"I Swear by Shea Butter" (2 Corinthians 5:11)

I swear by shea butter!

I have used many moisturizers, but none have worked as well on my skin as shea butter. I jokingly state to my friends and colleagues that I would go on television for free to give a testimony about the efficacy. “Shea butter! Use it! Believe in it!”

Yes, I sound like some religious fanatic. The irony is I am deeply in love with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So why am I less than enthusiastic to share my faith? Why don’t I go around to my friends and colleagues and proclaim the “efficacy” of Jesus Christ in restoring my life? Why is speaking about shea butter less offensive than speaking about Jesus?

Why indeed? The sad and pathetic answer is because I fear man more than God. I am not concerned about offending someone when speaking about a product. But I am concerned about offending someone if I present the Gospel. And there is nothing more important for everyone to be assured of their eternal destiny. And yet, I am often hesitant and reticent to share my faith.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
2 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)

I swear by shea butter. Do I swear by Jesus Christ? I do. And yet, my flesh is so weak. I need to make sure everyone I meet knows this as well. I continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden me to enthusiastically proclaim how Jesus has given me new life and restored me.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"Primitivo, eh?" (Luke 17:10)

On a recent vacation in Spain, I had the privilege to dine at Asador Extebarri.

This Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for grilling and smoking all of its food, even desserts! One dish boggled my mind. It was fish with a tempura batter. The tempura coating was perfect and there was a delicate hint of smoke. I asked the waiter how the chef could accomplish this, assuming that he used a frying pan placed on top of the grill or oven. To my surprise, the waiter said, “No, he does this all on the grill!”

“How could that be?”, I wondered out loud.

The waiter’s eyes twinkled. “Would you like to meet the chef?”

Say no more! After our lunch, we were escorted to the kitchen where our family met the famous chef, Victor Arguinzoniz. Chef Victor proudly displayed the grills that lined one wall, burning oak wood. In the center was a food preparation table. And on the other side were two wood burning ovens.

Anticipating my astonishment, the chef looked at me and smiled, “This is it. This is where all the cooking is done.”

I could not believe it. The grills were very similar to the ones I use. How was he able to achieve such brilliant dishes? Chef Victor carefully watched my expressions and grinned, “Primitivo, eh?”

Primitive? I was floored! This culinary genius had singularly defined an entire genre of cooking dubbed Creative European Barbeque. And yet, what defined him was his humility. The  staff later informed me that Chef Victor was pleased that I addressed him as Chef because he did not consider himself to be one because he was never formally trained; his background was in forestry where he learned the subtle nuances of wood and flavors. His life was not about seeking accolades. He was simply happy to cook and serve others, to do what he felt was his calling in life.

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty."
Luke 17:10 (ESV)

My life as a servant of Jesus Christ can take a lesson from Chef Victor. So often, I look back upon my accomplishments and want others to recognize what I have done. But this is not what God asks of me.  In the end, all that matters is whether I was faithful to God’s calling for my life. I am unworthy of any accolades. My only duty and joy is found in serving my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

The Seven Words You Don't Want to Hear! (1 Corinthians 16:14)

When I practiced surgical pathology, I enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow pathologists. Whenever we encountered a difficult or unusual case, a ready consultation was available by walking next door to their office. The protocol would be to bring the microscope slide and ask my colleague to review the case. Usually a perfunctory history was given and a few disease possibilities were discussed. Overall, a very satisfying and stress-free encounter. However, on occasion, it was necessary to review a previously diagnosed case that subsequently presented with a much more sinister diagnosis. In these instances, either myself or my colleague would begin the consultation with, “You know that case you signed out?”

These are the seven words you don’t want to hear! It meant that the original diagnosis may have been wrong and only with the passage of time, was the full and complete diagnosis potentially revealed. It most cases, the diagnosis was now far worse than originally interpreted. At times, it meant that a report must be issued acknowledging the original diagnosis may have been misinterpreted. It may also mean that the patient may need to change their current treatment.

In these instances, all surgical pathologists must take the correct action and speak to the referring physician caring for the patient. It is painful for the pathologist and referring physician. But the greatest pain and anxiety is felt by the patient. Although there was never a malicious intent by the surgical pathologist, this knowledge does little to provide solace to the patient. They feel wronged and cheated.

Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

As physicians, we seek to perform our jobs to the best of our abilities and with honorable intentions. However, it is inevitable that errors will be made. Unfortunately, when these errors occur, the outcomes are usually bad and may result in injury or worse. We must always remain vigilant to do our job and honor God with the talents He has bestowed upon us. All of the decisions we make will affect others. I continue to pray for those whose lives are affected by these decisions and ask God to care and comfort them and their families.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Stopping to Pray (John 6:44)

When I was in elementary school, my parents allowed me to walk home from school. It was about a 30 minute walk and along the way, I would pass by a Christian church. In those days, church doors were often left open and anyone could enter the sanctuary. For many weeks, I passed these open doors, wondering what went on inside. I thought to myself, perhaps someday, I would “get serious” about religion and attend a church.

