On April 1st, 1963, the soap opera General Hospital debuted. More than 50 years later, this hit show has made the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest running soap opera in production. In addition, this show has earned 11 Day Time Emmy Awards for Most Outstanding Drama Series. Despite this fame and fortune, in real life there is nothing general about a hospital.
Whether you’re a first time parent preparing for the birth of your first child, an unexpected patient or visiting a loved one, the hospital can illicit a wave of emotions. During my wife’s first and only natural birth, lasting 23 hours, I heard groans, moans and yelling that few men gain access to. Accident prone individuals will likely find their way to the ER, or remain in a hallway for hours until the next doctor is available. However, when the Hour Glass of time stops, sobbing and tears fill the hallways, placing life into its proper perspective.
In his farewell address, Moses suggests the choices people make dictate life’s outcome, Deuteronomy 30:15. Jesus makes a similar statement in Matthew 7:13-14, as each decisions leads toward an eternal destination. If you find yourself near death’s door, its time to make plans for the afterlife, 1 John 5:13. May the Lord lead you to experience the promise of Jesus in John 3:16-17 as the hospital generates thoughts about life after tomorrow.
There are moments in life when you are at the right time and place. However, if you are on the verge of doing something special, obstacles such as awareness, discernment and time can be hindrances. Depending upon the state of your emotions, you might just miss a golden opportunity to accomplish God’s will.
I can recall several encounters with people over the course of my life. Some of these friendships never developed because I did not make a good first impression. On other occasions I sensed the leading of the Holy Spirit, yet an individual or stranger was distracted by trials in life. If I was more prepared or they were spiritually sober, perhaps my life would be much more engaging, full of conversational experiences.
Despite my past failures, I did make the most of one opportunity. While attending a youth ministry conference in Chicago, I happened to meet my future wife. The atmosphere at this facility made it conducive to slowing down to meet, interact and develop permanent meaningful lasting relationships. Little did I know that one of the girls in my small group would become my soul mate. Similarly, if you have failed to cease the moment like me, apply the words of Colossians 4:2-6 so that you won’t miss the opportunities that the Lord provides.
As a former member of the print media for 2 years, I’m familiar with some of the tricks of this trade. When I was given an assignment for a new piece, I usually started to ask probing questions to uncover someone’s hot button issue. Once you discover this subject or topic, the best thing you can do is just let them talk. Unless you were detached from the media, most Americans learned last week that Donald Sterling, owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers has a history of racism.
Whether his taped conversation was legal in California or not, the more Sterling spoke, the clearer his racist tendencies became. According to the Bible, the fool does not demonstrate restraint, often thinking out loud. Meanwhile, the prudent illustrate self control, holding their tongue, Proverbs 17:27-28. In this age of instant messages, photo bombs and twitter, filters are disappearing as people are wearing emotions on their sleeves. As members of society open their mouths, bystanders are hearing what it stored up in the hearts of mankind, Luke 6:45.
Despite the School House Rock campaign using Saturday morning advertisements to proclaim this country as, “the great American melting pot” in the 1970’s, this country was mostly segregated until the 1980’s. Thus, blacks and whites did not know, understand or want to stand hand and hand unless forced as displayed in Remember the Titans. However, progress is being made as a generation is growing up, striving to see others by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. While ambulance chasers in the media continue to kick the Donald Sterling’s in life while they’re down, just listen to their words for they like Sterling will expose who they really are or what they want. Just let them talk…
Unfortunately, a day rarely goes by without a fight, shooting or stabbing making headline news. Students, workers and innocent bystanders are being caught in the cross fire of violence. As a vehicle of peace, Gandhi believed you had to slowly wean people from violence without force. Over time, you will win people toward your point of view.
Jesus demonstrated this belief during his 3 year ministry in the late 20’s of the first century. When his fellow Jews flirted with the idea of overthrowing the political leaders in Israel, Jesus chose peace. Despite being falsely accused of crimes he did not commit by the Sanhedrin, Jesus gave up his right to life so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Matthew 26:52-56. Although he invested 3 years into 12 men, the temptation to fight back could not be quenched.
Today, domestic violence is a common occurrence, like a nagging cold that won’t go away. Instead of demonstrating temperance, going the right distance and no further, human beings have lost control of their emotions. Patience has been discarded, as anger, control and power is urging frustrated souls to lash out, often harming family members. The only way I know to wean people from violence is to adhere to the apostle Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:25-32. When you reach this state of mind, God will lead you to lay your weapons down.
What’s your solution to wean Americans from violence?
Depending upon what church, temple or mosque you attend, an increasing number of people are reserved, afraid of letting others know what’s inside of them. Meanwhile, Pharisees still exist in most places of worship, putting on a show for others to see, Matthew 6:5. Therefore, when you enter a house of praise where emotions are on display as a genuine act of worship, outsiders struggle to accept or embrace this movement.
Music causes unique styles of expression like individuals moved to toe tap, gradually turning their bodies into human tambourines. Others begin to snap their fingers and clap their hands. Those with rhythm may follow the beat, dancing and swaying side to side. When touched by the lyrics, one might lift their hands high, closing their eyes to heighten their focus on God. Tears often fall as you reach this stage of worship, moving some to fall to their knees or bow at the altar.
