Perspectives: Recent Episodes
David C. Howard
The “Perspectives” podcast hosted by David Howard reflects the Gospel designed to address the needs and challenges of a contemporary culturally diverse multi-millennial audience. While our ethnicities and languages differ, those contrasts should not be, nor are they sufficient enough to separate us in our fellowship with one another. David during the course of his ministry has met people from around the world. In the course of establishing those very unique relationships it is understandable how things can get lost in translation, thus the title "Perspectives", designed for a global audience.
Good morning, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the class of 2024, and all the kindergarten through college graduates, on their academic success.Wishing you the absolute best in your future.
In life we can be so wrong about so many things, in fact the longer I live, the more life I experience, that notion proves to be true often, when it comes to our presumptions, assumptions, and opinions. Likewise, there are times when we cannot always believe what our eyes may reveal, as they only paint a brief picture in a broad and rapidly changing landscape. There is an old saying,“never believe what you hear, and only half of what you see.” The is a bit of truth that rests in such a statement, as we become more eager to rush to judgment, or to have someone suffer the gravest of consequences for an unjustified hurt. And unassumingly, not understanding the gravity of what we ask, we ask God for immediate payback, equal satisfaction for what they have done to us. So many await such judgment today, losing hours, days, and weeks of our lives on something that is beyond our grasp and our control, 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
There was a gentleman I rode to work with every day, he did not talk a lot, and to me he seemed a bit smug, as he would always sit in the front seat. We periodically attended church together when services were available, and I would wonder, why is he there. It was communion Sunday and as the elements were passed, we were reminded of its purpose, to serve as a reminder of the Lord’s death, until he comes once again. As we partook of the elements, they were shared with the stipulation that both wine and grape juice were available. That Sunday I sat behind the gentleman that I considered to be quite peculiar, and said to myself, “I know he’s going to take the wine,” as he looked (to me) as someone to would partake in such lavations. As the tray reached him, I said, “ah ha” I knew it, as he selected the wine over the grape juice. The tray finally reached me, and I retrieved them as well, and when it was time to take them, I suddenly gasped, as I hadinadvertently taken the wine as well, as I was immediately convicted for my thoughts and the deeply held perception I had.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (John 7:3)
It was not long thereafter that we became wonderful friends, sharing stories and laughing about so many others.
Today’s episode is titled.
Grape Juice & Wine
John 7:1-2
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with whatmeasure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
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I want to pause before I begin today’s message to salute the service and commitment of our servicemembers aswe celebrate Memorial Day this weekend.
Warriors apprehend at some point in their lives they are unable to abide under their physical strength alone,but to endure it requires something far greater. Having been to war and suffered the hardships of life God has kept me through the promise of his word. In his eyes I have found grace. I am both careful and mindful of the words that I use in this instance, and purposefully did not use the word “favor”, as that would imply that I’ve done something more worthy than those that have lost thislife's battle, those who having sacrificed everything, and are no longer with us. What I have found to be true, over, and again, as I have had the pleasure of working and conversing with so many incredible people. Great and small, men and women of Valor, of great prominence, talented far beyond the reach of the stars of heaven, and yet they are no longer present with us.
If the opportunity presents itself to have the fortune to speak with someone and listen to the stories of thosethat fought in the gas filled trenches in France, during World War I; or those whose exploits were recognized for their gallant efforts on the shores of Normandy in Europe, or the sands of Iwo Jima in the Pacific during World WarII; those of the forgotten war in Korea, that spoke of the unforgiving winters in the Chosun reservoir in which many were not failed by the enemies bullet, but rathe the unforgiving nature of the climate and sub-zero temperatures; or the audacious 17, 18, and 19 year-olds who fought unfailingly in ”Hue City”, and bravely during the sudden onslaught of the “Tet Offensive”, in Vietnam.
To speak with someone of that stature presents a unique set of circumstances, as it forces us to come face toface with our own mortality, realizing that in a moment one's life could suddenly end. However, I give this assurance having been to the severe and austere environments of Iraq and Afghanistan, even in the desert, “roses bloom.” Reminding us of the hope that God grants each of us.
In the desert, in the midst of nothingness, when soldiers grew weary from exhaustion, missing loved ones, andoftentimes wondering, having lost close friends and comrades if they were next, God was there as I witnessed firsthand something of such vivid beauty that words, not matter what language, cannot even begin to express, as young men and women lined up to give their lives to Christ, to be baptized in a place so far from home, thousands of miles away. Yes, when a soldier is weary, when a warrior is wounded, God’s presence is manifested in a place we least expect. Some would suppose like the words spoke in scripture, “Can anything good comefrom Nazareth?” (John 1:46). The answer is a resounding, “yes.”
Today’s episode is titled.
Wounded Warrior
Psalm 32:7
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
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Before I begin today's podcast, I want to wish all the mother's a very happy Mother’s Day, showered with flowers, candy, cards, balloons, and the treat of a special meal that she does not have to cook herself. Thank you for absolutely everything. .
Is there anything greater, more beautiful than a mother’s love, to hear her voice, as she shares words of comfort and tender mercy. Is there a love that exceeds words unspoken, a purposeful glance, a gentle nod, or a well-timed wink, giving the assurance that everything is going to be okay. A mother’s love greets us at birth, as we experience her lasting presence, and continues throughout the peaks and valleys of our lives. Her voice often tender or firm in the moments that require such, the patient attentiveness of her listening ear to sensibly weigh our haste towards ill-advised decisions, and the remarkable warmth of her hug as it covers a multitude of our apprehensions, failures, disappointments, fears, and vulnerabilities. She covers the depth of our sorrows, gives refuge to the brokenness of our hearts, and wipes away the abundance of grief’s tears that we shed in the abyss of our despair. And should we perish before, she will always, no matter the bounty of her love, carry the unbearable burden of loss. Her words are often few, but her voice is known of the Lord, for her effectual prayers long before sunrise, and those late at night, when intuition tells hertrouble is on the horizon. She feeds, she clothes, she nurtures, and her vigilance is unequaled as she attentively safeguards the family, watching intently their coming and going as a centurion guards the gates of the city. And in those moments when her strength wains, she can call out to heaven, having a direct line, not one of presumption, or of demand, but reserved in humility and grace, always placing the needs of others before herself. There isnone more valiant, brave, courageous, noble, or fearless, there is none more devoted, tender, or loving.
Annie Maude Anderson, lovingly referred to as “Gran”, epitomized the life of so many women in the Bible: Ruth,the daughter-in-law of Naomi; Ester, the Queen that saved her people; Sarah, Abraham’s wife who patiently awaited the promise; Hannah being mocked, who cried out to God, until He heard her plea, Elizabeth, the unexpected mother of John the Baptist; and Mary, the mother of Jesus, that while the angels proclaimed the birth of the Messiah, scripture states,
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
(Luke 2:19)
Annie did as well.
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Over the last few months I have attended four funerals, as I witnessed firsthand the grief and sorrow the families endured at the loss of their beloved. I listened to wonderful eulogies, acknowledgements, words of comfort, and invitations to Christian fellowship, and all with the exception of one sang the lyrics to the song by Reverend Paul Jones, titled “I Won’t Complain”, as he says
I've had some good days
I've had some hills to climb
I've had some weary days
And some sleepless nights
But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
Outweigh my bad days
I won't complain
Sometimesthe clouds are low
I can hardly see the road
I ask a question, Lord
Lord, why so much pain?
But he knows what's best for me
Although my weary eyes
They can't see
So I'll just say thank you Lord
I won't complain
We spend an awful amount of time worried about things we cannot control. A lot of time worried about who hasadvantage; who owns this and that; wondering when or if we will ever get our rightful piece of the pie. We ask, “when will our ship will come in?” We ponder why the fortunes of the unjust are greater than those of the righteous, and how they constantly and persistently take advantage of the least of us, and nothing ever happens. Unscathed, in fact it appears the extremes of their iniquity are well rewarded. We, on the other hand, have tirelessly worked and scraped, just to put two nickels together, and for every step of progression forward, we seem to take three back, ending up right where we were before.
Scripture does not promise equity; however, God's words are true. They do not ring hollow, as it is written,
Isaiah 55:10-12
10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed tothe sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For yeshall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
We are not a suffering people, but those that endure, persevere. Our lives are not filled with a wealth ofhardship, but an abundance of joy. And while the world falls deeper into sin, we are the light that shines forth in darkness. A lighthouse that sets forth the path for those that are adrift to follow, not as a principle of title (Christian), but through the manifest demonstration of our abounding faith, enduring patience, and the abundance of love we earnestly demonstrate towards one another.
Today’s episode is titled.
Wherefore Shall I Complain?
Psalm 27:13-14
I had fainted, Unless I had believed to see the goodness ofthe LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
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Throughout our lives, we are constantly pressured to be confident, self-sufficient, and be certain of our own abilities, depending on absolutely nothing or no one. Confidence enough in oneself to believe that we can do and accomplish anything we put our hearts and minds to, albeit innocent or ill intended. Given the ideal set ofcircumstances we can achieve and compete at the highest level and reach the pinnacle of life. A summit in which the view is simply amazing, patting ourselves on the back, in a self-congratulatory way, as we have long ago, passed our peers and exceeded the accomplishments of our contemporaries. Only to express our aloneness, and the deepened sadness we now feel at the top. Absent of humanities touch, and God’s presence, yearning for something more, as we hear the echo of the phrase,by Wilson Mizner in 1932;
Be nice to those youmeet on the way up because you will meet them on the way down.
How do we define confidence? Cambridge dictionary suggests the following: (a) the quality of being certain of your abilities: (b) a feeling of having little doubt about yourself and your abilities:
But … what happens when our strength fails, and our substance comes to naught? What happens when in moments of our deepest despair, family walks away, and friends betray us? Wherein lies our confidence when our lives are in disarray, our bodies ravaged by disease, our stomachs ache from hunger, and our once plush savings, in anticipation of a future, are now depleted? Wherein do we place such when our hearts are broken, and our soul cries in anguish for just a moment of relief, when the enemy attacks us, and the presence of God has longago departed. Wherefore then, do we cast our hope?
Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Where is it that or in what do we place our utmost confidence? Is it foolproof, does it come with a surety or a guarantee? Are we confident that it will sustain us and remain reliably steadfast? Or draw us deeper into the abyss of uncertainty and sure emptiness? What are we absent of God? Who are we? What do we become? If I attend renowned academic institutions such as Cambridge or Harvard; if I become the CEO of the world's most prestigious enterprise; if by means of strength I become the world's strongest, with an incomparable physique; if my portfolio is equivalent to the upper 1%, and I own lands and territories beyond imagination. Suppose you achieved it all on your own, your own ability, yourown might. What does it mean? Does it have any significance at all?
Today’s episode is titled.
No Confidence
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
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Before I begin, I want to wish you and your families a very wonderful Easter, and the many blessings the day brings for us all as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I continue to keep you in my prayers and ask for yours as well as I seek to present with all humility what God has given unto me to share.
For more than 4,000 years God sought to redeem the whole of humanity through, signs, wonders, famine, drought, floods, decrees, laws, commandments, plagues and captivity, and for the 2,000 years since Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, He has ceaselessly bid us to come unto repentance, and the excellency of His knowledge that the grace of God be revealed therein. Oh, if we truly knew the weight, the cost, the gravity of ouroffence, we would not dare to hesitate, but run with haste to fall before the Savior and say, “have mercy.” We should not treat the gift of God, as in the days of old when someone would visit (friend, family, or otherwise) unannounced, and we would speedily turn out the lights, unplug the phone, and shutter the blinds, giving the sense of not being home. When the truth is they are unwelcome. We count their visit as an intrusion or an invasion of sorts. I ask, even at this moment, is the Savior, Jesus Christ, even today, unwelcome in your life? Do we hide away as Adam, when we have given into the severest form of sin, or falleninto the depths, the abyss of temptation? In doing we find ourselves far too distant from the safeguards of salvation.
How many times, or yet, how long does God have to stand and knock, upon the doors of our heart, all the time demonstrating to us the splendor of His unmerited grace and mercy? How often are we convinced that we have the benefit of time on our side, as it slips away ever so suddenly, as sand between our fingers? How often, how many more times, must we plead for another chance, lest He say unto us as well, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:” (Luke 12:19)?
Today’s episode is titled.
Uneven Exchange
Mark 8:37
37what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
The unequivocal answer for us all should be, “absolutely nothing.” Our mind cannot grasp the enormity of Christ'ssuffering. Allowing us to discern, with the greatest certainty, that we are unable to save ourselves from the deadly clutch of sin, how it fractures our covenant withGod, separates us, and hinders our ability to hear the solemn nature of His voice, as He speaks to our heart, and mends the weariness of our soul. No matter how lofty our desires, no matter the conceit of our stature, it grantsus absolutely nothing, nor does it curry any measure of favor.
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Succotash, of which I cannot spell, is the most insufferable complement to vegetables known to humanity. Whereasthe peas and carrots are pleasing, the dried tasteless texture of the lama beans make it unbearable, as I would do my best to purposefully separate them, and on occasion hide them in a napkin to inconspicuously throw them away. There are others such as “black” licorice that many find appealing, however I find it utterly deplorable, an offense to my taste buds.
Most of us are aware of what a convenience store offers. Places like 7/11, Circle-K, and others, in which to pickup essential items, but they were never designed to be our principal means of purchasing groceries. You can find an abundance of things, some needed, others not so, butwhen we take them home, they are immediately consumed, and again the cupboard is bare, lacking those fundamental items vital for our survival. Salvation isnot a convenience, but a necessity. The entirety of God's word covers us from head to toe, inside and out. However, if we “nit-pick” what we believe to be of importance, we find ourselves vulnerable. Naked and exposed to the evils of this world in which we, lacking even the bare necessities, find ourselves drifting further away from god, and into the abyss of deception, conflict and confusion,because we intently choose to pick the parts that make us feel good and allow us to convict others, rather than allowing God and the inerrancy (perfectness and wholeness) of His word to do the same for us. There used to be a common phrase, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you.” It may be applicable in theory, but it cannot hold it weight as it is applied to scripture.
While we can be selective in such, we cannot be so when it comes to God's word. We can neither add to nor detractfrom its completeness, its wholeness, as it applies to our lives, and how we entreat others as emissaries of the Gospel, as we share the gift of salvation, and the promise of eternity.
“All” of God’s word is beneficial.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
Pick & Pluck
2 Timothy 3:14-17
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast knownthe holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16Allscripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitablefor doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction inrighteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
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Before we begin, I want to ask a special prayer on behalf of the James family on the loss of their mother, my aunt Mary. I ask that God give them comfort and peace in this moment.
There is nothing more beautiful to behold than to witness, first-hand, the embodiment of God's grace and mercy. Someonethat takes hold of the unbelievable nature of these two attributes. Mary Evelyn James was such. One who made a difference and touched the lives of so many, no matter where she was. As a passerby you would not recognize her in a crowded room, as her unassuming nature, and her quiet and humble disposition made her one of very few words. Most importantly she was one of few idle words, meaningless chit-chat that yielded few results. She is one whose life was full of God's presence. God has called us to be emissaries to the world, examples of Christ, reflective of both the life he lived, and the bountiful nature of his unfailing word. Unselfish, and bathed in wisdom she gave, that others might receive the abundance of God’s gift, “eternal life.”
Today’s Podcast is titled.
Aunt Mary
1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
It is not often, and exceedingly rare, that you find someone that lays bare the qualities of a quiet and gentle spirit, and if by chance it was so, it is only for a season. That was not the rationale for my Aunt Mary, her life was seasoned with grace, mercy, and kindness.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You arethe light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
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There is no more impressive sight to behold than an aged tree, standing tall and picturesque in its magnificent glory. While others seem quite commonplace, like the trees and bushes in our yards, there are those that seem to have found a bit of immortality, archives of history. Yet, in all its luster, its life tellsa story of strength, power, and perseverance, as well as hardship, sorrow, and brokenness. We may find ourselves asking why God has chosen such, why has He separated this from all the others? What makes this one so much more unique than all the others? While we may never know precisely why, its rings anddiscolored bands are reflection of its life, but buried deep within, hidden from obvious view are it roots that plumet some 10, 20, and 30 feet deep. Therein rests its hope, its yearning, and its timeless testimony.
The same can be said of us, as trees planted by the rivers of water, steadfast and immovable, abounding in the everlasting goodness of the Lord, knowing that He is able to keep us, as His chosen treasure, and quicken us even unto death, that the glory of His beauty be revealed in us, as we abide with all humility and grace, in the power of his might, and the glorious nature of his eternal presence.
The lyric to the song so graciously says.
I shall not, I shall not be moved.
I shall not, I shall not be moved.
Like a tree planted by the water.
I shall not be moved.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
The Cedars of Lebanon
Psalm 92:12-14
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
Psalm 92:12-14
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Before we begin this morning, I ask that we say a special prayer for a beloved friend of mine, Dick Williams. I had a chance to visit with he and his family this week, however his health has taken a negative turn.
Scriptures
Jonah 2:1-10, Psalm 121:1-8
Today’s message has only two scriptures, as they are used to address our needs in times of trouble, hardship, turmoil or when we have absolutely made a mess of things. They are “Jonah’sPrayer,” found in Chapter two and “the 121st Psalm,” both upon which we can cast our eternal hope. Knowing that God, even if the world passes us by, can see and deliver us therein.
Suppose you were on the ship with Jonah when the boat was tossed by the wind and waves. Imagine finding him soundasleep, while everyone else is struggling to stay afloat. What do you picture Jonah saying within himself when the sailors cast him into the sea? I can guarantee he did not say “hallelujah” or “praise the Lord.” I am sure, no matter what language at the time, he said, “I messed up.” Eager to die and be forgotten into the depths of the sea, rather than doing what God decreed. Only to be swallowedwhole by a giant fish, in which God long prepared. He remains therein for three insufferable days. Johah was not having a fun time, eating cookies, and drinking tea. The depths of the sea and the darkness that surrounded him were endless. He was tossed about by the waves as the fish swam the ocean deep. Scripturedoes not precisely say when or if he immediately cried out. I suppose like us, whenever trouble finds us, we try to resolve it on our own, only to realize that we have taken an already unpleasant situation and made it significantly worse. Nevertheless, after hearing his prayer, the sincerity of his plea, his cry for help from the depths of the ocean, God heard and answered.
Where can I flee from your presence? If I go upto the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
(Psalm 139:7-8)
Often because our transgressions are so immense, God uses the extreme to get our attention and save us, out of the agony of our brokenness and being brought to our knees so that we are always reminiscent of such so that we are by no means able to proclaim, unto ourselves, any measure of God’s faithful promise of grace and mercy.
My pastor has a saying that he shares quite often, “gone too far, stayed too long, can’t get back.”
Jonah, like us, has done the same.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
I Messed Up
Jonah 2:1-10
Listen to Jonah’s prayer andremember to do likewise as we seek God’s help, and presence.
1 [a]From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. 3 You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. 4I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ 5 The engulfing waters threatened me,[b] the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. 7 “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. 8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. 9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have owed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
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Welcome to 2024! And thank you for joining me for the firstepisode of the new year. I ask a special prayer for a gentleman named Omar, and a young lady named Kathy, her mother Sylvia, and her daughter Katrina, and her son Anthony.
Another year (2023) has ended, another list of inconsequential resolutions. A chronological file of all the things we are going to do this new year, in an all out attempt to better our lives and renew the relationships we have with others. While there isabsolutely nothing wrong with that approach, the truth is they usually do not last extraordinarily long. We have lists of books we desire to read, but we only manage to read one chapter, in the very first one; we vow to travel to witness firsthand the hidden beauty of the world around us, but still only journey as far as the local grocery store and gas station; our deepest desire is to diet, but if you are anything like me the “Coke a Cola” at McDonald's is too sublime to quite “cold turkey”, plus it taste far better than water; we want to fix our personal relationships, especially those of a familial nature, but somehow years of accumulated hurt,sorrow, and anguish cause us to freeze completely, because we are afraid of the damage it may cause.
We would rather swallow it for another year in hopes of another opportunity (a perfect opportunity). Time is not limitless, and while we often seek occasions of opportune timing, it is rarelyperfect. For example, “perfect” is when you hit every “green” light, and your windshield wipers on a rainy day keep time with your favorite tune. How often does that happen? God affords us such grace, and for those listening this morning, it means he has given us another day to get it right.
We can fiddle-faddle with other issues in life, but time is of the essence when it comes to the necessity of our salvation. There should be an urgency of sorts, a need, and a desire to get things right and put them in order. We have marvelous ideas, and can create anything imaginable in our mind, but where our heart is indicates where we are in relation with God and others.
There is a song by Tim McGraw, that was released in June 2004, titled Live Like You’re Dying, as it refers to a gentleman in his forties (40’s) that only has days to live.
He said a moment came that stopped me on a dime
I spent most of the next days Looking at the x-rays
I asked him "When it sank in That this might really be the real end
Man, what'd you do?"
And he said
"I went skydiving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"
And he said
"Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying"
He said
"I was finally the husband
That most of the time I wasn't
And I became a friend a friend would like to have
Well I, I finally read the Good Book, and I
Took a good, long, hard look
At what I'd do if I could do it all again
"Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying
Consider if today was all you had. What would you do differently?
Today’s Podcast is titled.
Redeeming the Time
Ephesians5:15-17
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
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I missed you all these last few weeks, as I was under theweather, and thank you for you continued prayers.
Have you ever heard a song sung so beautifully that it gives you goose bumps (or as I had a friend from the south refer to as “chicken bumps”), or a melody so sweet, so deep that it brings you to tears. The utterance of every single syllable and word has meaning, depth and purpose. Such are the lyrics to the song, O’ Holy Night, as they mirror the unassuming, non-pretentious birth of a King, the Savior of the world, the night that Christ was born.
