Category: Preacher

The above note on our refrigerator is a reminder to me especially the importance of listening to understand not to reply. Do you have an attitude of gratitude? In this world full of misunderstanding, perhaps we all need to stop and begin to really communicate to understand the other person’s point of view prior to imposing our own opinion on others. Do we get caught up in the heat of the moment and shut down our brains because we are so enraged? Is there any wisdom in human action? I was reading in Matthew 5:1-12 in a version where the word “Blessed” has been replaced with “Happy”. What’s this? I was taught this passage of scripture was called the “B” attitudes. “B” for blessed. So now, do we call them “H” attitudes? I hope not! Where is the wisdom in any human action? Why should we try to change for the sake of change? I suppose there is no money in keeping same ole computer, phone, car, etc. Obsolescence is built into all products so we have to buy more. How many light bulb version do we really need? Last week I referenced Newton’s 3rd law about for every action there is an equal reaction. This week I wanted to continue about human action. Paul asked, “Where are the wise? Where are the legal experts? Where are today’s debaters? Hasn’t God made the wisdom of the world foolish?” (1 Cor. 1:20) My point here is why do we have an attitude that perhaps is not so positive these days? I believe we have sold a bill of goods. We buy more expensive drugs because that is what we are sold because money is to be made on name brand drugs. We upgrade our electronics because we want the newest gadgets. We want control of our situation so when we feel threaten, we react. Is there any wisdom to our human actions? I say no, if we are acting according to earthly influences. I say yes, if we are acting according to the wisdom of the cross. Should we brag about ourselves or brag in the Lord? (1 Cor. 1:31)

T

Here’s is a brief audio message to listen if you have time.

I am listening to an audio book on lessons for living. Do we listen to others with the intent to respond on what we want to say or do we listen to others to understand them first before responding? Without giving too much details or if you want to know the name and author of the book, send me a private note and I will be more than happy to share. In the book, the author is learning that she had hidden talents to literally listen with a purpose and look into the soul of another to see things they were not able to see or hear. I may have a few sceptics reading this and perhaps turned off by it but I too believe in the spiritual realm. However, the only reason I mention this book is because it illustrates the God given talents and spiritual gifts we possess. Do we know our gifts? Perhaps not. There is an imaginary window called the “Joe Harry” window that describes four panes of glass. One pane are gifts that we all know about ourselves which are private. One pane are gifts only what other people know about you. Another pane are gifts that both you and the public know about you. The final pane is perhaps the most important and that is what God only knows about you. In 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Paul is encouraging the people to recognize their Spiritual Gifts. He says in verse 7, “the result is that you aren’t missing any spiritual gifts……”. Are we missing any gifts that will encourage goodness in this world or are we hiding our gifts under a bushel basket for fear of retaliation, real or imagined? Maybe we do not know we even have a gift and that is a shame. I believe the grave yard is full of unsung songs, talents and gifts. How do we nurture how own gifts and how to we recognize gifts in others? I believe it is hard to recognize gifts if we are so busy doing what we think we should do instead of doing what we are called to do. How do we determine what we are called to do? I believe we need to open up our hearts, minds and souls to the endless possibilities when we listen with intent to understand.

As we welcome a new President into the White House in a few days, may we ask for God’s guidance upon him and may he accept the Grace to be led by the Holy Spirit to open the endless possibilities for success according to the will of God.

T

“Without any partiality. Is that possible?”

