Month: March 2018

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)

³¹ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Today was a very emotional day for many students–many of my students.  From time to time we have what we call “Circle Time” where we share what’s on our heart.  As today many of the students had participated in the national school walk out I thought it might be a good time to have some relationship building conversation.

I heard very well thought out expressions–very passionate appeals.  I don’t think people realize all that our young folk go through.  One student who usually is disruptive in class was completely quiet.  He expressed concern because he had heard that the young man who is the accused shooter for the Florida High School Massacre has a similar mental disability to his.  His fellow classmates encouraged him and assured him he didn’t need to be concerned that one person’s mistake defined those who struggle with mental disabilities.

Many students focused on ending the mistreatment that often comes to students who are different in any way.  They with tears spoke of being bullied and feeling helpless.  Some spoke of struggling with depression and how others would say very insensitive things that would cause them to spiral towards the darkness.  Others spoke of the pain of seeing some treat such a serious problem with so much indifference.

I wanted to know if this was their destination or if there was more to their journey.  You see, I know that circle time is therapeutic.  I know that many felt empowered by having a walk out.  But is that the end?  Is there something left to do?

Isaiah wrote the famous words quoted above that speak of the many stages of a journey.  Sometimes you are flying high.  Other times you are running with excitement.  But then sometimes you just walk and hope not to faint.  There are high points and there are low points.  But those who wait on the Lord renew their strength and keep going.

I performed this song for a television show a few years back that simply says “Walk together children don’t you get weary.  There’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.”  This old spiritual encourages unity and perseverance.  I dedicate it to this student movement and to my wonderful music students at Hammond Middle School.  Please pray for them.  Please pray that they continue to walk but not faint!

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶ in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷ in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; ⁹ known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.¹² We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. ¹³ As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

2 Cor. 6:3-13 NIV

I asked a friend today where she gets her energy from.  As a waitress working long shifts  I know she is constantly on her feet. And I know customers aren’t always appreciative of those who serve them.  She said she had gotten her inspiration from her son.  She earlier in life had become a single mother.  She knew that she would be the one who had to make things happen in order for her son to have a good life.  She was determined to make sure he had what he needed.  Than something unfortunate happened.

They use to watch TV together at the end of the day.  One day her son told her he didn’t want to watch and that she should get her own friends.  She was crushed!  That which she had for so long as her motivation was investing in her son.  She nourished him and protected him….and now he didn’t even want to continue spending time with her.  Eventually, he moved out and didn’t communicate very often.  She told me that for days she would just sit on the floor staring.  She didn’t want to do anything.  Her motivation was gone! She had fallen on hard times.

It’s one thing to work for those who appreciate you.  It’s quite another to labor without respect and affirmation.  Paul experienced great sacrifice to spread the gospel.  He mentions being patient in the process.  He mentions sleepless nights.  He mentions beatings and imprisonment.  He went through a lot!  He even says that he opened wide his heart to those who he was laboring for in Corinth.

Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you?  Have you ever been deflated because someone you sacrificed for took you for granted?  I have.  Sometimes students mock you.  Sometimes co-workers spread rumors.  Sometimes church members criticize you.  And yes, many times are children don’t value their relationship with us.  THIS IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR US TO SELF-DESTRUCT!

I find strength from this scripture in Hebrews 12:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

In chapter 11 of Hebrews–often called the faith chapter, we learn that without faith it is impossible to please God.  We then hear about the hall of fame of the faithful who have gone through so much yet held on in faith.  So in chapter 12 we are admonished to remember this great cloud of witnesses and run with perseverance the race set before us.  And then to ultimately remember the example of Jesus who endured hostility from sinners…yet for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross.  The joy was this–Jesus thought that His relationship with you and me for eternity was worth the hardship of the cross.  Hallelujah!!!

So if Jesus can focus on the joy in his vision of what things will look like longterm–us with him forever in heaven, and endure hardship, shouldn’t we follow his example and trust Him to give us the strength to be like Him?

