Psalm 51:10-12
10) Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.11) Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.12) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
Our last devotional message entitled “The Power of One”, highlighted the fact that as believers we have the divine responsibility to effect positive change in the world around us. Many may find it difficult to optimize the “Power of One” in our lives because we are focused on the difficulties that we face in everyday life. We forget that the present difficulties we face pale in comparison to the faithfulness that has brought us safe thus far as well as the promises of God regarding this life and he life to come. Perhaps even more striking is our failure to understand that our present blessings are many and that there are multitudes of men, women and children facing challenges we know not of. If we couch our perspective within a construct of self-pity and ingratitude, we can never fully realize the glory of God in our lives. The believer is challenged to perform a daily attitude check, and if necessary make adjustments that more aptly reflect a clean heart and a right spirit before God.
Give. Don’t Give Up!
I find it very difficult to feel sorry for my own state when I am working to elevate others in need. I read recently of an amazing young lady by the name of Deanna. She was diagnosed in 2003 at the age of 10 with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer usually found in children and young adults. Due to several relapses of her disease, there were many return visits to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital from 2003 until 2007. Deanna's incredible determination, infinite faith, and will to live helped her to fight her disease for four long years. She just refused to give up. During those four years of treatments which included a stem cell transplant, she became a well known face to many at the hospital with her charming, positive, and uncompromising attitude. Deanna was a very loving and giving young lady. She worried more about others than she did about herself. Deanna's greatest joy was helping other children with the desire of lifting their spirits. Deanna loved delivering fruit baskets or snack baskets to the families. One of Deanna's favorite gifts for the younger children was a stuffed animal that she personally built for them at Build-A-Bear. The stuffed animal's name on it's birth certificate was the child's name who was the recipient of the gift. On April 9th, 2007 Deanna Glossup passed away at the age of 14. (Source:http://www.deannaglossupfoundation.org/)
When Deanna’s parents were asked what other families should remember in the face of difficult illnesses they wrote the following: “Keep the faith, keep the fight, and never, ever give up! Cancer is so limited, it cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot corrode faith, it cannot destroy peace, it cannot kill true friendship, it cannot suppress memories, it cannot silence courage, it cannot invade ones soul, it cannot conquer the spirit, And it cannot EVER steal eternal LIFE.”
What a powerful testimony of God’s grace and healing of the heart. Deanna’s attitude toward her BIG problem was that God had given her a measure of grace each day that she woke up; not for herself but for the sake of those whose lives she was to touch. How many of us can truly say that at this point in our walk with God, if diagnosed with a life threatening disease, we would have enough obedience and faith to reach outwardly as givers and maintain a positive attitude?
Be like Deanna. Give. Don’t Give Up!
Be Free!
A negative attitude is emotionally, psychologically and spiritually binding. I read once that when you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long. For some reason, we find it easier to be harsh in conversation, plenteous in anger and devoid of grace toward others. Our boss can get on our nerves just by walking into the room. Our children annoy us with the very speaking of our names. We vehemently wonder why that sister on our row at church has to bang that tamborine quite so loudly. If we could, some of us would spit balls of fire at the guy that cut us off in traffic. We must strive to not be so easily moved by small annoyances. Sometimes God may actually be trying to show us a valuable lesson. Check your attitude! And for those of us who lack such extreme passion as described above, maybe we simply allow the tiniest bit of bad news during morning hours to negatively influence our take on an entire day. It’s easier to take a “woe is me” attitude that locks our faith into a vice grip of stagnation that simply will not lead to our being free in God! Let us pray Psalm 12 in our own situation: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Know that God’s Word provides us with a blue-print for constructing a positive attitude. Nehemiah 8: 10 reads “…for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” When we recognize that each day is a gift and a “holy” one, given by God, we gain a joy that allows us to be strong in the face of negativity. Strong enough in fact to break FREE from what binds us!
Mind over Matter
Paul reminds us to get our minds right! Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” What were you thinking just 10 minutes before you began reading this passage? Would those thoughts be reflective of a Godly attitude? There have been many times in my personal life that I felt inadequate to maintain a positive attitude, especially when all around me everyone seemed to be happier, more capable and utterly triumphant. Those periods of my life are painfully marked by failure and disappointment. As I matured in my relationship with God, I began to understand that my attitude determined my outcome. The battle for your success in a particular area is fought and won in the mind. I grew to understand that Romans 12 :2 applied to me: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The will of God is made manifest in our joyful submission to it. Romans 5:3-5 reads "3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Reading and recalling these scriptures builds the spirit in such a way that the battles fought in our minds are solidly won for the glory of God and our personal growth.
Dr.’s Orders:
1) Reflect on a situation that upset you in the recent past. Was your attitude and response reflective of how you felt or how God would expect a believer to feel and respond?
a. How did your attitude change your relationship(s) with the individual(s)?
b. Identify any damaged relationship(s) and make an initial step toward healing (i.e. conversation, act of kindness, or prayer)
2) Pray that God will prepare your attitude for the next challenge to come. Be ready to demonstrate a spirit of grace and love.
3) Consider donating to the Deanna Glossup Foundation by visiting http://www.deannaglossupfoundation.org/.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
“The Power of One!”
Matthew 25: 34-40
34) "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'37) "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'40) "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
“One person can make a difference and every person should try.”
- John F. Kennedy 35th U.S. President
Having run across the above quote online today, I was reminded of a story that i have heard many times as a student at Meharry Medical College. In the 1820's, a teenage Samuel Meharry was hauling a wagon-load of salt through the wilderness of Kentucky. Upon nightfall, his wagon became mired in the mud - he could travel no further. A free black family, whose name remains unknown to this day, helped young Samuel by taking him in for the night. They helped him free his wagon the next morning. Samuel Meharry had nothing to give in return, but he made a promise saying "when I can, I will repay you . . .or members of your race." Fifty years later, when the Methodist Church and its Freedmen's Aid Society were seeking support to establish a medical program to train freed slaves, Samuel Meharry remembered his pledge. He and his four brothers contributed $30,000 in cash and property to establish the Meharry Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, the forerunner of today's Meharry Medical College. (Source: www.mmc.edu) Today Meharry Medical College remains a leader in the education of minority physicians, dentists and biomedical scientists, with a commitment to graduating compassionate medical practitioners. Many Meharry graduates go on to serve some of the most poor and disenfranchised communities in America. As a 2005 graduate of Meharry, I have listened intently to many wizened professors, administrators and medical professionals re-tell the story of the unnamed black family whose seemingly small act of kindness made such a profound impact. I hold the motto of my medical alma mater in highest regard aware that we should all strive to offer “Worship of God by service to mankind.”
We are Heirs with Purpose!
Romans 8:17 tells us “17)Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” As heirs of God, we must recognize that our lives are blessed to be a blessing to others. In Matthew 25, our Lord Himself, reminds us that “we are blessed by [His] Father” with a royal inheritance. In this age of individualistic materialism, many place great stock in the personal fiduciary implications of “inheritance” and fail to press forward to perform our basic family, church and societal obligations. We forget that the blessings we receive are not only for our good, but for the good of those whose lives we will invariably touch. My young adult pastor often reminds us “we are blessed to be a blessing.” Otherwise stated by one of my greatest heroines, Mother Teresa: “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” The mantra of “my four and no more” has left many of us isolated, feeling inadequate of the perfect will of God as ambassadors for the Kingdom. After we have “arrived” we are left to wonder what is our true purpose in life. We are unsure if we make our mark? We wonder if the world will even remember our contribution. Jesus reminds us that the inheritance was “prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (v. 34) These gifts, talents and resources are on loan to you by God, were purposed specifically for you. I often tell children that they are unique and chosen by God to do something that only they can do. Jeremiah 1:5 has to be one of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." All of us, young and old need to be reminded that we all play an integral part in fulfilling the will of the Father here on Earth. Verses 35 and 36 describe our responsibility to answer the call of our hungry, thirsty and imprisoned brothers and sisters. This responsibility includes not only the physical aspects of these needs, but also spiritual ones. How many times in a given week do we pass a spiritually hungry and thirsty young person without even so much as a kind “hello”. While “Keisha’s” heavy faux lashes and six inch stilettos are a cry of spiritual and emotional starvation, “Raheim’s” pants can never sag as low as his self worth does. Dare to share the hope that you have as an heir Christ Jesus and all that this access provides! I love Matthew 5:14-16: 14) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Know that your single light may be all that is needed to draw someone to Christ and the victorious life that a relationship with our Lord brings! Whether you volunteer at a homeless shelter, read to nursing home patients, participate in prison outreach or pay for someone’s groceries in line at the supermarket, know that your giving is unto the Lord. , 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (v.40). Jesus’s love is vividly shown in our willingness to operate in love. There can be no greater purpose in my life and yours than to be found bringing the loving message and ministry of God to a hungry, thirsty, naked and dying world.
