Like any student, college introduces you to many interesting people. Although, some may be bizarre, strange or flat out weird, appearances can be misleading. If you allow yourself to approach each individual with an open mind, you might be surprised by what you discover as you peal away stereotypes, one layer at a time.
During my final semester, I met a missionary with an unusual testimony. According to her story, she claimed God got her up every day at 6am in the morning without using an alarm clock. As a person who enjoyed sleeping in til noon or later, I was skeptical, doubting her claim. Perhaps out of spite or sheer curiosity, I challenged God to see if I could have a similar experience during my last two months of college.
To my surprise, the first morning I arose, sunlight shined directly through my bedroom window right on my face. When I rolled over to check out the clock on my night stand, it was 6:00 am. Immediately, I jump out of bed, causing goosebumps to appear. I spent the next 15 minutes, praying and reading the Bible, wondering if this was real or merely a dream. Like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, I got out each morning at the same time for the next 60 days, an unusual answer to prayer!
For the first time in his professional golf career, Tiger Woods will be missing the first major of the season, ending a 19 year streak which began in 1995. Forced to choose back surgery rather than rehab an ailing back, Tiger’s absence will likely cause the casual fan to find something else to do this weekend. Despite this diminished interested, the Master’s without Tiger opens the door for a new star to be born.
Beside defending champion Adam Scott, story lines abound. How will the kid, the 20 year old Jordan Spieth do in his Masters? Will the brash Augusta State boy, Patrick Reed win on a course he practiced on in college? Can Freddie Couples pull a Jack Nicklaus, becoming the oldest major champion ever on the PGA tour? Or will the Stadler father and son duo each make the cut? What will Phil do next? When the final round reaches Amen Corner on Sunday afternoon, history will become much clearer.
Unless you play golf, its hard to illustrate how much different golf is compared to other sports. Practice, dedication and time well spent doesn’t always equate into success. The game of golf is one of the greatest mental challenges in sports, keeping the most talented of golfers out of the winner’s circle. In his prime, Tiger’s mind was supreme, years ahead of his competitors. However, as father time has caught up with Tiger, Master’s Sunday 2014 will be a life changing day for one golfer who will be crowned with a green jacket on Sunday evening. Although he will be missed, the Masters without Tiger you do just fine as millions will tune in for the final 9 on Sunday.
Record players, eight tracks and cassette tapes were just the beginning to the revolution called music. Today, MP3 players, iTunes and computers able to download thousands of song, enable the soothing sound of music to be just one click away. Life without cell phones, electronic devices and voice activated technology is now unthinkable as silence has been replaced by your favorite play list.
Yoga and meditation rely on music as an alternative to healing and relaxation. Serving as a substitute for God, retreat centers, seminars and private classes are exploding in popularity, ushering in a New Age. The angel of song, Lucifer, uses all kinds of music to entice individuals like Eve in the garden, replacing an apple with a catchy beat, void of any true meaning. Meanwhile, whispers penetrate your soul, “I don’t listen to the lyrics,” planting seeds for compromise to commence.
To battle this movement, churches are introducing Soaking in the Spirit, turning prayer rooms into a comfortable place to relax while listening to worship music. Based upon the principles within Romans 12:1-2, minds are being transformed by words inspired by the Bible, Romans 10:17. Considered a skilled musician, 1 Samuel 16:14-23, David understood the gladness, joy and peace one experiences while listening to music, Psalm 45:8.
For me, the choice of my music often dictates my mood and or behavior. Whether you prefer hip hop, rap or classic rock and roll, pieces of the songs you listen to stay with you for hours, days or weeks. If you’re skeptical, take the Music Challenge.
Spend one day listening to secular music, journal at the end of the day how this music influenced you. Then, take a day listening to Christian/Gospel/Worship music, using Pandora if you don’t have a large selection. Compare your language, thoughts and overall mindset. If you don’t see a definite difference, consider a longer time span, like the challenge found in Daniel 1:8-16.