I pray right now for your strength in the Lord!  Don’t let hard times close your heart or lead you into self destructive behavior.  Instead immerse yourself in pursuing a close relationship with our Heavenly Father!  He won’t ever close his heart to you.  He is love.  He will give you the reason to get back up again.

³¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32

I treasure the friends who tell me the truth even when it hurts.  I need to know if I’m doing something that will harm me or those I love.  I want to know if I’m hurting my health or doing something that’s financially foolish.  While I don’t like to be nagged about something I already know, I do want to have the benefit of insight from another perspective that might be more helpful because it’s not swayed by the need to save face or other emotions that may cloud one’s view.

This past Sunday I heard a gifted preacher share of his conversation with a world famous preacher of many years who finds that the current generation of church goers aren’t interested in hearing sermons of in depth biblical knowledge that challenges them to change in order to please God.  Instead they prefer more a a motivational thought using scripture.  They love great music to excite them or entertain them and then they want non-intrusive biblical rhetoric.  Unfortunately, that is a recipe for disaster.

If we only listen to spiritual messages that are catered to our comfort zone we will never grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus.  So what is the result of this trend?

Just like our health obesity epidemic, there is a pandemic of spiritual obesity.  People who have a form of godliness but without the power.  They have entertainment but know relationship.  They have the freedom to behave as they choose without being challenged but the result is spiritual neuropathy.  They can’t tell that their ability to discern right from wrong is diminishing.  They don’t realize that they are on the path to hearing the words “I know you not” from Jesus.  They damage themselves and others but don’t realize all the harm that’s occuring.

So please, search the scriptures! Dig for truth!  And don’t be afraid to share it!  If you don’t many will remain slaves…when the truth could set them free!

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Phil. 4:19

Today, day 49 of 50 days of sharing, I’m thankful that God provides!

I received a phone call this evening that a friend wanted my address to come by and visit briefly.  When he came he brought me something I needed.  I didn’t tell him that I needed it.  But he came bringing something that I needed.  I don’t know how but I know that God provides!

I listened to a powerful sermon today by Dr. Milton Brown.  He was a classmate at Oakwood University and is known worldwide for his development of new drugs.  He is a medical doctor and has a PHD in synthetic chemistry.  He pointed out that we are created for God’s purpose.  He told stories of how God took him through experiences he didn’t understand that enabled God to get greater glory and have taken him around the world in the overflow.  He has given over 80 invited lectures in countries like China, Brasil, and in Europe.  While many tell us to focus on being anything we want to Dr. Brown encouraged us to pursue God’s presence and allow him to define our purpose as we fellowship with Him.

If God has a purpose for our lives doesn’t it make sense that He will provide what is necessary for us to fulfill this purpose?  Matt. 6:31-33 invites us to seek first God and His kingdom.

“31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Tonight if you become  surrounded by thoughts of depression and clouds of uncertainty fill your mental skies please remember “God Provides!”  If your daughter seems to have lost her way you can be sure that your prayers have been heard and that God will supply all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  Don’t worry, “God Provides!”  And if your purpose has not become crystal clear yet remember that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.  “God Provides!”

Maybe if we shared our stories of God’s provision with one another we wouldn’t be so afraid or concerned about our problems.  Seek first Him and His kingdom and watch God provide!

⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

⁴⁶ For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

⁴⁷ And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

MATTHEW 5:43-48

When I was in high school I started praying for others.  I would pray for my enemies as well as my friends.  I still do.  But let me be real: I don’t like where that puts me.  Let me share a few examples.

Jonah preached to Ninevah about God’s coming judgement.  They repented so he was upset.  I preached a sermon about this for lenten service at 19th Street Baptist a few years ago and entitled it “Mad About Grace.”  We are O.K. with God being loving and patient and kind and forgiving when it’s for us and not for those who we think don’t deserve it.  Do we deserve it?  Of course not!!! But somehow we start thinking that we do and then when someone who we consider less than us or someone who isn’t friendly to us receives the blessing of God’s forgiveness and mercy, we become MAD ABOUT GRACE!

