Many of us are familiar with the phrase from John 8:32, which reads, “…and the truth will set you free.” But so many of us find it hard to live by that simple tenet. I’ve found, however, that there is tremendous power in the truth. We just have to have enough faith to stand by it.
Children often lie, believing an untruth will spare a spanking. As adults, many times we lie to avert trouble or avoid negative consequences. We seem to believe the truth makes us vulnerable. But don’t we know that Satan, the devil, is the master of deception? It was Satan who showed up in the form of a serpent in Genesis 3. He used deceptive language and half-truths to lure Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. The result of which was spiritual death and a severed relationship with God.
In John 8:44, the devil is called the father of lies. So in essence, lying is the polar opposite of our heavenly Father’s will for us. Each time we lie, we give Satan greater power over our situation and over our lives. It is when we lie that we actually become vulnerable.
The very essence of Jesus is the truth. In John 14:6, He says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” As followers of Christ, it is the truth that should be in us. And we must stand on faith, knowing that with the truth, we wield the power of God over any situation.
Who wants to be trapped in a web of lies? I’m enjoying the freedom that comes with the truth!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Out of the Comfort Zone
Ahh, the comfort zone. Where everything is as we expect it to be. It’s any physical or spiritual place where we are most content. It’s where many Christians say, “All is well with my soul.” But what happens when it’s time to come out of your comfort zone?
Moses and the Israelites are great examples of what happens when God calls us out of the comfort zone. In Exodus 3, we find that Moses—after fleeing Egypt—was doing quite well for himself in Midian. He had a lovely wife and worked hard to provide for his family. Moses was in his comfort zone. Until the day the Lord appeared to him in a burning bush and gave him a mission. Moses, understanding the great charge he was given, immediately began making excuses. But the Lord provided Moses with everything he needed.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, God can call you out of your comfort zone at any time and for any reason. He may call you out to lead or help others. He may call you out for personal and spiritual growth. And be assured, that when He calls, he will equip you with all that you need.
Later, when Moses rescued the Israelites from Egypt, they found themselves in the desert—led by the presence of God Himself. Yet even still, the Israelites cried out, “We want to go back to Egypt!” (Numbers 14:1–4) Although they had suffered in slavery, they thought of Egypt as their comfort zone. Before we snicker at how ridiculous that sounds, let’s remember that in this day and age, we suffer from the same short-sightedness. We may remain at a job that pays too little and offers no growth because we would have to step outside our comfort zone to find another one. We may live in a condition that we know could improve, but it would take us too far out of our comfort zone to do something about it. If you’re not careful, your comfort zone can become your house of bondage.
When God calls us out of the comfort zone, it’s simply time to go. Depend on Him for guidance and direction, and He will see you through.
I’m trusting in the Lord to see me out of my comfort zone.
Moses and the Israelites are great examples of what happens when God calls us out of the comfort zone. In Exodus 3, we find that Moses—after fleeing Egypt—was doing quite well for himself in Midian. He had a lovely wife and worked hard to provide for his family. Moses was in his comfort zone. Until the day the Lord appeared to him in a burning bush and gave him a mission. Moses, understanding the great charge he was given, immediately began making excuses. But the Lord provided Moses with everything he needed.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, God can call you out of your comfort zone at any time and for any reason. He may call you out to lead or help others. He may call you out for personal and spiritual growth. And be assured, that when He calls, he will equip you with all that you need.
Later, when Moses rescued the Israelites from Egypt, they found themselves in the desert—led by the presence of God Himself. Yet even still, the Israelites cried out, “We want to go back to Egypt!” (Numbers 14:1–4) Although they had suffered in slavery, they thought of Egypt as their comfort zone. Before we snicker at how ridiculous that sounds, let’s remember that in this day and age, we suffer from the same short-sightedness. We may remain at a job that pays too little and offers no growth because we would have to step outside our comfort zone to find another one. We may live in a condition that we know could improve, but it would take us too far out of our comfort zone to do something about it. If you’re not careful, your comfort zone can become your house of bondage.
When God calls us out of the comfort zone, it’s simply time to go. Depend on Him for guidance and direction, and He will see you through.
I’m trusting in the Lord to see me out of my comfort zone.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Knowing When to Say When
It’s important to know when to take a break. Whether it’s from a specific activity or from your entire daily routine, a little deviation every now and again might be helpful. In other words, knowing when to say when can take you a long way.
The most common example is found in social drinking. A wise social drinker knows when to cut off the alcohol. This person knows that any further indulgence will lead to intoxication. So, when offered yet another drink, he or she will say, “No thanks, I’ve had enough.” If we only knew when to apply this in other areas of our lives!