Does anyone listen to my audio version I post each week? I finally got it inserted above. How do you communicate? Is it through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Email, Snail Mail or just plain ole telephone? How about face to face? Wow, now that is novel idea. In Acts 10:34-43, Peter learns the Devine Guidance has no boarders. In other words, God does not show partiality to one group of people for another. Is that possible in today’s world? Perhaps, the reason why we seem to struggle with communication overload is our avoidance to actually speak to someone for fear of judging or being judged. I believe we are living in a world full of tools to communicate yet we tend to fail to actually listen with the intent to understand one another. Perhaps, it is resistance to change. During Jesus’ time, he came to show us a better way without any partiality. Yet they still hung him on a cross because they could not accept his way. In today’s world we have similar challenges accepting change. We have so much hatred for one another, we can not seem to get past our beliefs to accept another’s point of view or belief. Perhaps, we should take a hard look at ourselves and ask ourselves could we take on the examples of Christ and be more open to acceptance without partialities? There was hatred back then and there is hatred today. No one is exempt no matter what you believe. There is someone who will refuse to believe what you believe. Should we judge them or should we strive to understand them without partiality. Is that possible with our modern dog eat dog world? I think it is possible. No one has a monopoly on hatred. It is present in all shapes, sizes and colors. I suggest we begin this new year with a change of heart to practice listening to one another not to prove a point but to understand their point. Not to battle with one another but to accept one another. Yes, I believe we can live without partiality. I believe we can retrain our brains to accept everyone as a child of God to respect everyone regardless of their opinions or beliefs. Everyone is entitled to believe in what they believe without prejudice as long as it does not hurt another or violate another’s liberties. We are not entitled to judge anyone but we are obligated to share the good news as long as we have a breath in our bodies. Those that will not listen to our beliefs should not have rocks thrown at them or called racist or whatever derogatory remarks spoken in rage regardless of the color of their skin or what they believe. Let us live our life in peace with one another. Yes, it is possible.

T

Have you ever been told a secret? How hard is it to keep the secret when told? A secret will burn in our brain waiting to be released by our tongue into the world. After all, what good is a secret if we can not tell it? Caution though as once told, it is no longer a secret but a message of good or bad news depending on the audience. Perhaps, we all need to train our tongues and minds to act with wisdom.

Matthew 2:12 says, “Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.” Who are they? Magi or wise men from the East. Perhaps, that is why they were called wise as they were not influenced by an earthy authority with one objective to destroy anyone that upset his authority. Caution to us all not to accept guidance from the misguided. Herod was an evil ruler that intimated his people but thank God the Magi was not tricked. Ephesians 3:10 tells of God’s purpose through his wisdom of many ways to reveal his church.

God showed his servant Paul a secret plan in a revelation. Earlier generations may have heard the plan through the prophets but did they understand that the plan was to also be coheirs and part of the same body Jew or Gentile? Paul saw the secret revealed through Christ and His purpose is to show the rulers and earthly authorities true power. The secret has been consistent from the beginning of time and now we all have access to His authority through our faith in Him. As we remember his infant entry into this world and his suffering as a human servant, may we celebrate his return. As we prepare for a new year, may we also feel empowered by the secret. Christ gave us access through our faith in him. Access to who’s authority? God’s authority not an earthly authority. Let us pray that those who have authority on this earth recognize as Paul and the Magi did that victory is indeed found in Jesus.

Reveal the secret to all who will hear and see with wisdom according to His purpose not ours.

T

 

What kind of magic is this? Definition of magic is “the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces….having or apparently having supernatural powers.” Was magic performed when we consider the birth of a child through unusual circumstances? Magic in my opinion is a human art form. Talented magicians I suspect can capitalize on their art form. I also suspect they spend hours and hours of practice to get the trick perfected to convince their audience. How did he do that? Practice makes perfect in this profession as it does in any worthwhile profession. So I ask again what kind of magic was this? We celebrate the birth of Christ every year and though it seems more and more commercialized the wonder still exists. Was it magic or was it a miracle? Definition of miracle is “a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.” It is your choice on how to categorize the birth of Christ. Was it magic, miracle or an extremely well orchestrated hoax that has fooled believers for thousands of years? Let me say up front, that a hoax is easily ruled out due to generations of fact checking but if you choose not to believe, these words will be a futile effort to convince you. Only His prevenient Grace can soften a hard heart.

Back to the question of magic versus miracle. What say you? Was it a slight of hands by a human professional or was it the work of a divine agency (God)? The prophets of old as mentioned in Matthew 1 starting at verse 18 tells the story of Emmanuel, “God with us.”. Jesus came into this world in a not so usual way but grew up from infancy to adulthood to be with us and teach us a better way then reconnect us to the Father in Heaven. Paul saw the great light and through His grace became an apostle to all who would come to believe. He shared the light. So should we as affirmed in Romans 1:1-7.

In this time of joy and happiness, we all know it is also a time of reflection and perhaps sadness of lost love ones. Let us remember the reason for the season and let us recognize that until we are called to the heavenly host, our mission is still to go out and share the light. Peace to you all and have a very Merry Christmas with a renewed since of purpose in the New Year.

T

The below audio is for your hearing convenience.