Dr.’s Orders:
1) Identify a unique outreach opportunity in your local community. Dedicate at least one weekend day to this effort. If you are already involved in such an activity, encourage at least one friend or family member to come with you to serve. Be the One!
2) Commit a random act of kindness. Whether you choose to anonymously pay for a stranger’s gas or put a motivational message on your neighbor’s car windshield do something that points others to hope and life in God. Be a light of One!
34) "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'37) "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'40) "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
“One person can make a difference and every person should try.”
- John F. Kennedy 35th U.S. President
Having run across the above quote online today, I was reminded of a story that i have heard many times as a student at Meharry Medical College. In the 1820's, a teenage Samuel Meharry was hauling a wagon-load of salt through the wilderness of Kentucky. Upon nightfall, his wagon became mired in the mud - he could travel no further. A free black family, whose name remains unknown to this day, helped young Samuel by taking him in for the night. They helped him free his wagon the next morning. Samuel Meharry had nothing to give in return, but he made a promise saying "when I can, I will repay you . . .or members of your race." Fifty years later, when the Methodist Church and its Freedmen's Aid Society were seeking support to establish a medical program to train freed slaves, Samuel Meharry remembered his pledge. He and his four brothers contributed $30,000 in cash and property to establish the Meharry Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, the forerunner of today's Meharry Medical College. (Source: www.mmc.edu) Today Meharry Medical College remains a leader in the education of minority physicians, dentists and biomedical scientists, with a commitment to graduating compassionate medical practitioners. Many Meharry graduates go on to serve some of the most poor and disenfranchised communities in America. As a 2005 graduate of Meharry, I have listened intently to many wizened professors, administrators and medical professionals re-tell the story of the unnamed black family whose seemingly small act of kindness made such a profound impact. I hold the motto of my medical alma mater in highest regard aware that we should all strive to offer “Worship of God by service to mankind.”
We are Heirs with Purpose!
Romans 8:17 tells us “17)Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” As heirs of God, we must recognize that our lives are blessed to be a blessing to others. In Matthew 25, our Lord Himself, reminds us that “we are blessed by [His] Father” with a royal inheritance. In this age of individualistic materialism, many place great stock in the personal fiduciary implications of “inheritance” and fail to press forward to perform our basic family, church and societal obligations. We forget that the blessings we receive are not only for our good, but for the good of those whose lives we will invariably touch. My young adult pastor often reminds us “we are blessed to be a blessing.” Otherwise stated by one of my greatest heroines, Mother Teresa: “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” The mantra of “my four and no more” has left many of us isolated, feeling inadequate of the perfect will of God as ambassadors for the Kingdom. After we have “arrived” we are left to wonder what is our true purpose in life. We are unsure if we make our mark? We wonder if the world will even remember our contribution. Jesus reminds us that the inheritance was “prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (v. 34) These gifts, talents and resources are on loan to you by God, were purposed specifically for you. I often tell children that they are unique and chosen by God to do something that only they can do. Jeremiah 1:5 has to be one of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." All of us, young and old need to be reminded that we all play an integral part in fulfilling the will of the Father here on Earth. Verses 35 and 36 describe our responsibility to answer the call of our hungry, thirsty and imprisoned brothers and sisters. This responsibility includes not only the physical aspects of these needs, but also spiritual ones. How many times in a given week do we pass a spiritually hungry and thirsty young person without even so much as a kind “hello”. While “Keisha’s” heavy faux lashes and six inch stilettos are a cry of spiritual and emotional starvation, “Raheim’s” pants can never sag as low as his self worth does. Dare to share the hope that you have as an heir Christ Jesus and all that this access provides! I love Matthew 5:14-16: 14) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Know that your single light may be all that is needed to draw someone to Christ and the victorious life that a relationship with our Lord brings! Whether you volunteer at a homeless shelter, read to nursing home patients, participate in prison outreach or pay for someone’s groceries in line at the supermarket, know that your giving is unto the Lord. , 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (v.40). Jesus’s love is vividly shown in our willingness to operate in love. There can be no greater purpose in my life and yours than to be found bringing the loving message and ministry of God to a hungry, thirsty, naked and dying world.
Dr.’s Orders:
1) Identify a unique outreach opportunity in your local community. Dedicate at least one weekend day to this effort. If you are already involved in such an activity, encourage at least one friend or family member to come with you to serve. Be the One!
2) Commit a random act of kindness. Whether you choose to anonymously pay for a stranger’s gas or put a motivational message on your neighbor’s car windshield do something that points others to hope and life in God. Be a light of One!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
“A” Plan Worth Waiting For!
4) Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 7) Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37: 4,7
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Having grown up in conservative African American family in small town rural Arkansas, an almost frantic sense of importance was placed upon marriage. While largely unspoken, a woman’s quintessential worth was founded primarily in her ability to attain and maintain a marriage to a financially secure man. Even in high-school there was very real pressure to enter into serious dating relationships. It was not unheard of for high-schoolers and very young adults in my town to marry, cohabitate and parent children. Many of my friends had mothered and fathered beautiful children by my sophomore year in college. By the time I had graduated college, my older sister was married with her first child, and my brother two years my junior was married as well. Four years later, I walked across a stage in Nashville, Tennessee to receive a medical doctorate mere months after my kid brother and his bride waltzed down the aisle to the tinkle of wedding bells. My Gram would chide me regarding what else besides school and work I was doing with my life. I was clearly getting too old to have my own “chillun”, but it was okay since according to her, I would make a fine aunt. It seemed like EVERYONE on the planet but me was enjoying marital bliss. It wasn’t that I was not interested or didn’t have time to be in a serious relationship or married. It simply never happened. There were times in my early twenties that I felt extreme anxiety and isolation. Despite God’s clear signals to me that He was with me, and that I should wait for His choice in my life, I became rebellious and defiant. While God had a “Plan A” for my success and happiness in Him, I devised a “Plan B” that would give me a bit more instantaneous gratification. Oh boy was I mistaken! I made some pretty bad decisions and ended up dating all sorts of incongruent, confused and even abusive individuals who lacked the spiritual, psychological, academic, and provisional bedrock to support any semblance of a meaningful relationship. Every impulsive decision I made out of impatience toward God’s perfect will resulted in undeniable heartache, intense headache and recalcitrant spiritual injury that has required years of rehabilitation to mend. Impatience hurts our relationships, but to God be the glory! His word teaches those that seek Him not only how to wait, but also how not be weary!
Wait Happy!
Psalm 37:4 is a mandate with a promise: “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Now that my friends is good news! To delight in the Lord is to find joy in passionately pursuing a relationship with Him. You are not merely coming to God with a laundry list of requests, you meet God on a daily basis with anticipation that He will reveal more of Himself to you as time goes by. Just being in the presence of God the “fullness of joy” as described in Psalm 16:11! Because you delight yourself in the Lord, He finds pleasure in recompensing your sincerity with your heart’s desire. Have you ever entered into praise before you prayer was answered. Your heart was just full to overflowing with love for God, that you forgot about your wait and worry. Before you could even ask God to meet the need, you looked around and it was already done! Maintain a compliant spirit of obedience and submission to the will of a God who you know and love personally. Be assured by the Word that we must “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Count it all joy!
James 1: 2-5 reads “2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4)But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Know that God in His infinite wisdom knows what He is doing your life. He sees the challenges, or “temptations” in your life (v. 2) Be happy in knowing that our Lord sees and cares about the tiniest detail. While it may feel like your projects, goals and aspirations are on pause, know that there are critical lessons to be learned about yourself and more importantly, the perfect will of God for your life. As we read in James 1:4, it is God’s desire that His work in us be more than good. God desires to complete a perfect work in us. He sees us in the future as whole and entire, wanting nothing! When we become anxious and impatient, we fail to recognize the refining and creative power for the Holy Spirit at work in our everyday. Let God finish the good thing that has begun in you. Functioning as spiritually incomplete and immature people, whether at school, in the church or in our families, can lead to resentment of the plan of God. This can ultimately give way to disobedience and deter us from the greatness that God seeks to cultivate in us.
Running Out of Time?
As believers, we sometimes fall for the enemy’s lie that we are running out of time. God has forgotten about our situation somehow and we have to handle it all by ourselves. Maybe we find that we are short on cash, so we resort to unethical or even illegal means to get funds. At other times we decide not to wait on God for the proper companion, only to find ourselves compromising for the world’s “love” and entering into sexual sin. Sadly, we are left with the coinciding shame that follows. I have even seen zealous new Christians settle into speaking in rehearsed and taught tongues in a shameful act of desperation to quickly fit into the spiritual in-crowd. God is not on your time schedule or mine. Ecclesiastes 3:11 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” You are not running out of time. God will surely finish His work in you!