We tend to get burnt out, overtired, and generally worn out because we often don’t know when to say when. We become so caught up in our own lives, that we lose perspective. And we find ourselves making rationalizations: But the chores have to be done! But everyone is counting on me! But in these hard economic times, I can’t afford to slow down! And these are all valid arguments. But in the end, do they serve the greater good?
Even Jesus, who is God in human form, understood the importance of knowing when to say when. His ministry included days filled with crowds of people swarming him with their problems, their challenges, and their desire to be healed. The Bible recounts in Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus demonstrated the importance of knowing when to say when.
We should apply that principle in our own lives, without fear of guilt or repercussion. Knowing when to say when gives us the power to return to our activity or routine at another time. While in the meantime, we renew, refresh, and recharge.
Do you know when it’s time to say when? Be sure to ask God for guidance in taking a break from your activity or routine. And when you return, be sure to give your testimony to encourage others.
The most common example is found in social drinking. A wise social drinker knows when to cut off the alcohol. This person knows that any further indulgence will lead to intoxication. So, when offered yet another drink, he or she will say, “No thanks, I’ve had enough.” If we only knew when to apply this in other areas of our lives!
We tend to get burnt out, overtired, and generally worn out because we often don’t know when to say when. We become so caught up in our own lives, that we lose perspective. And we find ourselves making rationalizations: But the chores have to be done! But everyone is counting on me! But in these hard economic times, I can’t afford to slow down! And these are all valid arguments. But in the end, do they serve the greater good?
Even Jesus, who is God in human form, understood the importance of knowing when to say when. His ministry included days filled with crowds of people swarming him with their problems, their challenges, and their desire to be healed. The Bible recounts in Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus demonstrated the importance of knowing when to say when.
We should apply that principle in our own lives, without fear of guilt or repercussion. Knowing when to say when gives us the power to return to our activity or routine at another time. While in the meantime, we renew, refresh, and recharge.
Do you know when it’s time to say when? Be sure to ask God for guidance in taking a break from your activity or routine. And when you return, be sure to give your testimony to encourage others.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What’s Your Story?
Everyone has a story to tell. Whether it’s a single, life-changing event or a collection of experiences that make for interesting reading, you have something to say. And you may be encouraged to know that God can use your story to help change someone else’s life.
Never underestimate the power of your testimony. I’ve heard it said that one of the tricks of the enemy (or a tool that Satan uses to undermine Christians) is to make us feel as though we’re the only ones who have gone through a situation. By making us feel isolated and ashamed, he can keep us from fellowship with other Christians—and at worst, ultimately make us feel like we’re out of fellowship with God. You never know how much sharing your story will have an impact on someone.
And not all testimonies are about overcoming adversity. There are times when we find ourselves in humorous situations where all we can do is smile and say—“Look at God!” Don’t you know that the Lord can work through our laughter just as well as He can through our tears?
In his instructions to the members of the church in Thessalonica, Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I believe that by sharing our circumstances with one another, we have an opportunity to give honor to God and touch people’s lives.
What’s your story?
Never underestimate the power of your testimony. I’ve heard it said that one of the tricks of the enemy (or a tool that Satan uses to undermine Christians) is to make us feel as though we’re the only ones who have gone through a situation. By making us feel isolated and ashamed, he can keep us from fellowship with other Christians—and at worst, ultimately make us feel like we’re out of fellowship with God. You never know how much sharing your story will have an impact on someone.
And not all testimonies are about overcoming adversity. There are times when we find ourselves in humorous situations where all we can do is smile and say—“Look at God!” Don’t you know that the Lord can work through our laughter just as well as He can through our tears?
In his instructions to the members of the church in Thessalonica, Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I believe that by sharing our circumstances with one another, we have an opportunity to give honor to God and touch people’s lives.
What’s your story?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
What Is God Teaching You?
A Christian friend of mine would always open our conversations with, “What has God been teaching you lately?” And as I responded, without fail, I would be able to point to the current events in my life and reflect on the spiritual lessons I was receiving from them. When you are faced with a crisis or tough decision, you may also find it helpful to take a good look at what God is teaching you.
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.” This is a clear indication of God’s active hand at work. He’s arranging and shaping things in a particular way for a particular reason. The world looks at a series of events and incidents and calls them “coincidence.” But I’m a firm believer in Divine intervention (and what some call Divine appointment). In other words, everything happens for a reason.
For example, one of the most powerful lessons God taught me was about tithing. Many, many years ago, my pastor (the late Rev. John E. Sharpe of Shiloh Baptist Church in Newark, NJ) preached on the importance of tithing. I had my reservations at first, so I took my concerns to the Lord. I was led to set aside a portion of my income in cash. And wouldn’t you know it? Suddenly, there were people and charitable opportunities everywhere—specifically laid in front of me—in need of my financial support. The lessons were abundant, but one of the most important things I learned was that tithing is a form of worship and serving the Lord. (Maybe one day, I’ll do a full blog on the power and importance of tithing.)
