Building walls of protection is nothing new. The Berlin Wall, Great Wall of China and Western Wall in Israel were established as defense mechanisms. These structures served as a hiding place as well as a refuge, either to keep enemies out or prevent other civilians from corrupting the ideology shared by those who call this places home.
Beyond the vision of a human eye, another wall exists. This one surrounds the heart, protecting individuals from becoming vulnerable, hurt or both. The greater the pain from the past, the larger the barrier erected. Like a facade, unveiling what lies behind this inclosure isn’t easy. Layer by layer must be removed carefully or else souls will clam up, refusing to convey genuine concerns, emotions or thoughts.
According to a famous prophet, the heart is a mysterious organ, Jeremiah 17:9-10. Regardless of how cautious someone is, when the heart speaks don’t be surprised by what you hear. Deceitfulness has taken hearts captive, a condition that is beyond cure. Therefore, if famous historic walls could speak, sin might be the topic of conversation. In view of this grave condition, set your heart on things above, Colossians 3:1-3, so that hell will wear off as heaven takes center stage.
One of my favorite Vince Lombardi’s quote is”Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” However, if Vince’s team, the Green Bay Packers, did not respond to the vision he cast, Super Bowls would have been lost and his fame erased from history. In a flash, when success is not achieved, songs of praise and promises often turn toward doubt and in football cries for FIRE the coach escalate.
At the pinnacle of the Egyptian Empire, a new king forget what Joseph had done to save their citizens from 7 years of famine, Exodus 1:8-10. Thus, 400 years of slavery ensued. Once finally freed, the Jews witnessed of one the greatest miracles ever recorded, Psalm 106:9-11. A spontaneous celebration of singing praises to God followed, inspiring a new devout belief. Nonetheless, as time widdled away, promises of faith faded from the memories of those who saw the Red Sea part in two.
Not much has changed since the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. People still experience a roller coaster of emotions, drawing near to God, then falling away. Perhaps, there is a lesson from the past, one which involves clinging to the promises of God. Despite what you may endure, fight through or see, God’s faithfulness never ceases, Psalm 106:8. Since the Lord does not let go, press on to sing songs of praise like the apostle Paul in Acts 16:26, until the power of the Holy Spirit breaks through any walls of doubt that remain.
On June 9th, 1984, Time After Time, the second single released from Cindi Lauper’s “She’s So Unusual” album hit #1 on the Billboard Top 100 Charts. Thirty years later, these lyrics still speaks to individuals searching for forgiveness, patience or mercy. Whether you’re a parent like me, a friend struggling to understand a wayward soul or reminiscing about brighter days, these words provide hope.
One day, a music director began to experience flash backs, like a scene from Back to the Future. However, in this case, God was reminding Asaph about Israel’s days in Egypt. Based upon the length of Psalm 78, this vivid vision brought understanding to 400 years of slavery. Upon reaching freedom, Israel became like a misguided child unable to break bad habits, falling prey to the same sins time after time. Despite their actions, God withheld his wrath, forgiving, time after time, Psalm 78:36-38.
Today, an unforgiving world, constantly reminding you of past transgressions makes it difficult to believe that an unseen Creator can actually wipe your slate clean. Despite how many times you’ve failed in life, the Lord demonstrates unconditional love, Psalm 103:11-12. In view of this truth, don’t let this opportunity slip away. Rather, practice James 5:16 daily so that like Cindi Lauper’s song, God will forgive time after time.
Usually, I have a tendency to ask God, “why me” when troubles arise. Yet, as I was worshiping the Lord in song this morning, I received a brief reply. Like a snap shot or vision, my afflictions of the past and present occur so that these trials can be eclipsed by God’s glory.
The first major affliction I endured arrived on graduation day, when one of my best friends from high school was diagnosed with cancer. When her cancer went into remission 1 year later, I breathed a deep sigh of relief until it returned to take Maureen’s life abruptly. Without experiencing this hardship, I probably would have become a golf course architect, my concentration in college, instead of entering youth ministry.
My second malady was self inflicted, on a golf course while attempting to earn my players card to become a certified P.G.A. professional. I hit 26 out of 36 greens in regulation, 22 out of 28 fairways and played the hardest hole 1 under par through 2 rounds. Somewhere in the spiritual realm, strange acts of nature kept by ball from going in the hole, especially when I 3 and 4 putted the same hole, missing my card by 2 shots. Yet, this epic failure prompted me to become a high school Bible teacher for a decade.
Finally, losing my teaching position in 2012 was a tough blow to my confidence and ego. However, from the ashes of despair, God carried me until I was ready for my next assignment. As I start this new adventure on Tuesday with Amazon, I don’t know what the future holds. Nonetheless, whether, good, bad or indifferent, any afflictions I suffer will surely be eclipsed by God’s glory.
The visual learner inside of human beings often struggle to believe in things that they can’t see. Words are meaningless unless an image, thought or vision appears. Sometimes a picture from God is what individuals are waiting for to breathe hope and life into their soul.
When the Lord slashed Gideon’s army from 22,000 to 300 men, he had his doubts about achieving victory. To calm these fears, God provided a picture of success in Judges 7:9-15. Peter had a similar experience in Luke 5:1-11. As a professional fishermen, Peter wasn’t one to withhold his opinion. However, after a humbling night on the water, a new kid on the block brought Peter to his knees, Luke 5:8. These pictures from above empowered these followers to reach heights they never imagined.
