Inside a coffee grinder, beans are crushed, pounded and smashed into submission until the process is complete. Sometimes circumstances in life performs a similar act on individuals, grinding and pressing people until their energy is sapped. Drained, exhausted and spent, my joy for living has been misplaced by a sea of despair.
Perhaps anguish is the guilty party, sucking souls of contentment, fun and thanksgiving. Despite being known as a man after God’s own heart, 1 Samuel 16:7, David wasn’t exempt from this emotional state. Psalm 31:10 expresses the toll the grind of life takes on the human body.
Lately, my faith has been void of joy, left behind during my healthier days when work was something I took for granted. If you take James 2:26 literally, you can’t have one without the other. Thus, joy is a byproduct of faith, a fruit inspired by the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. Like the Samaritan woman, I need to go to the well of living water, John 4:10, so that the grind of life doesn’t crumble my faith. If you’re thirsty for something more in life, absorb the words of Jesus in John 4:13-14.
The events of today can only be explained as a God instance, leading me to center of God’s will for a moment in time. Stir crazy from not being cleared to go back to work yet, I spent 2 hours spring cleaning, purging my lame wardrobe. After running an errand, I felt compelled to find a quiet restaurant to read and write for a while. What followed next is best described as a Happy Meal at McDonald’s.
After enjoying a small treat from the dollar menu, I began reading a few chapters of the Bible, jotting down interesting details. Before I started my prayer journal, a stranger approached with a few questions. Noticing my Bible, his curiosity led to an hour long conversation. Fifteen minutes later, a bystander joined the fray, adding to what I had begun. To my surprise, this passionate woman was the mother of one of my former students. When she departed, our discussion continued, reflecting on the temptations in life.
Although the conclusion wasn’t earth shattering, a seed was planted in a heart whose soul has been influenced by the hypocrisy of Christian leaders. In life, God doesn’t force anyone to believe. Rather, the apostle Paul suggests individuals are surrounded by visible and invisible qualities of a higher power, Romans 1:18-20. Thus, anyone who is longing for a deeper meaning to life should start by soaking in the words of Christ, Romans 10:17, so that one day their minds will be renewed. If you’re thinking about driving through or ordering take out, you might miss an encounter of a lifetime. Therefore, slow down, kneel and ask the Holy Spirit for the words to share as you dine out.
Whether you want to admit it or not, everyone has 3 things in common with Humpty Dumpty. First, at some point in time, you’ll find yourself living on the edge, trying to hang on or stay in control. Second, you will experience a great fall, either physically, spiritually or both. Finally, you’ll discover what it means to be helpless, needing someone else to put you back together.
In Psalm 31:12, King David compares himself to a piece of broken pottery, shattered into pieces. The apostle Paul found himself in a similar predicament, using a jar of clay to illustrate the emotions he endured, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9. C.S. Lewis referred to life as a car in Mere Christianity, trying to run on something other than petroleum, eventually breaking down since individuals didn’t follow the directions left behind by God. Before you get well, you must acknowledge that you can’t do it on your own, in need of a Savior to stitch you back together, John 3:16-17.
Behind childhood fairy tales like Humpty Dumpty lie painful truths. Solomon highlights this in Ecclesiastes 4:10 as friends are designed to pick us up when we fall. Without somebody to turn to, pity reigns on these poor souls. Therefore, if you’re hanging by a thread, lying in pain and waiting to be helped up, cry out to Jesus and He will put you back together, Luke 23:42-43.
Earlier today, I began to feel like Job, pondering when my recent streak of trials will end. While attending a friend’s concert this evening, enjoying the Raymond Lee Band, I sensed an answer coming from the Holy Spirit. If victories out numbered losses, individuals would not learn essential life lessons. Therefore, God allows losses to outweigh victories in life so that humility produces teachable moments.
As I read the book of Psalms, it appears King David does more complaining than celebrating. In the tough times. people are forced into a corner, revealing their true character. Behind the sadness and tears, rough circumstances leads troubled souls to trust in the Lord. Without failure. you don’t truly appreciate the good things in life.