The Bible tells us that God is with us always. And it’s important to remember that in our daily walk, He is not a silent partner. He is constantly teaching us—through the people, places, and circumstances we come across each day. As a writer, I know that the stringing together of such particular events could only be the work of a Divine Author. As a Christian, I’m so glad He’s doing it for me.
Every now and then, take a moment to ask yourself, “What is God teaching me?” Prayer and fasting usually help to make the answer crystal clear.
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.” This is a clear indication of God’s active hand at work. He’s arranging and shaping things in a particular way for a particular reason. The world looks at a series of events and incidents and calls them “coincidence.” But I’m a firm believer in Divine intervention (and what some call Divine appointment). In other words, everything happens for a reason.
For example, one of the most powerful lessons God taught me was about tithing. Many, many years ago, my pastor (the late Rev. John E. Sharpe of Shiloh Baptist Church in Newark, NJ) preached on the importance of tithing. I had my reservations at first, so I took my concerns to the Lord. I was led to set aside a portion of my income in cash. And wouldn’t you know it? Suddenly, there were people and charitable opportunities everywhere—specifically laid in front of me—in need of my financial support. The lessons were abundant, but one of the most important things I learned was that tithing is a form of worship and serving the Lord. (Maybe one day, I’ll do a full blog on the power and importance of tithing.)
The Bible tells us that God is with us always. And it’s important to remember that in our daily walk, He is not a silent partner. He is constantly teaching us—through the people, places, and circumstances we come across each day. As a writer, I know that the stringing together of such particular events could only be the work of a Divine Author. As a Christian, I’m so glad He’s doing it for me.
Every now and then, take a moment to ask yourself, “What is God teaching me?” Prayer and fasting usually help to make the answer crystal clear.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
People Suck
If you really stop and think about it, people suck. I’m not talking about specific people or any particular individuals. I’m talking about all people. You know, mankind.
People have been sucking since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve, living in a beautiful garden with every one of their needs satisfied, still decided to disobey God and eat of the forbidden fruit. That sucked for everybody. In Noah’s day, people sucked so much, that God decided to destroy all of them, except Noah’s family. And Noah’s family began sucking as soon as they got off the ark. (Read Genesis 9:18–27: Noah got drunk and one of his sons started disrespecting him.) People then sucked again in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16 – 19:29). Even God’s chosen people—those He led out of bondage in Egypt—sucked so much that he thought about striking them down (Exodus 32:1–14). Don’t even get me stared with that one.
People sucking isn’t just an Old Testament phenomenon. When Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, humbly riding on a donkey, people shouted, “Hosanna,” and proclaimed his kingdom (Mark 11:1–10). Not long after that, those same people shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (Mark 15:1–15) They sucked! Later, after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, after the apostles went out among nations, Paul began forming churches all over the place—but he had to write letter after letter to these wayward churches about their behavior (read 1 Corinthians through 2 Thessalonians). People were sucking all over the New Testament. And people still suck today.
And because I know that people suck, I realize that I’m probably the chief sucker. Although as a Christian, I try my best to lead a God-centered life, sometimes my thoughts, actions, and deeds can be the worst. The Bible acknowledges that even a righteous man will sometimes fall. So what does it all mean? Is all hope for mankind lost? Absolutely not. I am extremely humbled by Philippians 2:5–11. Jesus realized that people sucked from Day One. Yet, that didn’t stop Him from coming down here to save us. Even when people were sucking horribly while He hung from the cross dying, he looked on us with compassion and love.
I am so glad that Jesus still loves us in spite of the fact that we suck! What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
People have been sucking since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve, living in a beautiful garden with every one of their needs satisfied, still decided to disobey God and eat of the forbidden fruit. That sucked for everybody. In Noah’s day, people sucked so much, that God decided to destroy all of them, except Noah’s family. And Noah’s family began sucking as soon as they got off the ark. (Read Genesis 9:18–27: Noah got drunk and one of his sons started disrespecting him.) People then sucked again in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16 – 19:29). Even God’s chosen people—those He led out of bondage in Egypt—sucked so much that he thought about striking them down (Exodus 32:1–14). Don’t even get me stared with that one.
People sucking isn’t just an Old Testament phenomenon. When Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, humbly riding on a donkey, people shouted, “Hosanna,” and proclaimed his kingdom (Mark 11:1–10). Not long after that, those same people shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (Mark 15:1–15) They sucked! Later, after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, after the apostles went out among nations, Paul began forming churches all over the place—but he had to write letter after letter to these wayward churches about their behavior (read 1 Corinthians through 2 Thessalonians). People were sucking all over the New Testament. And people still suck today.