I like to serve others.  I often like to sacrifice for others.  I believe this is what Jesus is encouraging us to do in Matthew 5 in the scripture above.  But it gets hard sometimes.  When you are kind to others and bend over backwards not to hurt their feelings in the way you speak with them only for them to casually and callously blurt out what seems mean spirited but they justify it because they just like to “say it like it is.”  I don’t like that at all.

I was sharing with someone today that it’s one thing to come to a school as a guest artist and teach your musical arrangements.  You are introduced with a glowing bio.  Your job is to be interesting, funny, clever, and entertaining.  Someone else does behavior management.  But when you are the new teacher you haven’t won respect yet and you are the police as well as the instructor.  As the artist if folks aren’t paying attention or aren’t respectful you don’t have to do this.  But as the teacher it’s not so simple.

But when I think about how good God has been to me.  When I recognize that I needed grace…and still do.  I didn’t deserve forgiveness or salvation.  That’s when I’m empowered to try to love like Jesus loved and pray for those who haven’t yet decided to respect me or call me friend.  In verse 46 of Matthew 5 Jesus said that it’s no great feet to be loving to those who love you.  Good point!  To be at the center of the universe–being perfect and the focus of worship and give that up to come serve those who haven’t yet decided to respect you or call you friend is beyond my comprehension….Yet that’s what I’m inspired to imitate.

So on Day 47 of my 50 Days I want to re-affirm my commitment to love even when I’m not loved.  This doesn’t mean I don’t set boundaries.  This doesn’t mean I don’t also heed the advice Jesus gave the disciples that he sent out two by two and told them if a town doesn’t receive them on their gospel journey to dust their feet of and continue on to the next location.

But it does mean I daily reflect on God’s goodness to me and show my gratitude by reflecting it onto someone else-even if they don’t love me.  Won’t you join me in this humble act of grace?

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35

Today I sat down with someone and shared with them about a challenging situation I was facing.  I shared all the obstacles that were making me feel sabotaged.  While I told them I was committed to conquering the challenge it still was overwhelming.  I was surprised that she was able to see solutions I hadn’t thought about.

I knew I would feel better by sharing but I had no idea the new light that would shine on my challenges would be so bright.  My problems didn’t go away, but my burden was so much lighter.

In John 13 Jesus encourages us to love one another like He loves us.  Then the text really gets my attention with this statement: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Not if you are an expert at explaining bible prophecy. Not if you have eaten so many veggies and fruits that your burps don’t smell(lol). Not if you are rich, or intelligent, or famous, our powerful.  If you love one another.  When we give each other what Jesus gives us we demonstrate that we are His followers.  I received “Jesus love” today from someone who was willing to listen to me and give caring advice.

What would it be like if you spent a lot of time with a group of people that love each other the way that Jesus loves?  Wouldn’t that be an amazing experience?  Wouldn’t that environment be a place that everyone would want to join?

I believe that’s where our focus should be.  Then evangelism won’t be an issue.  Can you pass the disciple test?

1 Samuel 30:6 King James Version (KJV)

⁶ And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

Have you ever had a day that left you feeling deflated?  Today I had one.  It wasn’t that God let me fail or that everything didn’t work out.  But knowing there’s so much more I want to do and yet feeling the convergence of what feels like a perfect storm against me.  I’m recovering from a bug and so I’m not 100% yet.  Also, I’m learning a new job so it’s different than how the last 8 years have been performing a routine I had about mastered.  On top of that allergy season is starting–how annoying!  And than several incidents of the day reminded me that I haven’t mastered what I’m doing yet.

I hate feeling like I haven’t come through for others.

So now I’m going to share with you what I believe is necessary to prepare me for what lies ahead.  I’m going to encourage myself in the Lord!

When David found himself in a pretty rough spot that’s what he did.  The men he was hanging out with were upset with him because someone had come while they were away from home and taken all there stuff–including their families!  The fellas didn’t take that to well.  They wanted to take it out on their leader, David.  The text we read above says they spake of stoning him.

