Do You Really Know What Time It Is?

In today’s micro-wave generation we human beings are completely consumed by time; our days are measured and planned according to time, we wake up each morning at a certain time, parents rush their children off to school just in time so that they, themselves can arrive at work on time. Often time our work moves into overtime, giving us just enough time to return home, rest and begin the cycle all over again. Time causes humans to get stuck in routine.

 

 

 

As much as time is used to organize our lives we still instinctively seem to waste time not realizing that we’re living on borrowed time. However we must understand that time is about change and change doesn’t happen all at once, it happens in succession. It is important to know that God controls time and He is able to recall time; therefore we actually live on God’s time. Yet God is eternal and He’s already lived all of our days.

 So in our relationship with God it is essential to understand that He is past, present and future. He knew everyone here before the very foundation of the world; God expected us to make our many mistakes, He knew how they would affect us today and tomorrow however when He looks on us, God doesn’t see who we are in reference to past and present but He see’s who we’ll become.

  1^st John 3:2 - Beloved, now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him…”  

 

 

 God is not consumed by time because time is contained in Him.

 

 

  2^nd Peter 3:8 – “…be not ignorant of this one thing; that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”  

That’s why mamma used to say “He may not come when you want Him, but when He comes He’s always right on time.”

Just incase you haven’t noticed, we are living in the last days; how so you might ask?

 

 

 

In the 24^th chapter of Matthews Jesus disciples asked Him when would He return and what would be a sign that the end of the world shall come?

 

 

 Point 1: Jesus warns them; “For many shall come in my name saying I am the Christ; and shall deceive many.”

We have witnessed the horrors of Jim Jones and David Koresh, men who considered themselves to not only be the Messiah, but in many cases thought they were above the Holy One of Israel. Today we have a well known pastor being hailed as the king of the Kingdom.

 Point 2: Wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation.

 

Americia has recently began withdrawing troops frm Iraq, and is still fighting in Afghanistan, while North Korea and Iran are threatening Israel and the US. 

Point 3: Famine and pestilence; earthquakes in divers’ places.

HIV and flesh eating diseases continue to take a toll on human life, and there have been endless natural disasters throughout the world. We've witnessed Tsunami's in Aisa, Earthquakes in Haiti and Indonesia, while on the United States Gulf Coast Hurricaine Katrina left severe devastation.

Point 4: Christian beliefs and biblical doctrines are hated and despised by many nations.

Books such as “The Da Vinci Code” and “The Book of Judas” attempt to discredit the deity and life of Christ. Movies such as “The Fighting Temptations” and “The Gospel” have made a mockery of the Christian faith.

 

 

 Jesus told his disciples that when we see these thing coming to pass, we should know that our redemption is drawing near.

(Ref. Luke 21:28)

Shhhh.....can you hear that sound?

 "The Alarm Clock Is Ringing": Do you really know what time is?

Like Father, Like Son

I come from a pretty large family on both sides. Ever since I can remember, relatives were always reminding me of how much I looked like, and behaved like my dad. Even today I’m told that I look more and more like him. I have his sense of humor, his compassion, his views…etc.

My dad was my hero and I’ve always wanted to be just like him. I’ve patterned many aspects of my life after him. My dad enlisted in the Army at 16 years old, I enlisted in the Marines at 19; dad boxed in the military, I began boxing 2 years prior to my enlistment.

Dad answered his call to preach the gospel, and finally I answered my call. However I must confess that when I remember my dad, I’m reminded that I haven’t completely measured up to his image. I’ve had speed-bumps, self-inflicted wounds, and have often gotten off course during my journey to follow in his footsteps. Sometimes I beat myself up when I fail in the pursuit of dad’s life.

But somehow I know deep within that dad would be proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish despite my short-comings.

Indecently, the same holds true in comparison to my life as a follower of Christ. When I think of the sacrifice that he made for me inspite of myself; how Christ willingly left his throne in glory to die not only for my sins past, present, and future; but for those of the entire world, I’m driven to emulate his life…

“When I think on the goodness of Jesus, and all that he’s done for me; my soul cries out hallelujah, I thank God for saving me…”

However, looking at the life of Christ is a constant reminder that I do not measure up, I am still so very flawed, and often times I’m in the company of people who are equally as flawed as I am.

