Removing The Veil

Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.  Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  2 Corinthians 3:12-16

What is it you are afraid of?  You might be worried about offending someone or hurting their feelings.  You might lose a relationship or show that you are flawed like everyone else.  But there was one fear of mine that I am going to share with you today.  It’s the one that superseded all other ones.  It was the one that haunted me because no matter what I did or how I tried to avoid it, it always found me in some fashion or another.  My greatest fear was what did everyone think about me.  You see, the only time I truly saw ‘me’ was when I looked in the mirror.  Other than that, I was just a man who fought every single negative stereotype that’s ever been said about people that look like me.  My view was if I ever wanted to get ahead in life, I had to do everything I could to be the very opposite of the worse things people could see when they saw me.  I talked better.  I worked harder.  I took inappropriate jokes easier.  I ignored things because any hint that might seem different would force me into that stereotypical box people had.  And the fact is I did such a great job of it that I lost the real me.

Over the last couple of years, something changed.  God forced me to be different.  He challenged me to be something I had never been comfortable with; me.  It forced me to acknowledge some very tough truths.  One was to love the person I had become.  This was easy because I had a beautiful God-fearing wife who told me as much.  Even when I could not believe who I was, she believed in me.  Next, was to embrace who I am.  I’m not perfect.  I am a sinner.  But I am God’s child, and I am so blessed to have a savior like Christ.  The toughest one of all was simply tell the world who I am.  That is the hard one.  Why?   Because that’s the one that says I’m not like everyone else, and there are things I now say that will ruffle others feathers.  I’m black, and I’m proud.  I am not some militant angry person.  I am Christian, and with all those things together, there are some things that I just simply won’t tolerate anymore.  For example, I will no longer accept someone telling me that I need to respect a leader who under any other circumstance I would not respect at all (easy to figure who that might be).  I will listen to you, and empathize.  I will always show both compassion and care for others, and I will always love as Jesus loves us.  But I am God’s child, and I no longer have to apologize for who I am.

The verses today remind us that we are free to be who God intended us.  Paul’s comparison of the old and new covenant is very telling.  In the old covenant, the Israelites were forced into this feeling that they were to serve God, and this was best done by following His rules or order.  When we think of it, the problem was easy to see.  They were slaves to the law but not God.  This of course was not God’s intent.  Thus, the new covenant through Christ liberated them to serve God in an entirely different way.  It was to love God first and foremost, and through love they would both see and understand those things which God coveted most; our heart, mind, and soul.  They thus had confidence to try to go farther than before for even as they would fail, they would simply get up and strive to be better servants.  This is what changes everything for us.

God did not make us to be meek.  Jesus Himself is humble, compassionate, and loving.  But He is not soft!  He has no problem calling out issues, and was willing to call out the Pharisees even as they would crucify Him.  He chose Saul, a persecutor of Christians, on the road to Damascus to make him a leader of the new covenant.  Do not be afraid of who you are!  God made you exactly as you are to do His will.  It does not mean we won’t have to grow and change.  What it will mean is that we will be stronger and better than we could possibly imagine if we trust Him.  What do you need to remove from your life today to better see Christ?  My prayer is that we are bold as the verses say and remove the veil.  Amen.

Thursday Devotional - Prayer Struggles

On Sunday night I took my Dad to the ER with chest pain. They ran lots of tests, confirmed he hadn’t had a heart attack (at least not yet) and kept him overnight to run more tests and do a heart catheterization. It was quite scary.

My Mom and one sister were out of the country and it was the middle of the night for them so I didn’t call them right away. I did let my other sister (in CT) know so she could be praying with us. I was struggling in prayer, though. I didn’t want to pray for God’s will but for what I wanted. I knew God was in control and I could trust Him. I knew He was listening. However, I also knew that His plans are different than mine and His ways are higher. What I think is best and what He knows is best can be very different. I did know God would give us what He knew we needed, when we needed it. 

As the next day progressed, the surgeon found blocked arteries during the heart catheterization and put in two stents. So, we stayed another night in the hospital. God provided peace through it all, especially to my Dad. He wasn’t even scared for the procedure (but I was a little anxious)! We are thankful to God he is recovering well and hasn’t had any complications!

Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.  Romans 11:33-36   

I don’t deserve anything from God. As this passage says, He doesn’t owe me anything. However, He is always faithful to listen to my prayers, offer peace in difficult circumstances, and give wisdom when I ask.

