And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39
This past Friday President Barack Obama won the prestigious Noble Peace Prize. Ever since, the debates have begun of whether he truly deserves the award. Some say that the president has not done anything as of yet to merit such a high award. Others point to the fact that the president's leadership and vision,which provide a sense of hope and togetherness, makes him a good choice for the award. Friday the President commented that he was "suprised and deeply humbled,"and he did not feel he deserved "to be in the company of past Peace Prize winners but would accept the award." I won't give my opinion for now but where do you stand on this issue. No matter what side of the debate we may stand, there is no doubt about it that Jesus is the Ultimate Peace Prize Winner. Over and over again Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has proven himself as worthy of this honor. In our text for today, Jesus and the disciples were out on a ship in a storm. The disciples who began to panic because of their predicament, awoke Jesus and questioned him about his care for them. Jesus then woke up like a man and spoke up like God and demonstrated why He is the Ultimate Peace Prize Winner.
First there is no doubt about it that Jesus is the Ultimate Peace Prize Winner because He is Sovereignly over our Storms. That means Jesus is always in control of even nature. The text says in vs. 38 that Jesus was sleep in the storm before the disciples awoke him. Then he arose and"rebuked the wind". The storm didn't faze Jesus because he knew he has ultimate authority over it. That's Good News for someone who is in the midst of a storm right now. You don't have to panic or come apart because Jesus is in control even when your situation is out of control.
Secondly, there is no doubt about it that Jesus is the Ultimate Peace Prize Winner because He Speaks to our storms. After rebuking the wind the vs. 38 says Jesus said to the sea, "Peace be still." In other words, "Chill out!" Instead of being whipped by worry and assaulted by anxiety, you need to remember that there is power in the Word to speak to your situation.
Finally, there is no doubt about it that Jesus is the Ultimate Peace Prize Winner because He Settles our storms. After Jesus spoke to the storm, the Bible says that there was great calm. Did you get it? Jesus was able to bring calmness where there was chaos and order where there was disorder.
Well no matter what our opinion is as to whether our President deserves the Noble Peace Prize, we should all agree that there is no doubt about it that Jesus deserves the Ultimate Peace Prize! Today choose to experience the peace that Jesus provides.
PEACE!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover
"Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot" Judges 11:1
You've probably heard the popular phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover." It simply means don't determine someones value based on What you see on the outside because you may miss Who they are on the inside. In a real sense, you never know what potential, possibilties, and purpose is hidden deep down within. However we live in a society that seems to glorify externals. Popular t.v. shows like The Fabulous Life Of, MTV Cribs, and The Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous, seem to glorify individuals based on what they have. However, we all know that everything that glitters ain't gold, everything that shines ain't silver and everything that is pretty ain't platinum. In order to make a difference in the lives of others we must be willing to sometimes dig beneath the dirt to get to the gold. I borrow that luminous line from Dale Cornegie who was onced asked how he was able to mentor so many millionaires. Dale Carnegie replied, "When mining for gold you have to deal with the dirt." What he was saying in essense is that all of us as individuals have dirt. We all have places and find ourselves in spaces that are not very attractive. However if we desire to be mentors we can't get distracted by the dirt, we have to keep our goal on the gold inside of individuals.
If anybody had some dirt it had to be the person in our text for today. The Bible introduces us to a brother by the name of Jephthah. When we look at his life, on the surface, he wouldn't make the Who's Who list. First of all he had some Pain in his life. The Bible says that he was the son of a prostitute and his step-brothers hated him. Imagine that, he was hated for something over which he had no control. Next, because his brothers were drinking that hater-aide, he fled to a land called Tob and joined a mob, today's version of a gang. How many of our brothers today find themselves in gangs simply becuase they have been kicked to the curb by society and they find a sense of belonging in the group that they are now associated with? But don't miss this, even through all of his pain, Jephthah still had Potential. Look at vs. 1a, "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor." In other words, he was a warrior. That means it was in him to conquer and claim. Today we must see and help our brothers recognize the potential that is within them. We must help them elevate their expectations and refuse to settle for settling. We must help them to overcome the pain in their past by reminding them of the possibilties in their future. We must provide direction so that they can use the skills, talents, and abiltities that they have in positive and edifying ways instead of negative and destructive ways. We must put away our pointing fingers and welcome them with open arms. Never Judge a book by it's Cover!
PEACE!
You've probably heard the popular phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover." It simply means don't determine someones value based on What you see on the outside because you may miss Who they are on the inside. In a real sense, you never know what potential, possibilties, and purpose is hidden deep down within. However we live in a society that seems to glorify externals. Popular t.v. shows like The Fabulous Life Of, MTV Cribs, and The Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous, seem to glorify individuals based on what they have. However, we all know that everything that glitters ain't gold, everything that shines ain't silver and everything that is pretty ain't platinum. In order to make a difference in the lives of others we must be willing to sometimes dig beneath the dirt to get to the gold. I borrow that luminous line from Dale Cornegie who was onced asked how he was able to mentor so many millionaires. Dale Carnegie replied, "When mining for gold you have to deal with the dirt." What he was saying in essense is that all of us as individuals have dirt. We all have places and find ourselves in spaces that are not very attractive. However if we desire to be mentors we can't get distracted by the dirt, we have to keep our goal on the gold inside of individuals.