Wait Courageously!
Waiting on God takes some degree of courage. It can initially be lot easier to try doing things our own ways. We can choose to settle for less, but it can never bring us real contentment. Know that when you wait on God, He provides you with everything you need to endure. God’s answer to “wait” is not a denial or rejection. It is an open opportunity for you to enter into the love and protection of an eternal God. Your wait is temporal. Faithful patience in God, leads us into long-lasting communion with the Father. We begin to recognize Him as the Source of our strength and the light of our lives. I am encouraged to wait on God whenever I read Isaiah 40: “28) Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. “ Let us courageously wait on our indefatigable God!
Dr.’s Orders: Psalm 27:14 compels us to “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
1) Identify areas of your own life where you are not waiting on the Lord. Has your impatience allowed for the introduction of sin? If so confess what you have done to the Lord and re-establish a guilt-free communication with Him by turning away from the sin.
2) Ask God to increase your faith in this trouble area and to empower you with the willingness to wait on His leading. Talk to your pastor or an accountability partner regarding how you plan to remain free from impatience leading to sin.
3) Read Jeremiah 29:11. Recognize your individuality in God. Pray that He will continue to reveal His plan for your life to you each day. Know that you are special to God and that your true destiny is worth waiting for!
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Having grown up in conservative African American family in small town rural Arkansas, an almost frantic sense of importance was placed upon marriage. While largely unspoken, a woman’s quintessential worth was founded primarily in her ability to attain and maintain a marriage to a financially secure man. Even in high-school there was very real pressure to enter into serious dating relationships. It was not unheard of for high-schoolers and very young adults in my town to marry, cohabitate and parent children. Many of my friends had mothered and fathered beautiful children by my sophomore year in college. By the time I had graduated college, my older sister was married with her first child, and my brother two years my junior was married as well. Four years later, I walked across a stage in Nashville, Tennessee to receive a medical doctorate mere months after my kid brother and his bride waltzed down the aisle to the tinkle of wedding bells. My Gram would chide me regarding what else besides school and work I was doing with my life. I was clearly getting too old to have my own “chillun”, but it was okay since according to her, I would make a fine aunt. It seemed like EVERYONE on the planet but me was enjoying marital bliss. It wasn’t that I was not interested or didn’t have time to be in a serious relationship or married. It simply never happened. There were times in my early twenties that I felt extreme anxiety and isolation. Despite God’s clear signals to me that He was with me, and that I should wait for His choice in my life, I became rebellious and defiant. While God had a “Plan A” for my success and happiness in Him, I devised a “Plan B” that would give me a bit more instantaneous gratification. Oh boy was I mistaken! I made some pretty bad decisions and ended up dating all sorts of incongruent, confused and even abusive individuals who lacked the spiritual, psychological, academic, and provisional bedrock to support any semblance of a meaningful relationship. Every impulsive decision I made out of impatience toward God’s perfect will resulted in undeniable heartache, intense headache and recalcitrant spiritual injury that has required years of rehabilitation to mend. Impatience hurts our relationships, but to God be the glory! His word teaches those that seek Him not only how to wait, but also how not be weary!
Wait Happy!
Psalm 37:4 is a mandate with a promise: “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Now that my friends is good news! To delight in the Lord is to find joy in passionately pursuing a relationship with Him. You are not merely coming to God with a laundry list of requests, you meet God on a daily basis with anticipation that He will reveal more of Himself to you as time goes by. Just being in the presence of God the “fullness of joy” as described in Psalm 16:11! Because you delight yourself in the Lord, He finds pleasure in recompensing your sincerity with your heart’s desire. Have you ever entered into praise before you prayer was answered. Your heart was just full to overflowing with love for God, that you forgot about your wait and worry. Before you could even ask God to meet the need, you looked around and it was already done! Maintain a compliant spirit of obedience and submission to the will of a God who you know and love personally. Be assured by the Word that we must “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Count it all joy!
James 1: 2-5 reads “2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4)But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Know that God in His infinite wisdom knows what He is doing your life. He sees the challenges, or “temptations” in your life (v. 2) Be happy in knowing that our Lord sees and cares about the tiniest detail. While it may feel like your projects, goals and aspirations are on pause, know that there are critical lessons to be learned about yourself and more importantly, the perfect will of God for your life. As we read in James 1:4, it is God’s desire that His work in us be more than good. God desires to complete a perfect work in us. He sees us in the future as whole and entire, wanting nothing! When we become anxious and impatient, we fail to recognize the refining and creative power for the Holy Spirit at work in our everyday. Let God finish the good thing that has begun in you. Functioning as spiritually incomplete and immature people, whether at school, in the church or in our families, can lead to resentment of the plan of God. This can ultimately give way to disobedience and deter us from the greatness that God seeks to cultivate in us.
Running Out of Time?
As believers, we sometimes fall for the enemy’s lie that we are running out of time. God has forgotten about our situation somehow and we have to handle it all by ourselves. Maybe we find that we are short on cash, so we resort to unethical or even illegal means to get funds. At other times we decide not to wait on God for the proper companion, only to find ourselves compromising for the world’s “love” and entering into sexual sin. Sadly, we are left with the coinciding shame that follows. I have even seen zealous new Christians settle into speaking in rehearsed and taught tongues in a shameful act of desperation to quickly fit into the spiritual in-crowd. God is not on your time schedule or mine. Ecclesiastes 3:11 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” You are not running out of time. God will surely finish His work in you!
Wait Courageously!
Waiting on God takes some degree of courage. It can initially be lot easier to try doing things our own ways. We can choose to settle for less, but it can never bring us real contentment. Know that when you wait on God, He provides you with everything you need to endure. God’s answer to “wait” is not a denial or rejection. It is an open opportunity for you to enter into the love and protection of an eternal God. Your wait is temporal. Faithful patience in God, leads us into long-lasting communion with the Father. We begin to recognize Him as the Source of our strength and the light of our lives. I am encouraged to wait on God whenever I read Isaiah 40: “28) Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. “ Let us courageously wait on our indefatigable God!
Dr.’s Orders: Psalm 27:14 compels us to “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
1) Identify areas of your own life where you are not waiting on the Lord. Has your impatience allowed for the introduction of sin? If so confess what you have done to the Lord and re-establish a guilt-free communication with Him by turning away from the sin.
2) Ask God to increase your faith in this trouble area and to empower you with the willingness to wait on His leading. Talk to your pastor or an accountability partner regarding how you plan to remain free from impatience leading to sin.
3) Read Jeremiah 29:11. Recognize your individuality in God. Pray that He will continue to reveal His plan for your life to you each day. Know that you are special to God and that your true destiny is worth waiting for!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Scare Tactics
"8) Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9) Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:8-10
My paternal grandmother was a beautiful pianist and singer. I can still close my eyes and remember hearing her strong, raspy vibrato floating over Southern gospel notes as solid and steadfast as time. Pearla Glass-Jackson was always sure of herself and her voice. When she opened her mouth, primitive yet beautiful tones erupted that I could never emulate. I simply loved her sound, and though I could never capture her vocal essence, I developed a natural love for old, old songs penned by the likes of Thomas Dorsey and popularized by powerful singers such as Mahalia Jackson. So as a child, I was often asked by my family and church to sing. Actually, a better descriptor would be “prodded”! I had such terrible stage fright that my voice, hands, and sometimes entire body would shake. If I even thought I would be asked to sing at a church function, I would suffer dizzying nausea. Over time, with prayer, practice, as well as the encouragement of my mother and a very patient high-school choir director, I overcame my fear of singing, later moving on to place as 4th chair in section on the state-wide level. My once quivering voice was even selected to sing at Carnegie Hall as part of a Madrigal in my senior year of high school. Though, I only sing background these days (smile), I find that fear can be a debilitating factor in other areas of life. I believe that God has given us keys in the Word to overcome the enemy and the fear that he brings.
Know your enemy!
Our selected passage of scripture reveals not only the source of fear, but also key elements to eliminating its power in our lives. Verse 8 declares that we, as children of God all have a common enemy, the devil and that he is on a mission to destroy our lives. The enemy is not playing fair. He doesn’t announce his entrance and will use any means necessary to displace us from proper relationship with God and each other. He is on a directed path to destroy each of us, deterring us from the work that God set out for our lives. He certainly “prowls around like a roaring lion” and his aim is decidedly you and me! The devil is the master of fear tactics, for he knows that fear distracts us from our purpose and destiny. His “roaring” can be negative thoughts or feelings, malicious threats from people, physical or emotional affliction as well as demonic oppression. He seeks to “devour” your Kingdom minded dreams, goals and aspirations because he clearly sees your worth to the fulfillment of God’s divine will on Earth. YOU have work to do.