What are you struggling in prayer about? Even if we don’t get the answer we are wanting, God will always provide wisdom, strength and comfort when we genuinely seek it. He has all wisdom and knowledge beyond our comprehension!!!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Timely Peace

After the devastation of Jesus’ death and the confusion over the empty tomb, the disciples were timely visited and comforted by Jesus.  

John 20:19-22         ¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus came and provided peace and joy to His devastated disciples! He not only physically appeared, but did so miraculously! He also graciously showed them the proof of His death. Then, He commissioned and empowered them to continue the difficult work He had started.  

Jesus came and gave me peace after devastation and before facing additional difficulties, too. The evening I found out I was going to miscarry (after 13 weeks of pregnancy) I was devastated. When I woke up in the middle of the night with contractions 2 minutes apart, God had me eventually get out of bed and go to the bathroom. My water broke on the toilet and then everything happened. As devastated as I was, I felt like God was holding my hand during the whole thing, starting with the fact that He had my water break not only at home, but on the toilet! I had peace knowing He was there. His peace brought encouragement as I faced the physically and emotionally painful hours, weeks, months and years that followed.

How have you witnessed God bringing peace and joy after devastation? What encouragement and strength did it give you to persevere through the next difficult challenge?

Alice

Unbreakable Faithfulness

We look at faithfulness, and when times are good, it is relatively easy.   However when darkness comes and the storm batters and beats us, we begin to waver.  We question if God is with us.  We wonder if He hears our cry, and if things do not go our way soon, some will even begin to wonder whether He exists.  It’s hard.  I know what it is like when you feel like there is no hope in sight, and you feel like there is nothing you can do.  I’ve been there when a bill was due and the checking account was empty.  Then you fall on your knees crying to God, “I can’t do this!”  And then when the check from comes out of nowhere, you realize He was there all along. It is then you are assured that God is most faithful.  When you are distraught and there seems to be no end, He is a comforter.  But to find this, you have to be willing to look to God with utter and complete vulnerability and say I cannot do this on my own.

God is faithful whether at your best or your most vulnerable worst.  The verse of today is not of divine wisdom.  It is of simple truth, and it is often said that the simplest things are the most powerful ones.  For example gravity is simply stated as what goes up must come down.  As children of God we are assured that God is always faithful. It does not say that life is always filled with rose pedals and sunshine.  In fact throughout the Bible there are stories of heartache and tragedy. However, God always restored and often provided in abundance for those who believed in and were faithful to Him despite their obstacles.  We often find ourselves in situations where there seems to be nowhere to turn to, and even when we pray, we feel like there is no answer.  However instead of question or doubt, be assured in the knowledge that God is with you, and He is will provide for you in ways you may not have even imagined.

We are called realizing that we are not perfect, but through Jesus Christ, we are enough.  His faithfulness reassures us that we can make it through anything.  The apostle Paul speaking of God’s power once said, “My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)  Let us throw down our pride and whatever barriers that may separate us from God in our hearts and minds.  Vulnerability is an opportunity to let God’s strength shine.  Will you admit to God your weakness and vulnerabilities?  How will His faithfulness reassure you in your times of struggle?  My prayer is that we remember the faithfulness and love God has for us for will never be broken.  Amen.

Always There

Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”

But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”

God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” Exodus 3:10-12

It seems maintaining faithfulness in tough times has become a theme for the New Year as I have been inundated with stories of people dealing with tough times.  Not just your ordinary ‘have a rough week’ tough times. Instead, more of the ‘the husband and pastor of my church was killed by someone he was trying to help and I do not understand why God allowed this to happen’ tough times (not my pastor by the way). These are the times you find out how real God is in your life.  What do you do when you feel all of the prayers are unanswered and the words of friends trying to comfort you fall hollow?  I admit at those times I initially feel lost and a bit alone.  However, this does not send me to a place of blaming God for my woes.  Instead, it becomes a time to exercise patience and trust in His word knowing He is there with me.  Always.