(Ref. Isaiah 6:5, Romans 3:9-11 & 23, 5:12)

Yet he still loves me, and just like my earthly father; Christ gives me his undivided attention, grants me access to his heart, protects and makes provision for me despite the many times I fail or get off track.

The more I read his word, the longer I stay in his presence, the more I communicate with him, I’m driven to become more and more like him. (Ref. Romans 6:4, Ephesians 1:17, Philippians 3:10, 1^st Corinthians 2:16)

I want to love like him, be as compassionate as him, acquire his humility and meekness; and I want to serve him by becoming a better servant to others.

Jesus said that we are the light of the world, and in being so, our lives should be as such that when the world looks at us, they should see and glorify our Father in heaven. (Ref. Matthew 5:14-16)

Everyday I desire to emulate my dad, and everyday I live to emulate Christ. After-all, he is my Father.

Wealth That Money Can't Buy

Vintage 1927 Harley Davidson Dirt Track Racer - $50,000.00

Lamborghini Aventador Coupe - $387,000.00

House in the Hamptons – 850,000.00

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 I’m sure that I don’t need to remind anyone about our current economic situation, or how we even got here. Things are very tight for most everyone regardless of your yearly income.

There are still a large number of home foreclosures across the nation, the jobless rate continues to expand, and an increased number of businesses are folding which increases the number of un-employed. This continues while our utility bills, rent, car notes, and school tuitions…etc. still require payment; and still there is too much month at the end of our money.  

Amazingly enough, inside some of the poorest homes you’ll find humongous flat-screen televisions, enough bling to put Mr. “T” to shame, $100.00 sneakers for people who don’t play a lick of professional basketball so that they can look good in their expensive designer jeans and polo shirts…”Nothing But The Best For Our Impoverished”  

What is my point you ask?

Our society has been duped into seeking after, and hoarding material things which they can ill-afford; as opposed to budgeting and saving to cover the essentials in life…there are those who’d rather keep up with the Joneses other than put milk in the refrigerator…So while the rich get richer, the poor look richer; but only for a moment. There are actually people living in run-down housing projects, who drive the finest automobiles that money can buy and never even give a second thought to how they’re going to put gas in it. The little money some receive from public assistance seems to burn a forest fire size hole in their pockets.

But here is the really confusing part, some will go to worship services on Sunday, leech off of the word from pastors across the country, enjoy the praise…but when its offering time they can’t seem to find anything above a dollar to tithe into the Kingdom…

“But They Look Good!”

Far too many of us are mesmerized by the lure of wanting material wealth, as opposed to wanting more of God…

The Apostle Paul stated that his goal was to know the Lord in the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffering; being conformed to his death… (Ref. Philippians 3:10)

It’s difficult to pursue Christ when we are only seeking earthly wealth and gain. Listen to the admonishment of Christ:

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

(Matthew 6:19-21)

You should know that God is very aware of the things that we need. He’s ready, willing, and able to supply them, but when we separate ourselves from him in search of worldly gain and satisfaction; we spiritually tie his hands, thereby blocking our blessing.

 God wants for us to put all of our trust and confidence in him, we cannot place trust in our own self-righteous attitudes, and we certainly can’t rely on our own efforts. According to the prophet Isaiah, we are all unclean and our righteousness is as filthy rags.

(Ref. Isaiah 64:6)

 Truth be told, there are no earthly treasures or pleasures that are more valuable than those awaiting us in the Kingdom of heaven. Access to that kind of wealth never ceases, but it can only be obtained when we seek the heart of God and his purpose for our lives.

Jesus said: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.

(Ref. Matthew 6:33)

Believe me when I tell you that you have yet to see or hear of the things that God has in-store for those whose love and trust is in him. (Ref. 1^st Corinthians 2:9)

 Access To The Kingdom Of God – “Priceless!”

