when I’m having a hard day or if I’m going through a particularly rough trial, if you ask me, “Why are you smiling?” My answer will most likely be, “God is good!”

Interestingly enough, the word “smile” does NOT appear in the King James Version of the Bible. According to my keyword search, not even once. The closest mention of smiling comes from Proverbs 15:13 which says, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” And to me, that verse speaks volumes.

If we let our circumstances dictate our countenance (the expression on our face, or our outward appearance), then we would walk around half the time with a smile and half the time with a scowl! Let’s face it, in life, we have good days and bad days. But when we have joy within—the joy that comes from knowing the love of Jesus and having a relationship with God—then our heart is not affected by our circumstance. We may have hard times, but our spirit is not broken. We may have pain, but we are not hopeless. We may be down, but we are not out!

When others see your smile—especially in times when they know you are going through difficulties—it speaks to their spirit. It lets them know that in spite of your circumstances, you have something that is going to get you through. And often, it’s infectious. You may soon find them “smiling for no reason,” too. What a great opportunity to share the joy of the Lord!

No matter what the circumstance, we can have a cheerful countenance. Smile, Jesus loves you!





Sunday, March 14, 2010

Your New Season

This is an exciting time of year. The snow is melting, the temperature is rising, and the daylight lasts longer (by the way, Daylight Savings Time begins today). Of course, this is all the prelude to the lovely spring season. But many of us aren’t just making a transition out of winter, the Lord is preparing us for other changes in our lives. Are you ready for your new season?

There have been times recently where we’ve felt like we just can’t win for losing. One disappointment has come after another. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse, something else came along that was even more devastating. The more we’ve tried to get ahead the further we’ve gotten behind. For many of us it’s been a miserable season in our lives.

In a beautiful passage from Song of Solomon 2:11-12, a young lover eagerly anticipates the new season with her beloved and says, “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” Aren’t we looking for the same signs of change?

Just like the single blade of grass that appears with the first sign spring, the Lord is sending you glimmers of hope. Pay attention to the signs of change around you. Maybe the frozen job market is starting to thaw, or your monthly payments are starting to make a dent in your bills, perhaps there’s even a chance to rebuild a broken relationship, or maybe healing from a sickness has begun. Are you ready for the new season?

In the cycle of life, the winter of our lives is followed by the renewal of spring. Get ready—a change is going to come!





Sunday, March 7, 2010

The Movie vs. The Book

When Hollywood adapts a popular book for movie audiences, it is often met with criticism. “The book is better,” is commonly grumbled. Often, the book itself rockets to the top of the best seller list, as people grab it from the shelves to compare the written word to the silver screen. They want to see for themselves if the characters, story line, and ending stay true to the original. One of the best-selling books of all time is the Bible. But as Christians, can we spot the differences between the original text and the Hollywood version?

I remember once talking to my Sunday School class about the life of Moses. When explaining why he had to flee Egypt (Exodus 2:11–15), one of my students piped up, “Because he accidentally killed one of the Egyptians.” “Accidentally?” I replied, “No, I don’t think so.” But my student went on to explain how it happened in The Prince of Egypt. Or, in other words, how in the PG-rated Hollywood version, the scriptwriters and director felt it was better to have Moses kill someone accidentally than to have audiences know that he committed murder, as the Word clearly states.

While the imagination and artistry involved in theatrical productions of Biblical accounts are entertaining, we need to be careful to consult the original. And yes, even the beloved Easter season favorite, The Passion of the Christ needs to be viewed with a careful eye. There are a couple of scenes that are fused with more Hollywood creativity than Biblical accuracy. One that comes to mind is the frightening torment of Judas after the betrayal. Possible? Yes. Accurate? No. the depiction on screen is not accounted for in the Bible (Matthew 27:3–5).

As Christians, we should feel free to enjoy entertainment that is positive and uplifting. And it is encouraging to see writers, actors, directors and others sharing their talents in this way—when they have so many other options. Biblically-based presentations are a great way to introduce people to Christ and positively represent our faith…let’s just be sure we know the difference between the adaptation and the original.