Tough times are when God’s promises will give you comfort.  The story of God revealing Himself to Moses is always encouraging to me. It’s not just the knowledge of God existence as I mentioned last week.  It is Moses’ perspective here that is revealing.  We all have the moment where we look at a task or situation that we are in, and we ask ourselves, “How can we deal with this?”  How do I overcome the pressure where there is no relief? How do I deal with the pain that seems never ending or sorrow that won’t go away?  After being given the directive to lead the people of Israel out from slavery, Moses, understanding how massive an undertaking God was giving to him, asked a similar question; Who am I to do this?  God reassured Moses saying, “I will be with you.”  Thus, Moses’ perspective went from just the average guy to God’s personal messenger.  This would instill all the confidence he needed to follow God’s instruction.  We all have those moments where we are simply overwhelmed.  However, these are the times where we should remain faithful and be filled with the never ending hope as written in Romans 12:12 (Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying).

Our journey of faith is an ongoing story filled with both struggles and successes.  Our goal is not to run from challenges.  It is to continue looking forward and focusing on God. Furthermore, we must maintain our hope that the purpose of our current situation will revealed in the future. So let us remember the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4 fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and remaining faithful.  How can assurance of God’s presence aide you in your current situation?  What challenge do you need to take to God today? My prayer is that we continue to look forward to God knowing He is always there.  Amen.

Humble and Gentle

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.  James 4:7-10

(This is Pt 5 of 8 – Turning the Tide – Representing God to a World that Misrepresents Him)

In the United States, we talk about certain unalienable rights.  Of which, there are none more fundamental than life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  I like how it says ‘pursuit of happiness’ because that does not guarantee that one should be happy.  Now most people would say that I am a fairly happy guy.  However as I wrote this devotion, I found myself asking if I am too happy.  Perhaps, all I have and been given is not really deserved.  It was given by the grace of God.  In spite of the things I have done wrong and how I did not get it right before God, He has yet chosen to give me so much in this life.  Because of such, I am both saddened and humbled.  Maybe that is the difference between happiness and humility.  Happiness is the feeling you have when something good is going on.  Humility is the feeling of goodness you have when God is with you even when bad things are going on in your life.  In a world that in many cases feels entitled to have ‘Happiness,’ what can we do to find humility even when things like suffering, depression, and even isolation come.

As Christians, we find humility through God’s love and grace.  I love today’s verses because it not only draws on what humility looks like but also notes a clear line of the battle for our soul; it’s God and the world. The verses speak of sorrow, grief,  sadness, and gloom.  The world is full of not only good but also sorrow, grief, and other problematic things.  Furthermore, we know that there are numerous trials and tests where there is no happiness or joy to be found.  In spite of all that, we have been given so much.  We may have worked or earned much of it, but if we look to the standard of Jesus Christ, we do not deserve any of it.  In our understanding of this (humility), God gains the glory, and elevates us above all of our past transgressions and failures!  Thus, all that we have becomes all we were given by God.

We find joy in our lives through Jesus Christ for even when we deserve death for our sins, He interceded for us to give us eternal life.  We should feel incredibly humbled for this most gracious gift.  So in our sadness and remorse, we find the love God has for us.  In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Where can you humble yourselves before God?  How you can more appreciative of the gifts that God has given you?  My prayer is that we learn from Jesus’ teachings, and be both humble and gentle at heart for all He has given us. Amen.

The Two Sides of Grace

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:6-10

There are times in life where you gain something more than you initially though.  Watching my daughter graduate was a moment where she had triumphed over some incredible odds.  Yet in that moment, my wife and I realized that we too had made it through our own hardship to watch her achieve this moment in her life.  Finding God was a moment where I felt like I won something.  However, I did not just win grace from God.  I finally was able to fight back against someone who I lost to continually each and every day.  That was my own guilt.

God’s grace is needed not only for us but also from us.  There is a seemingly limitless amount of benefits that come with being a child of God.  While God’s love is amazing, His grace is incredibly transformative.  When I was given grace, my life as a Christian began.  However, one of the greatest changes that occurred since then was not my acceptance of God’s grace.  It was forgiveness of me.  You see, I felt so guilty from sin that the person who least believed I deserved grace was me.  In fact, I still at times feel that I let God down.  Then, I learned about how guilt was an instrument of Satan.  You see, we should feel bad about sin.  However, Christ died on the cross for all sin.  This did not include only our past sins.  It included present and future sins as well.  Our heartfelt repentance is what is necessary for forgiveness not only from God but also us.