If anybody had some dirt it had to be the person in our text for today. The Bible introduces us to a brother by the name of Jephthah. When we look at his life, on the surface, he wouldn't make the Who's Who list. First of all he had some Pain in his life. The Bible says that he was the son of a prostitute and his step-brothers hated him. Imagine that, he was hated for something over which he had no control. Next, because his brothers were drinking that hater-aide, he fled to a land called Tob and joined a mob, today's version of a gang. How many of our brothers today find themselves in gangs simply becuase they have been kicked to the curb by society and they find a sense of belonging in the group that they are now associated with? But don't miss this, even through all of his pain, Jephthah still had Potential. Look at vs. 1a, "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor." In other words, he was a warrior. That means it was in him to conquer and claim. Today we must see and help our brothers recognize the potential that is within them. We must help them elevate their expectations and refuse to settle for settling. We must help them to overcome the pain in their past by reminding them of the possibilties in their future. We must provide direction so that they can use the skills, talents, and abiltities that they have in positive and edifying ways instead of negative and destructive ways. We must put away our pointing fingers and welcome them with open arms. Never Judge a book by it's Cover!
PEACE!
Finding a Way
For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." Mark 5:28
I'm reading an autobiography with my class by Tanya West Dean entitled "Line Drive". This story is about a female baseball player living during a time when girls were not allowed to play baseball. Despite facing societal stigmas the author finds a way to fulfill her dream of playing baseball. Have you ever had to just find a way to overcome overwhelming odds? All of us from time to time find ourselves facing difficult situations. During these times the easy thing would be to throw in towel and surrender to our situation. However, we must remember to hold on to hope, and follow the words of the poet who is unknown yet not unwise: Don't Quit!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit
This is the attitude of the sister in our text. When we meet her we find out this woman had experienced a setback that was causing her to be depleted in several ways, First she was facing difficulty in her fitness. For the Bible says this woman had an issue of blood for twelve years. Imagine how she must have felt as she had to deal with this draining issue year after year. Secondly she was facing difficulty in her fellowships. The Law stated that she was unclean which meant she was unable to have normal fellowships within society. Who knows when was the last time that she received affection and affirmation from family and friends. Next she was facing difficulties with her finances. The Bible says that as she went from doctor to doctor she spent all her money. Many of us know the frustration of funds running out. Fitness, fellowships, finances, and an uncertain future, yet inspite of all these things against her the Bible says she finds a way to get what she needs! How does it work?
#1 We must get the Right Information- The Bible says, "She Heard about Jesus". I don't know what she heard. Maybe it was how He healed the sick, raised the dead and opened blinded eyes. Maybe she heard that Jesus delivers individuals from demons, death, and disaster. I don't know what she heard, but because she heard something she did something. If you want to find a way when it seems like there is know way, listen out for the Word of God which will energize your faith because the Bible says Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God.
#2 We must have the Right Determination- The Bible says in vs. 27, "She came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. She was willing to press her way despite the crowd and despite her condition. We must have this kind of determination that we will not allow problems, predicaments or even people to block our blessings, destory our dreams, sabotage our success or detour us from our destiny.
#3 We must get the Right Impartation-Jesus says to her in vs. 34, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." Did you see that? Jesus upgraded her. Remember before she had went from doctor to doctor (man to man) for some healing but instead of getting better she got worse. Instead she goes to Jesus and receives healing, hope, and help. He totally transforms her life in a brand new way.
The Good News today is that we don't have to give up, or give out, but we can finda way to overcome our obstacles and triumph over our trials!
Peace!!!
I'm reading an autobiography with my class by Tanya West Dean entitled "Line Drive". This story is about a female baseball player living during a time when girls were not allowed to play baseball. Despite facing societal stigmas the author finds a way to fulfill her dream of playing baseball. Have you ever had to just find a way to overcome overwhelming odds? All of us from time to time find ourselves facing difficult situations. During these times the easy thing would be to throw in towel and surrender to our situation. However, we must remember to hold on to hope, and follow the words of the poet who is unknown yet not unwise: Don't Quit!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit
This is the attitude of the sister in our text. When we meet her we find out this woman had experienced a setback that was causing her to be depleted in several ways, First she was facing difficulty in her fitness. For the Bible says this woman had an issue of blood for twelve years. Imagine how she must have felt as she had to deal with this draining issue year after year. Secondly she was facing difficulty in her fellowships. The Law stated that she was unclean which meant she was unable to have normal fellowships within society. Who knows when was the last time that she received affection and affirmation from family and friends. Next she was facing difficulties with her finances. The Bible says that as she went from doctor to doctor she spent all her money. Many of us know the frustration of funds running out. Fitness, fellowships, finances, and an uncertain future, yet inspite of all these things against her the Bible says she finds a way to get what she needs! How does it work?