The song, O’ Holy Night, was penned as a poem, during the French Revolution in 1843, and later adapted to become the song we presently know and cherish today. So accepted was itsinception that it became one of the first songs ever broadcast through radio, as sailors upon the dark Atlantic received it in similar fashion to which morse code was delivered. It was welcomed with such acclaim that during World War I, it was customary for an armistice (truce) to take place on Christmas day, in which enemies just hours before, now exchanged gifts (food and other items), and well wishes, as the hymn, “O’ Holy Night”, unaccompanied by music, could be heard in the distance, sung by “friend” and “foe”.
Matthew Chapter 1, and Luke Chapters 1 and 2 give us great insight concerning the birth of Christ, and what happenedon the night therein. It speaks of his lineage from Abraham to David; and from David to Joseph (the Carpenter). (Matthew 1:1-16). It refers to, as well, the decree set forth by Ceasar Augustus, for all to return to the city of birth for a census. The scripture speaks of visiting angels and heavenly hosts, in which they utter the words, "fear not". It captures in awesome splendor the beauty of the angelic host in full praise and adulation, and the stilled quietness in which the Savior was born.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
O’ Night Devine
Luke 2:11-12
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in amanger.
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We ask a special prayer for the McIntosh family, as we lostMary at 4:30 p.m. last Sunday.
Growing up we heard a lot about chivalry, the age of King Author and the Knights of the Round Table (however I don’t know why the table was round). We watched its depiction in Hollywoodclassics, as men would spread their coats across a puddle of water so that a damsel crossing the street would not get wet, just as well holding open doors and the slight tip of the hat were customary as well in what we consider the golden years, as a sign of distinct courtesy.
I can recall an old cartoon, Penelope Pitstop, in which the antagonist was named, the Hooded Claw (look him up), and he would seek to kidnap her. Once he succeeded in doing so, one ofhis plots was to bind her up and lay her across the path of an oncoming train. As news traveled of her demise, her heroes in waiting (seven of them) rushed to rescue in a car named “Chugaboom” (not relevant), arriving in the nick of time, as the train barreled down the track at full speed, and they would always echo the oft repeated phrase, “to the rescue.”
What I've realized as a Christian is, our lives can serve as testimonies, our words can soothe and provide comfort, our presence can offer shelter, but what took me a some time to grasp was that in spite of my best efforts, and no matter how frustrating it might be, I do not have the capacity to save anyone. That is reserved for God only. I can offer, ask, urge, plead and beg, but it was not I that bore the cost of redemption, … Jesus did through his death and resurrection. It is a task far too great, an immeasurable cost, to be exact, for humanity to forbear. It isnot until we or they yield and come to the conclusion that we are incapable of saving ourselves that God is able to respond.
The Mississippi Mass Choir echoedsuch sentiment in the chorus to the song, I Need Thee.
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
It is not a collective cry, but an individualplea.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
To the Rescue
Ephesians 2:8
For by graceyou have been saved through faith. And this is not your own; it is the gift ofGod,
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The principal tenants of our faith rest directly in our understanding of Salvation. It is not reserved for some but offered as a gift to all. Suppose I was to ask, to whom does salvationbelong, we could rightly proclaim, with the greatest assurance, everyone. However, the most important answer that we can give has to be inclusive of us.When the role is called, scripture does not say that we are called en-masse, but each of us individually by name. Without this basic understanding, one of great consequence, how can we even begin to comprehend the authenticity or the depth of Christ's offering on our behalf?
The road to redemption, and the gift of Salvation did not solely begin with the birth of Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, but rather straightway, immediately after Adam's sin. Ever since, eventhough sin abounds that much more, God has sought to redeem us, the entirety of humanity unto himself. Nevertheless, the Old Testament offerings were insufficient as the blood of oxen, sheep, doves, and the like were now empty. Therefore, the lamb (Jesus Christ), that was offered on our behalf had to be spotless, without blemish to wash away the stain and stench of sin.
Scripture reminds us that, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and expressly states that, our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), as it is His desired to have a church without spot or wrinkle, that though our sins beas scarlet, they shall be made whiter than snow, that we be presented spotless before the Lord. That is salvation! It is personally acknowledging that Jesus, who left his throne in glory, was sent to die on our behalf, and by accepting the fact, in word and deed, that he is the only begotten of the father ourredemption is therefore assured. Hence, our salvation is revealed because Christ is made known in us anew. The mystery which is, Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:29). Therein rests the certainty of our salvation.
Each day God endlessly extends the offer of Salvation, as we make conscious choices, one in which we are filled with unending lust, and yield to the desires of the flesh, as it is contrary tothe Spirit; the other wholly yielding to the Spirit of God, one wholeads, guides, directs, corrects, chastises, protects, delivers, redeems, preserves, and saves until the day of Christ's return.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
Certain Salvation
Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, notonly as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
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This past week has been full as I found myself moving from one event to another. As Tuesday arrived, I was exhausted, and finally had a chance to exhale. All our lives are full, I suppose … but weshould take advantage of the days that God has so richly blessed us with. We may believe we hold the keys to life and death, exercise, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, multi-vitamins, routine check-ups and screenings, and the like, as if we can freeze any moment in time, but we do not. That is something we have no control over. However, there are things we can control; how we interact with one another, how we entreat our brothers and sisters, and our thoughts and attitudes towards each other. For if our life’s existence is only worth living in this moment and nothing more, we will most certainly miss the mark. Our hearts yearn for more of the things it cannot have, the things that matterleast of all. It is quite simply the abundant accumulation inanimate things when God has purposefully placed the blessedness of others in our lives. What has life taught us thus far, have we learned anything at all, considering the suddenness of loss and tragedy?
I had the distinction of officiating a delightful home-going service this week, in which the young lady was 81 years old. 10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)
However, her loss was sudden and unexpected, as the following day, merely hours and minutes away, she was preparing to visit her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. The arrangements were made far in advance, and she was not deterred, as absolutely nothing brought her more joy than to hear them call her by her cherished titles, "grandma" and "gg". Yet with her boarding time being ever so close, heaven called her home. She traveled the world over, Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, Alaska, and on and on, with her home displaying the treasured mementos she accumulated along the way as a reminder of each of her unbelievable experiences. But this final journey, for some reason, unknown to us all, God did not permit her to make. Just as no one knows the day or hour of Christ's return, neither do we know when heaven is going to call us home. For some it is sudden and swift, and for others they experience life at great length. Hence, as unpredictable as it is, we should not hurry chaotically past the warnings along the way, where unlike the randomness of stock trends, sometimes “up”, sometimes “down”, hoping to at least break even, our Heavenly path should always trend upward, moving from glory to glory, and from faith to faith as we seek to have a closer walk with God each day. As the lyrics to the song, Just a Closer Walk with Thee, plainly reveals.
I am weak but Thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
Today’s Podcast is titled.
When Heaven Calls
Today’s scripture comes from
Psalm 90:12
12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
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Have you ever wondered to yourself if you got this thing called, “Christianity,” right? We know its definition. We’ve heard others publicly declare to be. We can assume, I suppose, that it means to be Christ like. However, doing so would oversimplify the true depth of its meaning. Today, it is popular to say such, as it gains us access and privilege by doing so. Conversely, in times past, the period just after the crucifixion of Christ, those that proclaimed such were either persecuted or put to death. When we say such, with conviction, we must take a moment to look inward and take inventory of our lives, not as a means of perfection, always thinking the right thing, always doing what is right, deathly afraid of doing anything wrong as a matter of consequence. So fearful, in fact, that it creates a paralysis of the spirit and renders us unable to move in any positive direction or yield in such a way that God can without restraint use us according to His will.
Therefore, our self-assured proclamation requires a bit more than verbal acknowledgement (or lip service), but we should in fact be the very likeness of Christ. Where do we go to find these elaborate ideologies? To what depths must we go to obtain such?That answer is quite different for each of us, … but when we attain them, we must hold their essence true, and value it as if our very lives depend on it. We are God’s workmanship, and he created us for his pleasure. God’s singular purpose, from the beginning until today, is to redeem the entirety of humanityunto himself, through the death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. There is a statue that stands at the entrance of the National Infantry Museum, located at Fort Benning, Georgia, that was created in 1959 by two Soldiers, Private First-Class Manfred Bass, and Private First-Class Karl H. Van Krog, with theinscription, “Follow Me.” We as individuals, and as a body of believers must do the same concerning our fellowship with Christ. Paul, likewise, in speaking to the Corinthians wrote,
1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1)
Today’s Podcast is titled.
His Workmanship
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk inthem.
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Have you ever found yourself in a place in which the longer you stayed, the more perplexing it became. Where oftentimes what you learned in the beginning no longer applies or makes sense, because we’ve taken on, or added pointlesslayers of little or no consequence, that make what was ideally simplistic far more complex. My last two years in High School were such. As a mandated study requirement, we were required to take advanced math, such as Algebra II,Calculus, Trigonometry, and Statistics (which is full of falsehoods by the way). The theory was always, no matter how long the problem becomes the process for solving for “x” or “y”, was always the same each time. For me, however, mysenior year, I became ill and missed several days of school. It might as well have been an entire academic year because I was never able to catch up. The harder I tried, it seemed the less I understood the original method, thus I wasnever able to get back on track. I had a tutor that worked tirelessly with me for a month or so, in which he would come by the house and review problems and formulas with me, while sitting at my grandmother’s dining room table, but itdid not connect, and I could not relate. No matter how noble my effort to keep pace, I missed too much time, and I was now frustrated by the voices, new methods, and the probability of becoming disenfranchised (or disinterested).Unbeknownst to my mother and father (without their consent), I dropped the class. In fact, I do not think anyone realized until my final semester of school, when they were trying to determine if I met all the requirements for graduation.
My senior year would prove to be my worst academically for several reasons, but there was too much going on, my father was in the military, I moved my senior year, the family split up, graduation requirements changed geographically(state mandates), and I only received “one” offer to go to college. Just one? Like the burdens suffered by those in Galatia, in which they became pawns in a biblical tug-o-war, to determine their affiliation or association. Were they ofthe law or of grace? Were they of Peter or Paul? Should they being Gentiles now become Jews; or should vice versa a Jew suddenly become a Gentile? Do we abide under the law, is the law no longer of effect? Or do we presume that we live inthe abundance of our newfound freedoms and liberties that are granted under Christ to do whatever we please (sinful or not).
There was enough confusion then, there is even more so today as the lines of understanding often become blurred. Many often inquire about the difference between this religion and that? What’s the difference between this church andthat? What’s the difference between this Bible and that, and so on. It’s all the same, isn’t it? No, it is not. Always creating a stage for great swelling debates about rightness and wrongness, rather than emphasizing the righteousness of God. Living life in a manner that is pleasing to God. Yes, like the cat wrapped and tangled in yarn, there is no escape from its grasp. The more we wrestle, the worse it becomes, leaving us weakened and vulnerable, realizing that we only have one hope of salvation, one chance of redemption.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
Wrapped Up … the Cat in the Yarn
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This week marks the 22nd Anniversary of the catastrophic events that took place on September 11th, 2001, in which we witnessed firsthand the horror and devastation that took place that day. There are few such events throughout history where we can say we were there. Those that happen with little or no warning. Thousands of lives lost in an instant, the suddenness of humanity’s hopelessness on full display. Faces covered in the palms of their hands, hearts pounding and melting within, exhausted first-responders. Meanwhile, others, trapped in the unfolding tragedy were left without any options at all. We do, however, years later, continue to hear of the heroic efforts of those who, without regard for themselves, helped others to narrowly escape danger, even at the expense of their own lives. The hope of humanity still emerges in tragedy.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13).
We must be reminded that the times and the moments we have are not promised, but rather a treasured gift from God. Therefore, why do we live life as if God has an obligation to us, and continue to aimlessly take Him for granted, as if we will awaken tomorrow, as if the measure of our health will continue flourish, or as if those in our lives will be present for an eternity. It is disturbing that we, intentionally or not, thrust upon God human qualities and characteristics, as if He abides, functions and lives as we do, causing us to render Him our equal. I assure you, with the greatest confidence, He is not. We should not assume that God will always usher us away from danger, to be called out amid trouble. That is not always the case, as the righteous can lose their lives among the sinful as well but are still preserved for eternity. We can be assured that God is able to keep us. That while desolation and destruction abound, He extends the fullness of peace therein. We cannot, however, have that confidence unless we have witnessed personally the goodness of God's grace and mercy.
I Love You, Lord
Lyrics
For waking me up this morning, For letting me see a brand new dawning, Though I made plans for this day, Death could have come during the night and took me away. I love You, Lord, I love You, With all my heart, with all my soul.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
It Could Have Been … Me
The focus verse today is.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-4
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and theyshall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
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I am pleased and consider it a privilege to be with you once more. It feels like an eternity, since my last podcast, but my time away was needed to set aside time to consider what God would have me to share, and to lovingly hold fast the faith that He has patiently poured into each of you. My hope is that in continuing to ministering to you, I am found worthy of your time and thoughtfulness.
As Perspectives returns, I believe it is only fitting to share with you, once more, an episode from October 10th, of 2020, titled; A Conversation, in which I had the pleasure of sharing with God’s faithful and loving servant, the late Dr. Robert L. Fairley, of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in San Bernardino, California, whom the Lord benevolently called home on this past August 5th, of 2023. He was my pastor, faith mentor, friend and so much more, in whom I had the occasion of receiving the incomparable prized treasure of his grace and wisdom. We would laugh about many things, while eating a “grit bowl”, or in the midst of him making his famed “sweet potato pies” for the holidays, sometimes it was something of consequence, such as his time in the Navy, and at others times we’d simply laugh about nothing at all, while watching his favorite westerns (shoot-em-ups) as they are often referred to. Amidst the busyness and the persistent demand for his time and attention, I am beyond thankful, but rather indebted to God’s faithful servant for his fellowship, and lovingkindness towards me.
I admired his integrity and humility, and irrespective of the enormity of his countless accomplishments, like Jesus, he in no way put on appearances, and he was never beyond the reach of our humanity. He would always remind me, and cautioned as he laughed, we did not come to stay".
I have heard others speak of him saying very simply, they don’t make them like that anymore. I was honored to have him speak at my retirement, spend time with him golfing, and receive more than a few of his cherished books from the expanse of his personal library, in which this gentle soul of a man, refined and accomplished thought enough me to impart a wealth of godly insight. He also, licensed and ordained me into the ministry, and exhibited in word and deed how to preach the Gospel, and entreat God’s people. Not only was he a good shepherd, but he loved everyone unconditionally.
Without further delay, please join me in listening, as it is my pleasure to introduce to you once again, my pastor, friend, and mentor, Dr. Robert L. Fairley.
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The best game ever invented was hide and seek. It has international acclaim as kids (and surprisingly sometimes adults) play it globally strategically and objectively. The object of the game is to hide inconspicuously (sometimes in plain sight) without being caught. “Hiding” is the easy part, seeking, however, is often most challenging.
My sister, brother, and I would play in the house for hours on end when our mother and father were away from home (yes, we broke a lot of stuff). We would hide in the kitchen cabinet, behind the curtains, under the bed, behind the couch, or in the dryer. Seeking is exhaustingly difficult, especially if you are slow and come up empty handed. Despite our best effort we were less than successful in achieving the desired outcome, finding that which is hidden from us.
Even so today, as adults we play the same game, but with real life consequences, as our effort to find meaningful answers leads us wayward, oftentimes in the wrong direction. For the things we seek to satisfy us (our flesh), are temporal, and while not always rooted in some form of sin, may still cause great and irreparable harm, to which we are unable to free ourselves.
When searching, we look to fill the gaps in our lives as a means of achieving an accepted outcome, but we do it as a matter of absence, rather than because of what we already have, and yet God is telling us to seek him with the entirety of who we are, our heart, soul and mind.
Today’s episode is titled.
Searching for What?
Isaiah 55:6
Seek you the LORD while he may be found, call on him while he is near.
To rightly answer the question, there is a corresponding one as well. Who is God to you? Now, for the sake of plainness I am not referring to God as perceived by religious traditions, regular church attendance, and a multitude of other associated activities, but rather our fellowship with him when we're alone and he sees the fullness of our nakedness, our sin, our suffering, our heartache, our woundedness, our greatest fears, and every single one of our vulnerabilities. To seek him, however, we must know who he is. While scripture clearly depicts in vivid detail who God is, there is a song, by the late James Cleveland, entitled as such in which he simply declares, over and over, “God is.”
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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
These are the words articulated in the Declaration of Independence written on July 4, 1776. It is the linchpin of a newly formed democracy 247 years ago. But suppose I told you there is a declaration of a much higher authority, which was pronounced some 6,000 years ago in which the heavens, the earth, and all its inhabitants were created. But, more importantly that is when God created us in His image, and breathed into us the breath of life, and we became a living, Soul. Not as we suppose, based on science and biological theory, as we suddenly begin to inhale and exhale, and our hearts beat within us, but in the beauty and authority of all His magnificence. He created us (humanity) to have dominion over all that he created. And while that may be so, we are still much more likely to put our trust in the words of a declaration created by the hands of men, rather than the clearly articulated words of the living God.
Today’s episode is titled.
How Do You Know?
Galatians 1:8-9
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
So grave and profound was this passage of scripture, that Paul had to declare it twice, to ensure those receiving it completely understood the enormity of such. We must have full faith and confidence, even if we have not seen, in the merits of God’s word. We must know, not believe (there is a difference), that everything contained therein is accurate and true, absent from error.
We have a right to free speech, to bare arms, self incrimination, to vote, and so on, but as novel a theory they may be, neither satisfies the deepest yearning of our souls, none of them promise a life of eternity, none deliver the gift of redemption, nor pay the price of salvation. We never question the merits thereof, but we always find ourselves questioning, and often doubting the essence and context of God's word. We ask, did He really say that did he really mean that? Or state confidently, there is no proof or evidence of such, or I have never seen it, and so forth.
Yes, the Declaration of Independence and so many other, self-governing, documents like it are believed to be living manuscripts, that make the inhabitants proud to be a part, but it is God's word alone that gives life, and sets the captives free, it sets the parameters by which we should live, it surrounds us with the fullness of God’s grace and goodness, and likewise provides a road map to the kingdom. It is absent of bias and prejudice, and its rulings are just, it does not hinder the poor, the widow, nor the fatherless.
Galatians 1:8-9
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Although I began writing this message about five weeks ago, for some reason the timing was not right, but as a believer of God’s perfect timing, I am certain this particular message is meant to resonate with someone today, at this very moment.
If someone is trying to remember my name for the first time, it is not uncommon for them to respond with, oh like David and Goliath, or the popular Claymation show of the 60’s, Davie and Goliath (a young lad and his talking dog) that faced life’s dilemmas gleefully together. In fact, there is a gentleman I see ever so often, and as I converse with him, he shares how he is feeling, and talks about friends, and family. Upon my departure, as I turn away, I can always hear him say, David and Goliath, three or four times as a way of recalling my name. It is humbling of course, as I cannothelp but smile.
It was a glorious day, the highlight of fourth grade. Much more important, at least to me, than reading, writing, and rithmetic (that is with a "r" not an "a"), itwas time for recess. A period in school exclusively designed for me, the king of kickball. Oh yes indeed, I was good, and could boogie and glide aroundthe bases like nobody's business. Nope, not the Flash, I was faster. I was just shy of five feet and weighed just a tidbit shy of one hundred pounds, oras my dad would refer to as, bee’s knees and mosquito knuckles. I had a squeaky, high-pitched voice, and had not reached adolescence. It was the age inschool at which girls reached their growth spirt and were much taller than most boys (especially me). I had a liking for a girl named Kimberly Cooper, who was head and shoulders taller than me, by six inches or more, as well as the rest of the class. It was my turn. I was up and backed away from the plate ever so slightly to get the right trajectory (no that word was not part of my vocabulary back then), to launch the ball deep into the outfield, ready to Cadillac around the bases as the result of a home run. The pitch was on the way (no back spins we are allowed), as I cha-cha’d my steps to get the perfect launch, and boom the ball shot into space like a rocket. I rounded first base with ease, and straightway headed towards second. Suddenly, Pow, I got hit in the head with the ball. Theoretically, I should not have been out, because the rules specifically forbid head shots. As I looked around, I was shocked, it was her. She did it. She and all the others began to laugh hysterically at my expense, like Goliath and the Philistine Army in the valley. I was not hurt, other than the familiar sound the red ball makes, “ping,” as it struck my face. However, my pride was. I told her, as the entire playground continued to laugh, it was not funny, but she continued to snicker and chuckle, like Mutely, that much more. My friends did not help, as they egged on the situation by saying, Oooo, she blew you up, and said what are you going to do? I suppose, like David, I said withing myself who is this Philistine, this giant of a girl, which would dare mock me, the King of Kickball. Suddenly, the scuffle was on, as we rolled around, in the grass and dirt. I do not recall much afterwards; I think I was the victor. I was dirty, my hair fullof grass, my tough-skin jeans with the built in knee patches were now grass stained, and my pristine white, well manicured Pro-keds, were nowscuffed and needed to be bleached. Yes, the giant mocked me, and it was necessary for me to immediately respond (no I did not pray before). I did notwant to be to continuously and mercilessly mocked as the armies of Israel in the valley of Elah.
Today’s episode is titled.