We already have victory when we chose Christ as Lord of our lives.  We must remember that God extends His grace to us not only to remove our separation from Him but also the guilt that would say you are not worthy of it.  Do not give in!  God’s love for you is as great as it always has been, and even in your weakness, God grace is sufficient for you.  What do you need to forgive yourself for?  How can you allow God’s grace to be enough for you?  My prayer is that we embrace both sides of grace; from God and for ourselves.  Amen.

Perfect Balance

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  Ephesians 5:22-27

My wife and I are a team.  We love each other, and I have to say that it is the closest relationship we have to ours with God.  We fight and argue.  She says I complain too much, and she’s probably right.  I will tell her to take more time out for herself, and she will try to remember that.  At the end of the day, we are a perfect balance for each other.  The reason is we do not focus on who is in control.  We focus on fulfilling our role as husband and wife.  The better we do so, the more love we feel for each other.

God’s word gives a perfect outline for how a healthy relationship should work.  Many couples struggle with the concept of who should be in charge.  For example, there is a saying that behind every good man is a good woman.  With the woman’s rights movement, the saying seemed to change to beside every good man is a good woman.  We hear conversations of guys being ‘whipped’ and women being abused.  It can be both depressing and frustrating.  Today’s verses are direct reminders that each role must fulfill their obligation to the relationship as Jesus Christ did on earth.  A godly woman would gladly submit to their husband who is loving of them as Jesus loved the church.  A godly man would gladly love their wife who gives into them first.  The verses in the proper context are about balance and not control.  You cannot have a great relationship without both submitting to and love for each other.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ gives us the best example of how to have long lasting and loving relationships.  Jesus was both submitting to God’s will and loving of all God’s people.  While society focuses on who is in control, we must look to love God as He loves us; unconditionally.  It is only then our relationships can be both fulfilling and satisfying for as Jesus said to Samaritan woman, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” (John 4:13a)  Is your relationship balanced?  How can you focus more on your commitment to the relationship?  My prayer is that we are willing to both love and submit in order for our relationships to have the perfect balance.  Amen.

Work In Progress

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4:14-16

My journey of faith started right here doing devotions over ten years ago.  I have grown so much in the decade that has passed since, and yet, I feel like I am still a work in progress.  My growth moves me to be better and closer each day to the God who showed me grace and to the people who despite my flaws have shown me love that only God supersedes.  I write devotions with the hope of helping others find purpose for what God has in store for them for each day that we focus on Christ is a step of growth in the right direction.

Spiritual growth is a continual process that is aided by knowledge in His word and use of one’s gifts. One area that I have grown immensely in is sharing my faith.  With greater knowledge in the truth of His word and understanding the gifts God has given me, I have realized that I am far better at discussing faith with someone I have first gotten to know.  If I try a different approach, it does not come across as authentic or worded differently, with Godly intent.  We all grow in different ways.  Some as my pastor said the other day are best diving in to learn how to swim.  Others learn best from someone knowledgeable or applying life experiences.  Our goal is to be knowledgeable in what God expects from us so that we operate continually with ‘Godly intent.’

Growth is not meant to be easy for as Jesus said, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:14)  In trying to grow, we will fall sometimes, but the greatest growth often comes from our failures.  One of the last things my father told me was, “Keep your hands on the plow.”  It meant keep working at it.  Don’t give up.  Keep pushing. This is how we both grow and become the mature body of Christ.  How can you grow your spiritual gifts?  What greater knowledge can you obtain to further your spiritual growth?  My prayer is that we realize that we are continually a work in progress.  Amen.

Trust Issues

I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.  Psalm 18:1-3

Do you ever fear of a relationship because you have trouble trusting them?   It might be something that has happened to us in our past holding you back, and other times, it may be a sense you have about them.  I remember when a close relative disappointed me and lost my complete trust.  The incident became a memory that would shelter me from others.  No one could be trusted.  However through God’s love, I was able to come back and find the courage to trust again.  That would change my relationships, both old and new. When I stopped limiting myself to avoid being hurt and extended the same level of trust that I had placed in God, future disappointments did not change me because I knew God had my back, and my relationships became more healthy because they were both strong  and authentic.

Trusting in God will unlock endless possibilities for your relationships with others.   There are numerous reasons why we lack trust.  We don’t trust others because we worry of them being worthy of it.  We don’t trust a situation because it has always failed previously, and we don’t even trust ourselves because we have either never done it before or have told ourselves it cannot be done.  However, we serve an awesome and mighty God for which there are absolutely NO boundaries.  If we pray earnestly for His guidance and truly trust Him, He will give us wisdom to know who to trust, His word as guidance to any situation, and His strength to overcome our own fears and doubts.