I enjoyed the movie, but the Book is better!




Sunday, February 28, 2010

God Says, “Move”

In the children’s game, “Simon Says,” the leader calls out orders for the rest of the group to follow. “Simon says, put your hands in the air. Simon says, spin around.” As long as the order begins with “Simon says...,” the group must obediently follow. But if the order is missing the directive from Simon, such as, “Now, sit down,” those who follow are out. As Christians, following orders from God is similar—but it’s no child’s game.

God wants a “Simon Says” type of mindset when it comes to His people. A great example can be found in Numbers 9:15–23. There, we read the account of the Israelites who were led by Moses out of bondage from Egypt and into the desert. They were set apart as God’s chosen people and were headed to the land that God promised their ancestors. As God led these hundreds of thousands of people through the desert, He gave them direction in the form of a great cloud. When the cloud hovered above the Israelites’ camp, they were to stay put. But when the cloud moved, they were to pick up their things and move. Sometimes the cloud stayed put for months or years. Sometimes it moved in a matter of days. Each time, the Israelites obediently followed. When God said, “Move,” they moved!

Years ago in my Sunday School class, we would occasionally play “Jesus Says” at the end of our session. It was a great way to get my students to burn off all that extra energy, but I hoped that it also helped to get across an important point. When Jesus says something, we are to follow it obediently. And if we decide to follow someone else or our own way of thinking, we’re in trouble.

Some may say, “If only it was as simple as having Jesus standing before you, telling you exactly what to do.” But the truth is, that’s exactly what He does. How do we find out what Jesus says? It’s easy:

• It starts with prayer.
Opening the lines of communication with God allows us to tune our spiritual ears to His voice. When we pray, we go before God, making ourselves available to hear what He has to say.
• We need to study His word. Reading the Bible gives us great insights to the direction God has for our lives. Don’t know where to start? Read the book of Proverbs. It’s a collection of wisdom that gives you basic truths and instructions that can enrich your life from day to day.
• Acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us. His Spirit resides with us and walks with us. The Holy Spirit has been described as a still, soft voice. If we listen, we’ll know exactly what Jesus wants us to do.

When God says, “Move,” I’m going to do just that!




Sunday, February 21, 2010

Down, But Not Out

For many of us, the year started off with a bang. We made plans and we made promises. We declared our resolutions for the year: To lose weight, to save money, to be more organized, to stay focused. And here we are, two months into the year, and how are we doing? We’ve gained a few extra pounds, we’ve splurged on unnecessary items, we’ve lost track of our organization, we’ve gotten distracted. Yep, we’ve fallen down. But don’t worry...we’re not out!

The best intentions are often thwarted by minor setbacks. Just when we are starting to get into the groove of a new way of living or doing things, up creeps an old habit that throws us off our new rhythm. Unfortunately, this is the point when many of us throw up our hands and say, “Aw, forget it! I can’t do this!” (For those of us who are in denial, think about it. It really is THAT easy to give up.)

Old habits may occasionally trip us up, but we shouldn’t give them the power to defeat us. Let’s say you’ve decided to cut back on junk food this year. But you somehow ended up on your living room couch surrounded by a bag of Doritos, a box of Entenmann’s donuts, and a pizza delivery on the way. This is not the time to throw up your hands and say, “Well, that’s it! I’ve failed!” Instead, acknowledge, assess, and affirm:

Acknowledge that you’ve fallen down. This may include taking it before the Lord in prayer.
Assess what triggered the set back. You may realize that there may be situations and stimuli you may need to avoid in the future.
Affirm your commitment to reaching your goal. Then brush yourself off and try again!

Even Paul acknowledged that he faced difficulties along the way to achieving his spiritual goals. Philippians 3:13–14 says, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” The key here is that Paul teaches us that in order to reach the goal, we have to keep going, in spite of yesterday’s setbacks or shortcomings.

I’m going to keep pressing on toward my goal. I may have just gotten started, but I’ve gone too far to turn back now!