Facing Goliath
1 Samuel 17:4-11
4 A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.
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The oceans are littered with sunken vessels, those capsized, tossed to and forth by the torrent of waves and the ceaseless billow of the winds. Meanwhile, others having faced similar circumstances remained afloat, although battered amid the most perilous seas. They may have been tossed about, overshadowed by darkness, but they were held in place by the weight and strength of their Anchor. Likewise, we as Christians must have an anchor as well, to keep us upright and pitched forward in the storm. Not only is it important to have one, but also to ensure it is of use and the right size. Our anchor is Christ, in whom we cast the fullness of our hope. It is easy to become distracted by the elements, and immediately seem to forget the importance of the things we learned while ashore. Safety drills (knowledge of things to keep us safe, avoiding the pitfalls and hazards of sin), recurrent training (preparing the mind, body and soul for this journey called salvation), emergency procedures (how to incorporate and make active what we have learned and know about God in case of crisis), giving us the ability to sail confidently in deeper waters.
It was Jesus that told the disciples fear not, it is he whom they saw walk upon the waves, and spoke to the winds, that they become still. Likewise, when they toiled all day and caught no fish, Jesus told them, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a drought, they had no idea, as their response was nevertheless at thy word, and because of their obedience they caught a multitude of fish. If we trust him, if we believe that every word, he has spoken is true, he will be with us no matter where it is we find ourselves, no matter how dire the situation. No matter what our eyes behold, or our hearts tell us, we must cling unwaveringly to the promises contained in the word of hope, and the blessedness to come.
Why do we need anchors? The anchor’s purpose is to keep the ship safe and secure at a desired location or to help control it during severe weather. However, to accomplish this vital objective, simply having an anchor is not enough. The anchor must be secure, dependable, and used suitably at the right time.
Today’s episode is titled.
Anchored in the Lord
Jonah 2:1-10
1 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, 2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thybillows and thy waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. 10 And the Lord spoke unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
There are three common stories in scripture that depict the torrent of the seas and winds against a besieged ship. One reflects the narrative of an individual (Jonah) endeavoring to escape from God’s presence (Jonah 1:3); the other Jesus demonstrating first-hand, what our response should be to the storm itself, as he spoke with authority the words, peace be still (Mark 4:39); and lastly Paul, exhibiting that even though the ship is utterly destroyed in the midst of the sea and dashed upon the jaggedness of the rocks, it does not preclude the Gospel from going forth.
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Well, I know it has been some time since the original episode of Perspectives (September 15, 2020). In fact, today is episode ninety-nine (99), and how timely it falls Mother's Day, but before I begin, I want to wish you all a very happy and blessed Mother's Day, and all the best a mother can receive in 2023. This Mother’s Day podcast has been reserved and set-aside for quite some time for someone special and very near and dear to my heart.
Although my greatest desire was to introduce her to you in person by means of having a live Question & Answer, but in usual fashion, and with the greatest humility she shied away from publicly speaking and chose to answer some of my questions directly to share her responses with you. She was born June 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Author (Father) and Marinell (Mother) Ludd, of whom we lovingly refer to as “Big Gramps & Little Gramps”. The family migrated west from Shreveport in 1936, to reside in Pasadena, California, the same town as Jackie, of Brooklyn Dodges fame. Yes, that is Jackie Robinson. Her father was a master mechanic and welder, as he helped build the Navy’s fleet of ships in Long Beach, California during World War II. She has five living siblings, Dorothy (87), Mary (84), Charles (79), Leo (71), and Regina (69), and lost a brother at an incredibly young age that I have only heard him refer to as "little brother". The family for as long as I can recall was rooted in three (3) modest, but profound principles, God, love, and family. They were not well-off, but because of those three, it was not necessary as there was always plenty to go around. What they lacked monetarily, they more than accounted for by the abundance and outpouring of love they offered to any passerby or those that graced their house by their presence. And what I remember most of all is all those years 1936 to 2011, they never locked their doors.
My mother is a beautiful (no I am not biased) eighty-two years old, and still gets about like a teenager. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Ernest Howard, of Monrovia, California for fifty (50) years, before his passing in 2011. It has been twelve (12) years since his untimely death, but through it all, she continues to cling to God’s promises and the words of her favorite song, I Won’t Complain, by Reverend Paul Jones. I have had some good days, I've had some hills to climb, I've had some weary days, And some sleepless nights, But when I look around, And I think things over, All of my good days, Outweigh my bad days, I won't complain.
Today’s episode is titled.
A Conversation with Mom, Happy Mother’s Day
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that, the Lord your God is giving you.
Please allow me to introduce for the first time to some, and to others once again my incredible and loving mother, Alphia Smatha “Louise” Howard. Good morning mom, I know the audience is anxious to hear from you.
Please note that for format for today’s discussion, for context, will be the question followed by my mother’s response.
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Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep …, that familiar prayer from childhood that we have passed from one generation to the next, and the Lord's Prayer we traditionally learn as we grow a bit older and recite word for word. We bless our food by saying, what we refer to as grace, Jesus wept or God is great, God is good let us thank him for our food, Amen, and while they are not without significance, I ask, just as well, are they adequate to sustain us in times of crisis? Imagine the agony of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane as the hour of his death approached, uttering the words, let this cup pass from me; or from the anguish of the cross saying, father forgive them, or cried aloud, my God, my God. If the Savior of the world agonized in prayer, it is likely that we would onoccasion as well. But How? Prayer is the hallmark of every Christian’s life, it is the bedrock of their salvation.
The Bible is completely immersed in prayer, a literary illustration of how we communicate with God, and how He converses with us. The book of Psalms; the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (23); hide your word in my heart (119); Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me (51). All are a notable place to begin, for it serves as a record of prayers offered unto God by his people. It speaks volumes of one's place and the condition that our heart's must be in as a matter of entering into that most holy place in which we are consecrated, set aside as God calls us unto himself. We must empty ourselves in order to be filled. God does not measure the length of one's prayer, nor does he bless them based on the fluidity and beauty of the words we use. If we say nothing at all, but pour out our soul before Him, He is in tune to the groanings of our hearts, when our words fail. As David spoke, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight (Psalm 19:14).
Today’s episode is titled.
Teach Us How to Pray
Matthew 6:9-13
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art inheaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Forthine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen
We are provided plenty of illustrations of prayer, but we every so often fail to share its true significance or purpose. Why is it such an indispensable part of our salvation? It is above all, how we communicate with God, telling Him what is happening in our lives, how we feel, what hurts, our heart aches, our need for shelter from sin, our press towards salvation, and our desire for contentment, when no one else is able to comprehend the gravity of our circumstance.
Matthew 6:9-13
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Typically, I begin each messagewith a tidbit of gossip about my life, the peaks and valleys, failures, andsuccesses, however I cannot in and of itself, take any personal credit, for thegood as I am a debtor to many. In fact, I owe a wealth of gratitude to a fellowservant in Christ, who patiently through immeasurable kindness invested in mywellbeing and took personal interest in my salvation, named Terrell Williams.He was for me, at the nimble age of twenty-three (23), the expression of the fullnessof Christ. A great deal of what I learned as a young Christian, I not only receivedit, but witnessed it as well through the testimony of his life. He was held in exceedinglyhigh esteem by others, and immensely respected, but it was never beyond him to sharea moment of his time with me. He was to me, what Paul was to Timothy.
He always gave me his full attentionand consideration, and he did not put on airs, considering his stature amongthe people, as he was not only a warrior of faith, but a highly decoratedSoldier (airborne, ranger, special forces), from the time of his enlistment inthe early 70's. He was a quite man, with a gentle spirit, as I instantly recognizedGod's presence, the attributes of Christ, and the fruits of the Spirit, throughhis tireless love towards me and so many others. Once when my finances wererunning low, I found a gift in my coat pocket, completely unaware that he knewof my consequence, and inconspicuously placed it there. I was at a point where Iwas trying to earnestly grasp something that just was not working in my favor (itdid not make sense). I was doing what was required of me, but I felt as if Iwas missing something, where I began to ask within myself, “what about me.”
The church would come together andpray, using the familiar term, tarry (meaning to wait). I would pray inearnest, attentively read my Bible, attended services three (3) times a week, butI did not feel or see anything, and I did not feel any differently within, as Ihave always heard what would or supposed to occur.
Today’s episode is titled.
Lo I am with you Always!
John 16:6-7
6 But because I have said thesethings unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you thetruth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, theComforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Time would pass, and I would gothrough the same again and again, suddenly beginning to wonder if something waswrong with me alone, or if maybe supposing sin’s presence was so great withinme, that regardless of what I’ve heard, the Lord continued to pass me by, timeand time again. Brother Williams approached me and inquired, “What’s wrong?I explained as best as I could, as I replied, it looks like everybody is receivingthe Holy Ghost but me. He smiled (as he always did) and attentively explainedit to me through the revelation of scripture and applicable biblical context. Heexpounded by saying, the Holy Ghost is not obscured in an outward show of feelingor lost in the display of sudden emotion, but rather receiving the promise ofthe Comforter who seals God's word in your heart, and causes us to do right,when the will and convenience to do wrong is always present. Not according tothe fallible laws of humanity, but rather governed by God's inerrant word. Afterhearing I was immediately reassured, elated, filled with an abundance of joy.
John 14:26
26 But the Comforter, which is theHoly Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you allthings, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said untoyou.
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I want to begin by wishing each of you listening today Happy Easter.
Seeing is believing is a phrase commonly used as an abstract meaning for distrust. For example, when someone repeatedly tells another, I will see you next week, and as the weeks and months pass, they are nowhere to be found. Some are easily swayed, and yet others, having been deceived over and over, lend little credibility to what one may say, and somewhat less to what they do. For many years the scriptures made mention of the coming Messiah, the people searched, they cried out, there were even others that claimed to be, but he did not come, the promise was not yet, until Jesus.
There are many familiar narratives surrounding Easter, the hue of colors, the blooms and blossoms, the scent of honeysuckle and fresh cut grass, the excitement of chocolatiers, fathers and sons with matching ties, mothers and daughters with lace trimmed gloves. We anticipate the festivities of the day, meals, egg hunts, and a tumble down the grassy knoll. The day soon fades, as it came, and we wait yet another year in hopes of its joyous return. Did we miss another opportunity to acknowledge a risen Savior, was our mind so set on the abundance of festivities that we genuinely misplace the meaning of the day. The resurrection of Christ has significance for all. Therefore, its pertinence to Salvation cannot become lost in the excess of trivial things that we appoint to the day.
The most meaningful event ever recorded in the history of humanity, is the resurrection of Christ. While some argue the facts thereof, there is no denying the events that occurred 2,000 years ago, as the world looked upon its crucified Savior. Suppose if for a moment, Jesus lingered in the grave, entombed by the hands of ungodly men, he would have perished like all others, and thus consigning the whole of humanity to a life filled with sin, hopelessness, and damnation. The good news is that the glory of God cannot be contained. Who else could restore the breach from which sin first entered into the world, who then would our souls cry, plead, and yearn for? There would be no Comforter in our moments of despair. Therefore, we would be assured of living a life absent of a Savior, and we being Gentiles would not be able to partake in Abraham’s promise, nor proclaim, we be Abraham's seed. Absent of Jesus’ resurrection, we would certainly be lost for eternity, being left to fulfill a life drenched in the same sinfulness as those before the flood or like unto those that dwelled in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, fit for the day of destruction.
Todays Message is titled.
Proof and Evidence
Matthew 28:5-10
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I knowthat you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as hesaid. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Thengo quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is goingahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled withjoy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 SuddenlyJesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 ThenJesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tellmy brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Jesus is no folk hero, or fable, nor was he ushered into power through the material adulation of the rich and powerful of the day, He is the living God, Emanuel, who dwelled among us as flesh and blood. He had to suffer such indignation (undeservedly) on our behalf. That is the enormity of the day, and how beautiful that morning was to behold, the fulfillment of prophecy and the long-awaited promise of the Savior.
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It is incredible how our taste changes over time. Fish sticks, pork & beans and wieners, tuna and string bean casseroles (what is with the onions), fruitcake, brussels sprouts, hog-head cheese, and goober grape, of which I do not like even today. I have had the honor and privilege of watching my grandson and granddaughter grow into the individuals they’ve become. In fact, I can boast, that I alone had the distinct privilege of being the first to babysit each of them when they were born, they are truly the apple of my eye. Growing up they had a special diet as their parents worked tirelessly to keep them far away from by products, fast foods, and unnatural ingredients. No matter how tenuous their effort, my grandson now loves pawpaw’s favorite place, McDonald’s. He cannot pass the golden arches, no matter how distant, without making a plea for McNuggets. I don’t know what they’re made of , but I love them with BBQ, sweet & sour, and honey musters (you should try it on French fries, absolutely delicious). There is something so alluring, no matter what it lacks in nutritional value, that it keeps him coming back over and over again. He does not know, at his age, what is, or is not healthy for him, he just wants what he wants.
The complexity of our pursuit of salvation is the same in that while God knows exactly what is best for us, it does not eliminate our desire for a substitute, even if it is not beneficial or lacks nutritional value (like ramen noodles). While similar, very closely associated, it is not the same. As our pursuit is now in vain, literally exhausting, our soul remains famished. We continue to feed it, ceaselessly, but it lacks the essential elements crucial for sustained health and life.
Today’s episode is titled.
The People Are Hungry, but We’re Feeding them the Wrong Thing
John6:35
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to meshall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
There is no alternative for Jesus. We can neither add to, nor take away his divine authority and purpose for humanity. Our hope rests in Christ alone. Wherewith then do we debate the necessities of faith? Adding layers as the Pharisees and Scribes of the day, of pointless doctrine, dogma, meaningless theologies, and individual philosophies, to those merely seeking to eat and find nourishment for their wearied souls. Making it near impossible, from appearance sake, for anyone to be saved. Bearing forth the question, who then can be saved (Matthew 19:25)?
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How many of us would trust someonewith our most prized possession? Who would you trust with your life? Trust isoften misunderstood and misrepresented, and its definition can vary dependingon who we are speaking to, or who is using it. Trust gives the utmost confidenceand allows us to confide unconditionally in someone else. That is supposing wecast aside our inhibitions. I can recall when I was a senior in high school andhad a healthy head of hair, three (3) maybe four (4) inches in length. A goodfriend, whose name remains protected under the circumstance, Wimberly Kite,convinced me that she knew how to cut hair. All I needed was a trim, just thebad edges. I did not ask for her qualifications, her word was enough. As I sat,I did not think anything of it, until the clumps of hair began to fall to the floor.I knew I should have gone straight home. I did not have the heart or courage totell her, she messed me up (very badly). Reality set in upon arriving home, asmy aunt laughed me to scorn, and called me “plug”, as I was noticeably missinglarge patches of hair. My grandfather had a rusty set of Oster clippers, and Icould not find the oil, I immediately went to work. Soon after, between theintermittent pause of buzzing the once movable blades were now lockedpermanently in place from the friction caused by the heat. My hair was hair wasruined, because of misplaced trust. Soon thereafter, I threw caution to thewind and decided it was better just to cut it all off. To answer theinquisitive nature of your question, Yes I was completely bald, realizing theshame and humiliation Samson must have suffered at the hands of Delilah. Trustis indeed fragile. That is why even today, I never sleep in the barber chair.Listening intently as the clippers make each pass. Of course, I am weary whenit comes to barbers, but that is how we all are when someone has injured thesacredness of our trust.
Why is trust so difficult? Scripturereminds, over and again to trust God, but put no confidence in the flesh(neither ours nor someone else’s, as they are sure to disappoint).
Today’s episode is titled.
Trust God
Psalm 146:3-6
3 Do not put your trust in princes,in mortal men, who cannot save. 4 When their spirit departs, theyreturn to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD hisGod, 6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything inthem-- the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
Trusting God is one of those truths we think we understand until weare called upon to do it. We then discover that there is more to it than werealized.
Our trust, like Fort Knox, is exhaustedlyguarded, a reflection of our frailties and insecurities, as we tirelessly buildfortified walls and fences about our lives, as a means to prohibit others fromseeing what’s on the other side. Our trust is plagued with questions, whatdo they want; why are they talking to me now, forever cloaked in suspicion.However our fellowship with God should not be such. He insists that wesurrender. He compels us to follow.
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As we approach the season of grace, Easter, I believe it necessary to speak of the urgency and necessity of Salvation. However, we do not want to find ourselves in a place absent of God’s presence, or have to speculate about the merits of our own salvation, living in constant fear wondering if we did enough, loved enough, cared enough, gave enough, shared enough, listened enough, yielded enough, or simply served someone other than ourselves.
Let not your heart be troubled, as the closing segment of scripture found in, John 3:16, uses a very slight but profound word, "whosoever".
John 3:16 is the most gracious, wonderful offer conceivable; eternal life for all who believe
Today’s episode is titled.
Whosoever Will
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
By compartmentalizing differing elements of the scripture we recognize; God saw, witnessed the need of humanity from our fall in the garden nearly 6,000 years ago, He has always, without ceasing sought to restore our relationship with Him. Jesus (the Son) after 4,000 years of capture, enslavement, kings, prophets, judges and 400 years of silence, was sent to dwell among us, as there was no other alternative to draw us back to God, but at the same time demonstrate his eternal love towards us, unlike many things we become involved in, they are meaningless unless we genuinely have something of great value to lose. We are the “whosoever”, (us) meaning anyone, without exception is invited to “believe”, not as a thought contained in the mind, but far within the heart. We have a choice, as Salvation is not forced upon us, God like the Israelites in the desert, gave us his word, we have tasted his goodness, but He still gives us, free will. And lastly there is the promise, acknowledging the suffering of Christ on our behalf, and accepting it as payment in full for the ransom of our sins.
It is impossible to clean up our own lives, to make ourselves right. It is impossible to think of eternity, without understanding how God loved us so much, that He sent his only son. This well-known verse is important because it tells us about the unconditional love that God has for his creation, it teaches us about the sacrifice God made for us, and it helps us understand the eternal implications of accepting Jesus. This verse is a promise and affirms the hope we have as Christians that there is an eternal life waiting for those who believe in Jesus. It suggest that no matter who we are, where we come from, what our failings, what our insecurities, our transgressions or trespasses, no matter our ethnicity, our family history, whether short or tall, male or female, child or elderly, the Savior of the world was born unto us all. We only need to believe that He is, and therefore inherit the promise of everlasting life. Is it really that straightforward? I would emphatically, with the greatest assurance answer, yes!
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Referenced scriptures today are: Ephesians 4:31-32; Hebrews 12:14-15; Matthew 6:14-15; and Romans 12:18
I have a storage space that I pay a handsome ransom for each month. It is full of unforgettable things that I either, no longer have use for, I've outgrown, or have not seen for more than eight (8) years. The clothes are exquisite; however, I am several pounds heavier (give or take); the shoes still fit as well, I suppose, but I still remember some squeeze my toe, with every step I take, and I can scarcely remember the contents of the abundance of boxes that are nearly stacked to ceiling. Meanwhile, while my heart is saying let it go, I persevere in finding reasons to hold fast. I suppose one day, sooner rather later, I will be able to sort through the trove of things I have accumulated for more than forty (40) years, and rid myself of those that no longer serve a purpose, but still take up costly space.
As awkward as it sounds we do the same thing when we store up, accommodate, and relinquish valuable space in our lives to anger, resentment, and bitterness. We tuck it away as we are unwilling to relinquish control, judiciously preserving it for the ideal time to return a favor many times over. Payback sure feels good to the flesh, but it is unforgivingly injurious to our soul.
Today's podcast is titled.
Let it Go
Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
We regularly struggle to find contentment. That point in life where, no matter what things look like, we are indeed satisfied. As the adage reminds us; we may not be where we want, but we certainly are not where we started. Why do we in our humanness insist on carrying oldbaggage, that serves no purpose. Where our memory just will not allow us to, let it go? What is this, that our mind torments us so, that by clinging so desperately, we are unable to prosper instead, for our soul's sake? How many people must depart from us with unresolved issues? How many remain that, it is not that they cannot, but rather refuse to let go of the thing or things that God is trying to strip out of our presently clenched fist?
Suppose God, like us, was unremitting in his anger towards us, holding us to account for things that occurred in the Garden, during the flood, or in the wilderness, or without mercy held us personally accountable for the death of his son, Jesus Christ, as one present in the crowd who cried aloud, crucify him, over and over, and saw fit to ever so sparingly poured out an inequitable amount of grace and mercy.
Consider, our own circumstance if He repeatedly reminded us of our sins and transgressions. I am not referring to the one's we consider small, and of little consequence, but the one's that plague and taunt us, those in which our very soul is continually tormented and grieved, and God saw fit to ceaselessly hold it over our head.
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There are few things that frustrate us more than having to wait. We willfully accept with gladness, the answer yes, and begrudgingly come to terms with the answer no, but having to wait is problematic for us, as we suffer great anxiety in doing so. Oh, the anticipation of heartbreak or jubilation. Our prayer should constantly be, teach me to wait. Patience is a prized commodity in very short supply, as our responses typically allow us and others to see the fullness of our insecurities, finding ourselves no longer in control.
When everything is going our way, patience is easy to exhibit. However, the real test of patience is when our character and integrity are questioned; when we are offended, when we are treated unfairly; or when someone questions, mockingly, the basis of our faith. As Christians we do not have the luxury of being, sinfully, upset when facing trials and hardships. (Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath) (Ephesians 4:26). Our patience is revealed through faith because of God’s timing, omnipotence, and tireless love. It is neither sudden nor immediate and is very seldom instantaneous. God’s authority is crucial to our spiritual growth thereof, as the trials we routinely face are His way of perfecting patience in us.
Today’s episode is titled.
Priceless Patience
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.
Patience is indeed a virtue, but the quote itself is not a Biblical term.
