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.
On earth, travel agencies will try to convince clients of a sweet deal, hidden gem or destination that will change your life. As spring approaches, television commercials will display eye popping images as states hope your summer plans include a family vacation to one their resorts. While memories can be forever etched into your mind, the thought of work quickly snaps individuals back to reality, ending any memorable getaway.
From a spiritual perspective, people may recall the place they got baptized, the church they were married in or a retreat center where they met God for the first time. Inside a sanctuary, family’s tend to gravitate toward their favorite pew, stare at magnificent stain glass windows or recall taking their first communion. According to Exodus 29:37, the altar made for the Tent of Meeting possessed supernatural powers, making those priests who touched it holy. While not the Tent of Meeting, the altar at a church in Friendship, Maryland changed my life forever.
During my senior year of college, I was asked to serve on a Lay Witness Mission team for a church seeking to revive its congregation. My role was to be a small group leader for the youth group and its college students, sharing how God had made a difference in my life. Usually, one of the leaders was asked to share part of their faith journey, a snapshot of their life. On Saturday night, our leader Ken told me that I would be speaking to the entire congregation Sunday morning. Caught off guard, my initial instinct was fear, pondering, “how can someone who stutters speak for 15 minutes?”
Subsequently, I was led to pray, asking the Holy Spirit and my roommate to clue me in on what God wanted me to say to several hundred strangers. Tossing and turning, I was reminded of a song that I brought, called The Altar. Studying the lyrics in my mind, a vision for my first sermon was conceived, drifting me off into a peaceful sleep. As I made my closing remarks, I gave an altar call, inviting anyone who was touched by the Holy Spirit to come to the altar while I played Ray Boltz’s song.
To my amazement, one college student literally ran to the altar as soon as the song began. Others quickly, followed, filling up the semi-circle shaped altar in front of the pulpit. When the music ended, people were standing in line, waiting to kneel at the altar. Elders and leaders of the church began to lay hands on those crying, quietly whispering words up to heaven on their behalf. As I joined the congregation following my message, the senior pastor shared a few words, summarizing these amazing events of this 3 day event, encouraging people to continue lay their burdens up to Jesus at the altar, Matthew 11:28. On earth, there are countless wonders of the world, but for me, I will never forget this day when lives were changed forever at the altar.
Looking back at the core principles my parents taught me, I learned 3 things lived out by my father: discipline, hard work and honoring the Sabbath. As a son of an immigrant, my dad persevered as he learned English, eventually becoming a Ivy League student before entering the military. His service to this country in the Army reinforced these attributes while his Roman Catholic background instilled in him a wholehearted effort to attend church wherever he was and whatever else he was doing.
Although the jealous may give circumstance or luck the credit, its clear that his successful career in sales, nice house at the beach and extended health is directly related to Matthew 6:33. When an individual begins to seek God first by worshiping the Lord Sunday, starting each day in prayer or studying the Bible, these acts get God’s attention. If these selfless acts continue with the right motives, the promise of daily bread and other blessings follow. Sure, maybe my dad didn’t earn as much as he desired or reached the position of his dreams, but I see the fruits of his labor today.
While far from being perfect, I am trying to pass the baton to my own children so that they too may live a life of discipline, hard work and keeping God’s day holy. Though the hypocrite in me may steer my kids off course from time to time, I can’t help but cling to Jesus promise within Matthew 6:33. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteous and all these things (life, food, drink, clothes and health) will be given to you as well.” Before 2014 speeds up too fast that you can’t catch up, take some time to slow down, Psalm 46:10, so that the hope of Matthew 6:33 may find you and your family.
Depending upon one’s worldview, the beliefs you develop will reflect how you see the world. Thus, one religion might view a suicide bombing as a righteous act. Meanwhile, someone who saves a whale is deemed a hero. On the other hand, a similar attempt to save an unborn child’s life might result in persecution, earning a reputation as a bigot. Either the world has been turned upside down or worldviews have poisoned the minds of this generation.
Humans tend to form their opinions based upon personal experiences. The more someone encounters attitudes, behaviors and ethics, ideals slowly take hold, shaping the individual as they absorb the world around them. Therefore, the adults, fatherly figures and leaders one comes into contact with on a daily basis will influence who children become. Whether its the music they hear, shows they watch or conservations they observe, all play a factor. If a mind is a beautiful thing to waste, warped worldviews is a major reason why the world appears to be turned upside down.
Jesus faced a similar crowd early in the first century. When Pharisees placed so many regulations on the Sabbath, their hearts turned cold toward healings Jesus performed on the Lord’s day. Instead of rejoicing, the zealots forgot what being a follower of God was all about. This convoluted belief blinded many of these religious leaders from seeing Jesus for who he was, the son of God. However, if someone like Nicodemus can be transformed from a Pharisee in John 3 into one of 2 people not afraid to bury Jesus in John 19:38-42, then our minds can also change today. Help play a role in changing the world right side up, one mind at a time.
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