Feel free to share any findings you discover or interesting insights on the soothing sound of music.
How many times in life do you seek an emotional high? One that never ends; giving you a sensation like a drug, 24 hours a day. Many go through their entire lives searching, but never find the real thing.
Do you recall your first day of school? As formal education begins, innocence gives way to curiosity and terror. Fears over finding friends and earning acceptance by your peers takes precedence. However, the thought of being away from your parents provides a sense of freedom temporarily. This freedom entices you to try new things, experimenting with fruit, forbidden by parents and teachers.
By the time junior high arrives, eyes start to wander… BABES, STUDS, ALCOHOL and DRUGS! Perhaps you might not be as distracted as some, yet juicy stories spread fast through the grape vine peeking your interest. The closer you look, the mind takes on an alter ego, longing for items on the other side of the fence. Fleshly desires, peer pressure and the unknown leads you to the verge of sin thinking, “Oh baby this sure does feel good.”
A junior high experiment often leads to a senior high life style. Marijuana, pranks and sex are just a few of the choice behaviors one indulges in to obtain the real thing. Sure, there are risks, even consequences; but what will my friends think if I go straight? “Everybody is doing it, why can’t I,” says the follower. As high school drifts by, the next hurdle to jump is college. Hobbies you once did for a buzz no longer provide satisfaction. Call it what you may: a habit, obsession, way of life or obliterating time, something inside can’t let go. This quest for real life has turned into an addiction.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why you do what you do? Has it occurred to you that you’ve missed something along the way? Is there something else out there beside living for the weekend? I don’t believe you and I were placed on this earth by accident. Growing up, working for a living 9 to 5, have fun for a while then repeat this cycle over and over again til you die? This doesn’t make sense! There must be a greater purpose or meaning in life, but what is it?
Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father is your answer. God sent His one and only son, Jesus, down to earth, to die for blemishes on earth, John 3:16-17. Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father according to the Apostle’s Creed. Jesus didn’t just die on a cross and rise from the dead for His own glory, Romans 5:8. Rather, Jesus became sin for us: for you, me and everyone ever born on planet earth. Jesus did all of this so that all of us might be seen as righteousness before God, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
This may sound crazy, yet there is no other HIGH greater than entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Nothing else compares to dedicating your life to God in your living years, John 10:10. Thus, peace is found in no other place, Galatians 5:22-23. This isn’t about High’s and Low’s. This is about life and death, living and dying, Deuteronomy 30:11-16. The only way to Jesus is through denying yourself, Matthew 16:25. You may think I’m odd, strange or simply old-fashion, yet God has placed the words of this blog on my heart.
If you have tried most everything else, don’t waste your precious time any longer; embrace the Real Thing, Jesus Christ!
If you were raised in a military family, questioning a person of authority isn’t an option. Colonel Jessup played by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men illustrates this truth during direct examination by Tom Cruise in a military court, “if marines don’t follow orders in Cuba, people die!” Once any individual earns the respect of their fellow civilians, peers or platoon, most will do whatever he or she tells you to do.
In the case of Mary, mother of Jesus, she knew her son was special by age 12, Luke 2:51-52. Eighteen years later, her opinion had not changed, believing her son had divine powers, John 2:3. Thus, when a friend was about to face public humiliation, running out of wine at a wedding ceremony, Mary relies on Jesus to come to the rescue. However, there was a problem, Jesus had only called 6 of his 12 disciples, John 1:35-51, with 6 more remaining to complete his ministry team. Initially, he refuses to act, explaining God’s timing to commence his 3 year ministry had not yet arrived, John 2:4. Nonetheless, Jesus keeps the vow he made following his bar-mitz-vah to honor his father and mother, Exodus 20:12.