Although its not mentioned, the men of Issachar likely received snapshots from the Holy Spirit. While the world was distracted, these godly leaders stayed the course, keeping in step with the Lord, 1 Chronicles 12:32. Today, this country and the world needs someone who understands the times. May a picture from God engrave minds set on fulfilling Romans 12:2 so that the lost have someone to follow back home.
Back in January, days before my sledding accident, I had planned on giving up watching television during Lent. I was going through one of those phases in life where I sought to make history, not watch it happen. Thus, I pressed on to complete the writing on my second movie script, Behind the Devil’s Door. Everything was moving forward as schedule until that one fateful day, January 29th.
My initial rib injury prevented me from sleeping more than an hour or so at a time, leaving me exhausted, unable to receive the rest I needed. Ten days later, the force of a sneeze at work altered the blood flow of my internal bleeding, unknown to me, leading to several weeks of bed rest after a 4 day visit to the hospital. Distraught, I took the advice of a relative who suggested to relax and enjoy the 2014 Winter Olympics which had just begun. Beside listening to music, reading and writing, I didn’t have many options stuck in my downstairs recliner to avoid steps.
I don’t care if you have 1000 channels to observe daily, sooner or later you’ll be bored out of your mind, never fully satisfied by the entertainment on the big screen. As a relatively active person, staying idle at home left me craving something more meaningful in life. After watching the entire first season of Joan of Arcadia, I became restless longing for traces of God in Hollywood, but I was left disappointed. To fill this void, I won’t be satisfied until the vision God has given me for my second script is complete, Philippians 1:6.
What vision or dream has God given you? Please leave a comment.
I’m beginning to think that life is like a journey across the Ocean. Some days the sky is sunny, waves timid and the winds calm, allowing you to coast without any worries. Yet, without any warning, storms develop out of no where, rocking your world, forming days of trouble.
A few weeks ago, I was on cloud nine, enjoying my seasonal position, optimistic that I would likely receive a full time position in this department. Today, I’m like the sail boat in Robert Redford’s latest film, All is Lost, slowly sinking to the bottom of the sea. My perspective has drastic changed, just hoping to get back to work, waiting to be medically cleared to return. During my days of trouble, the weather appears isolated, a slight drizzle overhead with a dense fog blinding my vision of the future.
Psalm 27:5 recounts the trials King David endured before the Lord fulfilled his promise in 1 Samuel 16:13. On the run, fleeing the wrath of King Saul and dwelling in a cave wasn’t exactly how David pictured his journey to the throne. Despite the heartache one experiences in the days of trouble, God has promised to provide shelter from these storms. As the flood waters rise, place your feet of the rock and God will keep you safe until the days of trouble pass.
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.
As a child, everyone has moments where one day dreams of an ideal career, goal or vision of a bright future. Something about the energy of youth, inspires one to climb the ladder of success, striving to be the best you can be. Unfortunately, somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, a Debbie downer, glass half empty person or realist brings you back to earth by reminding you of all the obstacles standing in your way. It is here, where imagination becomes imprisoned, held captive by fear.
On the corner of Average and Great, at the crossroads in life, choices dictate the path you follow. Will failure lead you to turn around toward the Lane of Shame? Does money inhabit your chances to reach for the stars? Or do you suffer from paralysis by analysis, standing on the curb, still trying to decide? My imagination has designed 2 dozen golf courses, composed nearly 20 songs, several games, a complete movie script and a novel in the works. However, currently, my imagination is in captivity, with a few disks, documents and notebooks full of potential, yet void of success.
At these moments in life, one must call on the wisdom of Solomon, 1 Kings 3:4-9. If I am to rescued from these chains, I need God to send me wise men or women to show me how to display the potential I possess. When patience is tested like Abraham, waiting 18 years for God to give his wife a child, the true heart of man is exposed. If Thomas Edison can attempt 9,999 ways how not to make a light bulb, I guess I can endure a few more days, weeks, months or years in captivity. May God grant me a spirit of perseverance so that one glimmer of hope will lead to a spiritual light within me for the world to see. In my mind, I can see freedom, faith and a finished product. Until then, “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!”
In their theme song, Movin’ On Up, 2 African Americans elude to their struggles to achieve the American Dream. As the lyrics below indicate, George and Louise Jefferson worked their way up from poverty to the upper middle class. This 70’s sitcom served as a spin off of All in the Family, lasting 11 seasons with an impressive total of 253 episodes.
Movin’ On Up
Well we’re movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up,
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.
Fish don’t fry in the kitchen;
Beans don’t burn on the grill.
Took a whole lotta tryin’,
Just to get up that hill.
Now we’re up in the big leagues,
Gettin’ our turn at bat.
As long as we live, it’s you and me baby,
There ain’t nothin wrong with that.
Well we’re movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up,
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.
For the average middle class family in America, times have gotten tough and if the recent down turn in the economy is any indication, its only going to get worse. Like the Jefferson’s, I have big dreams for a deluxe apartment in the sky, yet I currently find myself as a lowly peon. When you start over or begin a new job, you’re at the bottom, looking up at everyone else. To accomplish your goals, you have to stand out, Philippians 2:14-15, going above and beyond the basic expectations of your employer.
Although you might feel like Cinderella at times, lost and forgotten, you must possess faith like the Jeffersons, Matthew 21:21-22. Their vision for a better life didn’t happen over night, they had to work for it. Thus, the next time you feel like you’re not where you want to be, bear down by trusting in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6. Aim yourself with the attitude of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1-2 and the desires of your heart will be within reach, Jeremiah 29:11. Keep the faith!
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