Pray with authority!
You, men and women of God, are the real threat! Most importantly, when you open your mouth to declare the power and Divine dominion of God over the devil, Heaven itself responds! Matthew 16:19 provides the believer with the fundamental Biblical power to overcome evil and the fear that it may evoke: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." You must pray the Word of God over all areas of fear in your life. Maybe your fear is the grounded in illness or death. Recall and then pray Psalm 23: 4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you, O Lord, are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” If you fear poverty and destitution rebuke the frightful thoughts and declare Phillipians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Fear of being unloved by God cannot stand against scriptures like 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfected love cast out my fear, because fear carries the expectation of punishment. I overcome all fear by maintaining God’s perfect standard of love in my life.” We gain comfort in knowing that the true love of God disallows fear in the heart of the believer. Because we love God and He loves us, we can go to Him at any point to “make things right” in our relationship with Him. I love this verse: “I didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but I have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom I cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15. I do not have to suffer the pangs of fear. I am in the family and provision of God! I have the authority to overcome fear, because Daddy God says I can!
It’s just a battle…not the war!
Whatever your fears are, know that you are not alone. Verse 9 reminds us that “your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” There are those in your family, social circle and church that may never admit to certain fears and the inherent associated shortcomings. We don’t have to pull back the proverbial covers to know that most people are struggling with fear in some area of life whether they admit it or not. While we may fight individual battles against fear, God fights the war. We can be confident in our faith that “after you have suffered a little while, [God] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (v.10) Sometimes, in the heat of battling fear, we feel that we are taking our last psychological, emotional or spiritual breaths. Pause. Take a deep breath. This, dear friends, is not the end! The battle may be heated, but look to the hills…help is on the way!
Peace be Still.
I dare you to stop worrying about your inabilities, inadequacies and fears of failure and to begin praising the Lord now for your victory over fear. I believe a few declarations are in order. Your ministry dreams will be born anew and grow! God will use you in a mighty way! You most certainly will not die alone! You will find a wife! You will be found by a husband! Your children will be healthy and productive! You are not losing your mind! You can go back to school! Your job is secure! Your every need will be met! John 14:27 comforts us even now: “His peace he has given to me and not the peace that the world gives. Thus, I do not let my heart be troubled, or let it be fearful.” While the prince of darkness may indeed have a mighty roar, arsenals of spiritual weapons and a world of sinful schemes designed to take your life, you can be assured that the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against his every plan! The war is already won, rest in the peace of a mighty God!
Dr.’s Orders:
1) Write down your top one, two or three fears in life. Try to remember your first memory of experiencing this fear. Draw a line down the center of the paper. On the left hand side, write down the major people, situations, or thoughts that trigger the fear. On the right hand side of the page, write down a scripture that addresses the fear directly to the left of the line.
2) Pray the Word! The promises of God for you are real. Pray to overcome fear and to enjoy genuine peace in Him.
My paternal grandmother was a beautiful pianist and singer. I can still close my eyes and remember hearing her strong, raspy vibrato floating over Southern gospel notes as solid and steadfast as time. Pearla Glass-Jackson was always sure of herself and her voice. When she opened her mouth, primitive yet beautiful tones erupted that I could never emulate. I simply loved her sound, and though I could never capture her vocal essence, I developed a natural love for old, old songs penned by the likes of Thomas Dorsey and popularized by powerful singers such as Mahalia Jackson. So as a child, I was often asked by my family and church to sing. Actually, a better descriptor would be “prodded”! I had such terrible stage fright that my voice, hands, and sometimes entire body would shake. If I even thought I would be asked to sing at a church function, I would suffer dizzying nausea. Over time, with prayer, practice, as well as the encouragement of my mother and a very patient high-school choir director, I overcame my fear of singing, later moving on to place as 4th chair in section on the state-wide level. My once quivering voice was even selected to sing at Carnegie Hall as part of a Madrigal in my senior year of high school. Though, I only sing background these days (smile), I find that fear can be a debilitating factor in other areas of life. I believe that God has given us keys in the Word to overcome the enemy and the fear that he brings.
Know your enemy!
Our selected passage of scripture reveals not only the source of fear, but also key elements to eliminating its power in our lives. Verse 8 declares that we, as children of God all have a common enemy, the devil and that he is on a mission to destroy our lives. The enemy is not playing fair. He doesn’t announce his entrance and will use any means necessary to displace us from proper relationship with God and each other. He is on a directed path to destroy each of us, deterring us from the work that God set out for our lives. He certainly “prowls around like a roaring lion” and his aim is decidedly you and me! The devil is the master of fear tactics, for he knows that fear distracts us from our purpose and destiny. His “roaring” can be negative thoughts or feelings, malicious threats from people, physical or emotional affliction as well as demonic oppression. He seeks to “devour” your Kingdom minded dreams, goals and aspirations because he clearly sees your worth to the fulfillment of God’s divine will on Earth. YOU have work to do.
Pray with authority!
You, men and women of God, are the real threat! Most importantly, when you open your mouth to declare the power and Divine dominion of God over the devil, Heaven itself responds! Matthew 16:19 provides the believer with the fundamental Biblical power to overcome evil and the fear that it may evoke: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." You must pray the Word of God over all areas of fear in your life. Maybe your fear is the grounded in illness or death. Recall and then pray Psalm 23: 4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you, O Lord, are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” If you fear poverty and destitution rebuke the frightful thoughts and declare Phillipians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Fear of being unloved by God cannot stand against scriptures like 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfected love cast out my fear, because fear carries the expectation of punishment. I overcome all fear by maintaining God’s perfect standard of love in my life.” We gain comfort in knowing that the true love of God disallows fear in the heart of the believer. Because we love God and He loves us, we can go to Him at any point to “make things right” in our relationship with Him. I love this verse: “I didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but I have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom I cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15. I do not have to suffer the pangs of fear. I am in the family and provision of God! I have the authority to overcome fear, because Daddy God says I can!
It’s just a battle…not the war!
Whatever your fears are, know that you are not alone. Verse 9 reminds us that “your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” There are those in your family, social circle and church that may never admit to certain fears and the inherent associated shortcomings. We don’t have to pull back the proverbial covers to know that most people are struggling with fear in some area of life whether they admit it or not. While we may fight individual battles against fear, God fights the war. We can be confident in our faith that “after you have suffered a little while, [God] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (v.10) Sometimes, in the heat of battling fear, we feel that we are taking our last psychological, emotional or spiritual breaths. Pause. Take a deep breath. This, dear friends, is not the end! The battle may be heated, but look to the hills…help is on the way!
Peace be Still.
I dare you to stop worrying about your inabilities, inadequacies and fears of failure and to begin praising the Lord now for your victory over fear. I believe a few declarations are in order. Your ministry dreams will be born anew and grow! God will use you in a mighty way! You most certainly will not die alone! You will find a wife! You will be found by a husband! Your children will be healthy and productive! You are not losing your mind! You can go back to school! Your job is secure! Your every need will be met! John 14:27 comforts us even now: “His peace he has given to me and not the peace that the world gives. Thus, I do not let my heart be troubled, or let it be fearful.” While the prince of darkness may indeed have a mighty roar, arsenals of spiritual weapons and a world of sinful schemes designed to take your life, you can be assured that the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against his every plan! The war is already won, rest in the peace of a mighty God!
Dr.’s Orders:
1) Write down your top one, two or three fears in life. Try to remember your first memory of experiencing this fear. Draw a line down the center of the paper. On the left hand side, write down the major people, situations, or thoughts that trigger the fear. On the right hand side of the page, write down a scripture that addresses the fear directly to the left of the line.
2) Pray the Word! The promises of God for you are real. Pray to overcome fear and to enjoy genuine peace in Him.
Friday, October 23, 2009
DEFENSE!!!
Psalm 59: 1-4, 8-9
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
And save me from bloodthirsty men.
3 For look, they lie in wait for my life;
The mighty gather against me,
Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine.
8 But You, O LORD, shall laugh at them;
You shall have all the nations in derision.
9 I will wait for You, O You his Strength;
For God is my defense.
Perhaps some of the most grueling hours of a surgical resident’s week are spent in weekly Morbidity and Mortality conference defending his or her choices made anywhere from the emergency department to the operating room. Any potential errors in thinking or practice are identified. These conferences, fondly called “M&M’s” are anything but sweet. They are mandatory for residents as well as staff and provide a platform for intense evaluation incidences leading to severe illness and even death. Inherent to the practice of medicine are errors as both individual surgeons as well as entire teams. Misteps unfortunately happen. One of the things that I liked best about my Ohio surgical program, is that though a single individual presented the error she did so on the behalf of the entire team, including the senior surgeon. There were tough questions as to why certain tests were performed or not. Why certain operations were selected over others. Why was this or that medication given? Why? Why? Why! It could be brutal! Most of the questions fell squarely on this single person’s shoulders whether he or she was directly involved or not. Sometimes the resident, being a trainee, would offer an inadequate answer, that would go on and on and on! Because she was unsure of herself and intimidated by the questioning, she fell into an immobilizing fear that prevented her from thinking clearly and providing logical explanations.