Perhaps, this is the main message of James 1:2-4. After the storms of life fade from the horizon, souls are left to pick up the pieces. Subsequently, wisdom is gained through maturity and perseverance. Winning is nice, but sometimes victory hides flaws and imperfections. Thus, the Lord places losses in life more than victories so that Jesus’ power might be displayed in our weaknesses, 2 Corinthians 12:9.
As the summer of 1975 draw to a close, Aerosmith released their classic hit Walk This Way just before Labor Day Weekend. When vinyl was king, this second single from the album Toys in the Attic was re-released a year later in November as popularity grew reaching as high as Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Essentially, this song written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry brought Aerosmith into the mainstream during the 1970’s and revitalized the band’s comeback in the 80’s. From a high school loser to a taste of success, these lyrics struck a common cord with American’s, able to relate this song to life.
From the fall of 1999 thru early 2002, I spent time working as a staff writer for Travel Golf Media, now known as Travelgolf.com. Every winter I was sent books, product or videos to review, then write an article based upon my experience as a former golf professional. One of my favorite assignments was pretending to know nothing about golf, starting from scratch. The goal was to watch each of the 3 videos in the set, apply the lessons on a course or practice facility for a week and give an accurate assessment of the teacher’s instructions. Although frustrating, I was learning to walk and talk like an infant picking up a golf club for the first time.
In the decade that followed, my role changed from giving solid advice about golf to spiritual insight on life. Unfortunately, the older people get, the more set they become in their ways, unwilling to consider honest critiques. In fact, as a former Bible teacher, I’ve learned that certain forms of entertainment, hobbies or pastimes are sacred. A mere suggestion of error, flaw or inaccuracy often provoked explosive debates in class as if I was attacking their little brother or sister. Therefore, I tried to be more subtle, quoting verses like Psalm 26:3, Proverbs 27:19 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, letting the Bible do the talking for me. May these words from the Bible convince the unstable to walk and talk like Jesus, 1 John 2:6.
As I was struggling to fall asleep, the following acronym popped into my head: Previous Accidents Impacting Nerves. With 2 broken ribs, a lacerated liver and lungs still not functioning as they should, pain is something I must overcome if I want my health to be restored fully. Unfortunately, pain often influences individuals in a negative manner, leading to changed attitudes, behavior and unhealthy patterns.
For instance, once a solider completes his or her tour of duty, no one fully understands the hell they endured except for their squadron or team. Thus, when the John Rambo’s of America’s armed services return home, fitting in takes time and for some, adjusting to the spoiled brats of today’s culture never happens. Nightmares depict a living video game, without a happy ending or reset button to start life over.
Meanwhile, pain is something a husband and wife can never fully grasp once a decision to divorce fatally wounds the souls of their children. Blaming themselves, many youth across this country cry themselves to sleep, praying that mom and dad will change their mind. The unborn child doesn’t receive a voice, discarded in dumpsters daily as mothers can only think of what could have been. Pain is not a pleasant topic to address, yet without tackling these issues people of faith won’t learn to endure hardship as they should, 2 Timothy 2:3-5. As previous accidents impact your own nerves, come to Jesus for relief, nurturing your soul as you cope with these ongoing pains, Matthew 11:28-30.
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 the game of chess, there is the Touch-Move Rule which states a player must move any piece once they touch it. Despite any miscalculation or mistake, a player must finish their move with this piece regardless of their initial motives. This rule is strictly enforced and maintains a sense of integrity during each game of chess.
In the game of life, a similar rule applies, known as Cause and Effect. For any action take, there are consequences that follow. Good decisions often lead to blessings and or rewards. On the other hand, ill-advised decisions tend to result in harm, punishment and trials. Like the apostle Paul points out in his letter to the church at Galatia, you reap what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8.
Touching things of righteousness moves individuals closer to eternity. Yet, immaturity can lure people away from faith, essentially crucifying Jesus over and over again, Hebrews 6:1-6. One touch of an apple by Eve moved mankind into a fallen world, now filled with Turkish Delights, James 1:14-15. If there is any hope for the future, one must learn from the past, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, to flee from modern temptations, 1 Peter 2:11. Keep in touch with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25 and you will move beyond the game of chess, by entering into eternity.