Surety in God gives us the confidence to move forward in any situation.  As today’s verses remind us, He is a rock, fortress, our strength, shield and salvation that is indeed worthy to be praised.  When the world may seem uncertain around you, trust in God that He would never steer you wrong, and then extend that very trust to others knowing He will always be there for you.  How much do you truly trust God?  Where can God restore your trust in others?  My prayer is that we remember God’s love and grace when dealing with our own trust issues.  Amen.

The Year of The Lord's Favor

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.  Isaiah 61:1-3

For most of my life, I would hear that the term A.D. meant ‘after death,’ as in after Jesus Christ died, and B.C. meant before Christ.  However after reading and studying for a Bible Study class, I found that first part was entirely wrong.  The term ‘A.D.’ is actually a medieval Latin term meaning “the year of the Lord.’ Thus, the beginning of the New Year is yet another reminder of the birth of our Lord and savior, and while many believe the approximate date is a little off (His birth approximated to be somewhere between 6-4 BC), there is a clear connection anytime the calendar changes.

The New Year brings forward a time where we have a chance to celebrate our own rebirth through Jesus Christ. The 61^st Chapter of Isaiah is simply titled ‘The Year of the Lord’s Favor.’ Its introductory verses point out what the coming of Jesus would mean to us all.  While we often focus on God’s awesome and mighty power, these verses also remind us how infinitely thankful we should be for His love and mercy.  The words are telling us how indeed Jesus Christ would change the world freeing us from sin, comforting mourners, bringing joy and praise, and planting the seeds of righteousness.

Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (NKJV) As other look to make resolutions, let us rejoice and be glad as the New Year is a reminder once again that Jesus is the reason for the season.  What thanks will you give God for this soon to be past year?  How will you give glory to God this New Year?  My prayer is that we are used by God to make this indeed a year of the Lord’s favor!  Amen and Happy New Year!

Being Needy

But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”

But as for me, I am poor and needy;
    may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    you are my God, do not delay.  Psalm 40:16-17

We all have needs.  At Christmas time, my daughter has numerous things that she wants for Christmas like dolls, a tablet, and a bike.  As a parent, I must be wise to remember that while those are things she would love to have, she has needs like a winter coat, new boots, and books that will teach her what she needs to know.  We all have our responsibility to focus on those things that we need and not be indulgent as to what we want.  The problem is discerning what exactly that we truly need.

As my wife and I prayed last night, my focus went to my dependence on God.  He has given me so much, but yet, I found myself humbly needing more.  Not more things. Rather, a greater depth and understanding of His purpose for my life.

A true relationship with Christ should find us needing more of Him each day.  Our daily lives are filled with demands on our time from work, family, and other duties.  Too often these become our priorities.  This is not to say these things are to be left idle or diminished.  However, we should realize all that we have is given to us by God.  Each of our responsibilities are blessing from a God whose wisdom is beyond understanding, love is without limits,, and mercy is overwhelming.  Those are the things we need, and in the 40^th Psalm, David clearly understand this.

Without God, we have very little in life worthwhile.  One of my favorite hymns when I was a child says, “I need Thee, oh, I need thee.  Every hour I need thee.”  The song speaks of a relationship so powerful and intimate that one cannot imagine living without it.  That is what a healthy growing relationship with God emulates.  Is your relationship with God a wanted one or needed one?  What priorities in your life need rearranging to create a closer relationship with God?  My prayer is that in our relationship with God, we are intentionally needy.  Amen. 

I'm Christian and I'm Proud

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16

James Brown wrote a song back in 1968 when the civil rights movement was in full swing.  It stated quite simply, “Say it loud!  I’m black and I’m proud.”  Many of you might ask why on earth that would ever need to be said.  Well society back then was not always kind to African Americans.  Blessed with an incredible family, I grew up being proud of who I was even when there were subtle times society would question not only who I was but also whether I belonged.  This became my motivation and strength to persevere through those challenges.  I share this not to bring up my ethnicity.  Rather, it is bring up the conviction and strength one has when they know who they are.