Invariably, the senior surgeon would feel sympathy for the resident and chime in, providing superior insight to the issue. It was at those moments you would see the nervous presenter release a huge sigh of relief. Having singularly carried the burden of an entire team’s error to the podium, it was finally clear to all that she did not stand alone. She had a defense all along, even when she allowed fear to compel her to fight her own battle; talking her way into a huge mess!
There are times in life, often through no fault of our own, when we are in vulnerable positions physically, emotionally or spiritually. We find our proverbial backs against the wall, wondering if and when anyone will stand up and defend us. Perhaps we are wrongly accused of making negative comments about a friend or belittled for an innocent error at work. Maybe a boss or colleague are jealous of your recent performance and are quietly sabotaging your work. There are those of us who are in abusive familial and personal relationships. We feel isolated and immobilized by our fear. Psalm 59 is a beautiful song written by David to the chief Musician, Altas'chith, and describes the fierce hatred that David faced in his early reign. His enemies are described as “mighty” and “blood thirsty men” (v. 2) and yet David was confident that the Lord would deliver and defend him! It can be difficult as a believer to know that people don’t like you or even that they are seeking to harm you. We must not be distracted by the person. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” People lacking the love and light of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ fall prey to the influence of Satan. Sadly, many of your worst haters are simply insecure, miserable people in need of prayer, love and a relationship with Jesus. They are being used by the enemy to hurt you, and unbeknownst to them, themselves. Thank God that we know who our true enemy is and we can be like David; resting on the promise of Divine Defense! I can remember my mother quoting Psalm 59:19 to her children: “…When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” You may feel a flood of hatred and malice coming your way. Just know that are not alone. The Holy Spirit is lifting a standard even now. This battle is not yours to fight. The hardest questions aren’t yours to answer. Lean and depend on God. He knows there is a battle. It’s just not yours to fight. God is with you…waiting for you to pause. Put your physical and emotional fists down. Allow God to put forth a stronger defense than you ever could. A defense that simply can’t be beat!
Dr.’s Orders: These are tough orders, but you can do this!
1) Today, pray a directed prayer against Satan’s influence on those you interact with. If there is a particular person that you know has malicious feelings toward you, intercede for that persons health, family and spiritual deliverance. Ask God to meet their every need and to free them from the influence of spiritual wickedness.
2) Commit an act of kindness toward the individual in order #1. Offer to buy them lunch or complete a shared task in their name. Make a conscious effort to allow the Fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5 be seen operating in your life. God will be glorified and in the end you win!
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
And save me from bloodthirsty men.
3 For look, they lie in wait for my life;
The mighty gather against me,
Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine.
8 But You, O LORD, shall laugh at them;
You shall have all the nations in derision.
9 I will wait for You, O You his Strength;
For God is my defense.
Perhaps some of the most grueling hours of a surgical resident’s week are spent in weekly Morbidity and Mortality conference defending his or her choices made anywhere from the emergency department to the operating room. Any potential errors in thinking or practice are identified. These conferences, fondly called “M&M’s” are anything but sweet. They are mandatory for residents as well as staff and provide a platform for intense evaluation incidences leading to severe illness and even death. Inherent to the practice of medicine are errors as both individual surgeons as well as entire teams. Misteps unfortunately happen. One of the things that I liked best about my Ohio surgical program, is that though a single individual presented the error she did so on the behalf of the entire team, including the senior surgeon. There were tough questions as to why certain tests were performed or not. Why certain operations were selected over others. Why was this or that medication given? Why? Why? Why! It could be brutal! Most of the questions fell squarely on this single person’s shoulders whether he or she was directly involved or not. Sometimes the resident, being a trainee, would offer an inadequate answer, that would go on and on and on! Because she was unsure of herself and intimidated by the questioning, she fell into an immobilizing fear that prevented her from thinking clearly and providing logical explanations.
Invariably, the senior surgeon would feel sympathy for the resident and chime in, providing superior insight to the issue. It was at those moments you would see the nervous presenter release a huge sigh of relief. Having singularly carried the burden of an entire team’s error to the podium, it was finally clear to all that she did not stand alone. She had a defense all along, even when she allowed fear to compel her to fight her own battle; talking her way into a huge mess!
There are times in life, often through no fault of our own, when we are in vulnerable positions physically, emotionally or spiritually. We find our proverbial backs against the wall, wondering if and when anyone will stand up and defend us. Perhaps we are wrongly accused of making negative comments about a friend or belittled for an innocent error at work. Maybe a boss or colleague are jealous of your recent performance and are quietly sabotaging your work. There are those of us who are in abusive familial and personal relationships. We feel isolated and immobilized by our fear. Psalm 59 is a beautiful song written by David to the chief Musician, Altas'chith, and describes the fierce hatred that David faced in his early reign. His enemies are described as “mighty” and “blood thirsty men” (v. 2) and yet David was confident that the Lord would deliver and defend him! It can be difficult as a believer to know that people don’t like you or even that they are seeking to harm you. We must not be distracted by the person. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” People lacking the love and light of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ fall prey to the influence of Satan. Sadly, many of your worst haters are simply insecure, miserable people in need of prayer, love and a relationship with Jesus. They are being used by the enemy to hurt you, and unbeknownst to them, themselves. Thank God that we know who our true enemy is and we can be like David; resting on the promise of Divine Defense! I can remember my mother quoting Psalm 59:19 to her children: “…When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” You may feel a flood of hatred and malice coming your way. Just know that are not alone. The Holy Spirit is lifting a standard even now. This battle is not yours to fight. The hardest questions aren’t yours to answer. Lean and depend on God. He knows there is a battle. It’s just not yours to fight. God is with you…waiting for you to pause. Put your physical and emotional fists down. Allow God to put forth a stronger defense than you ever could. A defense that simply can’t be beat!
Dr.’s Orders: These are tough orders, but you can do this!
1) Today, pray a directed prayer against Satan’s influence on those you interact with. If there is a particular person that you know has malicious feelings toward you, intercede for that persons health, family and spiritual deliverance. Ask God to meet their every need and to free them from the influence of spiritual wickedness.
2) Commit an act of kindness toward the individual in order #1. Offer to buy them lunch or complete a shared task in their name. Make a conscious effort to allow the Fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5 be seen operating in your life. God will be glorified and in the end you win!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Less of Me Lord, More of You!
6) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5: 6,7
Have you ever met a financially or politically powerful person who seemed so “down to Earth” that their approachability impressed you much more than their accolades? I love meeting those types of people! Just last week I was at the largest annual meeting of general and sub-specialty surgeons in the country. As a very junior person in my field, I felt so honored to have dinner with one of the highest-ranking leaders in the organization. To watch his manner and grace in dealing with everyone from the doorman to tenured surgeons in the upper echelons of society was a real reminder of the power of humility. I smiled on as people left conversations with him feeling often feeling inspired and never less than special. I like to think that this gentleman would appreciate the following quote by Sir Issac Newton, the Father of modern science: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Truly humble individuals recognize Godly provision and know that God has strategically used many individuals to promote them to states of grace. One of my dearest friends, often reminds me that it is often not what you say to people that is important, but how you made them feel after the words are spoken. An attitude of measured humility and grace leaves people happy to have met you and reflective on the goodness of the Father!
God has given many of us unique positions of influence. Whether you are President of a book club or CEO of a Fortune 500 company, it’s important to recognize the inherent danger of pride and the virtue of Godly humility. The people that you interact with should find you a gracious and approachable person for the sake of your testimony as a follower of Jesus. Verse 6 reminds us to “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.” Humility is rooted in an understanding of God as being the Source of all that we are, including our large and small circles of influence. Humility is rooted in consideration for the spiritual welfare of those around us. We should strive to make others better!