If any of you are a parent or grand parent, perhaps you shake your head as I do watching teens stare at their game systems and cell phones instead of engage in an actual conversation. Beside sending your kids outside to play, I’m afraid this generation is being led by the spirit of technology. Sure, the technology misfits like me need their oldest to get most gadgets around the house to work, but isn’t there something parents can do to develop healthy communication skills?
Before ascending to heaven, Acts 1:9-11, Jesus promised to send a counselor to guide people through life. While Pentecostals often make the mistake of limiting the Spirit of God to spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, the apostles provide clues to become driven by the Holy Spirit. Philip kept his head up after hearing the Holy Spirit’s still small voice in Acts 8:29, eventually leading an Egyptian to faith in Christ. Meanwhile, Paul sensed in his heart to avoid visiting Asia on a missionary journey as God’s Spirit kept him from entering their cities, Acts 16:7.
One of the greatest clues left behind is found in Galatians 5. Inside each human being, there is a war between good and evil as the acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21 battle fruits of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. As modern technology drives souls to feed their fleshly desires, an invisible forces seeks to intervene, urging individuals to stay on the course of faith. The key to overcoming today’s technology driven culture is found in Galatians 5:25. By tuning into God, with eyes and ears alert and open, the apostle Paul suggests you can keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if you emulate this spiritual practice, you will provide a blue print for loved ones to become Spirit led, not technology driven.
As the 2014 Winter Olympics begin Friday, February 7th in Sochi, Russia, I am reminded of the drama previous events have delivered. Whether it’s a human interest story, someone rising to the challenge of stiff competition or the 1980 United States Hockey Team who came out of no where to defeat the U.S.S.R. and earn a gold medal one game later. Thus, as viewers tune in from all over the world to watch next weekend, who will be the next star, who shocks their fellow competitors with one shining moment of gold.
Looking back on my not so allustrious athletic career, most of the sports I played in high school were held off sight in a relatively obscure locations like local golf courses and State Parks. The only sport I participated in with bleachers was swimming, my weakest talent by far. Yes, my 200 Individual Medal Relay did earn a bronze medal at the 1986 State Meet held at the University of Delaware’s pool, but my lack of speed cost us the gold. Yet, in one of my last high school races as a senior, God moved me to swim faster than I ever had before. Despite dabbling in butterfly, back and free style, the 100 yard breast was my strongest stroke and race.
Leading our arch rival Brandywine by a point heading into the final 2 events, I was facing a cross town swimmer who was 1 second faster on average throughout the season. Typically, the number 1 swimmer swam the inside lanes, a little faster than the 2 outside lanes due to the wake splashing back into swimmers. However, just before stepping on the starting block, their top breast stroker switched lanes to shadow me in lane 1. After 25 yards I was slightly behind, pulling even by the halfway mark. Since the bleachers were right on top of lane 1, I began to hear a roar from lane 2 as I approached the final turn. The noise of the crowd, filled me adrenaline, causing me to go faster and faster as I touched the final wall, finish line. As I looked up, the noise was deafening as members of the final relay applauded my victory by 4 seconds, shattering my PR by 3 seconds. In addition, our other swimmer passed both of Brandywine’s breast strokers in the final 5 yards to earn second and mathematically clinch the win.
As great as this experience felt, there is only one other shining moment that compares. While in college I was asked to help out at a lock-in by my high school swim coach who had become a youth pastor. During the festivities, I was drawn to a kid who was called Satan by his peers. Yeah, he had a mean streak inside of him that was pure evil, but the Holy Spirit moved me to minister to him. Layer by layer, like peeling an onion, God began to show me the defense mechanism that he had created to prevent his heart from being broken again. During an altar call late in the night, I led this young man to invite Jesus into his heart, Romans 10:9-10. Able to fulfill the words of James 5:19-20, I sensed another round of applause, this time from heaven. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who do not repent,” Luke 15:7. May you experience multiple spiritual shining moments in not just during the Olympics, but throughout life.
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