Our inability to be patient can have disastrous consequences, and present less than desirable outcomes. There is the world's view of patience (with limitations), and then there's the patience that God demonstrates in glorious detail throughout scripture. We are reminded time and again of its necessity, and they serve as a cautionary reminder of why we should not seek to get ahead of his willful plan for us. We assume that God is taking far too long to address our needs and our present circumstances, we pray continually for him to fix it, not realizing sometimes that is the very thing we need to endure. Without such we would believe we have no need for God, as many assume today, becoming totally self-reliant as a means of achieving our own outcomes, albeit right or wrong.
Our hearts are constantly yearning, always lacking, never satisfied, we intentionally push the envelope to see how far we can go. Scripture reminds that we are not to live unto ourselves, we were purchased with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), and therefore must trust that God is in control of every aspect of our lives no matter how long the wait. Our patience gives us the ability to trust him at his word, even if it does not correspond with our own timeline. Our lack leads us to the limit of our own decision making, using our own resources, under our own abilities, refusing to believe that we are limited by our own humanity. Patience removed can as well lead to hopelessness, as we seek answers, but very often in the wrong places. God’s faithfulness towards us, however, is reflected throughout the entirety of his word, the opening of Genesis, In the beginning, to the closing word in Revelation, Amen.
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For as long as I can remember I have loved playing the game of football. So much so, in fact, I can recall my brother and I playing in slow motion in the living room, he’s at the 50, the 30, the 10, touchdown, or tackling each other just short of a fictitious goal line as we mimicked our favorite teams and players (mom I know you’re listening, I don't think we broke anything). Growing up, just outside of Fort Worth, Texas (Carswell AFB) (no I'm not a cowboy's fan), at the age of seven or eight, we'd play football in a vacant lot just across the street every weekend, I ran, and ran, until I was breathless, to escape being caught (I was Mercury Morris fast, but still not as fast as my sister, Rhonda). All the kids were often older than I (my brothers age), and they never threw me the ball. I would cry, and my brother would comfort me, however on the two or three occasions they threw me the ball, that year, one of two things transpired, I either dropped the ball, or mystifyingly ran the wrong way or out of bounds as a means of escape. Yes, I was quick (lightening fast) (zoom, zoom), but at that time I lacked the skills to fully understand the intricate nature of the game. I would object and pout after each game, declaring; "that's not fair".
Today’s podcast is titled.
That’s Not Fair
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Each of us have faced situations in life that we consider unfair and ever so often no matter how distant in the past, we are reminded, reminiscent of the suffering, sorrow, hurt, anguish and hardship we’ve endured; a scholarship opportunity, an unjust accusation, a lost job opportunity, an accidental wound, failing health, shattered relationships, hurtful words, or the ill-timed loss of a loved one. As we look about and compare circumstances we give great consideration to the scales of fairness, considering those in life to be unbalanced, as we commonly see those that full of ill-will and deceitfulness reaping all the earthly benefits of success, leaving us to wonder, pause and grumble within ourselves saying, that's no fair. We fight to find parity or any semblance of evenness, nonetheless, it is in vain, and at best misplaced. In doing so, by forcing what was not intended to happen, by our own hand, according to our will we often find ourselves out of alignment and out of favor with where God has purposefully and intently placed us.
What is this nature within us, that we are so seldom satisfied, always yearning, constantly desiring more? I ask, what is beyond the horizon that we seek, finding ourselves discontented with the present moment? Yes, He has a plan for our future, but we cannot get there unless we live through, and endure the lessons of today, finding contentment without complaint in the abundance of God's grace and favor towards us this day. How can we justly determine what is or is not fair? If God commanded the lilies to grow, and the winds to blow upon the billowing seas, if he watered each blade of grass, and caused the streams and rivers to flow from the mountaintops, if he caused the animals of the desert to satisfy their thirst, if he has numbered the hairs upon our head, and ordered every breath, it is considerable for us to believe that he alone, all by himself is in complete and utter control.
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According to Rae Oliver (2023) It is estimated that Americans will spend an estimated $21.8 billion dollars during valentine’s day (58 million pounds of chocolate, and $2.3 billion in floral arrangements). This is the day most associate with our show of perpetual love and affection.
If that is so, I would like to begin with a question, what is God’s nature towards us, his creation? Reading and interpreting scripture literally, without suitable context tends to veil our view as we see Him as the slayer of lands, kingdoms, and people. That is, however, far from the truth, as the basis of our hope rests in His demonstrated love towards us. The fact that we are here, even today, demonstrates the reach of God’s love towards us. His love is not reserved for annual celebration, but embodies a lifetime of constant, immutable, undeniable affection. The love of God is a Biblical truth, scripture tells us unmistakably, God is Love.
Today’s podcast is titled.
A Love of Consequence
1 John 4:7-8
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
There is a very simple song we learned as children titled, Jesus Loves Me, and we go on to say, cause the Bible tells me so. We would happily sing the lyrics with the greatest assurance, believing every single word, because our youth and innocence allowed us to see the world entirely different. How does something seemingly so simple, now become so difficult?
God loves you immensely. In fact, God’s love is so astonishing that there are hundreds of Biblical scriptures acknowledging that fact. God, speaking to Jeremiah, in 31:3, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
How do we then, define God's love for us? How is it illustrated in our lives? We are reminded of the magnitude of what He would go through to find us, to draw us near by His side. Love is defined in countless ways, but God’s is not equivalent to our love and affection for inanimate things that lack the ability to reciprocate the same. We love a house, but it does not love us back; we adore a car, but it neither cares, nor returns that which was given; I love McDonald’s cheeseburgers, but that as well is temporal, as it only satisfies the needs of my hunger for a brief moment; and sadly, there are people in our lives, presently and in the past, that no matter how much we love them, how much we care for them, or how much we praise them, they are incapable of demonstrating the same. One whose heart is so hardened and calloused, that it is incapable of affection, feeling or emotion. God, however, never intended for us to be so, because of all the gifts that one can receive this day, flowers, chocolates, teddy bears, jewelry, fine dinning, and the like, there is none greater than the gift of God’s love.
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The authenticity of our faith is forever under the watchful eye of others. There are those that are eager to see what becomes of us, while on the other hand there are those that mockingly anticipate our failure, waiting to openly declare our faith is less than genuine. I often believe there is immense confusion about who we are, and the significance of our place in the world. Considering, as well, that for nearly 2,000 years the world has sought to deny the authenticity of our existence, who we are, where we come from, and the truth of our claim that we are indeed Christians, chosen to deliver a message of hope and salvation to a dying world.
Marriam Webster; Britannica; Google; and Wikipedia (which is not always accurate), all have similar definitions, but they are at best just under served, as they do not exemplify the totality of who God's people are, and our constant, everyday battle to adhere steadfastly to our faith. What does it look like? Will we know of it, if our eyes behold it? Will we legitimize it, or will the world ridicule and scoff at it, as a poor person's panacea. Christ is real, and his suffering on our behalf is well recorded, written for our edification and our hope.
Today's podcast is titled.
I thought you were a Christian?
Acts 11:26
the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
History and contemporary culture have changed what it means to be a Christian. As an adaptation, many believe that simply going to church occasionally or believing God exists makes them a Christian, but the Bible presents a totally different outlook in defining Christianity. A Christian is someone whose conduct and heart display the character and presence of Jesus Christ.
Our faith does not imply inferiority, but rather strength in humility and courage. It does not require the brandishing of swords and the weaponry of war, but rather a still and quiet spirit, knowing with the greatest assurance that if we live or die, it is unto Christ. Likewise, it does not suggest that we are a perfect people, according to the ways of the world, but rather day by day exercising our faith. Coming to a more perfect understanding of who Christ is, and His place in our lives, as he leads and guides us in the way that we should go, or allows us to act in a manner which is a true reflection of Him. We are, after all a people in which our hearts brandish the love of Christ, a people in whom if we stumble ninety-nine times, He is able to pick us up 9,000 times more.
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Have you ever been lost? You know you’re somewhere, but you just can’t quite figure out where that somewhere is. You have a map and very detailed directions, but it does not make sense, in fact you’ve tried them a routine number of times only to wind up right back where you started from. How many of you have been there? Of course, being lost in the daytime is completely different than being lost at night, as it (night that is) adds an element of perplexity and fear, because we cannot see what is before us, or lurks just beyond our view. Being lost is common to each of us, as we have all been there once or twice in our lifetime. However, being lost spiritually has a completely different meaning, one should not linger there for long. It perplexes us, and unless resolved leaves us in the middle of nowhere.
We all have been there when life is much more complicated than we desire, and there is no one who understands precisely what we are going through. There is an urgency, an immediacy, to us, and to those we love as well. It is like being in the forest and screaming as loud as you can, but we are so entrenched that no one hears. Our rescue is suddenly afar off. That is when our hearts melt and it is now necessary to come face to face with God, because we are not sure how our lives will turn. We are no longer in control.
Today’s podcast is titled.
I Need Thee
Mark 10:46-52
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
The Bible does not tell us the entire narrative of Bartimaeus, only that when he encountered Jesus, he was without sight (and had been for some time). The people tried to persuade him (v. 49), that Jesus had far more important things to do, and implored him to be quiet (hold his peace). It is not that he could not, he refused, because his torment was enduring. He met Jesus on the side of the road in Jericho, as a blind beggar, and this lone encounter forever changed the course of his life, as it will ours as well.
It was believed, during this time in history, that illness was a punishment from God, as a result of sin. We commonly believe that to be so even today, by assuming because something has gone wrong in someone’s life, they must have done something wrong. Because of this philosophical flaw, Bartimaeus was constantly hushed and ignored by the crowd, and yet Jesus stops for him. Jesus saw Bartimaeus. He saw his value; He knew his needs. And like we see over and over again in many Biblical accounts Jesus stopped for them as well. He sought them out, instead of waiting for them to come. He found them in the midst of their condition.
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I've often heard people say, "expect the worse and you won't be disappointed". Have you ever been absolutely wrong about your perception of someone, only to realize their random act of kindness changed everything; they said thank you; they asked “how’s your day?”; they asked about your family, or sent a heartfelt condolence concerning the tragic loss of a loved one; they remembered your birthday; insisted on paying for a meal; they said “God bless you”; or they unassumingly said, “I love you” or “I'm here for you”.
That very same person, minutes, days, weeks, months and years earlier was imprinted in our minds as someone other than what their random act of kindness portrayed. I suppose there was an abundant vocabulary to which we previously described them albeit openly and verbally or within the secret places of our heart. And yet, every day God has a way of chastening us, and proving our thoughts and motives wrong when it comes to His people (or people in general), his creation made in his image.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Contagious Kindness
Proverbs 11:17
Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
The Bible mentions “kindness” in over two-hundred occurrences and “kind” nearly double that amount, over four-hundred times. It is an act of compassion, the lifting up of others. God's word offers wisdom for threading this godly attribute (a evident fruit of the spirit) into our daily lives.
Love is patient, love is kind. Suppose I was to ask, have you been treated as kind as you have been treated cruel? Consider if I were to inquire if you've done others the same. Whilst it does not require a response directly to me, I believe that we all should give it a reasonable amount of consideration. But, may I counter by saying life is not always fair.
What I have noticed is that we often times treat others the way they've treated us (albeit good or bad), but necessity does not always require it to be that way, it is after all a choice. Yes, acts of kindness often engender the same in return. We learn, almost immediately, that cruelty, begets cruelty, and kindness of course, begets kindness. Is kindness so rare a commodity that whenever it occurs it catches us off guard, causing us to question motive? Asking within ourselves with the greatest suspicion "why", "what do they want"? As if an act of kindness itself, comes with a price tag. It does not, it is a conscious choice, as we cannot reciprocate what is not in us to do. Kindness is an illustration of our faith, it is after all contagious, and has the characteristic ability to appeal to the cold hearted, those that aim to be the first to dish it out, before it gets dished on them; those that have been hurt and offended so much, that their responses are sudden and expected, adding yet another inconsistent layer to our now scarred reputation.
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One of the first games we learned as a child is hide and seek. The rules appear simple enough, it is when one person, by signifying, one potato, two potato, three potato, is designated to count (typically to ten [10]), while all the other participants run and hide. Consequently, some are found almost immediately, as they were unable to successfully conceal themselves, and then there are others in which it takes some time to find. By playing with familiar friends long enough it was always easy to conclude who would be caught first, and who would remain well hidden, withstanding the length of the search. We would run and chase until we were overcome by exhaustion, doing our best to make our way to home base, careful to avoid being tagged.Doing so would force the counter to finally say Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free. Meaning it is finally “safe” for everyone to come out and return home, without consequence, drawing that phase of the game to a sudden and near immediate close (depending on the amount of remaining daylight). Hide and Seek, is considered one of the world’s oldest games that pre-date ancient Greece and is played in some variation on every continent globally.
In fact, we can say the very first version of hide and seek, is as old as humanity itself, the moment in which Adam sinned and God sought him out.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Hide & Seek
Genesis 3:8-9
8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
They (meaning Adam and Eve) hid and covered themselves, as God inquired saying, Adam, where art thou? He was presented an opportunity to come home cleanly, the plea was made, and when asked, his words were, that woman, you gave me. Similarly, Cain’s response after slaying his brother Abel was, am I my brother's keeper?, further asking, Shall I be hid from thy face?
Sin creates a challenge for each of us. If we live long enough, it is inescapable, something in which we are entwined, but not easily freed. Our most egregious sins (not that any are greater than the other), cause us to hide, physically (not possible) and more often spiritually from He who created us. Considering in our hearts that His grace and mercy only extends to others, but never us. How can His love peer through our hurt and sorrow, how can He love us, when the world of humanity has so easily abandoned us. Some may ask, can He hear me, while others would purely ask, does He care? When we are overcome, we are not hoping to get caught, but rather waiting for someone to bid us to come home free, to save us from death's grip, and he who seeks only to destroy our soul, separating us eternally from God.
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Imagine parents struggling and searching for a place to give birth, going from door to door, inn to inn asking, begging, and pleading for a well-mannered place for a child to be born. Consider Mary's pains as her labor intensified each time they were told, there is no room. Contemplate the bustle of people in Bethlehem as they gathered to take part in the census mandated by Caesar Augustus. Yet, no one paused, no concern given, not even for the briefest of moments to inquire about their immediate need. I can imagine her pleading with Joseph to rest if only for a moment, as the distresses of his heart urged him to press on. Finally, they found (possibly) a considerate Inn Keeper, who seeing Mary's condition, offered not unto them an impressive room in a palace, out of great compassion, but merely presented a manger. A place where animals resided, not a dwelling for a king, nor the hope of a carpenter for his soon to be newborn son. As Jesus came forth, there was no rush, no urgency, no press to see him. The glory of the lord shown above Bethlehem, the star rested thereof, and the heavenly host proclaimed in Luke 2:10-11, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Today’s episode is titled.
Finding Christ in Our Christmas
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Being out these last few weeks I had an opportunity to witness decorations and clothing that are designed (supposedly) to serve as a representation of Christmas. In fact I happened to see an oversized skeleton adorned with a Santa had, surrounded by orange lights, typically reserved for another traditional holiday. Likewise, I saw what would be considered a dress shirt that had printed as a continuous design throughout, Happy Crappy Christmas. How did we come to marginalize such a day as this? One so noteworthy that it changed the course of history for an eternity.
Christmas is difficult time for many, and each year statistics reveal that between Thanksgiving, in November to Christmas, in December countless people suffer with bouts of anxiety and depression. While most of us celebrate the holiday with families, there is an abundance that are without, lacking the ability to share, and often even in the heart of a family gathering things can become quite complex. That is why it is of the greatest importance that Christ remain at the center of Christmas. Place aside for a moment the pageantry of the preceding weeks, and the urgent press to purchase what remains on our gift list (that last item).
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Today’s podcast is very special as I have the distinct pleasure of introducing a wonderful friend and mentor Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon and First Lady Janice Wilcoxon, of Mount Sanai Institutional Baptist Church, in North Chicago.
Biography
Pastor Wilcoxon is a graduate of Lakeland College, Wisconsin, with a Bachelor of Religion, and a graduate of Milwaukee Theological Institute with a Bachelor of Ministry. He was called into the ministry and Licensed to Preach on February 5, 1989, and was ordained on March 17, 1991 at Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of the Pastor Joseph L. Thomas. Pastor Wilcoxon served as Interim Pastor at United Faith Baptist Church for nine months before being called to serve the Mount Sinai Institutional Baptist Church family, in North Chicago, Illinois.
Pastor Wilcoxon has served the Mount Sinai Family for 27 years, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his service to the community.
A native of Chicago, Pastor Wilcoxon, is a United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, and for 51 years has been married to his lovely wife Janice. From their union God has blessed them with three beautiful daughters Tamecca, Tamarra, and Trinae, four wonderful granddaughters, and a grandson, and one great granddaughter.
Biography
Evangelist Janice Wilcoxon, aka “Lady J”, Motivational Speaker and Philanthropist, has been the First Lady of the Mount Sinai Institutional Baptist Church for 27 years. A devoted and loving wife, she has been married to Pastor Gerald for 51 years. She attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and retired after 37 years with Alfa Laval Incorporated, a Pharmaceutical Company.
In 1999 Evangelist Wilcoxon was inspired by God to organize the Mt. Sinai Women’s Retreat, an annual event that attracts more than 400 women from across the nation.
As the First Lady, she started the Mount Sinai Women for Christ and Ministers and Deacons Wives Ministry; as well as hosting the Seasons of a Woman’s Life Series. In 2013, Evangelist Wilcoxon was called into the ministry, allowing God to user her fully. In 2004, she was awarded the “Women in the Spirit” award by the People’s Voice newspaper, and in 2011, Evangelist Janice Wilcoxon, along with her husband Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon, were awarded Most Influential African Americans of Lake County, Illinois.
The Lord is continuing to use Evangelist Wilcoxon to lead those that are lost to Christ and constantly encourage women on their faith’s journey.
Today’s Podcast is titled.
A Conversation
With Pastor Gerald
and
First Lady (Evangelist) Janice Wilcoxon
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming today’s guests. Pastor Gerald and First Lady Janice Wilcoxon.
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Have you ever done something out of character? Something that catches everyone off guard and throws an otherwise predictable situation in an entirely different direction. At times it may have unplanned consequences, and others may completely change, no matter how innocent, the way we are perceived by others. I know it creates dueling conflicts in what we expect of ourselves, and what others expect of us, but if we live long enough, we (each of us) will find that we routinely disappoint, becoming something far less than perfect.
However, if the objective is perfectness, as defined by humanity, I do not believe that is a certainty or conclusive. How often have we tried to live a non-offensive life, being sure to hurt no one, often providing soft landings for our words, biting our tongues, swallowing our dignity, ever so attentive to cover our hurts, our sorrow, our bruises, and our woundedness. At some point, after seething, no matter the gravity of our faith, it reaches a breaking point, and another side of our persona comes to surface. It is part of our inherent DNA. Now, for the sake of clarity I am not referring to someone that is that way all day, every day, 24/7. I am referring to us, everyday people of God that are doing their absolute best to represent Christ.
Today’s podcast is titled
That’s Not You
2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us;
What is constrain? It is defined as a verb, meaning it requires active not passive action. Merriam-Webster defines it as:
To force by imposed structure, restriction, or limitation; compress; to clasp tightly; to secure by or as if by bonds; confine; to hold back by or as if by force
Each part of the definition is inclusive of how God constrains us, creating boundaries and limitations, holding us tightly and securely, at times placing us in bonds as a means for protecting us and others, and every so often holding us back, even if it requires force. When we live within the bounds of God’s constraints it means that we know our limits, we know not to skirt too closely to those lines that may be ill defined, it means that we understand the intricate value that He placed upon each of us in His effort to preserve us and redeem us unto Himself.
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An article by Jim Lucas speaks of Sir. Isaac Newton as one of the most influential scientists of all time. His ideas became the basis for modern physics. He is best known for his work in studying gravity and the motion of planets. Newton’s first law of Motion, suggests, "A body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will remain in motion unless it is acted upon by an external force." This simply means that things cannot start, stop, or change direction all by themselves. It takes some force acting on them from the outside to cause such a change.
Now think of something or someone lost, adrift, without a purpose or destination, merely existing rather than living. Unless something (God) acts upon them or intercedes in their situation, they can neither move or change course. We either remain motionless (helpless) or spiral out of control in the wrong direction (aimless). We routinely hear of castaways, people lost on a desert isle, without any hope of rescue. As a last ditch effort, they are consigned to placing a warily written message into a bottle and casting it adrift upon the sea, hoping the currents, the waves, and the torrent of wind allows it to arrive in an expedient place. Some, inevitably find the ocean depths, while others, many years (even decades) later find their way into inquisitive hands, but often far too late.
2 Samuel 22:5-7
5The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
6The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. 7“In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.
Many of us, at one point or another, find ourselves there, 100% physically present, but our souls tossed in darkness, and disquieted and lonely place, cast upon the waters thousands of miles from nowhere.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Adrift & Aimless
Psalm 61:1
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
Have you ever felt lost, adrift without a direction or purpose? Absent of an intended destination, one in which we can see the struggles of the past and graciously acknowledge our present place. We purpose to plot along an evident path, but circumstances lead us to make decisions, which change our course, and our given destiny. Some, I suppose, are fortunate enough to have a safety net, while a multitude of others unceremoniously fall, until they have been dashed into irreparable pieces.
Jeremiah 31:25
25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
We, likewise, can find ourselves adrift in so many ways, for so many reasons. What is it that leads and guides us, that gives our lives meaning and purpose, which affixes itself to our chosen destiny? Not one of our own creation, borne out of vanity, but that which is appointed by God.
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On Thursday, November 24, 2022, we will celebrate Thanksgiving once again, as a time specifically reserved for giving thanks for the blessings that we’ve received thereupon. The holiday was born out of a harsh and devastating winter in which many immigrants to the new land, suffered and died from cold, starvation and disease. However, through the help of friends, the harvest, the following year, was plentiful, thus they celebrated by giving thanks.