As soon as this conflict was settled, Mary moves into action, ordering the servants at the reception to “do whatever Jesus tells you,” John 2:5. Led by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 4:1 and angels, Matthew 4:11, Jesus examines the situation, develops a plan and gives orders to the servants, John 2:6-8. With their jobs and reputations on the line, these workers carefully follow Jesus’ instructions. Likely scratching their heads, hoping for the best, these servants wait in fearful anticipation of the master’s first impression, John 2:9. Not sure if they will be embarrassed, curiosity holds their attention until each receives good news, John 2:10. If this first miracle of Jesus teaches us anything, do whatever He tell you and good things are bound to follow.
If you’ve experienced or seen any modern day miracles, feel free to share in the comment section below.
Yesterday, I was taking a walk on a cart path just north of down town Wilmington. With a fence separating this golf course from nearby neighborhoods, I began to hear some commotion a few blocks away. Voices gradually increased in volume, leading to a fervent disagreement between 2 individuals. Others joined in yelling back and forth. Memories of school yard fights flashed before my mind. However, on this day, no fists, knives or guns were raised, just the sound of violence.
A few years ago in Newark, while having practice with my sons baseball team, I wasn’t as fortunate. When a suspicious car rolled slowly through an adjacent street, several rounds of bullets were fired. Before I knew it, I experienced my first drive by shooting, pulling the team quickly off the field into the building behind home plate. The gunman proceeded to cross a creek behind the left field foul line, run across a field and hid near the University of Delaware until a police helicopter found him about a half hour later. This time the sound of violence was too close for comfort.
The apostle Paul warned first century Christian’s that this day would come, 2 Timothy 3:1-5. His words were prophetic as children are regularly disobedient to adults and their parents. Junior high and senior high teachers are now front row witnesses since the sound of violence has entered the classroom, especially in public education. The consequence of this reality is persecution, with Christ absorbing this anger and hatred on the cross, Isaiah 53:3-11. May the hope of this fulfilled prophecy help you overcome the sound of violence.
Please comment on how God has helped you rise above the violence in our world.
The afflicted, heart-broken and wounded long to see the sun on the other side of dark clouds engulfing them. In the midst of the storms in life, time seems to stand still, sucking the energy out of desperate souls. Crying out to the Lord, all these individual’s want to know, “when will it end?”
Despite how bad we think our situation is, reading Psalm 44:9-19 may give you a different perspective. Although David is glorified as a man after God’s own heart, 1 Samuel 16:7, his life was a mess. King Saul tried on numerous occasions to kill him, 1 Samuel 19:1-10, David committed adultery and murder in 2 Samuel 11 and was a horrible father, 2 Samuel 13:1-22. Perhaps, this may explain the suffering David endured in Psalm 44, wanting to know, “when will this end Lord?”
Once you become aware of others who have experienced pain, you don’t feel as alone. The most beneficial thing I’ve done in the past 2 times is to regularly meet a former co-worker, Spencer Saints for coffee. This time of accountability and fellowship has served as a vehicle for healing. Whether we’re complaining, pouring out our hearts or sharing what’s going on, this weekly meeting highlights the biblical principle in Hebrews 10:24-25. By spurring on one another in the faith, you’ll find yourself spending more time on how you be can a light for Christ and less on questioning God, “when will my trial end?”
How have other people that you’ve met inspired you to become more like Jesus?
Like the classic Queen song, We are the Champions, the thrill of victory is much sweeter than dealing with loss. During my first season of coaching high school golf, I started 4-0 and finished 0-6. Eight years later I saw an 8-1 team on the verge of making states, collapse down the stretch, going 1-5-1 missing states by a few percentage points. While achieving victory on earth varies from person to person, you can ride forth in victory with confidence spiritually, 1 John 5:13.
According to the sons of Korah, 3 things as essential to secure victory, Psalm 45:4.
1. Truth
When Jesus spoke to a group of Jews during his last year on earth, he claimed that holding to his teaching leads to spiritual insight, John 8:31. Jesus boldly proclaimed, “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” John 8:32.