Seeking The Better Part

One thing that I hate more than anything else is “busy work”. I just can’t see any positive result from the activity…

Busywork is defined as: “work that usually appears productive or of intrinsic value but actually only keeps one occupied”. The operative phrase being the “appearance of productivity”

The same often happens in the Body of Christ…many saints manage to become so caught up in the work of the church that they neglect to focus on the Lord of the church.

There’s no question that working in the church is a huge task with many responsibilities and many ministries on-which to serve. But no amount of work or service should be more important than just basking in the presence of the Savior and hearing his words.

Luke 10:38-42 we find that Jesus stopped by the home of Martha and Mary. By all accounts they were both excited to have the King of Kings as a guest in their home. In her excitement, Martha concentrated on preparing refreshments for the master; however Mary just sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his every word. Martha was borderline furious by the lack of assistance coming from Mary.  Martha filed her complaint with Jesus concerning Mary, but to her chagrin Jesus sided with the one who chose to sit at his feet. Jesus would explain to Martha that what her sister had done was to choose the best part of his visit.

Please don’t misunderstand; the work of the church is very vital to both its congregation and community. But in order for the work to be effective, we must never neglect the Lord of the work.

Much is gained by spending time in the presence of the Lord.

1.  Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard his word:

-     Although Martha was well meaning in preparing natural food; however our spirit man is in need of nourishment also. The word of God is vital to our existence as believers in the Body of Christ. (Ref. Matthew 4:4, Hebrew 4:12)

2.  Mary’s desire was to simply be in the presence of the Lord:

-     We were created for the Lord’s good pleasure, this role is fulfilled by our desire to spend quality time with him through prayer, praise, and worship. This act of loyalty not only glorifies God, but also strengthens our walk with him, keeps us at peace while making us victorious.

(Ref. Nehemiah 8:10, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:8 & 13

So remember, church work is important; but in the presence of the Lord is the better part.

Time To Make That Change

Everything must change,
nothing stays the same.
Everyone must change
nothing stays the same.

The young become the old,
mysteries do unfold.
'Cause that's the way of time
nothing and no one goes unchanged…

(George Benson)

 We live in a world of constant change…we change jobs, we change schools, politicians change their stance and tactics, athlete’s change from one team to another, and every four to eight years this country changes presidents. Change is not only constant, it is inevitable….No matter how hard one fights against change, change is inescapable.

A man’s refusal to change leaves him in a time-warp that will ultimately lead to his failure to succeed any further in his natural life; it can also lead to his destruction. The same fact holds true in our spiritual life.

The Bible teaches: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” 2^nd Corinthians 5:17

The goal of every believer is to become more Christ-like each day. Doing so means that first our thinking must change. It is counter-productive to keep our mind stayed on Jesus when we try to function in our walk as Christian’s with our old worldly psyche. What’s in a man’s heart will always reveal his thoughts. (Ref. Proverbs 23:7)

More importantly, we must transform our thoughts from that of one to be served, to that of a servant. (Ref. Philippians 2:5-7)

Change cannot happen until we are willing to completely surrender our own will, and exchange it for Gods’ will in our life.

  One of the first deacons in the Bible was a man named Stephen. There came a day when he being full of the Holy Ghost, began preaching Christ to crowd of unbelieving Jews. They were so angered at his message that they dragged him outside of the city gates to stone him. We learn that they removed their clothes as to not get any blood on them and they laid their clothing at the feet of one Saul. (Ref. Acts 7:51-60)

Saul, who once considered himself to be a Pharisee of Pharisee’s; strongly persecuted the church. Any persons whom he found to be followers of Christ were immediately throne into prison bondage and put to death. Not long after the stoning of Stephen, Saul was traveling to Damascus to search out and murder more Christians.

But Saul had an encounter with Christ on his journey that would change his life forever. This same Saul would later have his named changed to Paul, and would become one of the greatest leaders in the history of all Christendom. In order for his legacy to be forever etched in the annals of the Church of Christ, Paul had to first be willing to change his entire belief system; by totally surrendering his life to the same Christ whom he once refuted, and whose church he persecuted.
(Ref. Acts chapter 9)

Paul was willing to make a change by placing himself in the hands of the Father who would mold him into a powerful Apostle for the cause of Christ.