We recall that Satan once lived in Heaven as a beautiful being of worship to God. He wrote the songs, sang the lead and directed the angelic choir. He was amazing to behold and God made him that way! His very being reflected the majesty and glory of the Creator of the universe. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Satan’s spiritual and literal fall from the presence of God. Verses 13 and 14 highlight the darkened heart of Heaven’s best with a spirit of pride: “13)…I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 13) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” While we may not verbalize such blasphemy against God, we persist in living lives filled with pride and devoid of humility. We fail to recognize and honor the provision of the Lord. When we demote time spent in prayer to a once weekly encounter lead from a pulpit, we are operating in pride. We elevate status, possessions and ego to dangerous levels leaving scarce little room for God. We forget not only where we came from, but fail to see where God really would like us to go. We settle for pats on the back and pay raises, instead of consistently seeking to know the will of God in our lives. We become so consumed with our own accomplishments that we rob ourselves of true relationship with a caring God. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Just as Satan was resisted by the holiness of God and thrown from Heaven, we too are in danger of separation from the Creator. If we allow pride to consume us, it not only taints positive relationships with others it disrupts true elevation in the Kingdom of God. When choosing to pursue humility, we are sure to enjoy high places not only in this life, but also in the life to come! God wants us to understand that as believers, we can cast our cares upon him, fully aware that it is through Him that “we live, move and have our being”. (Acts 17:28). It is certainly His desire to exalt us; but only under the appropriate circumstance. When we carry this awareness into every aspect of our lives we demonstrate a reliance on God that points people away from us and decidedly toward Heaven. We have no greater example than the Lord Jesus to learn lessons of humility. In humbling his human will to the Will of the Father, our Lord suffered great pain leading to physical death. His sacrifice has provided mankind with salvation from sin and full re-unification with God! Just as Jesus at the height of his Passion, “Not my will, but thine be done;” a humble heart’s prayer becomes “Less of me, Lord; more of You!”
Dr’s Orders: Take a critical look at your day today. Identify three missed opportunities for operating with a humble attitude; i.e., email, conversation, negative thoughts, etc.
1) Pray that God will forgive you for being prideful and accept the fact that He cares and wants to be your Source of success.
2) Write down three ways you will use your success in the coming month to point someone to the Lord.
3) Take an initial step TODAY to fix a relationship, either personal or professional that was hurt by your pride. Determine to make additional steps toward healing the damage in the coming week.
1 Peter 5: 6,7
Have you ever met a financially or politically powerful person who seemed so “down to Earth” that their approachability impressed you much more than their accolades? I love meeting those types of people! Just last week I was at the largest annual meeting of general and sub-specialty surgeons in the country. As a very junior person in my field, I felt so honored to have dinner with one of the highest-ranking leaders in the organization. To watch his manner and grace in dealing with everyone from the doorman to tenured surgeons in the upper echelons of society was a real reminder of the power of humility. I smiled on as people left conversations with him feeling often feeling inspired and never less than special. I like to think that this gentleman would appreciate the following quote by Sir Issac Newton, the Father of modern science: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Truly humble individuals recognize Godly provision and know that God has strategically used many individuals to promote them to states of grace. One of my dearest friends, often reminds me that it is often not what you say to people that is important, but how you made them feel after the words are spoken. An attitude of measured humility and grace leaves people happy to have met you and reflective on the goodness of the Father!
God has given many of us unique positions of influence. Whether you are President of a book club or CEO of a Fortune 500 company, it’s important to recognize the inherent danger of pride and the virtue of Godly humility. The people that you interact with should find you a gracious and approachable person for the sake of your testimony as a follower of Jesus. Verse 6 reminds us to “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.” Humility is rooted in an understanding of God as being the Source of all that we are, including our large and small circles of influence. Humility is rooted in consideration for the spiritual welfare of those around us. We should strive to make others better!
We recall that Satan once lived in Heaven as a beautiful being of worship to God. He wrote the songs, sang the lead and directed the angelic choir. He was amazing to behold and God made him that way! His very being reflected the majesty and glory of the Creator of the universe. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of Satan’s spiritual and literal fall from the presence of God. Verses 13 and 14 highlight the darkened heart of Heaven’s best with a spirit of pride: “13)…I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 13) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” While we may not verbalize such blasphemy against God, we persist in living lives filled with pride and devoid of humility. We fail to recognize and honor the provision of the Lord. When we demote time spent in prayer to a once weekly encounter lead from a pulpit, we are operating in pride. We elevate status, possessions and ego to dangerous levels leaving scarce little room for God. We forget not only where we came from, but fail to see where God really would like us to go. We settle for pats on the back and pay raises, instead of consistently seeking to know the will of God in our lives. We become so consumed with our own accomplishments that we rob ourselves of true relationship with a caring God. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Just as Satan was resisted by the holiness of God and thrown from Heaven, we too are in danger of separation from the Creator. If we allow pride to consume us, it not only taints positive relationships with others it disrupts true elevation in the Kingdom of God. When choosing to pursue humility, we are sure to enjoy high places not only in this life, but also in the life to come! God wants us to understand that as believers, we can cast our cares upon him, fully aware that it is through Him that “we live, move and have our being”. (Acts 17:28). It is certainly His desire to exalt us; but only under the appropriate circumstance. When we carry this awareness into every aspect of our lives we demonstrate a reliance on God that points people away from us and decidedly toward Heaven. We have no greater example than the Lord Jesus to learn lessons of humility. In humbling his human will to the Will of the Father, our Lord suffered great pain leading to physical death. His sacrifice has provided mankind with salvation from sin and full re-unification with God! Just as Jesus at the height of his Passion, “Not my will, but thine be done;” a humble heart’s prayer becomes “Less of me, Lord; more of You!”
Dr’s Orders: Take a critical look at your day today. Identify three missed opportunities for operating with a humble attitude; i.e., email, conversation, negative thoughts, etc.
1) Pray that God will forgive you for being prideful and accept the fact that He cares and wants to be your Source of success.
2) Write down three ways you will use your success in the coming month to point someone to the Lord.
3) Take an initial step TODAY to fix a relationship, either personal or professional that was hurt by your pride. Determine to make additional steps toward healing the damage in the coming week.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Special Health Bulletin: “Black and Blue: Depression in the African American Community”
In 1929 Louis Armstrong, arguably the greatest of all American Jazz artists, performed a song written by prolific lyricist Andy Razaf, that exemplifies a sometimes hidden phenomenon in the African American community-the proverbial “blues”. In his characteristic gritty voice he intones, “How will it end? I ain’t got a friend. My only sin is my skin. What did I do to be so black and blue?” While it is obvious that feelings of sadness and depression are not privy to people of color, we do know that mental illnesses, including depression, are often under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed and poorly managed among blacks, especially young men. Yes, being black, young, and “blue” proves a unique, and sometimes debilitating, condition indeed.
“J.W. is a very motivated 27 year old New Orleans native who immigrated to Los Angeles to live with his mother’s family following Hurricane Katrina. The economic downturn last year resulted in him losing his lucrative California based job. Despite his best efforts, he simply cannot find a job, and is unable to move into his own apartment. Auntie M. has given him two more weeks to find somewhere to live. K.G., his longtime girlfriend, and mother of his only son, relocated to Houston to marry her college sweetheart. Crushed, J.W. began bible study faithfully, but now finds himself feeling angry and alone. He feels guilty that he is unable to consistently send his son money or help his aunt with the bills. In the quiet of his aunt’s living room, he tearfully fingers a small handgun, imaging this crazy world without him.
“L.P. is a beautiful 22 year old who despite physical and emotional abuse as a child, has excelled as a runway model. At age seven she was placed in foster care, where she remained until age 18. L.P. has worked very hard as a model, is described by her friends as a ‘social butterfly”, but finds herself unable to leave her loft apartment for the past eight days. She will not answer her home or cell phone, even when her agent calls. Despite spending the entire day in bed, she can’t sleep longer than a couple of hours at a time, has no appetite for food and feels sad to the point that she is “numb”. She doesn’t even flinch when the shiny, new kitchen knife draws blood from her wrist.
While individuals must refrain from self-diagnosis, it is important to be familiar with the symptoms associated with depression in order to know when to seek help. Many people experience periods of sadness described as situational depression. These include bereavement associated with the loss of a loved one, post partum depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), premenopausal syndrome (PMS) as well as depressed mood associated with alcohol and drug intoxication or withdrawal. Certain medical conditions including thyroid disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be associated with depression. Major Depression is classically characterized by the presence of at least two of the following symptoms, most of the time, every day for at least two weeks: depressed, irritable, or cranky mood most of the time nearly every day; greatly reduced interest in previously pleasurable activities; changes in appetite resulting in weight loss and less commonly weight gain; sleep disturbance including insomnia and excessive sleep; feelings of agitation or slowing down; fatigue or lack of energy; pervasive feelings of guilt; feelings of decreased self worth; decreased concentration and inability to make decisions. Short-term sadness involving job loss, loneliness, marital strife or other life stresses is normal, however, prolonged failure to “get over” the situation may reflect a more serious issue.