2. Humility
The wisest man beside Jesus to walk the face of the earth is Solomon based upon rulings like 1 Kings 3:16-28. After being blessed with fame, riches and power, Solomon learned the dangers of pride, Proverbs 11:2. His advice to cope with this inclination is to fear the Lord, humbling yourself until honor is bestowed, Proverbs 15:33.
3. Righteousness
One of the most famous church hymns was inspired by Jesus’ sermon on the mount, Seek Ye First. In the segment of his message on proper and improper motives, Jesus introduces the secret to eliminating worry. When you come to the point in your life where you seek first God’s kingdom and righteous, the Lord promises to provide for all of your emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
May this teaching give you a blue print to ride forth in victory. Let us know how your journey toward victory is going.
Grace is a dying word in most cultures as bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness harbors in the hearts of hurt people. Instead of experiencing the unmerited favor of God, guilt is preventing individuals from accepting this free gift, Romans 5:8. Meanwhile, the condition of forgiveness introduced by Jesus in Matthew 6:15 isn’t being met by followers, revoking the power of grace upon their lives.
While serving as a youth pastor in Indiana, one student was placed into my life to teach me about grace. Despite my attempts to reach out to this high school junior, I was her enemy, the adult who took the job of the person who led her to faith, Romans 10:9-10. On one occasion, her mother approached me, giving me a hug with tears in her eyes, confessing, “I’m sorry my daughter hates you!” This trial tested me, putting my faith into a spiritual fire, 1 Peter 1:6-7. Without this encounter, I might not understand the power of Grace today.
On Sunday, I attended a friend’s church, needing to be showered in God’s grace. In the middle of singing for 30 minutes, the lyrics struck a cord with my soul. Usually stoic and reserved, especially the older I get, the Holy Spirit moved me to tears. Lifting my hands up toward heaven, I sensed my disappointment, stress and worries being washed away, swept clean by the power of grace.
If you’ve been touched by God, please share your story in the comment section below.
Skeptics will tend to agree with the words of 1 Samuel 3:1, “in those days the word of the Lord was rare.” If these conditions exist today, how can someone discern or know if it is actually God’s voice calling out? History provides 5 examples where God’s calling is clearest.
Although just a boy, Samuel was raised in the temple. Since his mentor was a priest, Samuel learned how to approach God, yet had never heard his voice. On one ordinary night, Eli the priest introduced Samuel to the voice of the Lord.
2. Reading the Word of the Lord, 2 Kings 22:11-13.
Often, God is the first thing people cut from a busy schedule, allowing their Bible to collect dust on a shelf. Time away from this book slowly reveals a shift in one’s actions, behavior and words. After hidden for several years, Josiah finds a copy of the Old Testament hidden in a closet. Astonished by the words he is reading, the king of Judea is moved by God to repent for the sins of his nation.
3. Retreating to a Remote Location, Mark 1:35-39 & 1 Kings 19:9-13.
To flee distractions and interruptions, Jesus regularly began his day in solitude, talking to God the Father. This enabled the son of God to go where the Lord wanted Him daily. Meanwhile, most retreat destinations are located in mountains or valleys, isolated from the hectic pace of life. This atmosphere opens the door to listen for God’s still small voice.
4. Fasting and Worship, Nehemiah 1:4-11 & Acts 13:1-4.
Fasting is the practice of going without food for a set period to seek God’s will in a specific matter. When you add worship to this equation, the Holy Spirit often opens up doors that were previous locked. During a worship service, Paul and Barnabas each sensed a clear calling to become missionaries, sharing the good news of Jesus to a lost and dying world.
5. Keeping in Step with the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:26-31 & Galatians 5:25.
Whether you are in God’s house, fasting, praying, reading the Bible, retreating to recharge your spiritual batteries or in a state of worship, these environments provide unfiltered access to the Holy Spirit. Essentially, this takes faith to the next level, becoming a doer of the word, Matthew 7:24. Believers should test every voice, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, before accepting God’s calling, Isaiah 6:8. If you think I’ve left any place out, please let me know under the comment section.
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