As followers of Christ, we are to stand proudly on our faith.  Always!  The other day, I was putting a reminder of my Wednesday bible study in my online calendar.  I hesitated to put it there because my calendar is public to my team and peers and might be seen as politically incorrect.  Then like the lessons my family taught me, I asked myself, “Why do I need to deny who I am?”  We should neither hide nor shy away from the faith that has freed us from the bondage of our sins.  Much of who we are at work revolves around the fruits of the spirit (patience, love, honor, humility), and our coworkers and family feel secure knowing that we will do our best following the example of the God we adore and love.

As faithful Christians, who we are centers on the cross.  David said in the 27^th Psalm, “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1a)  Our love for Christ trumps all.  Whether it is through actions or words, we should always embrace the God who gives us strength and is indeed mighty to save.  Where do you hide your faith?  How will you respond in a place where it feels uncomfortable to be a follower of Christ?  My prayer is that we like James Brown say it loud!  I’m Christian and proud!  Amen.

Ending at Hope

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:1-5

Why do we suffer?  Why must we endure pain even when those around us are seemingly at peace?  I looked to one of my very early devotions dealing with suffering.  The story revolves around one of Major League Baseball's most memorable moments known as "The Shot Heard Round the World."  Bobby Thompson, a New York (now known as San Francisco) Giant hit a home run against Ralph Branca and his Brooklyn (now Los Angeles) Dodgers in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the 1951 National League pennant playoff.  Below are Branca’s comments describing the aftermath of this historic home run:

I drove home that night.  Took Brooklyn with Ann (his wife), and you know.  It was a long lonely ride, and she started to cry because we were going to get married in 17 days.  When I got home, my mother and father of course was disappointed, and I think they bled for me.  My mother got a couple of phone calls.  "Teach your son how to pitch," you know, and they'd hang up.  And that's really vicious.  Brothers and sisters (heard) at work at the time, "Ah, your brother stinks."  You know, "Your brother lost the game."  Ann going to a gas station, and giving her credit card.  And guy says, "Ay, your husband threw the home run pitch, right?"  Shouldn't have to take that nonsense.

My cousin was a dean of Campus Ministries at Fordham, and I said, "Why me?"  And you know I was always in shape.  I didn't drink or smoke, and baseball was my love.  Why me?  And he gave the Jesuit answer.  He said, "God chose you, because he knew your faith would be strong enough to bear this cross."

We all should aspire to have a faith like that; a faith that even in the most trying of circumstances says as Joshua once said, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15b - NKJV)  Paul’s message of hope and glory in the midst of our suffering reminds us that we have the final victory of eternal life with Jesus Christ, and there is a purpose for everything in God’s plan.  What can you learn from your most recent failure?  How will you maintain hope in the midst of suffering?  My prayer is that though we may start at suffering, we end at hope.  Amen.

Bad News & Good News

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

There’s good news, and then there’s bad news.  What’s bad news?  Remains of a twenty year old who disappeared in a small town community are found.  Ten different states report a mysterious virus that affects children, and they expect it to spread nationwide.  Football player is kicked off the team after video shows him striking his wife.  Children killed in their apartment home in what appears to be a gang related incident.  These are ‘bad’ news headlines from over the weekend.  Is there any wonder why people have grown so critical of the world we live in?  Why would anyone want to live in a world like this?  As Christians, one might wonder why would God put us here in such a place?  It is important that we remember that while the world we live in is not heaven, we are given this wonderful opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ to others in this broken world.

The Good News of Jesus Christ is still the overwhelming message in a fallen world.  There are plenty things to complain about, and there are numerous worries which occupy our thoughts.  They chip away at our spiritual goodness to attempt disconnecting us from God.  However, the message of Jesus Christ is one that is encouraging, life changing, and reinvigorating.  We follow Him for He has overcome death and everything that the world could dish out.  The Good News is a reminder of who we belong to, and assurance amidst the constant negative messages the world sends.

