Author: ydoctor@gmail.com

I have a friend named Henry.  He has a statement he often says that relates to his philosophy of life: “Best logic wins!”

He explained to me that in his business meetings his ego isn’t tied to his opinion.  If someone else has better logic he will recognize it and move along.  He is the CFO(Cheif Financial Officer) of a major entity and that has worked for him.  I trust Henry.  He has always given me good counsel.

But this morning I want to share with you a personal statement of revelation: “Best Servant Wins!”  As a gospel music artist I interface with many singers and musicians who want to go to the “next level.”  I’m not sure all of what they imagine is at that level.  The beautiful pictures of the most famous pastors and singers suggest power, wealth and fame.  So it’s no wonder that so many wish to be in their shoes based on the images we see circulated of them.

But what I have found in my life in music, in ministry and as well in business is that the Best Servant Wins! I recently was selecting a cleaning company and I had a meeting with one referred to me by a family friend.  When this person came they were different than all the other cleaning companies I had ever dealt with.  Instead of focusing on all that they didn’t do they shared what was included in their basic service and then they added other ways that they would make my life better by serving other needs they noticed.  So the funny thing is I know why they were highly recommended even before seeing their work.  They were interested in taking care of as many of my needs as possible.   Often the upgrades were not that expensive.  But I appreciated that there was analysis of what I needed and solutions to my needs.

Jesus gave us the greatest example of a servant’s life.  We read in Mark 10: 42-45:

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I am making my focus how I can better serve and it is opening doors of opportunity.  I want to go to a barber that wants to give me the best service.  I want to go to a doctor that wants to give me the best service.  I want to fellowship with brothers and sister who want to give me the best service.  And I want to be known as a great servant.

So today ask yourself “how can I be a better servant?”  Because the BEST SERVANT WINS!

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David

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!