When you are a leader you are often not understood.  God usually gives you a vision that others don’t see yet.  It’s your call to pursue the vision and express it with conviction to others.  If your fortunate you and your crew develop a shared vision that is compelling and you all work together towards it’s fulfillment.  So that’s my request for my Heavenly Father.  I pray that he brings together a compelling vision and empowers me to place the plan and pieces together.  And while I’m still seeing this by faith I claim that all things will work together for good.  I believe that God loves me and is eager to assist me in giving Him glory through the completion of this vision.  I trust Him that when I am weak (right now) that He is INCREDIBLY STRONG!  I therefore thank him now!  I am grateful for what you have already done for my future!  Thank you!!!  Thank You!!! Thank You!!! (Faith is the substance of things hoped for) .

So many times before God has worked things out and answered prayers and brought visions to pass that I would be foolish not to bring my hurts and heart’s desires to Him and trust Him with them both.

I invite you to do the same.  Let’s feel gratitude together now as we say thanks for what He’s about to do even before we see it!  Thanks again, Lord!

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  Matt 24:44

From the time I was a little child I’ve heard that Jesus was coming.  I think that hearing something like that for a long time can lead to taking it for granted.  I thought will I get to have children?  Do I know enough to be saved?  Is this real?

Now today I’m puzzled.  So much of what I was taught…so much of what I studied in the bible is happening.  It seems that everyday we learn more about the evils of our society and icebergs that loom in our future.  Will genetically modified foods eventually cause us all to get sick?  Will our economic system collapse and leave us desperate to find food?  Are we all so busy numbed by all the distractions available to us that we will be caught unaware when everything goes south?

My message today is simple.  Be ready!  Study what you need to study!  Pray.  Don’t keep putting off figuring out what you need to do to be ready for any future crisis.  And certainly don’t put off pursuing a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Because ready or not, HERE HE COMES!

dcg

I want you to take a thought walk with me for a minute and consider some of the major causes of our current societal suffering.  It’s time to RISE UP!

Fast food or processed food has the addition of salt, sugar, oils, and preservatives.  When we eat these foods we are excited BUT NOT NOURISHED!  In addition these foods are calorie dense.  Where as salad has 100 calories per pound, chocolate has 2500 calories per pound.  So not only do you crave more and more of what stimulates you but does not nourish you, but you gain lots of weight and develop various diseases.  Your ability to think clearly is compromised.

We receive dopamine hits from lying in our bed clicking on our phones and tablets.  Sometimes it’s the games with their endless levels.  Sometimes it’s the seemingly endless content available to us on social media.  But in order to keep our attention in this highly competitive environment we are bombarded with drama-nudity, sex, violence, the extreme, the shocking and the emotional, in order to hook us.  The content with the most stimulation usually gets our focus.

A few years back I was writing a musical and got professional counsel on how to make it better.  My two takeaways were: your message is to complicated and it needs to be more entertaining.  All of the movies and programming you are getting are competing for your attention just like the food is.  The more vivid the colors, the more stunning the special effects, the more exciting the plot, the more emotional the engagement, the more graphic the violence, the more seductive the sex; the more all of the above the more likely it will win your choice.

Over 70% of people in the United States are overweight or obese.  74% of the food in the grocery stores is laced with sugar.  When the 700 million obese people of the world look at themselves (me included) we see the result of all of the above physically.  But what about the result of all of the above spiritually and socially? Is it any wonder our kids can’t concentrate in school?  Is it any wonder it’s so hard to have a successful marriage?  Is it any wonder we see more mentally unstable people killing masses of people?

If there were ever a time to pray and fast it’s NOW!  We are seeing the perfect storm of human demise.  By making pleasure our god we are destroying our ability to hear from God.  And the road to recovery ISN’T EASY!  So that’s why we need to pray.  We need to study.  We need to inspire one another to take action!  We need to make regular calls for action.  We need to daily invite people to start a new way of living, to make a change!  We have to create safe environments not only for our children and for the weak among us but also for ourselves.
It is only when I immerse myself in the presence of my Creator.  When I read about his character in the bible, when I meditate on the insights I find as I study and as I pray, it is only then I find hope and strength and peace. It’s time to RISE UP!  It’s time to leave Babylonian entertainment and eating!