Hhmm! What is that? While it is a holiday traditionally kept in the United States, globally other countries such as Canada, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Grenada, China, Japan, Liberia, India, and Ghana celebrate a customary form of Thanksgiving as well. While the manner and purpose may vary, it is in its most simplistic custom, a form of giving thanks, for a variety of reasons, freedom, harvest, liberation, and others. While much different than its origin, today we celebrate the day (often in the absence of acknowledging thanks) by eating an abundance of food, watching endless hours of football, enjoying music and festivities, and lest we forget the most essential of them all black Fridays. While there is nothing wrong with that, this is a far cry from its original inception, in 1789 in which then President George Washington decreed it to be a day of prayer and thanks, prayer and thanks (I had to say it twice), subsequently becoming a nationally recognized holiday in 1941.
Today’s podcast is titled.
A Season of Thanks and Giving
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes it can be tough to be thankful for the little things, especially in hard times. But here’s the funny thing about thankfulness. Once we begin counting our blessings, we often discover that we have a gracious plenty after all. It’s simply the change in perspective from dwelling on what we lack to focusing on what we have.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Giving thanks is a show of gratitude and graciousness, through humility. It is an acknowledgment that we were unable to do it on our own. It is yielding ourselves and our needs to something far greater than ourselves (God). We every so often discover the more we have, the greater our accumulative substance and wealth, the more difficult, or should I say less likely we are to give our show of thanks the attention it deserves, because we have an abundance of everything and want for nothing. Thanks is borne out of lack, the absence of something, a critical necessity in our lives. It is manifested out of hardship, urgency, or immediate need. When nothing else could help, when we’ve lost others along the way, when we’ve survived the ravage of disease, when our substance is consumed, when there is no clear way out, when others scoff at our circumstance, and others simultaneously blame us and our actions as the cause of our suffering, when we are closed off from the world, that is when we find our way to the throne of God, and bare out the brokenness of our soul, suddenly the darkness fades and the sun shines upon us as the noon day, and God begins to move obstacle after obstacle, barrier by barrier, brick by brick, that my brothers and sisters is thanksgiving.
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Last year I decided to take a road less traveled from Northern to Southern California. Rather than using the tradition route (Interstate 5), I chose to drive the serene and scenic Pacific coast highway. While it added nearby 2.5 hours to my trip the view of the jagged cliffs, and the waves crashing upon the rocks was breathtaking, and will in its immediacy leave one breathless. However, just a few miles north are an altogether different dynamic, split by four lanes of carefully placed highway. On one side is the audacious display of gigantic homes belonging to some of the California’s most wealthy people, while on the other side of the hundreds of miles of tar, asphalt, and gallons of yellow and white paint are where migrant workers toil and labor in the most austere conditions.
I am certain of the millions of people that traverse the roadway annually there are countless “ooo's” and “ahh's”, of the landscape’s abundant beauty and the towering million-dollar real-estate along the way, but scarcely I suppose will any wonder about or even acknowledge the workers in the field. Does our substance outweigh our humanity, where the divide between us is so great that we just don't care to acknowledge the existence of the other? Does our loving kindness have limitations, or can it reach beyond our selfishness, our need for self preservation and become selfless, absent of our need for reciprocation? Imagine the toil associated with their labor, sunrise to sunset, every day the same, the sun and moon greet them each day, but seldom do they receive a word of encouragement, thanks, or gratitude. While their labor is often inhumane, they do something few would venture to do.
There are those that would mock them, accuse them of impropriety, simply despise them because they are different, or often feel they contradict what we've come to associate with our commonly displaced worldly (not Biblical) values. But, if the basis of our faith is measured in how we entreat one another, then we must look far beyond the things that benefit us personally, and seek to care for those that suffer most, the wounded, despised, and broken hearted.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Poor, Destitute, and Forsaken
James 2:5
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
According to a 2021 survey, it is estimated that nearly 500,000 people in the United States are homeless, with approximately 17 out of every 10,000 being identified as so daily. Just as alarming is 11.6% of the nation’s population lives below the poverty line, that’s 37.9 million people, respectively. We are all a fraction away from being categorized the same. How do we view the poor and destitute, how do we see the humanity of those without shelter or food. Do we frown upon their circumstance, suggesting they are deservedly in their existing condition, because they (personally) chose to be there, do we smugly look away as if they are undeserving of our time and attention?
Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
If we lay claim to the blessedness of God, how can we boldly make such a proclamation, and not be moved by the suffering of so many others. We assume the worst of them, as if pests, persistent in their pleading for what they’ve neither worked nor toiled for, but scripture reminds us once again in
Psalm 24:1-3
1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
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Before I begin I just ask a special prayer for a young man named Dillan that I met while away. I was there for work, but God sent me to Denver to meet him. Thus the title of today’s podcast.
Several years ago, many, before graduating high school, the family went to a brand-new shopping mall (Glendale Galleria), if you could not find it there it wasn’t to be found. My mom and her sisters, my cousins, and of course, lest I forget, my grandmother, whom we commonly referred to as little gramps, because she was less than five feet tall. For context, a little shorter than a clothing rack. There was a long-awaited wedding later that afternoon, so the goal was to arrive early, and leave in enough time to get home, dressed, and attend the long-anticipated event. Everyone was in a rush, and somehow amongst the bustle of people, we lost my grandmother, we searched for hours, store by store, aisle upon aisle. Our shopping was no longer a priority as our attention straightway changed to the mass search, for someone we could hardly see. Minutes, turned to hours and nothing. We were pressed for time but could not find our way out of the present situation, we talked with security, and it was too soon the file a missing person report (yes like television), it had not been, yet seemingly, twenty-four (24) hours. We asked security if they could be on the lookout. While the middle of the story remains uncertain even today, unbeknown to us she found a bus stop, paid the fare, and rode the city bus home. While everyone was assuming the worst she got dressed, and went to the wedding without us, she bragged about how great a time she had, oblivious to the family’s seething anger, we were, for lack of a better term, undone, as her response was in complete contradiction to the deep seeded anguish it caused. I am sure the wedding was fantastic, and the receptions was beyond fabulous, but we will never as our search for my pint-sized grandmother ended in vain.
There's a game many of us are familiar with called, Where's Waldo, the objective is to look at a picture bustling full of people and objects, and find an individual named Waldo dressed in a red and white horizontal stripped shirt and beanie. Sometimes we jokingly use the term to describe a co-worker, friend or associate that always seems to be missing. However, where does our search for God lead us, as we look at the things that occupy our lives and make them so busy, we like the picture often miss the obvious right in front of us. Our hearts are what lead us, but scripture serves as the roadmap, it tells us how we can, and where to find him. Like Waldo, in the red and white horizontal shirt, he should not be difficult to find, as we clumsily look, up and down, right, and left, but he is not there, God is always the centerpiece.
Today’s podcast is titled
Struggle Finding God
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
What does our heartfelt search and yearning for God say about us. The invitation is given for us to come, and the decree has gone forth. We shall find him, as written throughout scripture, and demonstrated over and again, by his people, awaiting our earnest plea for help. Scripture specifically tells us, in
Matthew 11:28-29 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
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In a quote by Anne Lamont, she expresses, I do not at all understand the mystery of grace, only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us.
How would we describe grace? Would it simply be a footnote, an afterthought, or an anecdote, given little or no regard, or would we genuinely be able to comprehend the expanse of God's grace (loving kindness) towards us? In life’s most consequential moments, in shame, hardship, trouble, turmoil, doubt, fear and heartache, His grace is more than sufficient.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
(Julia H. Johnston, 1910)
Today’s podcast is titled.
Improbable Grace
Hebrews 12:15
15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Who can justify grace? Who can lay claim to it? Who can justly and righteously disseminate it among God’s creation? It is this thing that while seldom seen, and hardly borne out of the bosom of humanity, we plead for God, to have mercy, and He delivers unto us grace. A gift that is neither earned or deserved, and yet because of His unfailing love towards us, His mercy and grace endure forever, Hebrews 4:16 confirms,
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
As we yield, we at last discover peace through grace, God's persistent effort to reach us just where we are. Some may say, I’ve neither heard nor witnessed this grace, but I submit to you, Psalm 27:13-14, in which David declares,
13 I would have fainted, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!
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There is a beautiful song produced by Vineyard music, in which the lyrics simply says.
Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
Psalm 51:1-2; 10 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
This morning’s podcast is filled with scripture relevant to the topic, I will attempt to slow down as we address each. I truly believe today’s message is intended for someone listening that may at this very moment be struggling with and/or wrestling issues that deal directly with the heart.
Today’s podcast is titled.
What's on your mind
The most grievous period many face in life, is time alone with our true selves. We are familiar with the phrase, a penny for your thoughts, as I am often asked, what's on your mind. In typical fashion and right on que, my (our) response, like many of you listening today is, nothing, but truthfully enough, there is never a moment in which are minds are totally blank. It is in our nature, we are always, constantly thinking, craving, yearning for something as our brains long for information and imagined stimulation, albeit good or bad, Godly or not. The mind’s desire are seeds planted within the heart, weeds and tares that grow amongst the fruits of the spirit, but little by little suffocate the abundance of life thereof.
David said in the 139th Psalm, 23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
As we battle our deepest desires, we try our best to tamper them down, being careful not to allow them to fester, grow and mature into something (envy and strife [James 3:16]), that will unsurprisingly causes us irreversible harm.
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There she was pristine, candy red, white convertible top and interior, cassette tape and the most beautiful sounding engine, I had to have it. I prayed, Lord if you let me get it, I will go to church every Sunday, but that was a commitment and promise that did not last, and the thing I believed so beautiful became accursed to me. Every other week, something broke, and when it rained it leaked. My friends and co-workers mockingly referred to it as the water bug. It made its way to Alaska (another story), and there it sat in a lone parking lot, it would start but would not drive or it just did not start at all, soaked in water, covered in snow there I peered through the frosted window, forgetting my promise, wishing I would have never bought it. I had buyers’ remorse. At that point I would have done well just to give it away for nothing, I was paying for a car that did not work, and for insurance on something that could not get into an accident, because it could not move. As funny as it sounds, we have all been there.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Buyers’ remorse
Romans 4:20-21
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
God offers each of us something beyond the weight of gold and the beauty thereof, and yet we find ourselves seeking and searching for alternatives, substitutes for God, only to discover how detrimental they are to us, and more so how calamity awaits us at every turn as we are drawn away from the hope of his promise.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Have you ever purchased something that you believed you absolutely had to have, only to discover, minutes, hours, days, weeks, or years later that you wish had not? Our garages and lives are full of such items. No one is excluded, all people, young and old alike. Correspondingly, we treat our salvation the same, committed, but not fully, half-hearted, because our suspicions (based on past history) tell us that something will occur that will not necessarily be in our favor and we will be left, once again, holding an unwanted bag, filled with guilt, shame and ridicule.
What causes us to feel such? What makes us believe that God is unable to keep his promises towards us? Of course, it is easy to chalk it up as human nature, but … it is much more multifaceted than a presumed oversimplification. Our life’s experience plays an enormous role, where we often lose confidence in something or someone that has proven otherwise. There is a commonly used phrase we quote to insulate ourselves from such folly, trust but verify. What does that really mean? And what does that say about us? God has never proven to be un-true, for the entirety of scripture is marked with his presence and promise. Numbers 23:19 reminds us.
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
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I want to introduce today’s podcast a little differently today, with the context of scripture at the beginning, as it sets the stage for the entirety of the message. Joshua 7:1-12; 19-25 Achan’s Sin Today’s podcast is titled.
Hidden Idol
My entire life I have been tasked to give an account, take some manner of inventory, signing for this, accounting for that, and lastly identifying what is missing, that often came at a cost. I recall once searching diligently, for hours, for a piece of equipment, rooms, buildings, sheds, and the like. No matter the mass of resources dedicated to the search, the result was the same. The paperwork said it was there, but reality is the item was missing for a number of years. Likewise, we must take inventory of our lives as well, identifying what is and is not present, what should or should not be there. As we like Achan (in Joshua 7) tend to accumulate things (physical or not) that were not intended for us but take precedence over God.
I had an entirely different message for today, but as I prepared for the day, the Lord laid upon my heart to share something completely different with you this morning, something that none of us, no matter how experienced are excluded.
We move along gracefully, smiling, giving the greeting of the day, a tip of the hat, saying with commonality bless you, and praise God, we read, we pray, we do all in alignment with scripture. Suddenly, we suffer defeat, after defeat, the heavens are as brass, prayer becomes laborious, and no matter our plea (like Joshua [6-9]), nothing. Heaven in all its splendor is suddenly silent. We search high and low, and yet our once abundant stream is barren, a desert wasteland, as far as the eye can see.
God is not far off as we suppose, he is watching, waiting, and listening. But he cannot do anything, because of the idols we have hidden in our lives, amongst the stuff, a buried treasure to be selfishly used, just in case God’s response is delayed, or does not rule in our favor. There are times when we are offered something that for appearance’s sake is helpful, but detrimental to our soul and a hinderance to our salvation. It is a gift, like the renowned Trojan horse, if it remains a hidden within us, God cannot bless us, not while the enemy continues to thrive at our gates. We are pushed further and further away from the leaning of the spirit, he speaks, but we do not hear, he beckons, but we do not answer, because we cling steadfastly to the hidden idols of our lives. To be clear, I am not exclusively or directly speaking purely in reference to tangible items, but more so those we store away in the deepest recesses of our hearts.
The proverbial question, who picked the watermelon? is not borne out of insatiable satisfaction, but of one’s questionable ability. An antagonistic statement, frequently followed by "you can't pick watermelons anymore". They head off ever confident in their tested and perfected process only to discover after their thumping, shaking, twisting, and flipping, they fared no better than we. We thump it, shake it, turn it on its side, we compare colors, align, and discern if the vine presents a natural break, or if it was snatched from its life. Still, neither method gives us complete assurance. Absent of any guarantee, I've yet to find anyone who has perfected the process 100%. Likewise, our faith is not one built on exactness, perfection, or getting it right all the time, but an enduring test of patience, persistence, and perseverance.
Today’s podcast is titled
Watermelon Thump
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We often treat our faith as a watermelon thump because that is what we have been conditioned to do. It looks swell (a leave it to beaver term), we would say, on the outside, anxiously anticipating what we’ve yet to discover inside. Our reluctance tells us, we do not want to pay for something that has the prospect of turning out other than expected. But we do so absent of understanding the depth and nuance of God’s perfect will for our lives.
As we long for just a taste, a sliver, even down to the rind, we salivate in anxiousness anticipation. Oh, the disappointment when we carefully slice it open, only to discover it is far from satisfactory, too pale, too mushy, too many seeds (there is not such thing as a seedless watermelon), not sweet enough, and on and on. Because of our frequent, past disappointment, we resort to pre-packaged and pre-cut slices. Is it watermelon? Yes! But … It is not the same, as the labor and consternation we go through to get it right. When we find the right one, the savor is sweet, and we realize our labor is not in vain. Though we went through the pains of finding the perfect one, we were encouraged and did not lose faith in the process, thus giving us the assurance, while flawed at times, to do it repeatedly.
Our faith is similar as we press towards the prize, the mark, we struggle to find perfectness, we struggle to obtain the fullness of the promise. Nevertheless, we try repeatedly, until we get it right. And when the season comes about once again, we can practice and combine what our experience has allowed us to learn. The watermelon (exterior) embodies the entirety of who we are. Our faith, our communion with God, our families, jobs, and the people we interact with throughout our lives serve as part of the equation, and impact (positively or negatively) what takes place inside (our hearts).
Early Christmas day, I believe 1972, we hurried to unwrap our gifts. It was the year I vividly remember my brother and I receiving something both unique and uncommon. I do not know if we asked for them or if our mother and father found the dog-eared page of the JC Penney catalog we previously looked. To our astonishment it was two authentic ventriloquist (not dummies) dolls, my brothers was Charlie McCarthy and mine was Danny O’Dea (look them up). They came with a record, and the first phrase we had to learn, being careful to avoid moving our lips was "the boy bought the basketball". We practiced diligently for a period of time, however I do not know what became of them (I have to ask my mom), as my hope of being a famed ventriloquist artist, growing up watching the likes of “Howdie-Doodie”, “Mr. Rogers”, “Lamb-chops”, and of course “Captain Kangaroo”, faded as rapidly as it began.
In life, as well, we must be mindful of who speaks on our behalf, and whom we delegate to represent us. In the body of Christ there are many variables, as well as those that claim to speak as the oracles of God, but lack any credible standing. Scripture tells us,
Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves
(Matthew 10:16, KJV)
We are living in the age and which the world appears turned upside down, what was once right is now wrong, and the wrong is now universally accepted as right. What we considered inappropriate behavior is commonplace as we and our children are bombarded with messages and enduring images of what the world, absent of God, has deemed now acceptable practice. Our interaction, relationship, communion, and fellowship with God and one another are deeply impacted.
Many of us have traveled the expanse of prairie lands, in the mid-West, witnessing as we speed past the endless miles of corn visible both through our windshield and unendingly through our rear-view mirror. Have you ever wondered how did it get there, or inquire about the geometric exactness of each row? Achieving such feats requires immense labor, one so detailed that it determines if each individual stalk will bear an abundance of ears, or fade away fruitless, in the summer's heat. It all begins with a single kernel carefully planted in the ground. Too deep and it lacks the strength to break the surface, too shallow and its ability to survive is lost almost immediately.
Today’s podcast is titled
The Heart of the Field
Matthew 9:36-39
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
What does it mean to cultivate, to bring forth something that did not previously exist? What does it mean to witness the splendor thereof? It is indeed a labor of love and persistence.
The not so familiar term de-tassel is a term used to explain how corn stalks are pollinated to bring forth ears of corn during harvest. Similarly, life gives us the ability to pollinate the harvest as a show of our labor for Christ.
Each day a worker is assigned a row, with their name on it, that extends for miles in a single direction. Likewise, God gives us each specified tasks, none of which are identical. Much like the row, he has appointed us, and placed our name against our assigned tasks.
The beginning of each row seems harmless enough, as they rarely exceed the height of two to three feet. The beginning is our practice, and where we begin to understand exactly what is required of us. At this point we are permitted to experience mistakes, and gain experience from them. They are at times difficult, but they do not place us in jeopardy, or inadvertently in harms way.
As you get to the middle, however, a mile away, the cornstalks often exceed six feet in height. Towering columns that stretch for an infinity. However, as the laborer reaches the end of their row, the stalks appear to decrease in height once more. Coincidentally, much like life, we labor and fight among the giants of the field, utilizing the experience gained along the way. As the tempest rages with us in the midst, we cannot fail to give, what God has appointed. It is our row, we own it, we cannot choose which to permit to pollinate and those that will not. The de-tasseling is our labor (watering and planting), the pollen is like the holy spirit, who allows the ears of corn to bud, and spring forth during harvest (God giveth the increase). As we fight and labor among the giants, and finally see daylight, we realize we are only half finished, because we must return once again along the opposite side of the lengthy row. We should not be perplexed that God has sent us forth once more, as our labor has not yet concluded, souls yet to be saved. Yes, he gives us a reprieve every once and again, but we can ill afford to rest on our achievements and say to ourselves conclusively, well done.
Before I begin today’s episode in a rush, I would like to pause and ask that you join me in prayer on behalf of friends, family, and those that I share fellowship within the body of Christ. In moments where words of comfort seem inadequate there is a marvelous power that flows from the midst of our prayers and reaches beyond the heavenly places and rises before the throne of God. For those listening today know with the greatest assurance that no matter where you are today, no matter how deep or dark the valley, God is there leading and guiding with outstretched hands. When we are perplexed and face insurmountable odds, know that he alone can accomplish things most unimaginable, well beyond our expectation. That is how great his love is for each and everyone of us. Hear his voice through his spirit and his word persistently calling, bidding and pleading unto us. Therefore, if anyone is burdened or heavy-laden, if anyone is troubled, if anyone is downtrodden, God knows the depth of your pain, your suffering and sorrow. Find refuge and abide with Him, allow Him to bind your wounds, even those we have tucked away, and find it difficult to let go. And for those things that perplex and hound us, in which we have no answer, lay them at the Savior's feet, that he may remove from us our feelings if loneliness, abandonment, and deep seeded pain from which we find no rest. Please continue to keep in prayer a fellow yoke man in Christ Deacon and Sister Jones (for healing); Marcus & Tanisha Manning, and their daughter and son-in-law (for comfort); Kahlil and Kahden (for anointing and blessing); Ernest and Rene (for favor); Dick and Kathy Williams (for assurance); Susan and Holmes (for mercy); Margo (for grace and peace); and my niece Lisa (for health and faith).
Considering the events that have occurred the past few weeks, albeit personal or otherwise, it is more imperative than ever to know, with the greatest confidence, God's perfect will for our lives (you and I). Now is a time of urgency like no other in which we can neither doubt nor question his enduring presence in our lives. Long before our mothers and fathers earnestly searched for and uttered our names for the first time, scripture tells us that God knew us before well before we were shaped in the womb (Jerimiah 1:5). He created us, every inch, every detail with the utmost care, and when we opened our eyes for the very first time, it was he who breathed into us the breath of life.
Today's podcast is titled.
Ask Him What You Need
There are indeed times in life when we feel insufficient, inadequate, or less than, but God has not created us that way, for scripture declares in, Romans 8:37.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Even with our evident frailties, God has given us what we need to sustain us on this journey called life, however we often look upon others as a measure of what God has, or has not poured into our lives, things often considered to be societal norms, but have no applicability to faith’s voyage. Being desirous of what others possess (not materially), skills, talents, personality and the like, we will indeed embark upon a course, but it will not allow us to arrive at the appointed destination.
