Youth tend to feel invincible, confident and strong with little or no experience to the frailty of life. Instead of attending funerals, time is spent celebrating birthdays, weddings and graduation. However, as age begins to affect one’s body, traces of death introduce the fact that no one is safe from the grave.
According to Psalm 89:48, the Psalmist understood this truth. Unless your name is Enoch or Elijah, no one knows what its like not to die. For the rest of us, accidents, disease and failure is a reality in life. Although, extended life is a sign of God’s blessings, breathing will stop sooner or later. While some may be resuscitated, a day will come when the grave will be ready to receive your body.
In view of this, its essential to get busy living by making a difference in your spheres of influence. Whether this is accomplished through donating your money, services or time, how you live will impact others more than what you place on your tombstone. Since no one knows when the sands of time will run out, finish strong, 1 Timothy 6:11-16, so that the light that you reflect will lead some to a place called eternity, 2 Peter 3:8.
When a body does not possess as much water and fluids as it should, dehydration sets in. Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe, life threatening if not replenished with liquids. According to Men’s Health, there are 6 stages of dehydration, traced by the color of one’s urine. When exercising in the summer sun, dehydration can lead to symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In a worst case scenario, death can occur like the tragedy of Korey Stringer, a former Minnesota Viking who passed away on August 1st, 2001 following an NFL training camp practice.
There are others who are dying of spiritual thirst, unable to find the living water Jesus promises in John 4. I spent the first 15 years in isolation, using my stuttering as an excuse to avoid intimate relationships. Whenever you can’t communicate, express your feelings or make an emotional connection with someone, a part of you begins to die inside. Spiritual dehydration commences once an individual is cut off from meaningful conversation which enriches one’s life. If this separation continues, souls become cold and numb, on the verge of dying of thirst.
This is where we find a Samaritan woman, who had become a social outcast even among her own people. After 4 broken relationships, the word on the street wasn’t kind. Terms such as adulterer, prostitute or whore were likely whispered behind her back. John 4:7-26 records an interesting conversation between 2 polar opposites between a prophet and someone searching for meaning in life. Hot and thirsty, Jesus breaks the ice, then changes the topic of conversation from the weather to eternity. Before the day was over, this lost soul is introduced to living water which quenched her thirst. May this story quench your spiritual thirst and give you assurance for eternity.
Every classic movie or sitcom filmed in a bar has at least one scene based upon the notion, last call for one more round of drinks. In the 1996 film Invincible, Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale, a bartender who fulfills a life long dream of trying out for Philadelphia Eagles, his local NFL team. As the plot develops, several of the beginning scenes take place at the establishment where Vince hangs out and takes a part time job after losing his teaching position. Like the closing bell on Wall Street, the last call serves as a two minute warning before closing up for the night.
In life, few people receive a clear indication that their time on earth is up. Sure, those stricken by an incurable disease have an inclination that the end is near, yet countless are cut down, killed in accidents or murdered without any signs or notice. These individuals don’t have any time to prepare for eternity. Instead, their destination is determined by the life they have lived. Unfortunately, no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, falling short of God’s expectations, Matthew 5:48.
In Luke 23:32-43, three man were sentenced to death. As curious spectators got their kicks, watching 3 men die on a cross, one man took advantage of this last call on life. Acknowledging his crime publicly and worried about his future, one criminal pleaded with Jesus, Luke 23:41-42. As a result, this fortunate soul received something better than a last drink, the gift of eternal life, Luke 23:43. May you seize the moments God gives you during the living years so that you will enter the place Jesus calls paradise, 1 John 5:13.
In a world fueled by controversy, negativity and pessimism, its easy to lose sight of the positive. Affirmations, encouragement and uplifting words often vanish from memories, erased by daily criticism that wound hearts. This isn’t the only thing to recede, disappearing like the tide going out to sea.
Despite this harsh reality, there is one truth that never vanishes. According to Psalm 139:13-16, you were knit together in your mother’s womb. In fact, Jesus takes this one step further, reminding Nicodemus of God’s perfect plan. According to John 3:16, the expression “so loved” in the Greek refers to from vanishing point to vanishing point. In other words, before you were born and until your death, God’s love extends throughout time.
