There are moments in life when God reminds you, “you’re not as young as you use to be!” On Monday, an Evil Knievel like accident tubing brought me to my knees, lying in pain and waiting for an ambulance to take me to the hospital. In a flash, the ability to walk vanished as I was placed a stretcher with a neck brace, helpless as this reality set in.
More embarrassed than anything, I had 5 hours to contemplate how this injury might impact my life. Paralyzed by fear, I began to quote verses from the Bible as each came to my mind. Although still in pain, a sense of peace calmed my nerves, causing a spirit of optimism to enter my soul. While seconds slowly ticked away, I began to feel my back every couple of minutes to determine a diagnosis.
By the 4 hour mark of waiting in a hallway, the doctor in me narrowed my injury to my ribs, kidney and or spleen. Anxiously hoping for an x-ray, I was set free from my back and neck brace as the drugs kicked in, erasing most of the pain. However, I was still a hurdle away from being released and given a clean bill of health. Despite falling 3 feet, crashing into a table and shattering it to pieces, I came home late Monday night with a welt on my right side. Within this 911 emergency, only the power of God can take credit for a miraculous recovery from this stupid incident.
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.
Whether its a person, place or thing, when you make an emotional connection, experience a breath taking view or recognize an unique talent, a special place opens up in your heart. I can recall moments in life when I went to a conference, attended a retreat or met someone on vacation that I never knew, yet an instant connection occurred. Like twins separated from birth, a long lost cousin you never met or divine intervention, there are certain types of people who click with your personality. Despite a lack of history, some aspect, character or trait unites 2 souls together, making an emotional connection.
Last January, my wife and I returned to the place of our honeymoon for the first time, Palm Springs, California. Yes, any day as a newly wed is special, but the landscape of the desert, mountains and vegetation of this region became etched into my mind. Whether you’re visiting Hidden Canyon in the Joshua Tree National Forest, taking the Aerial Tram to the top of the mountains overlooking Palm Springs or hiking along the trails in Indian Canyons, there is so much to do in this section of California. One week isn’t enough to see the sights with golf destinations, shopping and of course the Salton Sea to explore.
Finally, if you are teachable, every now and then God will reveal to you a gift you never knew you had. Periodically I dabbled into forms of writing beginning with poetry. From here I moved on to song writing and short stories as well as trying to write articles for various publications. While serving as a journalist for Travel Golf Media for 2 and a half years, I began to ponder my connection with writing. What I’ve learned is that when I take the time to be still, reflect and put into words what you’ve feeling and thinking, a sense of peace fills your soul. Thus, this emotional connection with writing continues to stir my heart, inspiring me to be a faithful writer for Express Yourself 4 Him. May you encounter several good emotional connections in 2014. Have a blessed day!
In life, every day is not consistent, filled with irregularities which overshadow normal conditions. When individuals expect a certain behavior from a co-worker or friend, based upon previous interactions, the ebb and flow of emotions inside the human soul can result in disappointment. Instead, life is filled with unpredictable moments, where hearts and minds are swayed by evil to participate in illogical acts, Galatians 5:16-21. These conflicting actions often create friction, like a wall of separation, Ephesians 4:26-27, leaving a trail of broken relationships, hurt feelings and lost trust in its aftermath.
Meanwhile, periods of love, joy and peace can be turned upside down by breaches in conventional thinking. Right is confused with wrong, absolutes have become gray areas and morals are now equivalent to opinions, with truth no where to be found. As a result, citizens have wandered off the straight and narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, opting for crooked, twisted and unethical practices. Thus, a generation of amoral people have been formed, misled by the inconsistency’s and irregularities of life. This group are merely victims of society, like the Cretans of the Bible who were never shown a clear distinction between moral and immoral ways, Titus 3:1-11.
The words of James, Jesus’ half brother, serve as spiritual medicine to cure a sick mind. James 1:2-7 speaks to times when the inconsistency’s and irregularities occur in life. Perspective is crucial to staying optimistic during unexpected trials. People with changed attitudes, transformed by a faith rooted in prayer, can stay afloat, regardless of how strong the winds of change blow. Therefore, if you can learn to embrace life’s inconsistency’s and irregularities, God will fill you with perseverance to ride out each storm you encounter. May God provide you with the wisdom you need to endure the whitecaps of life.