The etiology, or underlying cause, of depression is an active area of study. Many factors are thought to be involved including, but not limited to genetic predisposition, chemical and hormonal imbalances, guilt associated with prior physical, emotional or sexual abuse, as well as unresolved issues from childhood. Christian counselor and Professor of Psychology at Bethel College, St. Paul, MN, Andy J. Johnson, Ph.D., describes depression as a “melding together of sadness over losses and unresolved anger in such a way that neither emotion can be fully experienced and resolved.” Many black youths are confronted during their formative years with the mandate to trade outward emotional expression for a survivalist’s bravado that can negatively affect them well into adulthood. In his book “Standing in the Shadows: Understanding and Overcoming Depression in Black Men”, journalist and victim of depression John Head explains: “[F] rom the time we are young boys, black males have ingrained into us an idea of manhood that requires a silence about feelings, a withholding of emotion, an ability to bear burdens alone, and a refusal to appear weak.” He continues, “[t] he interval pressure to adhere to this concept of masculinity only increases as we confront a society that historically has sought to deny us our manhood.” Additionally, perceived victimization by educators, employees, police, landlords, as well as the criminal justice and social welfare systems places great strain on these vulnerable members of our community. Subsequently, many black youths, especially males, are prone to suffering situational and or clinical depression and the associated increased risk of suicide death. Data gathered between 1988 and 1995, reflects a 146% increase in suicide death among African American males ages 15-19. According to reports released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2000, while white males account for the majority of suicide death, the suicide rate has been rapidly increasing among African American males ages 10-19 and had in fact doubled over the preceding decade. In 2007, the CDC proclaims suicide as the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds and the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds.
As bible believers, we know that the “thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but [that Jesus] came to give life.” (John 10:10 New Century Version) If you or someone you know suffer from symptoms of depression, prayerfully consider seeking professional counseling and or psychiatric help. Though there remains a disparity in the number of African American mental health care providers, it is quite possible to identify a provider that practices with respect and cultural competence. Choose someone with whom you feel safe from bias, judgment, anger and criticism. Ask about licensure, area of specialty, and educational background. Don’t be afraid to ask early on about the treatment plan. Treatment regimens may include customized individual or family therapy, as well as medications including SSRIs (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), TCAs (tricyclics), atypical antidepressants and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Dealing effectively with sadness or a true subtype of depression can be challenging, but you are up to it! Maintain open lines of communication with your medical doctor, therapist, minister and other support persons. Be patient with your progress, and open to God using multiple people and methods to facilitate your healing. Free yourself of unfounded feelings of guilt. As a Christian, you are free to ask forgiveness for any sins you’ve ever committed. Romans 8:1 declares, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Know that the guilt most often associated with depression is not your own, but is a symptom of the disease process. As a community, we must fight to end the stigma associated with mental illnesses including depression. We must not be judgmental, but prayerfully supportive of one another. We must educate ourselves with regard to available community resources, and be prepared to direct those in need of mental health services in the right direction. Remember, asking for help is not an admission of weakness, lack of faith or decreased value to God. Doing so marks the first step to ones divinely created best self! Physically, spiritually and mentally sound individuals are the very fabric of a vibrant, progressive community capable of facing the toughest of challenges, even that of being black while sometimes blue.
Community Resources: Note! If someone shares with you a plan to hurt themselves, CALL 911 or provide transport to a nearby emergency department. If you have thoughts of suicide, seek help. DO NOT DELAY!
1-800-SUICIDE (Help line. US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
“J.W. is a very motivated 27 year old New Orleans native who immigrated to Los Angeles to live with his mother’s family following Hurricane Katrina. The economic downturn last year resulted in him losing his lucrative California based job. Despite his best efforts, he simply cannot find a job, and is unable to move into his own apartment. Auntie M. has given him two more weeks to find somewhere to live. K.G., his longtime girlfriend, and mother of his only son, relocated to Houston to marry her college sweetheart. Crushed, J.W. began bible study faithfully, but now finds himself feeling angry and alone. He feels guilty that he is unable to consistently send his son money or help his aunt with the bills. In the quiet of his aunt’s living room, he tearfully fingers a small handgun, imaging this crazy world without him.
“L.P. is a beautiful 22 year old who despite physical and emotional abuse as a child, has excelled as a runway model. At age seven she was placed in foster care, where she remained until age 18. L.P. has worked very hard as a model, is described by her friends as a ‘social butterfly”, but finds herself unable to leave her loft apartment for the past eight days. She will not answer her home or cell phone, even when her agent calls. Despite spending the entire day in bed, she can’t sleep longer than a couple of hours at a time, has no appetite for food and feels sad to the point that she is “numb”. She doesn’t even flinch when the shiny, new kitchen knife draws blood from her wrist.
While individuals must refrain from self-diagnosis, it is important to be familiar with the symptoms associated with depression in order to know when to seek help. Many people experience periods of sadness described as situational depression. These include bereavement associated with the loss of a loved one, post partum depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), premenopausal syndrome (PMS) as well as depressed mood associated with alcohol and drug intoxication or withdrawal. Certain medical conditions including thyroid disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be associated with depression. Major Depression is classically characterized by the presence of at least two of the following symptoms, most of the time, every day for at least two weeks: depressed, irritable, or cranky mood most of the time nearly every day; greatly reduced interest in previously pleasurable activities; changes in appetite resulting in weight loss and less commonly weight gain; sleep disturbance including insomnia and excessive sleep; feelings of agitation or slowing down; fatigue or lack of energy; pervasive feelings of guilt; feelings of decreased self worth; decreased concentration and inability to make decisions. Short-term sadness involving job loss, loneliness, marital strife or other life stresses is normal, however, prolonged failure to “get over” the situation may reflect a more serious issue.
The etiology, or underlying cause, of depression is an active area of study. Many factors are thought to be involved including, but not limited to genetic predisposition, chemical and hormonal imbalances, guilt associated with prior physical, emotional or sexual abuse, as well as unresolved issues from childhood. Christian counselor and Professor of Psychology at Bethel College, St. Paul, MN, Andy J. Johnson, Ph.D., describes depression as a “melding together of sadness over losses and unresolved anger in such a way that neither emotion can be fully experienced and resolved.” Many black youths are confronted during their formative years with the mandate to trade outward emotional expression for a survivalist’s bravado that can negatively affect them well into adulthood. In his book “Standing in the Shadows: Understanding and Overcoming Depression in Black Men”, journalist and victim of depression John Head explains: “[F] rom the time we are young boys, black males have ingrained into us an idea of manhood that requires a silence about feelings, a withholding of emotion, an ability to bear burdens alone, and a refusal to appear weak.” He continues, “[t] he interval pressure to adhere to this concept of masculinity only increases as we confront a society that historically has sought to deny us our manhood.” Additionally, perceived victimization by educators, employees, police, landlords, as well as the criminal justice and social welfare systems places great strain on these vulnerable members of our community. Subsequently, many black youths, especially males, are prone to suffering situational and or clinical depression and the associated increased risk of suicide death. Data gathered between 1988 and 1995, reflects a 146% increase in suicide death among African American males ages 15-19. According to reports released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2000, while white males account for the majority of suicide death, the suicide rate has been rapidly increasing among African American males ages 10-19 and had in fact doubled over the preceding decade. In 2007, the CDC proclaims suicide as the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds and the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds.
As bible believers, we know that the “thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but [that Jesus] came to give life.” (John 10:10 New Century Version) If you or someone you know suffer from symptoms of depression, prayerfully consider seeking professional counseling and or psychiatric help. Though there remains a disparity in the number of African American mental health care providers, it is quite possible to identify a provider that practices with respect and cultural competence. Choose someone with whom you feel safe from bias, judgment, anger and criticism. Ask about licensure, area of specialty, and educational background. Don’t be afraid to ask early on about the treatment plan. Treatment regimens may include customized individual or family therapy, as well as medications including SSRIs (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), TCAs (tricyclics), atypical antidepressants and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Dealing effectively with sadness or a true subtype of depression can be challenging, but you are up to it! Maintain open lines of communication with your medical doctor, therapist, minister and other support persons. Be patient with your progress, and open to God using multiple people and methods to facilitate your healing. Free yourself of unfounded feelings of guilt. As a Christian, you are free to ask forgiveness for any sins you’ve ever committed. Romans 8:1 declares, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Know that the guilt most often associated with depression is not your own, but is a symptom of the disease process. As a community, we must fight to end the stigma associated with mental illnesses including depression. We must not be judgmental, but prayerfully supportive of one another. We must educate ourselves with regard to available community resources, and be prepared to direct those in need of mental health services in the right direction. Remember, asking for help is not an admission of weakness, lack of faith or decreased value to God. Doing so marks the first step to ones divinely created best self! Physically, spiritually and mentally sound individuals are the very fabric of a vibrant, progressive community capable of facing the toughest of challenges, even that of being black while sometimes blue.
Community Resources: Note! If someone shares with you a plan to hurt themselves, CALL 911 or provide transport to a nearby emergency department. If you have thoughts of suicide, seek help. DO NOT DELAY!