Finally, one day, for no specific reason, I decided to enter the church. It was quiet and no one was around. I cautiously sat in a pew and surveyed the sanctuary. Everything seemed foreign and I had a sense of foreboding, that perhaps I should not be there. I opened a hymnal and found a Bible and read a few passages. And then, it occurred to me that I should pray. I had never prayed before, only observed others pray by attending the usual Easter and Christmas services.  I closed my eyes. My prayer was perfunctory and stilted. “God, I don’t know anything about you but I will just pray and thank you.” I opened my eyes and looked around. Nothing had changed and I did not feel any different. “Maybe I have to do this more often?” I thought to myself.

For the next few days, I would make it a point to stop in that church and pray. This routine ended with the last day of school. The next year, the walks home ended due to other after school activities. The intervening years of high school led me down a selfish path where I embraced atheism and was actually quite hostile to Christianity and organized religion. I did not pray again until my freshman year in college when God began to, once again, change my heart to actively seek a relationship with Him.

I look back on that period in my childhood as a time that God first began to change my heart toward Him. The world intervened and I resisted His call but God’s grace and mercy prevailed and He led me to another Christian brother who would help me to understand who Jesus Christ is and how I desperately needed Him as my Lord and Savior.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
John 6:44 (ESV)

I am forever grateful that God did not stop placing me in the path of His grace. He continued to draw me toward Him, even when I so willingly resisted and rebelled.

I stopped to pray. But it was God leading me all along.

Praise God for His mercy and grace in my life!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"Just Run Away! (Proverbs 27:12)

A few years ago, I undertook martial arts training in Kempo Karate. I learned body and mental conditioning. I committed dozens of defensive maneuvers to muscle memory and learned to spar. After several years, I was feeling more confident about my ability to defend myself if confronted with a hostile situation. Thus I was a bit surprised when the Sensei gave these sage words of advice.

“After you have defended yourself, be smart, just run away! You don’t want to remain in a fight any longer than you need to be!”

It reminded me of the equally sage words of Mr. Miyagi in the movie, Karate Kid, “Rule number one, karate for defense only. Rule number two, first learn rule number one!”

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
Proverbs 27:12 (ESV)

God commands us to avoid dangerous situations and flee. Certainly there are times when conflict is unavoidable, but we should not make a bad situation worse and suffer for it. God has provided us with all the weapons of defense we need to protect ourselves against Satan. We stand our ground and use God’s Word, the Sword of the Spirit, to defend. And the best part is our victory has already been secured by Jesus Christ. All we need to do is confess and repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Flee danger and seek the stronghold of Jesus Christ.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"If His God Were So great, He Should Have Lived a Better Life" (Matthew 5:16)

At a recent dinner gathering, I was listening to a woman lament the deaths of many of her relatives.  As I saw the pain on her face, I prayed to the Holy Spirit to provide an opportunity for me to witness to her. However, she launched into a story that silenced everyone in the room. She recounted the story of her younger brother who attended seminary but never continued on this path and worked as a mailman. He later had an affair and divorced his wife. Shaking her head in disgust, she exclaimed, “If his God were so great, he should have lived a better life!”

Ouch.

God is great and perfect and He chooses to work through flawed and imperfect people. Regardless of whether this woman’s younger brother was a true believer in Jesus Christ, he was a poor witness of His name. And this is the problem. Saved or unsaved, there are many people who state they are Christians but show no change in their lifestyle. Whether they or I admit it or are even aware, others, especially non-believers and seekers, are watching and observing his and my actions and behavior and wondering, “If he is a Christian, does he live a changed life? Is he hiding behind the name of Jesus Christ to distract us from his sins? If his God were so great, shouldn’t he live a better life?”

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

How many times has my witness for God been derailed by the sins of my past and current life? As John Calvin stated, “Faith alone saves but the faith that saves is not alone.” Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit indwells within us and empowers us to live a changed life. This is the true evidence of salvation. And everyone who witnesses your changed life will know that only the supernatural intervention of a living God could do this.

God is great and He does enable us to live a better life, one that is truly pleasing to Him.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your live.

"Barbershops, Beauty salons and Bible studies" (Hebrews 4:12-13)

For politicians running in this year’s elections and seeking advice on ways to reach their constituents, there is an aphorism that states if a candidate wants to know the true viewpoints of their populace, they must visit the “barber shops, beauty salons and Bible studies.”