While numerous churches are spiritually dead today, void of these emotions of praise, a remnant remains alive and well. The sons of Korah highlight acts of praise in Psalm 47 including clapping hands, shouts of praise and cries of joy. The moment the human soul approaches the throne of grace, Hebrews 4:16, with a humble heart, the emotions of praise break out. This act of worship is what you offer up to God on the Sabbath. You may bring a tithe or appreciate the biblical message, yet the emotions of praise is where you meet and experience the presence of God.
Have you ever been moved by the Holy Spirit to let your guard down? Please share a story of your own emotions of praise.
Children tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. Subsequently, youth experience mountain top moments of jubilance and valleys of depression. This topsy turvy twist exhausts one’s confidence, going from sky high to as low as you can go. Thus, the presence of joy is like the temperature, rising and falling daily.
Recognizing this in adulthood, King David sought a permanent state. Troubled by his own problems in life, God introduced the king to a special anointing. Whether performed by Samuel or Nathan, his predecessor, Psalm 45:7 discloses an anointing of joy. While the information is limited, perhaps this Old Testament practice is similar to Jesus’ words in John 10:10.
In an age of economic instability, parents like me struggle to find joy. Lost in a sea of debts, the devil has become successful in stealing my joy weekly. Thus, I find myself desperately seeking an anointing of joy. Perhaps, we find ourselves in similar states, brought to our knees by the burdens of life, Matthew 11:28-30. May the Holy Spirit counsel you until your worries are replaced by joy, John 16:12-15.
Please share how God has helped you find joy to help overcome their own trials in life.
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!
As I begin my final season of coaching baseball, I have a laundry list of items I want to communicate to players and parents. Since youth often wear their emotions on their sleeves, this game must be separated from life and death as the ebb and flow of wins and losses can be exhausting. Thus, one must possess the proper perspective to enjoy this moment in time: play by play, inning by inning and game by game.
According to Psalm 35:15-16, poor sports have existed for thousands of years. David recalled the times in life when his enemies reveled in his blunders, errors and missteps. Instead of celebrating, laughing and mocking the mistakes of others, perhaps its better to act like you’ve been there. If you reap what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8, overlooking the failures of others, this will lead to mercy in the future when you fail.
Over time, wins and losses will fade from memories, leaving one thing behind, how did you play the game? Did you give 100% all the time, did you take plays off or was your effort based upon your feelings? As the sand in the hour glass slowly slips away, your legacy is in the balance. Act like you’ve been there before or else you’ll regret the reputation you earned as a poor sport, slacker or worse. With the slate clean today, turn over a new leaf now while the season is still young.
Silence, groans and hushed voices are just a few signs of losing. Meanwhile, body language slumps, slows down and expresses defeat without a word. On Sunday evening, around 9:45 pm Eastern Standard Time, the sound of defeat will visit one sideline after the final seconds tick off the clock in Super Bowl XLVIII. As confetti falls, cameras flash and reporters get their microphones ready to interview the champions, the loser will slip away in obscurity, pondering what might have been.
In the arena of life, the sound of defeat is less subtle. Sure, there will always be Debbie downers and depressed Davids, yet most will hide their emotions until no one is around or only their family is in view. However, in sports, the agony of defeat occurs under a microscope, often with life shattering results. Skip Dillard went to prison because he missed 1 free throw in an NCAA Basketball Tournament Game as a star for the Depaul Blue Demons. Tonya Harding turned to thuggery in an attempt to win an Olympic Gold medal in figure skating. Finally, Donavon McNabb, upchucked as the closing moments of the Super Bowl got too big for him, beyond what he could handle.
In biblical times, there was a different sound heard by Joshua and Moses as each had their own suspicion. From afar, Joshua heard what sounded like the sound of war in Exodus 32:17. Stepping in like a Jedi Knight, playing a similar role to Yoda, Moses corrects this young rising star, “It’s not the sound of victory, it’s the sound of defeat;” Exodus 32:18.” Perhaps Moses understood the concept of 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, with 1 winner and multiple losers. Therefore, instead of resting in a pit of despair, pick your head up out of the gutter and focus on a crown that will last forever so that the sound of defeat doesn’t cripple your soul for a lifetime.
Before comedy movies like Airplane used satire to elevate stress, the phrase “hold yourself together” has been a battle cry to help people overcome trying times in life. However, when the world around you is falling apart, how can any soul pretend as if nothing is wrong? Maybe this is why the scene below makes a mockery out of someone who has lost control of their emotions.
Modern dramas have a new message, one of hope and self-determination with a fairy tale ending unless of course their show get’s cancelled mid-season. The opposite sex is used as a carrot at the end of a stick, motivation to hold yourself together. Science fiction, the afterlife and an allure of the dark side have created series like the Vampire Dairies. Tyler Ward’s song puts a new spin on the familiar expression, “Keep Yourself Together.”
From a spiritual point of you, holding yourself together is impossible. While the world may call followers of Jesus weak, he is the crutch which props believers up, Matthew 11:28-30. Sure, faith inspires action, James 2:26, but Jesus is the glue that ultimately holds people together. Despite resembling cracked vases composed of clay, Jesus is the only substitute which makes people whole, 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. If you want a permanent solution, Jesus is the answer, John 14:6.
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