Julie Gold wrote the song From A Distance after receiving the piano she played as a kid for a 30th Birthday gift. When the movers informed her not to play it for 24 hours due to the cold conditions during the shipping process, this anticipation inspired the lyrics to the 1990 hit sung by Bette Midler. From a Distance holds a certain sentimental value in my heart as it was the “theme song” to the first week long mission trip I ever attended. During a hot summer week on St. John’s Island, South Carolina, I served on the worship team as the male vocalist, singing the chorus of From A Distance to close out each evening. Although Julie Gold intended to construct a song about the way things seem and the way things actually are, she touches on an important biblical teaching.
Known as the Matthew 18 principle, Jesus introduces readers to how to properly handle any sort of grievance you may have against another person within Matthew 18:15-18. When an agreement is made between 2 parties, God is watching, serving as a witness from a distance according to Matthew 18:19-20. In other words, if a handshake is made to settle a previous conflict, God serves as an invisible notary to bind 2 individuals to resolve their matter once and for all. Unfortunately, modern worship leaders are changing the context of this passage, adding worship into this equation, twisting scripture to make it say what they belief. When you reflect upon Julie Gold’s lyrics in From A Distance, one is steered back in the right direction, freed from heresy that exists in modern day churches.
The words of the final stanza are posted below.
From a distance You look like my friend Even though we are at war From a distance I just cannot comprehend What all this fightings for From a distance There is harmony And it echoes through the land And its the hope of hopes Its the love of loves Its the heart of every man
Beneath the surface, friendships are tested daily by envy, selfishness and regretful words spoken in the heat of the moment. As long there is a willingness to comply with the regulations and standards mentioned with Matthew 18, peace is attainable. However, the minute someone holds a grudge, refuses to let go of the pain deep inside their soul and give the devil a foot hold by going to sleep angry, hope disappears. In view of this, remember that God is watching, from a distance, urging the world to forgive others as Christ Jesus forgave you, Colossians 3:12-15.
Beginning in the early1950’s, the Peanuts Comic Strip became a main stay in American newspapers. As the popularity of Charles Schultz’s creation grew, television brought this animation to life in the 1960’s, known as the golden era of Peanuts. By the 1980’s, holidays and Charlie Brown specials became an annual tradition for families. This is where children first saw Lucy pull back a football that Charlie Brown was about to kick, causing him to fall to the ground in anguish. Thus, the expression, “Good grief Charlie Brown” was born.
Today, there is a different kind of pain parent’s experience. Unrelated to sports, this infliction is derived when their own children begin to date individuals who have a questionable reputation. Despite their initial warning, teenagers have a mind of their own, often neglecting the advice of mom or dad. Blinded by love, lust or self-fulfillment, most proceed into a relationship, doing whatever it takes to love or be loved. In many cases, a person blends into this new environment, compromising who they are and want to be. As a result, I can hear adults mutter, “Good grief, Charlie Brown!”
According to Genesis 26:34-35, Esau’s choice in a wife, Judith the Hittite caused Isaac and Rebekah great distress. Instead of seeking someone with a similar beliefs, standards, and values, Esau goes outside of God’s family. Although her physical appearance is not mentioned, its likely that Esau choose external features over character. Like distant relatives, Esau’s decision to marry a Hittite leads him away from God’s favor, corrupted by a nation full of idols. Once stuck in this relationship, the only barometer left was his conscience, “good grief Esau!” Unfortunately, its too late for those who are gone, dead and buried. Yet, for those of you still clinging to life, break free of sin’s chains so that you will bring peace and not grief to your family.
The imagery of the Old Testament uses mountains as the place where God resides. The book of Exodus refers to Moses’ skin as sunburned and windburned after exiting God’s presence in the mountains. However, there is something unique about mountains, often glanced over by those who read the Bible for the first time. According to Genesis 12:6-8, Abram builds the first altars, one in the place where God first revealed himself and the other up in the hill country between Bethel and Ai. It was on this mountain, where Abram called on the name of the Lord for the first time.
Unfortunately, this mountain top experience didn’t last long as Abram quickly turns to his old self, lying to save his own life. Since Moses wrote down the accounts of Abram well after his death, there isn’t any details like Jesus’ prayer with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26:36-46. One can only speculate what Abram said to God as he returned in Genesis 13:3-4. Confession is a given, acknowledging his wrong thinking and asking God to provide daily bread for the remainder of the famine is likely as well. Nonetheless, this mountain held sentimental value. This was the place where Abram first began his personal relationship with God.