When idividuals become aware of this aspect of God’s nature, revival can begin. Unfortunately, an invisible enemy has blinded the minds of unbelievers, 2 Corinthians 4:4. All the while, believers are under a difficult kind of attack, pulled in different directions by the world, Galatians 5:16-18. If this wasn’t enough, the devil is busy stealing, killing and destroying souls. As the sun sets on another day, don’t allow your thoughts to forget the promises within God’s word, Joshua 1:8, from vanishing point to vanishing point.
In 2010, more than 5 million car accidents took place in the United States. Subsequently, 32,885 motorists lost their lives with an additional 2.2 million suffered injuries. Whether these crashes were induced by alcohol, bad weather or cell phone related, bitter troubles visited individuals without warning.
Meanwhile, teenagers are facing an internal battle with depression. According to Psychology Today, a teen takes his or her own life every 100 minutes. Among 15-24 year olds, suicide in the 3rd leading cause of death for young people. Their absence leaves a different kind of bitter trouble for parents, replaying history in their minds to see if they could have done anything differently to save their child’s life.
According to Psalm 71:20, people aren’t immune to bitter troubles. Like Jesus’ brother once said, everyone should expect trials to come, James 1:2-4. However, when these unfortunate events do arrive, God does offer a promise. Therefore, the next time you experience one of those Murphy Law type of days, ask God to restore you from your bitter trouble.
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker starred in Rush Hour in 1998 spawning 3 sequels in the past 15 years. Although some will debate exactly when or what movie started the age of cramming films with non-stop action filled with death and violence, one thing is clear, this rush is here to stay. As attention spans continue to diminish, this 24 style serves as a drug, a rush of adrenaline to captive minds.
If you live in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic part of the United States, this mentality has transformed how people act, behave and treat one another. Unfortunately, you won’t find much southern hospitality here as a spirit of rushing hinders the ability to be kind, nice or pleasant. Though not everyone fits into this category, the side effects of rushing through life are evident. Honking horns, obscene sign language and yelling flood the streets of this corridor.
From a personal perspective, this pace of life influences the quality of your relationships. Either you or the person you are trying to engage is distracted by a wave of rush, in a hurry to get to no where. Sad, but true, I’m the one who is usually persuaded to cut conversations short. If you face a similar struggle, remember the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, leaning on this promise to snap you out of this bad habit.
Please share any other side effects that you see of rushing through life.
Gary Sinise played Lieutenant Dan, a Vietnam squadron leader who holds a grudge against Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, feeling that his destiny was stolen by Gump’s heroic efforts. Lieutenant Dan believed he was meant to die with his army on the battle field. Thus, he confronts Forrest, turns to alcohol to drown his sorrow, spending the rest of his life bound to a wheelchair, at least in his mind.
Meanwhile, all Forrest wanted was to be Jenny’s girl, his only friend growing up. Wherever Forrest was, he thought of Jenny, writing letter after letter, hoping for a storybook ending. Unfortunately, Forrest received these letters back, returned unopened. After momma died, Forrest turned to running to clear his mind, tracking thousands of miles across the country. Despite getting his girl, she dies of H.I.V. before they can grow old together.
Whether you are reading a book, watching a movie or living an act from your life, often the scene doesn’t conclude as you wish. Instead, the curse of Genesis 3:16-19 provides an alternate ending such as death, paralysis or suicide. Today, I feel like Lieutenant Dan in the shrimp boat during Hurricane Camille. However, I’m not telling God “is that all you’ve got?” Rather, I’ve surrendered, whispering “I can’t take anymore disappointment!”
Psalm 33:10-11 provides the answer to those befuddled by the direction their life has turned. The Lord foils the plans of nation and thwarts the purposes of people. I have become a causality of this truth, unable to comprehend the logic of God’s ways. Yet, somewhere in the pages the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 exists. Getting to this scene and waiting is the hardest part. May God’s unfailing love rest on you as you trust the Lord to complete the work that He has begun in you, Philippians 1:6.
One of the cliches I heard way too often growing up was, “if the shoe fits wear it.” I’m still not exactly sure where this phrase originated or what it’s intended purpose served, yet I have learned to distinguish my strengths from my weaknesses over time. When it comes to death, dying, injuries and wheelchairs, I’m at a loss, leaving me uncomfortable and unqualified to handle these environments.
Perhaps, this may explain why God forced me to visit the other side of the street last week. When you reach a certain age, suffer a debilitating injury or endure an accident, these individuals all share something in common, they are helpless. As you enter this arena, self sufficiency is no longer an option with souls needing another person to help them up, take their hand and nurture them back to health. Normally a quick healer, this is mostly foreign to me except for a few broken bones here and a surgery there.