1-800-SUICIDE (Help line. US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
He Sees YOU!
“One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, 11 he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” 13 Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!” Luke 13: 10-13 NLT
There are periods of time in our lives that are marked with such severe pain that we find ourselves spiritually, emotionally and attitudinally bent beneath the gravity of our circumstance. These are the seemingly impenetrable places of darkness and isolation where we solitarily face unrelenting illness, financial turmoil and mental stain. Often as believers, we press pass such personal struggles into the house of worship on a regular basis. Like this woman crippled “by a spirit of infirmity” we consistently come to the house of God in search of answers to our problems. How many of us can honestly say, though that we also bring an equal measure of faith when we arrive? I find it interesting that the Bible describes this sister as being in the synagogue, as it was common during that time for individuals with physical and mental illness to be shunned as unclean by the community. Many such persons were disallowed from public gathering places, even God’s house. This woman’s problem was not one that she could easily hide as we see that she was visibly crippled, “bowed together” and bent over, and yet she is found on sacred pages seeking God. How fortunate many of us think we are that most of our issues are tucked safely away out of view from the prying eyes of friends, family and the church community. I am sure that there were many in the temple crowd that day just as pained as this woman, yet verse 12 dramatically from historical backdrop into a pivotal encounter with Heaven’s best: “he saw her”.
Jesus sees our inside and outside condition with equal clarity. No human person may know the sickness of mind, body, or spirit that we are currently fighting, but Jesus sees and He knows each of us in an individual way. The Great Physician’s care plan for you is designed for you and you alone! I can’t take your medicine; I must take my own! I love the resolution of verse 12. When Jesus saw her, He not only observed her painful problem; He was moved by her tenacious and tangible faith. It is this faith that compelled Him to call her out for a healing that ultimately brought glory to God!
When a caring Saviour sees the issue that has you bent to the point of breaking, what else does He see? Does He also see a man or woman determined to enter into His gates with thanksgiving in spite of? Does he see a heart that desires to glorify God in all things? Having shared the burden of humanity with us, our Lord recognizes the strain on your face, the bend in your back and the ache in your heart. Jesus knows the very moment your suffering began. He has been with you through every uneven step. Be encouraged today to press into God’s presence with unwavering faith. Know that God sees, cares and will soon call you out of the crowd!
The Word reassures us in Romans 8:26-28 that “the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. “ Our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God, both in our suffering and our deliverance. Your breakthrough is coming in the mighty name of Jesus!
Dr.’s Orders for Today:
1) Intercede specifically today for a person that you personally know who has carried a physical, emotional or spiritual burden for a long period of time. Pray that they will be strengthened by a stronger relationship with God and renewed faith for ultimate healing. Pray that they recognize the glory of God in their lives.
2) Write a short note or email of encouragement to this person simply stating that you love them and that you are praying for them. Be sure to include a scripture reference that they can refer back to.
There are periods of time in our lives that are marked with such severe pain that we find ourselves spiritually, emotionally and attitudinally bent beneath the gravity of our circumstance. These are the seemingly impenetrable places of darkness and isolation where we solitarily face unrelenting illness, financial turmoil and mental stain. Often as believers, we press pass such personal struggles into the house of worship on a regular basis. Like this woman crippled “by a spirit of infirmity” we consistently come to the house of God in search of answers to our problems. How many of us can honestly say, though that we also bring an equal measure of faith when we arrive? I find it interesting that the Bible describes this sister as being in the synagogue, as it was common during that time for individuals with physical and mental illness to be shunned as unclean by the community. Many such persons were disallowed from public gathering places, even God’s house. This woman’s problem was not one that she could easily hide as we see that she was visibly crippled, “bowed together” and bent over, and yet she is found on sacred pages seeking God. How fortunate many of us think we are that most of our issues are tucked safely away out of view from the prying eyes of friends, family and the church community. I am sure that there were many in the temple crowd that day just as pained as this woman, yet verse 12 dramatically from historical backdrop into a pivotal encounter with Heaven’s best: “he saw her”.
Jesus sees our inside and outside condition with equal clarity. No human person may know the sickness of mind, body, or spirit that we are currently fighting, but Jesus sees and He knows each of us in an individual way. The Great Physician’s care plan for you is designed for you and you alone! I can’t take your medicine; I must take my own! I love the resolution of verse 12. When Jesus saw her, He not only observed her painful problem; He was moved by her tenacious and tangible faith. It is this faith that compelled Him to call her out for a healing that ultimately brought glory to God!
When a caring Saviour sees the issue that has you bent to the point of breaking, what else does He see? Does He also see a man or woman determined to enter into His gates with thanksgiving in spite of? Does he see a heart that desires to glorify God in all things? Having shared the burden of humanity with us, our Lord recognizes the strain on your face, the bend in your back and the ache in your heart. Jesus knows the very moment your suffering began. He has been with you through every uneven step. Be encouraged today to press into God’s presence with unwavering faith. Know that God sees, cares and will soon call you out of the crowd!
The Word reassures us in Romans 8:26-28 that “the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. “ Our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God, both in our suffering and our deliverance. Your breakthrough is coming in the mighty name of Jesus!
Dr.’s Orders for Today:
1) Intercede specifically today for a person that you personally know who has carried a physical, emotional or spiritual burden for a long period of time. Pray that they will be strengthened by a stronger relationship with God and renewed faith for ultimate healing. Pray that they recognize the glory of God in their lives.
2) Write a short note or email of encouragement to this person simply stating that you love them and that you are praying for them. Be sure to include a scripture reference that they can refer back to.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I HAVE POWER!
Today I stand in awe of the suffering and redemption of the Cross.
Romans 5:6-8 is simply beautiful: "6) You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7) Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Perhaps verse 6 is the most powerful for me this morning..."when we were still powerless Christ died for the ungodly." A life disconnected to the Father through relationship with Jesus Christ is a life lived without power! In physics, power is the rate at which work is performed or energy is converted. We can spend our entire lives busy with doing "good deeds", being"nice" people, and checking off all the little ethical boxes that make us feel better about ourselves. Unfortunately, the introduction of sin into the well-spring of humanity inevitably results in our inability to reach perfection. We simply don't have the "power" necessary to propel us back to an untainted state of godliness. We can work and work and work...but the rate of our effort will never lead to enough spiritual power to effect any real change in our daily lives.
I am so happy that I don't have to depend on my own worthiness in order to come to God. Romans 5:8 reassures me that while I am still in sin, Christ died for me! All I have to do is accept his gift...the sacrifice of innocent blood. Real power over human shortcomings comes from God through His Son. We are made perfect in Him! I am thanking God now for the gift of Jesus and the power to do more than good...as a believer and co-bearer of the Cross I am empowered to do GREAT things in the Kingdom of God! To paraphrase my pastor Bishop Charles E. Blake: "I have power you can't see. God lives inside of me. I can fight any enemy, for God and me are a majority!"
Romans 5:6-8 is simply beautiful: "6) You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7) Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Perhaps verse 6 is the most powerful for me this morning..."when we were still powerless Christ died for the ungodly." A life disconnected to the Father through relationship with Jesus Christ is a life lived without power! In physics, power is the rate at which work is performed or energy is converted. We can spend our entire lives busy with doing "good deeds", being"nice" people, and checking off all the little ethical boxes that make us feel better about ourselves. Unfortunately, the introduction of sin into the well-spring of humanity inevitably results in our inability to reach perfection. We simply don't have the "power" necessary to propel us back to an untainted state of godliness. We can work and work and work...but the rate of our effort will never lead to enough spiritual power to effect any real change in our daily lives.
I am so happy that I don't have to depend on my own worthiness in order to come to God. Romans 5:8 reassures me that while I am still in sin, Christ died for me! All I have to do is accept his gift...the sacrifice of innocent blood. Real power over human shortcomings comes from God through His Son. We are made perfect in Him! I am thanking God now for the gift of Jesus and the power to do more than good...as a believer and co-bearer of the Cross I am empowered to do GREAT things in the Kingdom of God! To paraphrase my pastor Bishop Charles E. Blake: "I have power you can't see. God lives inside of me. I can fight any enemy, for God and me are a majority!"
Dr. Sha's orders for today: 1) Identify an area of your spiritual life that is in need of greater power. Perhaps you have been given a burden for intercessory prayer and you are struggling to dedicate the time to God. Maybe God is calling you to fast from food, TV, or internet, but you feel powerless to comply. Maybe you are struggling with issues of greed, lust, or anger. Whatever the shortcoming is, identify it and write it down. 2) Re-read and recite aloud Romans 5:6-8. 3) Pray a directed prayer identifying your area of need as well as your desire to accept the sacrifice and forgiveness of Jesus. Thank God now for the POWER you find in Him to be changed daily into the image of Christ!
Be blessed!
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