From a modern sense, Christian’s have a certain church, retreat center, city or place where they first met Jesus. Whenever believers lose their way, its vital to return to this place so that one can reconnect with God. Despite all of our shortcomings, God longs to spend time with his children. Therefore, before the summer comes to an end, go back to the mountain, to the place where you first met Jesus. May this journey bring peace to your soul!
An innocent child folds their hands in the dark, calling out to an invisible God, waiting for a reply. As years go on, this teenager places a condition on their request, “if only my parents could get back together, then I will believe?” Once college begins, this student is bombarded with Communism, Marxism and Political Correctness, pondering in the back of their minds, “how can I know sure, what is real and what is a facade?”
Like a locomotive, times steams down the tracks of life. Adulthood brings responsibility, bills, more bills and potentially children. This adult now wrestles with balance, questioning if they have done enough to provide for their family without neglecting their loved ones. Before you know, times vanishes, leaving a glimpse of your glory days, pondering retirement and beyond. Finally, on your death bed, as you breathe your last breaths on earth, you ask one more time, “how can I know for sure that God is real?”
This question was first asked by Abram in Genesis 15:8 as his life wasn’t working out as he had hoped or planned. His wife Sarai had not be able to bear any children, he was nearing 80 and despite being able to talk to God face to face in the mountains, Abram still had doubt in the back of his mind. The disciples had similar concerns in John 14:1-4, as Jesus reveals his plans to go ahead to heaven, preparing rooms for his followers. Finally, the one whom Jesus loved, leaves one final piece of assurance. The promise of 1 John 5:13 should provide the confidence you need as you fall asleep this evening in peace, knowing there is a God and you can spend eternity with Him, Romans 10:9-10.
When you don’t get the grade, ruling or outcome that you expect in life, frustration rears its ugly head. In the moments following the verdict on the death of Trayvon Martin, horrific tweets, riots and protests took center stage in the media. Instead of peace and satisfaction, the African American community felt betrayed, expecting a different outcome. In the end, Trayvon is gone, the jury has spoken and its time to move on.
On August 28th, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous I have a dream speech. As I read through his text today, I am compelled to move people toward solutions and steer clear of holding grudges. Dr. King spoke about brotherhood, embracing all of God’s children and judging people by the content of their character. Unfortunately, too many individuals still see issues in black and white instead of being one nation under God. Honor Dr. King by being a vessel of action, changing our culture with a Christ like faith, Matthew 19:26.
One of my favorite songs comes from the artist Geoff Moore & the Distance. In the lyrics of Through It from his 1999 album, Geoff sings about the trials people face in life. As the chorus goes, “sometimes, we need to go through the fire, to move beyond the obstacles staring us in the face.” While it will take some time for Trayvon’s mother and family to let go of the pain they are feeling, the rest of our nation must move on. There is only one judge, who we will all stand before on Judgment Day, Matthew 12:36, to judge the innocent and guilty. Until this day, let us strive to fulfill Dr. King’s dream by applying biblical principles.
One of my favorite movie lines comes from the 2005 documentary End of the Spear. Based on the true story of Operation Auca, Jim Elliott and 4 other missionary’s lose their life trying to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Waodani, a dangerous tribe from Ecuador. Violence had prevented these men and women from ever becoming grandparents. However, once their fearless leader, Mincayani embraces a new found faith, “this vicious cycle is stopped through peace, not by the end of the spear.”
The author of Psalm 128 shares a similar message. Inside this short chapter, you will find an outline for blessings and prosperity. Verse 1 claims fearing the Lord will lead you toward God’s ways. If this advice is adhered to, you will experience the abundance within the flood gates of heaven, Malachi 3:10. Yet, many still struggle with surrounding their entire lives to Christ, holding things back like Achan in Joshua 7. As a result of partial acts of disobedience, many Christian’s are failing to live the abundant life which Jesus promises in John 10:10. Instead, mediocrity reigns, leaving disappointment and unfulfilled expectations behind.
In my own life, I sense a time in the future when I could possibly become a grandparent. While my parent’s worked hard for 40 years to achieve a better life in retirement, my generation may not be as fortunate. The economy, inflation and societal demands has erased the life savings of many. Yet, one thing the desperate can cling to is a grandparent’s prayer, “and may you live to see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel,” Psalm 128:6.
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