In biblical times, there were no nursing homes or retirement centers to spend your final years on earth. Your destiny was determined by your family, their generosity and wealth necessary to provide affordable care. As the modern family dissolves into some type of dysfunctional reality television show, its no wonder that the amount of beggars and homeless continue to increase, showing up at most busy intersections where I live. Abandoned by their families, friends and employers, these desperate people are like prodigal sons and daughters waiting for their father to welcome them back home. Until this day, those living on the other side of the street which need prayers, support and a helping hand to get them back on the road to recovery.
According to Webster, a fool demonstrates imprudence, silly behavior and unwise acts. Today, it doesn’t take much effort to recognize foolishness in our culture. Idiots, imbeciles and morons are making millions as reality TV stars. Whether its the annoying person on Survivor, the American Idol contestant who can’t sing a lick or drunks on Moonshiners, some where along the way being foolish is now cool, especially if you can amuse others with laughter.
If there was an uncensored version of the Bible, I’m sure Moses muttered numerous things under his breath as he tried to lead a nation of fools into God’s promised land. As Moses and Joshua listened to God for 40 days, providing guidelines for life, Aaron was holding down the fort as the high priest of Israel until they returned. Like the blind leading the blind, Aaron panicked, failed to demonstrate leadership and broke the first 2 commandments by creating a golden calf in Exodus 32. While most pastors stop their sermons here, I’ve never heard anyone speak of the purging of fools.
When the principle enters a classroom unannounced, students usually settle down, putting on their best behavior to avoid getting in trouble. Unfortunately, when Moses rolled back into camp in Exodus 32:25-28, thousands of Israelites ignored Moses’ entrance, partying like it was 1999. Like a coach or teacher trying to see who’s paying attention in class, Moses makes a challenge that is answered by the Levites, the priestly tribe, seemingly the only group disturbed by Israel’s reckless behavior. Subsequently, God purged Israel of 3000 fools, who were not willing to obey or respect God’s commands.
In the New Testament, we find a kinder, gentler God, who offers His grace to those who believe in Jesus, Ephesians 2:4-8. However, not much has changed since the days of Moses as millions are still living for the day, partying each weekend and are redefining foolishness with acts that would make Sodom and Gomorrah blush. As a circus of fools spread throughout America and across the world, may God have mercy, open the eyes of the spiritually blind and transform their lives before foolish acts result in death and destruction.
In this day and age, waiting is like praying for patience, nobody wants to do it. The essence of waiting involves one of two options: either stay where you are or delay your plans until something happens. However, if you’re not in a safe place common sense will urge you to move. Meanwhile, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might overlook the obvious sign God has provided.
In Psalm 22:1, David’s prayer mirrors Jesus’ words in Matthew 27:46. David went from the out house as a lonely shepherd, living in country fields under the stars to the penthouse, anointed as the next king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:13. However, the catch was David had to wait until Saul’s death until this dream became a reality. A whirl wind took David to the king’s palace as a servant to the king, playing his harp, to a battle field, defeating Goliath and to a cave fleeing the wrath a jealous king, literally running for his life. This is the context in which David felt forsaken and forgotten, unable to wait any longer.
Meanwhile, Jesus spent 6 hours hanging from a cross before his death. Without any pain killers, Jesus endured excruciating pain as 3 modern railroad sized spikes went through each hand and both ankles. If this wasn’t bad enough, insults and mocking followed, carrying on for hours. Grasping for air to breath, having a conversation to share his final words was exhausting. Thus, God the Father went silent, allowing His Son to finish the task that Jesus was sent to earth to complete, Luke 19:10. Not able to wait any longer, Jesus gave up his spirit, succumbing to the natural forces of life.
Perhaps, Hebrews 12:4 was placed into the pages of the Bible for impatient people on earth. Despite the trials you encounter in life, God reminds mankind that at least you didn’t have to shed your blood on a cross. With this subtle reminder, may God fill you with the spirit of Isaiah 40:28-31. If you find yourself tired, weary and lacking understanding, may the wings of eagles lift you up as wait on God. In your weakness of impatience, God is strong, carrying you periodically when you can’t tarry on, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Although I don’t know why God is taking so long to reveal His plan to me, I am clinging to His promise of a brighter future, Jeremiah 29:11.
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