How do we measure life and time? How often is what we consider to be important, drastically different than what others may presume about the same thing? I am not referring to mathematical equations that allow us to calculate time and space as we pass through the universe, but the simplicity of things that greet us on our very doorstep. Things so simple, yet not important enough to pay attention. We can assume credit for the accumulation of stuff in our lives, but the presence of meaningful people, we cannot. I saw a news story the other day about a couple that has been married for fifteen years, and every single day before he departs to work, he kissed his wife good-bye, and said, I love you. One day, for some reason he found himself in a rush, jumped in his truck and headed to work. Some eighteen minutes or so later he speedily returned home, to his wife’s surprise, she inquired, did you forget something, his response was, yes, he immediately kissed her, said I love you, and once again headed off to work. It sounds simple enough, but in his heart, something just did not feel right. He had to return home and begin the day over again. Likewise, the early morning of September 11th, 2001, is a day in our nation’s history in which 2,977 people tragically lost their lives, one an incredibly good friend during my tenure at the Pentagon. Each, I suppose, woke that day, and treated it like any other, some departing home in a rush, while others left in a huff, in the midst of an argument whose final harmful words can never be taken back and the other left to bear the burden, and yet others suffered through checklists for school, lunches, activities, homework and the like, but forgetting to tell the little person before them, three simple words, I love you. God has a way of reminding us of what is most important, keeping us during the tragedy. I was home on leave visiting family at the time, watching the events unfold on television, as one of the planes struck the opposite side of the building. I was scheduled to return to Washington, DC that same day. I flew on the last flight before all air travel was restricted. I did not know what awaited me upon my return, but God through the fullest measure of my parent’s love convinced me that it was ok to leave at that moment. Yes, I had an urgency to leave, but more importantly I needed God’s assurance.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Displaced Urgency
Philippians 4:6-8
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The blessings before us, right in front of us, the ones we see this very moment. Do we pass them by, or not matter how great or small, do we pause, if only for a moment to acknowledge them and to simply say, thank you? Our lives are precious not ones to be wasted in folly or daydreaming of things a million miles away. David proclaims in
Psalm 139:17-18
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee.
I recall when I was in love for the first time (so I supposed). It was seventh grade, in junior high school. I actually had a fight over her and got suspended. I would write a note asking her, do you like me and offer two carefully drawn boxes in which to respond with an “x” indicating “yes” or “no”. I will not tell the answer is received, but I am sure many of you listening today did the same. I was a shy fellow and moved quite slowly, thus the name I received growing up “Pokey” that my mom lovingly gave me. Carefree and unhurried I lived, but in this moment after weeks of anticipation and contemplation, I could not wait I had to make my feelings known. My heart ached. I had to profess my love, in a Shakespearean way, and prove chivalry was not dead. In my mind, I told myself we would ride the bus together, I would hold her hand and carry her books to class and sit in a swing together. I was so in love it hurt as my anxiousness would not allow me to wait any longer. I was poised, trying my best to muster enough courage to present my carefully written four word note. Conversely, somehow my courage faded suddenly. The note never made it, and I continued to watch her from afar. That is often our understanding or reflection of love, except in God there are no near misses, or opportunities that slip through our hands, his love towards us is ceaseless, constantly beckoning for us to come, even when our courage fades and fear keeps us from moving forward.
God’s love is incredible, infinite, and unfailing.
Our Love Letter
Romans 8:38-39
38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What is love? What does it look like? Do others see it in me? Do I emanate earthly love, or that reflective of the presence of Christ in my life? Can I see, touch, hear or feel it? There is the love humanity offers, which has boundaries, limits, and restrictions. Contrariwise, there is the ceaseless and enduring love of God. Our humanity causes us to call into questions asking, what about me and where is mine, a yoke of our continual searching for something that is right before us, but we are unable to recognize it, because we are unable to define it.
As a young Christian having given my life to Christ, I was, excited and anxious to see what awaited me. Like a sponge I soaked up the words that emanate from the pulpit, while doing my best to apply what I heard to my life. As I raced towards and through salvation, I was urged to give up certain things. Prepared or not as a means to draw closer to God. Some was God led, some out of fear, and others because someone said it was a necessary thing to do. I have always enjoyed music and it has always been a present part of my life. So much so in fact that I followed (if only briefly) in my father's footsteps when he was a disc jockey for AFRTS (that's armed forces radio and television) while stationed overseas. I DJ’d with a friend in Germany for a short while, having a vast collection of vinyl albums, 45s and 33s (for those old enough to remember), as well as a vast assortment of cassette tapes that I accumulated for years.
Suddenly in the days of my youth I heard a sermon, and while I do not recall it is exactness, the result was impactful enough for me to take the entirety of my collection to a local pawn shop and drop it off with little to show of its value. Some thirteen years later (from 1987 to early 2003 to be exact), I realized after a certain traumatic event in my life I sought the comfort of that which I emptied myself of so many years before. And while I found myself reaching back it did not mean I grew backwards. All the while I was doing God's work, ministering to others, teaching youth, children’s puppet ministry, and steady growth in faith's walk. But I realized as well that while we may physically empty our lives of certain things, problems, burdens, heartaches, hindrances, relationships, and the like, unless God fills the void in our heart, or better stated unless we ask God to fill the void, we will find ourselves reaching backwards, over and over again, yearning constantly for a past long forgotten.
Today’s podcast is titled
Reaching Backward
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
No one is immune, as we hurriedly ask God to complete his work in us, urgently wanting to be that new creature, but not fully understanding that some of the things in our life are going to take, time, patience, and perseverance. If you be emptied let God empty you, not as a matter of course, because someone directed or demanded it to happen and if you be filled, allow God to fill the empty places of our lives, the deep recesses of our hearts that we keep hidden from the world. While our conversations are full of past experiences, our heart's compass should be pointed towards Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
In his song, “Move Mountain,” Clay Evans sings, *If you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, just say move mountain, move mountain,
move mountain, mountain get out of my way.*
If I were to ask, where is your faith rooted, what would be your response? Is it rooted in beliefs, self-sufficiency, institutions, long awaited promises, or in people we consider trustworthy? While each is credible in its own regard, none bear any sort of guarantee. All lack the promise of assurance. Faith, out of necessity, is exercised in our lives repeatedly, it teaches us not to be self-reliant, but dependent; it forces us to trust what we do not see, and lean on the unwavering testimony of faith’s heroes.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Great Faith
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We should above all things have faith, but in what? The world in which we live gives us very little to hope in, and for the generations to follow, far less. We should however have the utmost confidence in what God (not man) has assured us. Scripture reminds us in, 1 Corinthians 2:9 thus 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Scripture likewise refers over and over again to those of little and great faith, such as Jesus inquiry in Matthew 8:23-26, 23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
How does one reach such a end, when everything has caused our confidence to melt within? We are reminded that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we shall … not almost, not could have, not would have, but shall move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Why a mustard seed? For the sake of visualization, it is considered the smallest of all seeds, 1 to 2 millimeters (.039 inches) in size, smaller than the eye of a typical sewing needle, and yet if we simply had that much, we would be able to achieve the impossible, that which is uncommon to humanity. In another way it is God demonstrating how little of what occurs in life is within our control or our presumed inexhaustible power.
I would like to thank so many of you for your feedback last week concerning my conversation with Turquoise. It was refreshing to me as well to get a different viewpoint from someone that sees the world through a much younger set of eyes. As an administrative oversight, I must make a correction, and apologize in advance as I inverted her last name. It should be reflected as “Griffith-Sidibe.”
There are a variety of things in our lives that provide warning, direction, reasoning, and purpose. While some occur at a moderate pace, others require patient preparedness, and still others require us to move with haste. While some are inherently dependable, there are others we view with great skepticism (too good to be true). Sadly enough, I have fallen prey to more than I chose to admit, all based on what an expert convinced me to be true. One of which was a fish finder. I took a fishing trip with a great friend of mine, big "Sam", to Seward, Alaska. We heard well in advance, read brochures, and saw plenty of pictures of whale sightings and unbelievable deep water catches of halibut and other fish. We boarded the boat with great faith as the guide assured us, he knew exactly where he was going. Minutes, became hours, and the hours became which seemed like an eternity. The tour guide’s fish finder was on full alert, he guaranteed its accuracy, and continued to say with excitement, “they are over there;” “they are over here.” The further we sailed from shore the choppier the waters became. The weather suddenly changed, as the once sunny day, became cold and the rains began to pour upon me, wrapped in a black, heavy duty garbage bag. Now soaked and tossed back and forth, I began feeling seasick I was ready to return to shore as my enthusiasm had long since departed, but the captain, uninterested in my queasiness, was more interested in sailing to deeper waters and finding non-existent fish, like Captain Ahab and Moby dick. suddenly after more than four hours at sea someone finally got a bite. The boat was overflowing with excitement (except me). They rapidly reeled it in a four-inch fish that looked like I was feeling (green). Christ’s return is the same in that despite all the elements of predictability, interpretations of scripture, prophetic analysis, and others, no one, no one knows the day or the hour of his return. Scripture merely tells us to watch and pray.
Matthew 24:23-24
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (Luke 18:1). Unlike fish finders the bible is clear about the return of Christ. There have been countless attempts to predict the exact moment of this prophesied occurrence for thousands of years, and well into the twenty-first century. But there are none, as expressed in Matthew 24:36; But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. While it does not pinpoint a day, as some would profess, scripture does speak directly to our preparedness.
The past few months and weeks I've been involved in a number of in-depth conversations surrounding young people, and how they view salvation and their relationship with God, surprisingly there are many things that are similar to those of generations past, yet there are others that are highly influenced by today's environment, full of skepticism, cynicism, questions, and doubt.
We have an incredibly special guest this week, which can lend some credible insight on this truly relevant topic.
Today's episode is titled
A Relatable Christ
It gives me great pleasure to introduce a very special guest to today's podcast, she is a graduate of UCLA and the University of North Carolina, she currently works with the Center for Disease and Control (CDC), as Associate Vice President of Emergency Response, a team of specialists whose primary focus is keeping us safe from the next pandemic. She has traveled the world providing aid and disaster assistance both in the territorial United States and Puerto Rico as a result of the devastating hurricanes they suffered nearly four (4) years ago. She is a specialist in communications and messaging, and is an ardent advocate for the voiceless, she is married to her husband Sekou and is the mother of two beautiful children, Rufus Alexander, and Honour Elizabeth. As busy as she is she still finds time to enjoy her passions as an in demand wedding coordinator, her artistic abilities for making center pieces, and working out. Above all she is a faithful woman of God whose life is a constant reflection of her personal relationship with Christ. Ladies and gentlemen please welcome, Turquoise Sidibe-Griffith.
While attending a leadership course some thirty-years ago, one of the most feared blocks of instruction was, “land navigation.” We would go through hours of lengthy study of maps, identifying varying terrain features, and understanding the nuances of manually measuring distance based on the need to travers from one grid coordinate (point on a map) to another. As lengthy as the classroom block of instruction was, it did not prepare us for the real thing. I considered myself knowledgeable as I spent time helping classmates plot four (4) or five (5) points to receive, what is referred to as a “go”. They were off into the woods. I took my time plotting mine as well being careful on that rainy day to avoid my map getting wet and washing away my detailed efforts. Wala! I had my rope of beads to aid in tracking my pace count, I was as often said “good-to-go” or abbreviated G2G. I leapt into the woods, opened my compass and my heart sunk immediately, it was broken, no matter what direction I turned, north, south, east, or west, the compass remained stuck to the top of the glass. It was a three-hour exercise, I spent the first screaming, yelling, running, and tumbling down a hillside completely covered in wet leaves. I had the equipment (map, compass, destination), but I was still lost. Much like our lives with Christ, we can have everything and still find ourselves off course. For all intents and purposes “lost,” even while helping others.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Broken Compass
Humanity has traversed the globe migrating from one place to another, for thousands of years, and while many were deemed a success, others failed miserably. Differing from the use of modern technology such as global positioning, the tools of choice have always been a map and a compass. Understanding how to use them in unison allows the traveler to safely reach their appointed destination. In the hands of a novice, however; for every mile traveled, even if off by just one degree, you are likely to miss by hundreds, if not thousands of miles. Is your compass broken?
Our journey with Christ is the same, that amid the tumultuous storm, when the seas are tossed and our view is obscured, when we have become lost, our journey requires someone steady at the helm (Jesus), someone that is familiar with us, and where it is we are going. Without such we would always arrive where we are not supposed to be, the darkest of places where we are powerless to hear or see God, upon which our soul would surely be lost, without any hope of redemption.
I have never liked sea food. I used to give my fish sticks (if that can be classified as such) to my sister, secretly wrapped in a napkin. Living in new jersey my father would order the best tasting caecilian pizza. I recall, however to my disgust, he would order it so that half was covered with anchovies. I am not sure, however, if he liked them or if it was his way of preventing us from eating his half of the pizza. I learned as well that everything is not always as it appears, as I once had enjoyed the satisfying flavor of Caesar salad, maturing from the common use of thousand island and despising the taste of blue cheese (yuk). While on a business trip, my coworker and I dined at an upper scale restaurant. As I read the menu the Caesar salad look delicious, but to my surprise and disappointment it came with three tiny fish on top (head and everything). I inquired what is this, as my coworker chuckled at my expense, and the waiter politely responded, “what you ordered sir, Caesar salad, is something wrong?” I have been deceived for years, as my longtime love affair turned to disgust as the fish stared at me. Although I never physically saw them in the past, the secret to the salad’s flavor rests in the saltiness of these tiny fish. That was eight years ago, I have not eaten one since. That is how sin catches us unaware, cloaked in something that is very appealing, only revealing much later the essence of its deceptive and destructive nature. Often far too late, caught in a trap that will not let us go.
Genesis 3:1-6
[1] Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [2] And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5] For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. [6] And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Now if we follow the exactness of the words God spoke to man (Adam), they were thus; And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: [17] But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (Genesis 2:16-17). Notice the words "shalt surely die", and what the serpent told the woman (eve), "ye shall not" …; they appear the same, but a simple three letter word, “not,” changes the entirety of its context. "Not"; no matter how insignificant, it is of great consequence as it turned the beauty of what God created upside down and placed the entirety of humanity into chaos. Sin matters, they do not come in differing sizes such as, big, or small, nor are they colored coded such as the oft labeled white lie, as harmless and innocent. I would surmise; however, they are great and small, have lasting and enduring consequences breaking our promised fellowship with God and placing us on a collision course with eternal damnation, without any hope of redemption.
I heard a preacher tell a story once about a certain occurrence that unfolded at a concentration camp during World War II. Beaten, tortured, and starved, the Jewish prisoners (men, women, children) were marched to what would be the firing line, as the pit immediately behind them was filled with lifeless bodies. It was the dead of winter and well below freezing as they were told to strip off their garments and place them in an indiscriminate pile. Seconds turned to minutes, as the only thing that would immediately spare their life of almost certain death was the renunciation of their faith and God. Soon after one individual broke free of the line, to which a soldier, a would be executioner, immediately stripped away his garments and ran to stand in his placed. When asked “what are you doing?”, his response was “did you not see?”, see what they inquired, he said at the moment the individual abandoned their place was the exact moment he witnessed the hand of God delivering the promised “crown of life” to those that while suffering greatly, did not deny him.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Considering what we are witnessing today and for quite some time, we can admit that it we are truly troubled on every side, and it does not appear as if there is any immediate relief in sight. Grocery shelves are empty, gas prices are beyond control, hate and murders persist, the threat of war awaits us at every turn, however, I can offer with the greatest assurance that God remains in control, and has not delegated that authority to another.
Some may dispute, while others question how so?; and my response remains the same, like the rhythmic beat of the heart, his promises aren’t dead, but alive omnipotent and omnipresent in the gift of his word; but line by line, page upon page, verse after verse, each and every chapter is a reflection of God's promise of hope. I would ask, before we go any further, that we place aside, if for a moment, our populous westernized view of Christianity, in which good things happen to good people, and bad and insufferable things only occur to those that are otherwise, and see more plainly based on the most fundamental Biblical principles; our personal relationship with God, and how we fellowship with him, not as a consequence of how we believe he judges good and evil, but from the view that his holiness, his righteousness and enduring love for us, you and me, no matter where we live, no matter who we are, no matter where we choose to dwell, captive or free, remains the unbroken and resolute.
I want to first begin by wishing all of the mothers a Happy Mother’s day, and to my mother a very special thank you for all that you’ve been and everything you are, I love you.
Cambridge dictionary defines deed as a legal document that is an official record of an agreement or official proof that someone owns land or a building: (retrieved from: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/deed)
We are every so often asked for a deed or title as proof of ownership. Owning the deed means no balance due, and the property has been paid in full. However, if a balance remains, the deed belongs to the bank or a third party, and if the borrower becomes delinquent in their payments the property is placed in foreclosure. Similarly, for many families owning a deed when one becomes deceased can either become a point of great contention or a deep source of joy. Owning the deed engenders a sense of pride, as it is used to produce what is commonly referred to as generational wealth. Deeds can be both complex and simple, in that while it is 100% paid, a lapse in tax payments may be cause for seizure and sold behalf of the State or Federal Government.
We all have (or had) ambitions of becoming something great. As children we choose professions that are fun, firefighters, teachers, astronauts, jet pilots, and the like, with little consideration given to what the profession pays. On the other hand, as we grow older, we begin to focus on illustrious colleges and universities, and jobs that appear to offer the greatest reward as far as pay and compensation are concerned. From then until now our quest to achieve or to become, is the instrument that drives us day, after day, after day. We soon realize, however, a life absent of God, is futile. We cannot live a life unto ourselves. He owns the deed.
In the youth of my Christian I was on my way, like a rocket ship, on fire for the a journey to heaven unrestrained. Based on the theoretical checklist of Christian attributes; I read, I prayed, I fasted, I did not drink, cuss, or smoke, I was ready made for my robe and crown. It was not long, however, before I realized I had not even begun to scratch the surface or lived enough adult life to understand that the journey was not a short brisk walk around the corner and back; but a culmination of complex life experiences multiplied by the number of years lived. At the age of twenty-three, I realized I did not know as much as I supposed and was wrong often about my views of faith and perception of life in general.
1 Corinthians 13:11
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
Life is full of triumph (peaks) and tribulation (valleys), but our time spent in the darkness of the valley allows us to flourish in our mountain top experiences. Of course, I was fearless, brave, and smart (I supposed), but I lacked soundly placed wisdom and spiritual maturity. To receive the crown of glory, as revealed in James 1:12; Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him; to have my name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I had to go through some things to grow unless I remain a babe in Christ. Scripture tells us, Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).
The Bible refers to a refiner’s fire in which when it is at its hottest temperature, all the impurities and contaminants rise to the top. After being skimmed all that is left is pure. But he knoweth the way that I take: (this is Job speaking) when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10). Is there a difference. Of course, there is. There is a great variance (as I soon learned) between a babe in Christ (gold plating) and being spiritually mature (24K).
In the days of my youth, I recall evenings at the dinner table and each of us (my brother, sister, and I) were given an opportunity to say a verse (or blessing) before the meal. Being the youngest, I was most often last of course, as my hope was that neither sibling would say the one, I was most prepared to say, “Jesus wept” and “God is Love.” While each in their simplicity served as Biblical benchmarks in my life, it was not until I was older and experienced much more of life, that I honestly began to understand the depth and complexity of their worth.
1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Today’s podcast is simply titled.
God is Love
All through history countless novels, songs, plays, movies, and poems have been scripted about love. As remarkable as some may be, even bringing us to the point of tears, there is “no” equivalent to God's perfected love towards us.
In fact, in his hymn, “The Love of God,” F.M. Lehman wrote, “were every man a scribe by trade, it would be impossible to write the love of God above.”
Suppose I was able to pour the entirety of world's oceans, an estimated 343 million trillion gallons (that is a whole bunch of zeros), into a single 16-ounce drinking glass. That is an extraordinary visual, but it still pales in comparison to the unrelenting nature of God's love towards us. Therefore, the next time we glance indifferently, over the simplistic nature, for example, of John 3:16, for “God so loved the world”, because we have read, heard, and memorized it repeatedly until it has become common place, take a moment to give it the consideration it deserves.
God will reserve nothing in his ceaseless determination to love us. So much so he abandoned his heavenly home to dwell among "us", his creation, his people, his chosen treasure. The LORD treasures us. We are his jewels formed by years of pressure, trials, and tribulations. He says, “’Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine.” (Exodus 19:5 KJV)
Life altering events. There are things that have occurred in my life, in which they were so significant, I wanted to quit, because I could not see myself moving forward. What’s the use, I would say, if I could no longer share with whom I have grown accustomed to sharing and their absence leaves an irreparable hole in our heart. No one can say "it's going to be ok"; "just go on"; or quote a multitude of scriptures that now do little to ease our immediate suffering.
As a young soldier my first assignment was in a foreign land far from home. At eighteen I was innocent about so many things in life, as I lacked a great deal of exposure growing up. I was not particularly good at my job, so much so I was relieved from my first two and was placed in the only job I could not get into trouble (supposedly) the mail room. I was not easily influenced per say, but deeply trusting. Trouble found me and I was left alone to give an account of the events as I knew them. I was allowed to have someone speak on my behalf, and believed they were going to say great and wonderful things about me, using the vastness of their flowery vocabulary, but the only words they uttered in my favor (if we can say that), was “Private Howard has a bad choice of friends.” I said to myself, that is it. There was no leniency, as I had (in legal terms) the book thrown at me. I received the maximum punishment available: forfeiture of 1/2 month’s pay ($334) for three months; 45-days restriction, 45 days extra duty (sweeping, mopping, buffing, waxing, and painting); and reduction in grade. Sadly, yes, I was a “Private” twice. Indeed, I wanted to quit, as my promising career was off to a shaky start. I inquired within myself, what was the purpose of going on, I may as well find another line of work. But God had other plans, as he continually places people in my life to encourage me. Letting me know I can flourish and move forward despite the circumstances.