Knowing Jesus Christ means to have peace when all those about you have chaos and comfort even in the most trying circumstances.  This is not a secret to be kept to ourselves.  It is to be shared to give others hope when all seems lost.  It is to remind them that there is God who loves and protects them.  For all the troublesome things that occur, we are to take heart because Jesus Christ has overcome all of it; past, present, and future.  How can you allow Jesus Christ to give you peace?  My prayer is that when we are inundated with bad news, we take heart in the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Being Green

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Romans 5:1-4

I was a Sesame Street kid (probably still am).  My mother made sure that what little television I saw was of that show.  One of my favorite lifelong lessons came from it and one of its main characters, Kermit the Frog.  When he was in a solemn mood, he would sing, “It’s not easy being green.”  Now many of us growing up thought it would be pretty cool to be a frog and maybe even green, but as I grew older, I understood the song was not about disdain for his color or being a frog.  It was about how his loving and caring personality often gets taken advantage of because either he was too nice or it seemed too convenient.  He did not shy away from being who he was.  After all, he’s a frog, and yes, he is green.  There is a lot to be said for someone who accepts the challenges that come with who they are and willingly embraces everything with it. 

A growing Christian faith is not always meant to be easy or comforting.  It is meant to be rewarding with the hope of God’s glory being revealed in one’s life.  While there are times our walk of faith will be fun, there are times God will ask of us to walk through something we do not want to face.  There are conflicts that I do not want to face, and sometimes, I run away because the pain or stress is too much!  Yet, God would look upon me, and nudge to tell me not to not give up and continue to fight knowing there is perseverance, character, and hope to be gained.  Our goal as Christians is not to fall into the comfort of a simplified faith.  It is instead to challenge ourselves, face our fears, and find true glory in our suffering for a wonderful and gracious God.

Our journey of faith is about persevering to the end.  No, it is not easy, but Dr. Brene Brown said it best saying, “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort.  You cannot have both.”  When we have shown courage to overcome fears, we will hear the verses of 2 Timothy 4:7 saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  Isn’t that what we should all aspire for?  What suffering must you persevere through today?  My prayer is that with our faith, we all can accept ‘being green.’  Amen.

Fighting for Control

Praise be to the Lord,
    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.  Psalm 28:6-7

The other day I got a scare.  Not the type of scare that you yourself have to face.  But rather, one that is faced by one closest to you.  In my case, it was my wife.  As I struggled to deal with the potential worse outcomes, tears came down my cheek.  Then, as my fears began to run rapid, I realized that I had no control over the situation.  But God did.  I just prayed for wisdom and strength.  You see, many people like myself do well going against the odds because we believe we are in control.  However, when it is someone dear to you, you realize just how little control you have.  It is then that you reach to God and ask for Him to do what we cannot; take over.

True strength comes from surrendering all to God.  While we all know our judgment day will come, we walk through life anticipating that it will come when the time is right.  We hold out hope that it will be on our terms.  However, none of us are promised tomorrow, and as I learned this week, even the day does not guarantee we will be able to lay down by our choosing.  Thus, we have two choices.  We can continue to believe that we have the power, or we can lay our trust in the one who I call ‘The Great Healer,’ to strengthen us.  While many believe the former, those who love God know ultimately that His will trumps all, and true strength lies in the living God through whom all things are possible.

God understands more than we can possibly imagine.  We ask for understanding as to why we go through what we do, and we realize that deep inside, we already know.  God’s strength is true power.  Who will you rely on when the odds are against you?  How will you trust in God’s strength above your own?  My prayer is that we learn to rely on His strength above all and stop fighting with God for control of things.  Amen.

Giving and Receiving Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Yesterday near the end of the day, I was mentally spent.  I had given all I had to meetings and discussions, and with a couple of things still left on the plate, I had nothing left.  Then, someone sent an email that served as great encouragement to me.  It was enough to help me finish the day strong.  Funny thing is I had sent them an email earlier to encourage them.

This reminded me how we are to encourage each other as people in Christ for we are together much stronger building each other up than trying to climb up above each other.  God intended for us to comfort each other.  We often look to God for comfort, and that is sound thinking for He is always there for us.  However while God is there, His spirit that dwells within us serves as a catalyst for us to comfort others as well.  To go one step further, having a circle of friends in Christ will usually allow for you to comfort as well as be comforted in times where you might not even realize a need for it.  God is all knowing, and will at times send a friend or colleague to provide us with comfort even when they might not realize what is going on.

God’s comfort is a source of strength for all of His people.  While it is dangerous for us to choose comfort that does not lead to spiritual growth, it is good to receive it after we have as Paul said, “Fought the good fight.” (2 Timothy 4:7a).  Through providing comfort to others, it reassures both us and them of God’s love and care.  Who do you know is in need of comfort?  How can you be appreciative of those who comfort you?  My prayer is that we learn to both give and receive the comfort provided for us through Jesus Christ.  Amen.