#1 We must get the Right Information- The Bible says, "She Heard about Jesus". I don't know what she heard. Maybe it was how He healed the sick, raised the dead and opened blinded eyes. Maybe she heard that Jesus delivers individuals from demons, death, and disaster. I don't know what she heard, but because she heard something she did something. If you want to find a way when it seems like there is know way, listen out for the Word of God which will energize your faith because the Bible says Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God.
#2 We must have the Right Determination- The Bible says in vs. 27, "She came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. She was willing to press her way despite the crowd and despite her condition. We must have this kind of determination that we will not allow problems, predicaments or even people to block our blessings, destory our dreams, sabotage our success or detour us from our destiny.
#3 We must get the Right Impartation-Jesus says to her in vs. 34, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." Did you see that? Jesus upgraded her. Remember before she had went from doctor to doctor (man to man) for some healing but instead of getting better she got worse. Instead she goes to Jesus and receives healing, hope, and help. He totally transforms her life in a brand new way.
The Good News today is that we don't have to give up, or give out, but we can finda way to overcome our obstacles and triumph over our trials!
Peace!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Untouchables
"And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. " Mark 1:41
My wife was studying the other night for one of her classes and quoted something that arrested my attention. She said research shows that those who are deprived of touch find themselves sometimes dealing with mental and social difficulties. She went on to say that touch is a basic need that we have as human beings. As I reflected upon this, I thought about those babies in orphanges that are often deprived of touch. I took it a step further to raise the question who are those individuals in our society that it seems that nobody is willing to touch?
In our text today , we meet a man who had was dealing with a dreadful disease known as leprosy. Because of this condition, which caused him to be isolated from his family and friends, society and the system labeled him as "untouchable." Yet in spite of his sorrowful situation, our Lord was able to transform his life through a touch. Who are the "untouchables" in our lives today? Who are the ones that our society ostracizes and criticizes? Are we willing to touch the untouchables? We can do so if we follow in the footsteps of our Master, Jesus Christ.
First, we must have Compassion for individuals. The text says Jesus was "moved" with compassion, therefore He touched the man with leprosy. In other words compassion moved Jesus to move. The problems, and predicaments that plague our community should move us to make a move and make a difference. Secondly we must be willing to Connect with individuals. Jesus could have healed the man in a number of ways but He touched the man to let him know that He was willing to connect with him. As His followers we must be willing to connect with the least, last, and lost of society. Finally we must Communicate to individuals the message that God is willing to heal their brokeness. After the man demonstrated his confidence in Jesus' ability to help him, Jesus told the man "I will; be cleansed." We must passionately proclaim this message of hope to those who are hurting and need healing.
Today look around at the people God has placed in your path that he wants you to touch in a positive way. Reach out and touch somebody's life for the Glory of God!
Peace!
My wife was studying the other night for one of her classes and quoted something that arrested my attention. She said research shows that those who are deprived of touch find themselves sometimes dealing with mental and social difficulties. She went on to say that touch is a basic need that we have as human beings. As I reflected upon this, I thought about those babies in orphanges that are often deprived of touch. I took it a step further to raise the question who are those individuals in our society that it seems that nobody is willing to touch?
In our text today , we meet a man who had was dealing with a dreadful disease known as leprosy. Because of this condition, which caused him to be isolated from his family and friends, society and the system labeled him as "untouchable." Yet in spite of his sorrowful situation, our Lord was able to transform his life through a touch. Who are the "untouchables" in our lives today? Who are the ones that our society ostracizes and criticizes? Are we willing to touch the untouchables? We can do so if we follow in the footsteps of our Master, Jesus Christ.
First, we must have Compassion for individuals. The text says Jesus was "moved" with compassion, therefore He touched the man with leprosy. In other words compassion moved Jesus to move. The problems, and predicaments that plague our community should move us to make a move and make a difference. Secondly we must be willing to Connect with individuals. Jesus could have healed the man in a number of ways but He touched the man to let him know that He was willing to connect with him. As His followers we must be willing to connect with the least, last, and lost of society. Finally we must Communicate to individuals the message that God is willing to heal their brokeness. After the man demonstrated his confidence in Jesus' ability to help him, Jesus told the man "I will; be cleansed." We must passionately proclaim this message of hope to those who are hurting and need healing.
Today look around at the people God has placed in your path that he wants you to touch in a positive way. Reach out and touch somebody's life for the Glory of God!
Peace!
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