Today’s podcast is titled,
I Wanted to Quit
(ep. 58)
Psalm 27:13-14 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
We all find ourselves in desperate need at some point(s) in our lives. Quite often, no matter the hopelessness of our searching, there is none in that moment who can answer, because God wants us to be completely dependent upon him for everything. I much like the disciples wanted to give up, and if we are honest all of us have been there, and admittedly some are there today. Jeremiah 29:11, however, gives us confidence stating, 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
A few days ago, I was visiting with family, as my mother and her siblings gathered as they customarily do. In my aunt’s living room sits an old piano that has been there for as long as I can remember. Ever so often, as I passed by, over the years I would hit the ebony and ivory keys, as I have always dreamed of learning to play. My eldest aunt, who is eighty-six, sat beside me on the bench and began play several songs from an old, tattered hymnal from years past. I was amazed at the dexterity of her fingers as she wonderfully played each note. I proceeded to find a song by the late Reverend James Cleveland, titled "God is", my grandmother's favorite song, as she began to play, I could only stand in awe. But she suddenly paused in that moment, to hear the song in its entirety, the house became still, as we witnessed the presence of God at that moment.
The lyrics read
God is,
My protection,
God is,
My all and all,
God is,
My light in darkness,
God is,
He is my all and all,
God is,
My joy in the time of sorrow,
God, God is,
My all and all,
God is,
My today and tomorrow,
God, my God is,
My all and all,
(Chorus)
God is the joy and the strength of my life,
Removes all pain, misery and strife,
He promised to keep me, never to leave me,
He'll never, never fall short of His word.
I've got to fast and pray,
Stay in that narrow way,
I'll keep my life clean everyday,
I want to go with Him, when He comes back,
I've come too far and I'll never turn back.
God is, God is, God is, God is,
God is my all and all.
God is my all and all.
God is my all and all.
This week during Bible study the topic of discussion was growth. How we as Christians mature and grow in faith. There was, however, one question of the night that captured my attention more than the others; Why do many people believe that Christianity should offer a carefree life? I am reminded often of a time when an associate of mine and I attended an eight-week training course. As everyone was studying and rehearsing in preparation for the next day's test, his response was I don't need to study, God is going to give me the answers. It did not turn out well, as he was placed on academic probation. His actions did not diminish who God was, nor did it cost him his salvation, but it did taint his testimony, if only slightly. He meant well in theory for scripture tells us in Philippians 4:13; I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.; but in practicality he was very wrong. One’s salvation is neither magical nor mythical, but rather sealed in the battle of hard-fought faith.
Philippians 3:14
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
When we read the remarkable nature of scripture, we often place ourselves right in the thick of every chapter and verse. Among the people we have become most familiar with, in the many lands in which they sojourned and journeyed. Suppose as we often say, knowing what we know, if we could go back we would change a whole lot, and maybe the more we know, the more things stay the same. Consider the complexity of biblical history would our response be any different than Adam and Eve in the garden, or would we as well fall to the same temptation in which the serpent used the word of God but twisted it in such a way that it sounded believable, nearly truthful. Would we likewise, among the mockery that Noah endured for seventy years, have steadfastly continued building the Ark, or would we have wavered under the immense pressure and ceased to do what God had appointed. And yet many use Lot’s wife as a lasting example, turning back, ever so slightly to see all my earthly belongings destroyed. Would we abuse the authority granted to Moses or would we like the rest of the inhabitant’s moan about the wilderness desiring to return to another four hundred years of bondage under the Pharaohs of Egypt? It is safe to assume that while imagination is a worthy tool, it is best for us to remain where we are, right now, in the present as we would most assuredly repeat the same. We often walk away with more questions than definitive answers as we ask in the simplistic nature of children “why” and “how come.”
Romans 5:7-8
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Have you ever wondered how many people we have caused to miss heaven? Right when the kingdom was there for the taking, we suddenly do something completely contrary to the will of God or the leaning of the holy spirit. Those moments when God places something on our heart, but we choose to do the opposite, because it gives us personal satisfaction, but leaves the intended recipient at a loss. We must be aware that the harvest is not always at our convenience, in fact it occurs often, when we have conflicting plans. Collateral damage occurs when we as Christians turn a positive opportunity into a life hindering memory, while oblivious, the recipient of that hurt bears it for a lifetime. Will it cause us to lose our salvation, most likely “no,” but what will Jesus inquire of us, when he asks “why”? Why did you hurt the most vulnerable of his sheep, those that are broken and suffering heartache, when at the moment of their calling, we do something so contrary and detrimental that the hope and the courage they gained immediately and suddenly vanishes?
Truly, the whole of humanity has suffered collateral damage from the beginning, it is not a new phenomenon, the Bible is full of such, to serve as a reminder to us; Adam's sin when he ate of the fruit, and when asked rather than accept responsibility he blamed both God and Eve (Genesis 3:12); And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. Abel’s murder at the hand of Cain his brother (Genesis 4:10); And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.Abraham having to put away his first son Ismael (Genesis 21:11); 11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. Lot's wife fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:26); But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Saul's haste, and unwillingness to wait on God (1 Samuel 15:11); 11 “Saul has stopped obeying me, and I’m sorry that I made him king.” The disciples forbidding children to come to Jesus (Mark 10:14); But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
James 4:1-3
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Sometimes our desire to be right (self-rightness) can stand in the way of God's Righteousness. We can sustain arguments to no avail for the sake of being right, but fail to allow room for God, in all his splendor, to make things right, for his glory's sake. Our ability to suffer wrong or indignation, for the sake of peace, often springs forth a far greater good, which may not always be beneficial for us, but others.
We all have an idea of what right looks like, but are we right? Literally and figuratively, I suppose. However, Marriam Webster does not have the final say, God does. So let us begin to remove ourselves from the equation, and patiently allow God to have his perfect work. A perfected will, in you and me, which saves us to the utmost. That is righteousness.
Jesus was asked a multitude of questions when he stood before Pontus Pilate. He could have responded with great exception but did not for the greater good. His purpose was not for prolonged philosophical or theological debate, but rather suffering for our sake, without such there would be no redemption, no hope of salvation. David, knowing full well he was anointed king, raised not his hand towards Saul who grew envious and sought to kill him day after day. Even Moses despised and cursed among the press of a multitude, his authority, for 40-years, constantly in question, humbly made his plea before the Lord, that again reflects Righteousness.
We ought to be people after God's heart, as the lyrics to the song suggest, as referenced in Psalm 42:10.
As the deer panteth for the water
So, my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee.
How then do we know if our Righteousness is right and pleasing before God? How do we know if our offering is sufficient? Shall it reach the heavenly throne, or shall it return unto us empty as the heavens becomes as brass? There is no secret revelation reserved for private interpretation, God is always reaching out to us, striving to put us in a place where we can hear his voice. John 10:27-28 asserts, 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
While we may not openly admit, many of us have prayed, asking the Lord to save us, not from others, but from ourselves. Unsure of what awaits us or what to do, knowing that we are powerless to save ourselves. No matter how many promises, no matter the desperation of our resolve, we find ourselves helpless of escaping the very thing(s) that await us. How great our Savior must be. We often discover that no matter how insurmountable the hinderance, the weight, the obstacle may be, it has less to do with life’s outward influences, but the uneasiness, the ongoing press upon us, as we wrestle within our heart, constantly hidden behind the pleasurable faces we adorn each day. As my sister would tease, “you’re in a jam now.”
I read a quote that suggests the difference, while similar in context, between a trial and temptation; temptation is do this pleasant thing and do not let yourself be hindered by the fact that it is wrong where a trial says do this good and noble thing and do not let yourself be hindered by the fact that it is painful.
As a young Christian, I believed, I was both untouchable and invincible, because that is how I understood of what was preached and the power of God to deliver. I believed that whatever I faced, I could just as easily back away from, praying “Lord just this once …” “Just one more time.” It was not that the word had now become void, or the power thereof had departed, but my still limited understanding of how the power of God’s word works in and through his people. I was not fully prepared to fight against what awaited me. How often have I prayed, “Lord it’s me,” but for the same thing? The power of deliverance and salvation does not rest in mine own might, nor the abilities of my own hands.
Why do we waste time with idle disputes, which bear very few meaningful results, which are much more successful in tearing down, than building up? Meaningless arguments that are better at sowing seeds of division rather than encouraging, with immense joy, our fellow yoke men in Christ, but we often find ourselves as the scribes, pharisees, Sadducees, and the religious elite in the days of Jesus. He was among them and yet they did not recognize him, thousands gathered, the crowds followed, the lame walked, the blind received their sight, and the poor had the gospel preached to them. God's word reveals that it is the love we have for one another that is the singular characteristic, that without question identifies us, labels us, marks us as to who we are in Christ Jesus.
Written throughout scripture from Genesis to Revelation, and un-written through the persistent tugging and urging of the spirit, even now God invites us to “come and see.” To witness the marvel of his creation, to proclaim his glory, to abide with him, to gird the shadow of his wings upon us as a cloak of protection from all hurt, harm and danger. Each day as precious seconds tick by, we receive an invitation without expiration. One that bids us over and again to come and bear witness. An opportunity to enter a place where we can know and learn intimately of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Scripture abounds with such invitations.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
One hundred and seven years ago, on December 25th, 1914, the battlefields of Europe fell eerily silent as the sound of deafening explosions and the slaughter of mutilated bodies unexpectedly ceased, as the echo of familiar Christmas carols filled the air and were heard for miles around as the chorus of men began to sing aloud the glad tidings of he day. As difficult as it may be to conceive the once sworn enemies found fellowship, kinship and camaraderie under the most austere conditions. Each side offered to meet halfway on the once contended piece of land, absent the ability to present traditional gifts, they offered food, cigarettes, and other items in heartfelt recognition. This would be the last time in which such a show of benevolence would occur on the battlefield.
For a brief moment time yielded its place to God. It was as if to say through the midst of toil and torment, for your aught and rival bitterness, I am here. I cannot presume to know the number of lives spared that day, but I am confident of two important facts: 1. It presented many with the gift of life, another day to behold the wonders and mysteries of God; and 2. The full measure of God’s power on display as the might of his hand stayed a single round from being fired that day. It was undeniably a Christmas like no other.
What does my faith really mean? Not the faith referenced in Hebrews Chapter 11, where it asserts; “now faith is …”, but faith as it pertains to my relationship with God. When we speak of faith is it about a belief, our belief, or something completely different? Being on full display; what does our faith look like? Depending on where we live or where we are from it may mean something completely different. We must question periodically what our faith looks like to others. While Christian would be an appropriately used term, faith demonstrates a deeper level of understanding and commitment. It requires equitable action between what we say and what we do.
John 13:34-35
34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Thanksgiving (or a variation thereof) is celebrated in nine other countries, and while the tradition is presumed to be a unique to the United States, it takes place in others signifying the arrival of autumn harvest and observances of gratitude. Thanksgiving (giving thanks) should be more than a singular occurrence each year. Likewise, if it only equates to afternoons of football and festive feasts, I am afraid we have missed the mark. That mark being the show of our genuine gratefulness.
Gratitude in all things is God’s desire, based on his unfailing love towards us, not conditional circumstances that can change suddenly without notice.
Goliaths of history and their inconceivable accomplishments come and go, as disputes surface about who is truly the greatest. The word great, as defined by Mariam Webster,is a noun meaning:an outstandingly superior or skillful person. The illustration can be applied to a great number of people, both past and present, but the applicability thereof may not be entirely accurate. Likewise, the fundamental elements of that selfsame truth, rests upon the vantage point of those telling the story. There is an expression that is now common place as the exploits of one are measured against another of similar or equitable stature, which is the Greatest of all Time.
What defines someone’s greatness in the pantheon of history. From empires and timeless figures, to explorers and modern-day athletes. One may simply question the quantifiable criteria? Is it based on feats of strength or one’s intellect, such as Philippides, who during the battle of Marathon ran to Athens to tell of its outcome; or the sprawling conquests of lands and peoples by Alexander the Great and the Roman empire; does it address the artistic talents of Michelangelo and Rembrandt; or the scientific discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein; or is it simply a matter of amassing wins on the field of athletic competition? While each are worth mentioning, I am, in no wise, attempting to discredit what others have achieved or accomplished, nor minimize the significance of their impact on the world at large. But, if we were to honestly place them in perspective (no pun intended), how would or do they, how does anyone, compare to Jesus, who fulfilled a singular purpose, something that no other could achieve, either before or since, he gave his life for the entirety of humanity, because his love for us was that great.
I can, without hesitation, declare that God has protected me from some things, and saved and delivered me from an equitable number of others. While they may appear to be similar, protecting, saving, and delivering all have different meanings, as interpreted by scripture. Protecting means never having to experience something; Saving means we have sampled, and God reaches in to pull us out; Delivering means we are in the enemy’s camp, and having dwelled there for some time, whereby God must use the fullness of his redeeming power to bring us forth. For example, as a young man, not quite 21 years old, on my way to visit my aunt and uncle, as I was driving through a particular neighborhood, I saw a young lady that appeared to be in a hurry, as if she missed the bus and was trying to get somewhere. I stopped, being several blocks from my destination and offered her a ride. I was young, well intended, and only doing what I learned was right to do. As we rode along, I asked, “where are you going?” she responded, “just up the street.” As we drove a bit further, I inquired a second time, her reply to me was, “where are you going?” I explained that I just got back in town and was going to visit my aunt and uncle (too much information). Having not caught on, the lady smiled and proceeded to asked, “do you want a date?” I was completely unaware of what she was asking me, until she asked a second time. It was then I finally realized what she was asking, and immediately said quite nervously, “oh no.” She responded, “you can let me out here.” That happened more than forty years ago, but I remember it as if it were today. That is what you call, God’s protection, because while well intended, I was naïve and completely unaware of the gravity of the circumstance posed. How is a young man or woman supposed to conquer and overcome, unless they hear our stories of triumph and battles won.
Traveling home last week, I had a layover in San Francisco. As I watched, I wondered where so many people were going, and looked out at the diverse types of airplanes as they landed and departed one after another. I began to think large planes are splendid, fast, and spacious reaching destinations such as London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo in a matter of hours; while their lesser turbo-prop counterparts [of which most do not like to fly] are slow and often noisy. Nevertheless, they are just as purposeful, and despite appearances, can get us in and out of places their larger contemporaries cannot.
Similarly, our faith’s walk causes us to misguidedly assume the same. Some churches are grand; with stained glass windows; accommodating hundreds of people; awe-inspiring choirs, accompanied by angelic solo voices; every imaginable instrument; and a lively pastor who can expound upon the intricate nature of scripture in Hebrew, Greek and Latin.
On the other hand, a rural and unfamiliar church that rarely a passerby can recall; dated pews; worn song books; and the sound of locomotives passing mid-sermon; an out of tune piano; the aged choir member that only remembers the first verse of “Rugged Cross.” Our untrained ears lead us to believe one is better than the other, but to God it is a sweet unadulterated sound of earnest praise. The anonymous pastor [except to the towns people] stands before the lectern, absent of any fanfare, intently opens the Bible, and shares the simplicity of John 3:16, Jesus’ death and resurrection, the urgency of salvation, and God’s enduring love for his people.
God’s people will go where God is present! Not for the purpose of seeking religion, but in answer to prayer and Salvation.
Suppose we almost make it to heaven. Where does that leave us? We have the recipe (the Bible), but the ingredients are all wrong (what we pour into ourselves). There was an old credit card commercial whose oft quoted phrase was "Mastercard...don't leave home without it." So absolute was the message that we had to have it, if for nothing else as a measure of clout or status. The same applies to our faith walk, we need all that God is offering and can ill afford to be without his presence in our lives. A baseball players swing, with two outs and two strikes at the bottom of the ninth, two trains rapidly approaching a junction within seconds of each other, the audacious nature of the Titanic upon the waves of the Atlantic. Each occurs within a fraction of a second or is achieved by the narrowest of margins. We likewise find our lives full of opportunity and near misses, just barely avoiding catastrophe, even if it is by mere inches. It is then we discover the fullness of God’s enduring grace. We, none of us, should nearly miss heaven.
Drafting is defined as the practice of two or more cars, while racing, to run nose-to-tail, almost touching. The lead car, by displacing the air in front of it, creates a vacuum between its rear end and the nose of the following car, pulling the second car along with it. While independent in nature their success is interdependent [co-dependent].
I love watching NASCAR, but only on the large ovals where the cars can take full advantage of their speed as they zoom around the track at more than 200 miles-per-hour. My favorite racers are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and of course my dad [no he wasn’t a racer, but he often drove like one]. Prior to the use of regulators in 18 wheelers and when CB (citizen band) radios were the 70’s equivalent to Facebook, Instagram, and Tik-Tok, we routinely traveled the vast emptiness of interstate 10, between California and Texas. My dad would slip behind a truck or two and [draft] our way from one destination to another. It was supposed to save on ethel [gas], but I am not quite sure how much, and ease the stress of travel on our family vehicle. He'd get on the radio and say, “breaker 1/9, breaker 1/9, just passed a smokie [that’s highway patrol] at mile marker such and such”, as dust devils littered the road with tumble weeds [yes, they are real, but jackalopes aren’t]. His handle was the "Jolly Green Giant". On one occasion I recall, and we still chuckle about it today, we [my mom, brother, sister, and grandmother] zoomed past at lightning speed the well-hidden highway patrol, tucked away under an overpass. The flash of blue and red lights and the whir of the siren was sudden as my father came over the radio and said very disappointingly “breaker 1/9, breaker 1/9 I got a smokie on my tail, this is the [Jolly Green Giant] breaking it on down”. So, we have our father to blame for our love of fast cars and our understanding of how [drafting] works.
Today’s podcast is titled
Not on my Own
(ep. 39)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
I realize more and more that the entirety (the sum of everything, all encompassing) of my hope rests in Christ Jesus. We have hope in our physical strength, engaged in daily physical activity, visiting nutritionist, counting every single calorie, but that strength soon fades and the frailty and limitations of our bodies is revealed; we may have hope in our academic prowess, attending the best institutions of learning, grasping the complexity of science, languages, and the ability to achieve the greatest of engineering feats, that too does the same; we may have personal associations with the very elite of society, that grants us an audience with royalty, dignitaries, and nation’s leaders, but they, just as well fade into the chronicles of time. Who will remember us for our personal achievements, those that we’ve consumed unto ourselves and for our own prosperity?
Today’s podcast is titled
My Hope
(ep. 38)
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
There is nothing wrong with being materially wealthy, there are such throughout the whole of scripture, namely Abraham (Genesis 13:2), Jacob (Genesis 30:43), Joseph (Genesis 47:14), and Job (Job 42:10), but as demonstrated so faithfully by these and so many others, it was never designed to serve as a substitute for our humanity. Their faith, their hope remained in God alone.
Life is often complex. We never quite understand is why some appear to suffer so much, while others are unaffected. Appearances, however, can be deceiving. I don’t know why it is our nature to proclaim our greatest accomplishments: graduations, new jobs, births, marriages, and the like, but guardedly, as if to protect our dignity, we are silent, when the circumstance is unfavorable: when school isn’t going well, when we lose a job, when a family loses a child, or an outwardly perfect union ends. It does not mean that the later are celebratory events. There are times when we must rely on others, we that are in Christ must bear the weight of our brother’s and sister’s burdens.
Traveling to work one day a conversation began with a wealthy co-worker that expressed his frustration with the homeless situation in a well-known city he lived. Because he considered them unsightly and a nuisance, his suggestion was to round them all up, like herding cattle, and drop them off in the desert, out of sight and out of mind. I explained, that’s not right you can’t do that as the conversation went back and forth. I do not believe the conversation was fruitful, because he was simply expressing what was in his heart.
Emissary: [noun]:
A person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative.
There are many people that I consider ambassadors of faith, each playing a significant role in my faith’s journey and who I've become, they include my mother and father; Annie Anderson, Marinell and Arthur Ludd; Georgia and Henry Ross; Mary and Harold James; Dr. E.V. Hill; Chaplains Burke and Eason; William Champaign; Pastor Charles and Deborah Bloom; Brother Terrell Williams; Sister Maxine Davis; Pastor Rick Krist; Betty Weatherspoon; Chaplain Jason Duckworth; Pastor Gerald and First Lady Wilcoxon; Pastor David Author; Dr. Robert and Mary Fairley; Dave and Daisy Clark; Peggy and JL; and Mary Potts, all of which I consider pillars (spiritual strong towers) when it comes to exhibiting the highest ideals of our beloved faith.
Likewise, there was a young gentleman named Safir, meaning ambassador or emissary in Arabic, who I worked with for more than two years. Although he had very little, in terms of valued possessions, and was often very reluctant to take from others he never failed to come bearing gifts on behalf of his family. Always giving from what they lacked and never asking for anything in return. From fresh baked bread, known as Nan, to the beautiful cultural garments his mother handmade for my grandchildren Rufus and Honour. Yet what I admired most about Safir is both his grace and his humility as he went about serving as an emissary, as one who acts solely on behalf of the king, or in his case the honor and dignity of his family. As I departed for the last time and bid him farewell, tears filled his eyes and mine as he simply said on behalf of his family; “God bless you.” Some listening may ask what the significance is of mentioning my grandchildren by name and I will answer twice, names carry with them significance, and secondly whenever I speak to Safir, even today he does not ask, how are the grandchildren, he mentions them both by name, giving them the highest regard.