If you desire to effect change in your own life, then you must place your it in the hands of God and allow him to mold you to serve. (Ref. Jeremiah 18:1-6)

So go ahead…..make that change.

I'm Coming Out With My Hands Up!

Lately my thoughts have been occupied with many of the trying situations that have occurred not only in my life over the past ten or so years, but also those issues which I believe were designed by the powers of darkness to shake and weaken the faith of every believer.

Without question there have been obvious barriers in each of our lives that were sent to impede our progress and obstruct our forward motion as we strive to follow after Christ;

Such barriers as:

• Un-employment
• A weak economy
• Real estate Foreclosures
• Bankruptcy

The barriers mentioned above would cause the average human being to fold, and surrender, under the weight of these most difficult times.

Thank God that we are not just average humans, if memory serves me correctly; Gods’ word says in 1^st Peter 2:9 that those of us who love and serve Him are:

 “…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people that we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light…”

However I submit to you today that even knowing this bit of truth, we as Christians have a tendency of compounding the issue by creating our own barriers:

·         Bad Company (surrounding yourself with people who mean you no good)

·         Pride (believing that we don’t need anyone’s help or advice)

·         Doubt (not certain if God will come to our aide as promised)

·         Disobedience (choosing to do things our way and not His)

·         Distance (abandoning communication with God and the studying of His word)

·         Faithlessness (causing us not to believe His word or stand on His promises)

·         Fear (the spirit that brings about all the above mentioned barriers in life)

I guess you could say that its moments and issues such as these which cause your plans, dreams and praise to really go south…

 

In the 30^th chapter of 1^st Samuel, we read the story of David and his men as they returned to Ziklag; a town south of Judah; noted for its having been the city of David given to him by king Achish of Gath and his residence when he was joined by many of his mighty warriors.

When they arrived, they found that the Amalekites had raided and burned the town, taking with them all of their possessions, their wives; and their children. David and his mighty men began to weep; their loss was so great that the men talked of stoning David to death.

 

As we read further we find that David encouraged himself in the Lord his God, then he inquired of the Lord for instruction. Let us tackle the first part of this issue:

1.       Over in the 29^th chapter we find that David makes an allegiance with Achish who was King of Gath of the Philistines; Israel’s sworn enemy. The same people who gave us “Goliath” whom David slew.

-         We must never find ourselves in compromising positions which go against the grain of Gods’ word. Living contrary to the commandments of God and aligning ourselves with the enemies of God will certainly hinder our walk and our growth.

2.      The town of Ziklag was a gift to David from Achish

-         Our adversary, “Satan” has nothing good to offer us, therefore we should accept nothing from him. His ultimate goal is to turn us away from God.

3.      Ziklag was located south of Judah, (Judah means praise)

 

-         When we allow the enemy to infiltrate our spiritual perimeter he brings treachery, sorrow, and discouragement. This can cause our praise to go south; causing what I call, “A Ziklag Moment”

Ziklag moments are those times when we allow our spirit man to be bombarded by the tactics of Satan, and bring us to the place of forgetting how God has blessed us up till that place in our life. Our focus is solely on our current situation which causes us to over-look the fact that God is still able to do exceeding, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think.

When your rent, mortgage, or car note is way past due and there is more month at the end of your paycheck: “That’s a Ziklag Moment”.

When your loved one is close to death and the doctors have given up on them: “That’s a Ziklag Moment”.

When your spouse is unfaithful and serves you with divorce papers: “That’s a Ziklag Moment”.

When your best friends turn their backs on you in your time of need: “That’s a Ziklag Moment”.

Whenever your Ziklag moment arrives, that’s not the time to surrender to the situation, that’s the time to remember this one true fact;

       

               “YOU HAVE A HISTORY WITH THE LORD”

 

Just knowing he’s kept his  promise never to leave or forsake you; simply counting the many, many times he’s made a way out of no way for you. You must understand that God allowed your Ziklag Moment for the sole purpose of getting glory from your life.