And because I know that people suck, I realize that I’m probably the chief sucker. Although as a Christian, I try my best to lead a God-centered life, sometimes my thoughts, actions, and deeds can be the worst. The Bible acknowledges that even a righteous man will sometimes fall. So what does it all mean? Is all hope for mankind lost? Absolutely not. I am extremely humbled by Philippians 2:5–11. Jesus realized that people sucked from Day One. Yet, that didn’t stop Him from coming down here to save us. Even when people were sucking horribly while He hung from the cross dying, he looked on us with compassion and love.
I am so glad that Jesus still loves us in spite of the fact that we suck! What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
I was speaking to someone recently and mentioned how much I love the Easter holiday season. Christmas is great, with our focus on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But for me, Easter really sums up what it’s all about. Jesus came, he loved, and he conquered all with his death and resurrection.
Much like Christmas, Easter has suffered through American commercialism. Chocolate bunnies, hard-boiled dyed eggs, and baskets filled with colorful plastic grass have nothing to do with Jesus Christ. I am told that these are simply remnants of pagan springtime observances. And just like gift-giving and tree-decorating during Christmas, I am also guilty of taking part in some of the worldly Easter rituals, such as raiding the mall for the perfect Easter outfit and overdosing on those soft, chewy, marshmallow chicks. I have to admit, the secular version of Easter is pastel-colored and pretty sweet.
But the religious observance of Easter isn’t quite so intuitive to non-Christians or beginning Christians. Years ago, when I asked my Sunday School class to describe the holiday, the answers ranged from, “It’s when Jesus died for us,” to “When they beat up Jesus and hung Him from the cross.” Death, blood, and suffering don’t sound like much to celebrate. Over the years, I’ve tried to help children understand that what makes Easter so great is that in spite of it all—HE ROSE. Easter isn’t just about Jesus’ death; it’s about Him taking on our sin and overcoming death to bring us everlasting life. (On that note, while I absolutely loved Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, I felt a bit shortchanged that after such a great build up to the crucifixion, there was so little screen time given to the resurrection. Oh, Hollywood.)
Spiritually, I think what I love most about Easter is the impact it has on us individually. While Christmas is all about “peace on earth and goodwill towards men,” Easter is a more introspective holiday. It’s about recognizing that all that Jesus went through was for you. He loved you so much that He sacrificed all for you. He paid the price for your sin so that you wouldn’t have to. And when He rose, He overcame death with all power in His hands. All you have to do is accept Him as your Lord and Savior and He will freely give you an inheritance in the Kingdom.
Christmas is about the birth of Christ and the hope that baby Jesus brought to the world. Easter is the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus brings to our daily lives. When I think about that, I am reminded of how great this holiday season truly is.
Much like Christmas, Easter has suffered through American commercialism. Chocolate bunnies, hard-boiled dyed eggs, and baskets filled with colorful plastic grass have nothing to do with Jesus Christ. I am told that these are simply remnants of pagan springtime observances. And just like gift-giving and tree-decorating during Christmas, I am also guilty of taking part in some of the worldly Easter rituals, such as raiding the mall for the perfect Easter outfit and overdosing on those soft, chewy, marshmallow chicks. I have to admit, the secular version of Easter is pastel-colored and pretty sweet.
But the religious observance of Easter isn’t quite so intuitive to non-Christians or beginning Christians. Years ago, when I asked my Sunday School class to describe the holiday, the answers ranged from, “It’s when Jesus died for us,” to “When they beat up Jesus and hung Him from the cross.” Death, blood, and suffering don’t sound like much to celebrate. Over the years, I’ve tried to help children understand that what makes Easter so great is that in spite of it all—HE ROSE. Easter isn’t just about Jesus’ death; it’s about Him taking on our sin and overcoming death to bring us everlasting life. (On that note, while I absolutely loved Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, I felt a bit shortchanged that after such a great build up to the crucifixion, there was so little screen time given to the resurrection. Oh, Hollywood.)
Spiritually, I think what I love most about Easter is the impact it has on us individually. While Christmas is all about “peace on earth and goodwill towards men,” Easter is a more introspective holiday. It’s about recognizing that all that Jesus went through was for you. He loved you so much that He sacrificed all for you. He paid the price for your sin so that you wouldn’t have to. And when He rose, He overcame death with all power in His hands. All you have to do is accept Him as your Lord and Savior and He will freely give you an inheritance in the Kingdom.
Christmas is about the birth of Christ and the hope that baby Jesus brought to the world. Easter is the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus brings to our daily lives. When I think about that, I am reminded of how great this holiday season truly is.
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