I often ask myself, am I an emissary of the king, do I possess the attributes that are directly attributed to whom I proclaim to represent. I am close, but Safir’s illustration demonstrates I still have a way to go. I can only hope that I’ve impacted his life as much as he has mine.
Philippians 2:19-30
I spent several days this week working on what I believed to be two appropriate messages and while they may have been considered timely, considering the magnitude of events that unfolded this week in Afghanistan and Haiti, as we witnessed first-hand the images of thousands of fleeing people, and the tragedy of others as they desperately boarding planes to leave their country. Amid our differences, let God be the judge, and may grace, humility, and love abound in each of us. Rather than listen to me pontificate, or engage in the never-ending argument of who is right or wrong, when our perceived judgments completely miss the mark.
I believe for today it is ok to just pray. Today’s episode is simply titled: “A Prayer”; Psalms 116:2; 1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
Nothing prepares us for death, we can’t anticipate it and abruptly reverse its course, and it every so often happens when least expected. It is after all inevitable. I attended two of funerals recently neither of which were easy to comprehend. When they occur, unexpectedly or not, the feeling of hopelessness takes hold, as we earnestly yearn to fill the emptiness of our hearts. Death has an air of finality, a point in which there is no return, when the clouds of darkness literally seize upon our lives and the providence of God's hand seems so far away to be of any consequence, too distant to fix it.
So many things occupy our time, as our lives are filled with the need to accomplish or achieve, … to prove or disprove, … but it does not provide closure to the most consequential matters of the day. For some troubles are brief, … while for others they are sustained, enduring for what characteristically appears to be a lifetime. Life’s sufferings are complex and do not always have simplified solutions or neat endings. One’s affliction is not always the consequence of wrongdoing, just as one’s exuberant display of wealth has nothing to do with their uprightness. … We get this wrong too often. … During my brief time away from you, I have encountered both the brokenhearted and the oppressed, … people simply wanting to matter.
The Bible is full of hope and promise, comprised of 31,102 verses, 929 chapters, and 66 books, however, being okay is not simply responding, “praise God”.
We will all have days, perhaps years (for some) of darkness. Yet it is reassuring to know that scripture does not ignore or minimize our sorrow. Rather, when we’re brokenhearted, Scripture speaks to us with genuine empathy and profound hope.
Perspectives is currently revising ways to improve its content and our methods of communication, for the next three weeks, to broaden its outreach. Additionally, we are exploring the use of Youtube to integrate as a visual aid to meet the needs of our hearing impaired audience.
During that period we will continue to offer weekly scripture and prayer.
Thank you for your patience.
Without the resurrection Christianity is not a sustainable truth. Absent the resurrection, we would remain in darkness, without the hope of redemption. Lost for all eternity. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Without it God's grace is of no consequence. When Jesus rose from the dead, he authenticated his identity as the Son of God, the work of atonement, redemption, reconciliation, and salvation was fulfilled. It was the physical raising of Jesus from the dead.
There are approximately 650 prayers recorded in the bible, of which 450 are presented as being answered. The first ever recorded prayer can be found in Genesis 4:26, And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord. Of which there are believed to be 10 types of prayers.
- Prayer of Adoration
“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens” (Psalm 148:13).
- Prayer of Thanksgiving
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, ‘Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise’” (1 Chronicles 16:34-35).
- Prayer of Confession
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
- Prayer of Vows
“In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head’” (1 Samuel 1:10-11).
- Prayer of Quiet Reflection
“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night” (Psalm 63:6).
- Prayer for Healing
“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise" (Jeremiah 17:14).
- Prayer for Deliverance and Help
“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress” (Psalm 107:6).
- Prayer of Intercession
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:9-12).
- Prayer for Transformation
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Prayer of Blessing
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11).
This has not been a normal year. This week was unsettling as news spoke of the tragic deaths of eight people in Atlanta, Georgia. I am saddened and heartbroken by the needless loss of life, and yet angered by its occurrence, as it has now become all too familiar. So much so that many shrug in silence and look the opposite direction as if to say; “it has nothing to do with me”, and yet it has everything to do with us. Each of them, without question, woke up that day expecting it to be normal. But it was not. It was not business as usual; it was not just another day, as their pleas for help spread across the airwaves and television. They were completely unaware of the adversity that awaited them. Correspondingly, news would reveal as well, the young man that committed such an atrocity belonged to a church, a body of believers. A statement released by his church said, "We watched Aaron grow up and accepted him into church membership when he made his own profession of faith in Jesus Christ." We pass our days absent of any regard for the things happening around us nor do we consider the same. “Poof!”; and suddenly it is gone. We do not get to choose how we go, only how we live.
I recall growing up, my family lived in a very cold and remote place in Labrador, Canada, called Goose Bay. My father was a DJ for AFRTS (Armed Forces Radio and Television Services), and each week he would play R&B, Jazz and Blues music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Before signing off he would use his often-quoted phrase: “If you don’t have anything nice to say about somebody, don’t say nothing at all.”; as the music would fade in the background. I suspect we struggle with that even more so today as media platforms present us with the never ending occasion to without restraint speak our minds albeit right or wrong, without accountability or consequence.
Time is never on our side, too soon and the wait is exhausting; too late, no matter how narrowly, and our entire day is full of angst. Time is not a renewable resource, once lost, we cannot get it back. Of the world’s population, 7,850,458,763, it is estimated that 56 million people died lasty year (2020), that is 4,679,452 per month; 153,424 per day; 6,392 per hour; 106 per minute; nearly 2 per second, and as of March 6, 2021, at 7:06 pm (2021) the count is approximately 10,016,470. As alarming as those numbers are, each of us have a day and hour in which our lives end. Closing is not the issue, preparedness is.
Many of us have played the video game Tetris. Up, down, right, left, upside down, right side up, as we twist and turn each shape to fit in just the right place. The slightest indecision causes the pace of the game quicken, as the themed music warns of the games imminent end. Life often mirrors the game, as the hastened pace causes us to suddenly make decisions that are not in our best interest.
There are those that had close relationships with John Calvin, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and many others, but they, as a basis of their friendship, never became as familiar to the public. As profound as they were, independently and collectively, our relationship with God is greater. As well, the masses that followed Jesus can be viewed in two ways: (1) those that had a legitimate need (ailment or sickness); and (2) those that wanted the power (not to use in a Godly sense, but to exercise its use in judgment and authority over others). The most consequential relationship we will ever have is with God.
Policies and directives in the workplace are used to solve complex issues. The Bible (God’s word), as well, is our authority as Christians. Just as the context of institutional policy is thorough in its expressed detail, we cannot expect to solve our issues or address the extent of our problems within the framework of a singular verse to justify our actions. There are 31,102 Verses, 1,189 Chapters, and 66 Books in the Bible, and they serve in unison to expound upon its meaning. We cannot solely read one verse in a chapter, consisting of many, and assume our limiting interpretation is correct.
There are things that consume our time and distract us from accomplishing the most urgent. We are drawn away by many things, most often it is unintended. But it is an issue when it impacts our relationship with God. He desires to hear us in prayer, and he reveals himself to us most often through his word. But we can neither hear or see, because there is too much noise in our minds and hearts, too many shinny objects that have my attention. While some are necessary, others drain our souls from talking with God.
Loss is both tragic and sudden. No matter how thorough our preparation with wills, powers of attorney, executors, lawyers, insurance policies, mortuaries, and the like, we are never entirely ready for the inevitable, the loss of a friend, or a family member. Likewise, no matter how many condolences we receive, none of them, while well intentioned, are enough to ease the pain of our suffering, nor do they possess the power to bring them back. I agree, at times there are reasonable explanations, but death has the feel of finality. We have this hope that God is faithful to his word, all that he has promised us shall come to pass. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4).
The fruit of the spirit works in the same manner, as the arduous task of gardening, it requires nurturing and a labor of love to cultivate or bring forth what was planted. The farmer does not care who gets credit, but rather ensures every seedling makes it to harvest, and if a neighboring farm is in trouble, there is no contemplation, he will spare nothing to ensure their success as well. 1 Corinthians 3:7-8 explains it this way; 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. We must ensure that the spiritual seeds we plant are of the highest grade to guarantee a harvest in season. The quality of a seed is often based on the previous year’s harvest (for us that means what we have handed down from generation to generation), drought, floods, cold and heat, depending on their severity, may have an adverse effect on the that year’s harvest. Again, like us, if we water the seeds we have planted among the body of believers with an abundance of anger, unmeasured resentment, blistering cold bitterness, and the heat of hatefulness we cannot rightfully expect even a moderate return on investment, for our seed will not bear the desired fruit in season. Sometimes the impact is so adverse that the farm vanishes under the weight of foreclosure, and the once fertile ground, despite our best effort, ceases to bring forth any fruit at all. If I thereby sow the seeds of discord, envy, strife and confusion I will indeed reap the harvest of what I’ve planted. Likewise if the seeds that have been planted in me are of the same measure and quality, what hope do I have.
As for the modern church it is ever more important to know with the utmost assurance who Jesus is. Humanity is crying out as people are left homeless and destitute, absent of human contact and the selflessness of love, they are deeply longing for a savior, but more importantly one they can literally and figuratively see in us. When Jesus bid the disciples to follow him, they did not do so because of the fluidity of his words or the loveliness of his appearance as suggested in Isaiah 53:2.
Relationships are invaluable in life and to our livelihood. Knowing someone, not knowing of them, requires authenticity, allowing others to see us as we are, faults and all. Not one filled with unnecessary titles or insignificant boasts of brilliant feats and accomplishments, but rather one comprised of recurrent interaction, honesty, and unmerited trust. That is what each of our relationships should look like in the presence of God. When we cannot talk to anyone else, we can lay our troubles at his feet, what no one else knows we can trust with him, and our regrets and shamefulness we can share. Should our relationships be that way with each other, yes and no. Therein lies the urgency of knowing him, he that is able to save us to the utmost.
During the last few weeks, we have breached several topics that in some way or another affects each of us which include: our personal struggles; our treatment of others; our acceptance by other; our reluctance; and God's love for us. As we transition into the new year, my desire is to air the series, walk with me, in three-parts. Today is part one of that series. I believe it is important for us, especially today, to comprehend what it means to walk in the presence of God. The abundance of information and its access is enough to confuse all of us; more than 45 Bible translations, versions in varied languages, commentary from biblical scholars, internet searches, Wikipedia, YouTube sermons, and now Twitter, Facebook, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc.; Wow! Our salvation, our walk with God was never intended to be so complicated. Yes! I agree we need God, but in the most simplistic way.
In life we are influenced, albeit positively or negatively, to do and accomplish countless things: learn a new language; play a musical instrument; go back to school; lose a few pounds; get back in shape; save more money; run a marathon an unending and sometimes unyielding list of sorts that goes on and on. s we approach the precipice of another year, we begin once more to make those list with great zeal and enthusiasm only to realize a few moments later into the new year, we have suddenly ceased to achieve that goal for many of us in-record breaking fashion. Now, I am only referring to generalities, because I know there are some overachievers listening today who have never faced that problem. Unfortunately, I am not one. I have failed year after year to conquer the Mount Everest’s of life, moreover, in some areas I fail to get past the tranquility of the babbling brook or the comfort of the rolling meadow.
This Christmas like many others before, we devoted countless hours, … searching for the right gift, a perfect gift of sorts, as a way of expressing our love and gratitude towards one another. Of course, gifts are never equitable, in our minds, because it always seems as if one gave more than the other. Suppose however, the one that gave apparently less, from a monetary perspective does it mean they did not care or give it the appropriate level of thought and consideration, as we say with apprehension, repeatedly, with the slightest smile, it’s the thought that counts, maybe, just maybe their circumstances did not allow them to buy the desired gift, but rather than giving out of their abundance, they gave from their lack. Gifts we do not like we return, and those without a receipt, we (as the term is) re-gift them to someone else, because we have the luxury to do so. Is it possible we are looking at it all wrong, would we likewise return the gift from God? Perhaps our purpose for celebrating is a bit misplaced. Despite our indecision about what to get, the perfect gift at Christmas, is Christ.
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I am not speaking of Greed. I am speaking of something that effects each one of us, something we cannot explain in the absence of God, that void in life that no matter how we try or what we try to fill it with, we still walk away, empty, and unsatisfied. Longing for something, but not exactly sure what it is. How is this so? I was thinking about my Grandmother, Annie M. Anderson, recently, who passed some years ago, she was a domestic worker all her life, she rode the city bus to and from, every day and was never late, she never owned a car, her living accommodations early on were sparse at best. I can recall growing up sitting at the kitchen table helping her lick S&H stamps for her booklets she received from the grocery store. No matter her lack, she never failed to have an abundance of room for others, no matter who they were and yet she never yearned for an abundance of more. In fact, in all my years, I cannot recall hearing her ever complain. I am in awe and envious of that sort of contentment.
Miracles prevail throughout scripture, in both the Old and New Testament, they serve as a reminder of possibilities, hope where none existed before. While we can only plead and pray, the miracles I am referring to don’t occur by the hands of mystics, magicians, genies, and the sort. Only God is able to bring such things to pass, things we consider humanly impossible. As we watch happenings unfold around the world, and even amid our own families, we need a miracle, that is where our faith, our hope, and our trust resides. Our words, not being enough, no longer provide proof or affirmation, because we need something today that is not possible by the hands of man or his own abilities, as our characteristic nature dooms us to fail and we look for others to do the same, no matter how perfect they appear. Scripture tells us that as a man thinketh so is he. (Proverbs 23:7).
Troubles in life come when we believe the grass is always greener on the other side. We are taken aback, believing that others have it better than us. We are always wanton never satisfied, given to greed, wanting more and more in abundance, feeling that what we have (what God gave us) is insufficient or less than adequate
I am a neat freak of sorts, and in some ways a recovering perfectionist. Everything has a place, and when it is not, it causes a slew of unnecessary chaos. Each day before leaving work everything is perfectly aligned on my desk, upon entering my office I can tell immediately if something is out of place. The term Cleaning House can have many inferences; from actual cleaning to removing or changing employees in a mass exodus in business, both are practical to today's episode. We naturally accumulate things, however, when we are young, we do not have enough things to cause near as much clutter as when we are older, for some it is an abundance and for others a surplus. In life we occasionally have difficulty getting rid of things, more so than others, even when they have lost their usefulness. We routinely consider those just in case items.
Are we great and mighty or frail and fragile? Do we have the strength to slay giants or do our hearts fail in the face of danger? Fervent in prayer; steadfast in faith. While we would like these things to be true about us, I am afraid that my life is a mix of each; strong, but weak; courageous and yet withdrawn. My indictment is not the lack of my perfectness (because none of us are), but rather constantly determining where I belong. I was presented with the opportunity to talk to several people during the last few weeks in response to questions about their personal struggles. Those conversations lead me to consider that whatever the most difficult of my circumstances, others that have been through a good deal worse. Yet, God abides. I believe based on those conversations it is necessary to share something uncommon this week.
To define what is beautiful is difficult because beauty is, as the old saying goes, in the eyes of the beholder. … What is beautiful to us may not be to another. … To regard something as beautiful, it must meet our own definition and concept of beauty. The fact that beauty is an individual concept is understood by all. … However, … many do not realize that God’s concept of beauty is also His own. … No one defines for God His concept of beauty. If a person is beautiful to God, they fit God’s concept of beauty. … But I ask, … do we really appreciate the beauty of what we have in one another and those that are set immediately before us. Think of the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, … a person, a place, an inanimate object, … one that appeals to the best of all your senses … now multiply that by the greatest numerical value known to man … it still would not begin to describe the manifest beauty of God, God’s people, and the entirety of his love for the whole of humanity. … We should not get so caught up in the world’s definition … that you miss the occurrence of God’s true love towards us. … Your flaws, your past mistakes, your pain have a purpose. … There is no better love than this! The beauty of God’s love is … UNCONDITIONAL!
Prayer is not a matter of convenience, but it is borne out of necessity. … But … before we go any further, we must address the purpose and our need for prayer. … Common belief is that we only pray when we are in trouble or we want something. … but again, that is not the genuine intent of prayer. … truthfully … we should pray in good times as well… Of course! … God gives good gifts to his children, but our relationship with God is not reciprocal, where we give him something, for him to give us something. It is … contrariwise the admission of us all, that we can do nothing of our own accord. … Prayer represents our bond of fellowship, … bringing in line our needs, wants and desires with God's will. Not treating him, … for lack of a better term, as an ATM machine … making plenty of withdrawals, but seldom any deposits. … I am ashamed to say, when it comes to prayer all of us are operating in the “red”, at a deficit. … Prayer is about proper positioning, not physically (in the flesh), but of the heart (spiritually), … we cannot pray or expect our prayers to be heard if our hearts are filled with animosity, … jealously, … hate, … vengeance, … bitterness and so much more, … we cannot ask God to correct someone else when we are reluctant to allow him to complete his perfect work in us (Matthew 5:23). … Suppose during prayer God asked; “What do you want?” … What would our response be? … Would we have the audacity to look upon his face and declare anything … I am afraid not. … Therefore, our prayers should always begin with an acknowledgement, a declaration of sorts, that we truly and genuinely recognize who he is; “He is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11).
Routinely in our lives we find ourselves, in unfamiliar places, … away from what we would customarily consider normal. … It is easy to simply excuse it as life, but … in relation to God it is common and necessary, … not because he desires to hurt us, but out of his longing for us to grow. What if I told our lives here are not as precious as where we long to spend eternity? Therefore, it becomes more necessary for God to make us uncomfortable … sometimes, to usher us into new places. … Nothing occurs by chance, where things suddenly align … or contrariwise where we confess to being victims of doom or some crumbling plot. … Nothing occurs with us that God is unaware. … Where we go and where we are sent is purposeful and by design, … no matter if our heart desires to be somewhere else.
Home encompasses many things; it is where families reside, and our most coveted memories come from. Statistics reveal, each year millions of people purchase homes … they may comprise of a one person living on thousands of acres alone or … as some would believe the immaterial equivalent of 200 square feet, used to house twelve. The character of a home can reveal the prosperity of its owner or the depth of another’s poverty … however, viewed this is not a rational for what truly rests behind the walls of each. … Home is where we are supposed to have a place of peace and solitude … but most often we find the unending distress of opening old wounds. … While we can escape home physically, our memories imprison us. It is confounding, that God’s creation, in which he gave dominion (Genesis 1:26), feels so inadequate inwardly.
Today’s podcast is unique as I was presented a very rare opportunity and distinct honor to have a conversation with the esteemed Dr. Robert L. Fairley, Pastor Emeritus, of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in San Bernardino, California. Dr. Robert L. Fairley was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and is the eldest brother of five siblings. His father, Reverend Leonard Earl Fairley, was a well-known Southern preacher pastor that delighted in ministering to others as well as serving as an example to his son.
Admittedly or not, we are often wrong about many things, … particularly our opinions, thoughts, and feelings towards others. … We cannot determine life’s outcome, as we are quick to assume someone is preordained to fail. … How others see us and how we believe they see us is of no consequence, because God does not examine us through the carnality of man’s eyes. … What you and I have done or the trouble we have caused is of little importance, when God is judge, and only cares about You! We (meaning you and I), and the whole of civilization has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). When Job, having lost everything, was reflecting on his circumstance he said; “Man, that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1).
In our moments of great need we are unable to physically grasp with the strength of our hands the contents of a text or email, … they don’t resonate in our hearts the same way, but … in those rare instances we are able to cleave that letter, holding it closely to our heart, no matter how old, we go back to it time and again, as the words leap from its pages, and we picture the voice of the one who affectionately wrote it. Similarly, the Bible is God’s word passionately written to us, they are his “Letters from Home.”
The parable of the “Prodigal Son” is one of love and forgiveness, the manifestation of God’s grace and mercy. It represents how God sees us and how repentance works as the “Father” welcomes us home.
We often question our value. What do we mean to others? and What do we mean to God? … Asking; Who am I that God would render his ear unto me, reaching far beyond the heavens to comfort me, right where I am?
There are things in our lives that, no matter how detrimental they may be to our wellbeing, they are so comforting we refuse to let them go. There are things in my life in which God must intervene because I am unable to save myself. When Samson laid in the lap of Delilah, he immediately woke at the sound of the coming Philistines, but when he shook himself the might of his strength had departed (Judges 16:20); when Saul was appointed king, scripture tells us that he was head and shoulders above his contemporaries, but when a single act placed him at odds with God’s word, no matter how great his sorrow, the glory of the kingdom was stripped from his hands and given to another (1 Samuel 15:24-28); as well remember lot's wife that when the angel of the Lord led them from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and said “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, …” (Genesis 19:17), she did exactly that "she looked back
The mercies of God are never presented in the manner which we expect. On the day of Pentecost, people were gathered from every corner, not in anticipation of what God was preparing to do at that moment, but out of obligation, custom and age old traditions that had very little to do with the events that transpired weeks earlier on a hill in Jerusalem, called “Calvary”. … The Gospel’s narrative began in the surrounding cities and towns, but God would soon use the moment to proclaim the power of his word the world, … not at the hands of those educated in the finest institutions or the great theologians of the day, but rather by a devoted troop of fishermen and tax collectors assembled for a particular purpose, … spreading the word to all mankind.
Fear is a natural phenomenon, … especially when we are not in complete control, on the other hand there are certain things that we do not have to fear because of the comfort and familiarity of our surroundings. Fear can have a positive or negative effect on us depending on the situation or expected outcome. Just as well fear at its most extreme can paralyze where we neither move forward or backward, bringing our lives to an immediate halt.