 

David remembered his history with God and began to encourage himself (Give God Praise) in the Lord. Then he was able to go before the Lord and seek instruction for regaining all that was stolen from him, plus all the spoil of his enemy. (Ref. Proverbs 13:22b)

 

When we experience Ziklag moments, that’s not the time to let our praise go south on us; that’s the time to remember our history with God and transform into a Psalm 34 warrior. A song writer put it this way:

“With my hands lifted up, and my mouth filled with praise, with a heart of thanksgiving; I will bless thee oh Lord…”

 

So just remember; when your circumstances threaten to send your praise south, encourage yourself in the Lord…and come out with your hands up!

Knowing Your Kryptonite

If you were a young boy growing up in the 60’s, there is a very strong possibility that you were a comic book fan…at one point in my young life I must have read them all; from Richie-Rich, to Hot-Stuff and Archie. But my favorites were always the super heroes. It didn’t matter to me if I was reading a DC comic or Marvel I read and enjoyed them all. I can admit that I was drawn more-so to the Marvel comic book heroes, but there is one DC super hero who always overshadowed them all;. “Superman”

Everyday the entire country watched the television version of our favorite super hero. I remember how my brother and I would stand in front of our little black and white screen when the show came on. We’d follow along with the announcer reciting the show’s theme:

“Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive,

Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Look, up in the sky, is a bird, it’s a plane, no;

It’s Superman!”

This guy was so awesome that bullets bounced off of his chest, he could bend steel with his bare hands; he was so fast that he could even fly around the earth in outer-space at speeds that could turn back time all over the world. He could take on a hundred villains at one-time and defeat them all. “AMAZING!”

But even with all those super powers there was one thing that he had to avoid at all cost; Kryptonite.

There were five types of Kryptonite, however only three of them were detrimental to Superman. He knew the various effects that each would have on him if he were anywhere near them:

·         Green Kryptonite – Caused him to be weak and could be fatal

·         Red Kryptonite – its effects were only temporary but very unpredictable

·         Gold Kryptonite – Would permanently rob him of his super powers

 We all understand that Superman is merely a comic book/cartoon character who was created to entertain our imagination, but isn’t it fascinating how art has the ability to imitate life?

In his epistle to the churches in Galatia one of Paul’s themes was “A Defense of the (Christian) Doctrine”

So he takes pen in hand and writes: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:16-21

When God created mankind he gave us dominion over every other creature on the face of the earth, (ref. Genesis 1:28). In like manner, before Christ was crucified he assured his disciples that he would give them power over all the power of the enemy… (ref. Luke10:19).

Yet with all of the power and authority that we’ve been given by God, we still struggle in the area of “fulfilling the lust of the flesh”. Our flesh is weak at times and yet it would seem that we neither recognize it, nor do we understand how to defend against it when the temptation to sin it’s near.

Anytime Superman thought there was a possibility of Kryptonite being in his immediate vicinity, he would arm himself with some sort of lead shielding to give him protection from its effects. Lead had the ability to render Kryptonite harmless.

In James 4:17 we read; ‘Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’

A recovering drug addict or alcoholic must separate themselves every day from the circle of friends that they used to get high and party with. Former gang-bangers must avoid hanging on the corners of their neighborhoods, the sex addict must avoid pornography, and anything remotely resembling it….the list and the struggle goes on.

We are admonished to completely submit our lives to God, by doing so we will ignor (resist) Satan's prompting our thought process to commit sin in our flesh. (Ref. James 4:7)


Sin threatens to make us weak and rob us of our God given status in the Kingdom. It separates us from God and keeps us at a distance that interferes with our ability to share intamacy with him.

Essentially what Paul is saying in Galatians is; “Know Your Kryptonite”, and also know how to defend against. So he writes further:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

Following after the Spirit of Christ is the way to avoid succumbing to our flesh. An old song that my mother used to sing was: “I’m wrapped up, tied-up, tangled up in Jesus and the world can’t do me no harm…” When we put on Christ, he becomes the lead shield which guards against our Kryptonite; therefore we will not fall so easily into the sins of the flesh…

“Do You Know Your Kryptonite?”

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