I reflected upon this statement and wondered about its veracity. Sitting in my barbershop, I, and others, do tend to tell the barber our viewpoints on a wide range of topics. And having spent many an hour of my childhood, waiting for my mother in her beauty salon, I can attest that a similar situation occurs in that setting. What about Bible studies? In this setting, people are more likely to talk about the truly deep matters of life. Life, death, the state of one’s soul, the meaning of life...yes, all of these topics would be discussed in a Bible study. Indeed, a Bible study would quickly bring life’s true concerns into sharp focus for anyone attending. And why not?

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV)

God’s Word is living and brings out our deepest fears and desires because it is the absolute truth. It is God’s truth. And when we read the Word and truly ask God to reveal Himself, He will never disappoint!

In addition to politicians spending time in barber shops, beauty salons, and Bible studies, they should take the time to read the Bible. Truth is not a relative standard determined by opinion polls. It is only found in the pages of the Bible.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"Are You a Haole? (John 6:63)

Hawaiian words have increasingly gone mainstream in the english language and in the United States. Most Americans are familiar with “Aloha” and “Mahalo”. Slightly less familiar is “haole”. It can mean stranger and since the first visitors to the Hawaiian islands were Caucasian and persons of European descent, the name has been frequently attached to these groups of people. However, I, being of Japanese descent, would, strictly speaking, also be considered a “haole” since I am not a native Hawaiian.

Recently I heard another origin of the word-”no breath”. Intrigued, I researched this further and discovered that, indeed, this is one possible origin. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haole)

“The 1865 Dictionary of the Hawaiian Language, compiled by Lorrin Andrews, shows the pronunciation as ha-o-le. A popular belief is that the word is properly written and pronounced as hāʻole, literally meaning ‘no breath,’ because foreigners did not know or use the honi, a Polynesian greeting by touching nose-to-nose and inhaling or essentially sharing each other's breaths, and so the foreigners were described as breathless. The implication is not only that foreigners are aloof and ignorant of local ways, but also literally have no spirit or life within...Native Hawaiian Professor Fred Beckley said, ‘The white people came to be known as haole (without breath) because after they said their prayers, they did not breathe three times as was customary in ancient Hawaii.’”

Interesting. The early Hawaiians were aware that man is more than just a body but embodies a spirit. God is the Creator of all men and He has imbued every one with a longing and inherent knowledge of Him.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 (ESV)

But knowledge, alone, cannot save. All must confess and repent of their sins and turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. And when this happens, the Holy Spirit will indwell within each believer, confirming the new life that has been born.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
John 6:63 (ESV)

Are you a haole? Are you breathless? Does the Holy Spirit indwell within you? There is only one way to be sure. Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

All in the Family (Acts 17:6)

Much of the history of the world has been directed by dynasties-powerful individuals in families. A quick overview of European history yields the Hapsburgs, the Rothschild's, the Tudors. Asian history yields the Japanese emperors and the Sultans of Brunei. American history yields the Rockefellers, the Kennedys and the Bush family.

What about the Bible? Abraham and his descendants are the Jews of today. All of the Kings of Judah were descendants of King David and his family. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is a direct descendant of David from both His mother’s and father’s lineage.

I am intrigued that, within Jesus’ immediate family, an impressive legacy was left. Jesus’ cousin was John the Baptist and John’s father was Zacchaeus, an important priest of the temple. Jesus’ brothers, Jude and James, became leaders of the church and authors of two books in the Bible. His mother Mary became an important supporter of the early church, present in the upper room when Peter directed the Apostles to select another to replace Judas. There may be others, we cannot be sure. Undoubtedly not all relatives of Jesus were convinced that He was the Messiah and God. In fact, the Bible states that, at first, not even His brothers believed in Him. But with certainty, these aforementioned men and women, related to Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit, went on to change the world, a change that continues to this day.

If you are a Christian believer, your salvation is secure and you are a part of the family of God. But as a wise person once said, “God does not have any grandchildren.” If you were raised in a Christian home, attended church or Sunday school, or even received a baptism, it does not assure you of your salvation. Even being born into a family that had Jesus as your sibling does not guarantee salvation! Only by confessing your sins, repenting, and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, are you able to be called a child of God. And once this happens, God will work through your life to spread the Gospel.

And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,...”
Acts 17:6 (ESV)

It is all in the family. Will you leave a legacy of faith like the family of Jesus? Will you and your descendants turn the world upside down? Pray to God to use you and transform you into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"You're a Range Rat!" (John 5:39-40)

Many years ago, I was an avid golfer. Well, perhaps I should qualify that statement. I loved to hit golf balls but only rarely did I find time to play an actual round of golf. Then, as now, it was difficult to find 5-6 hours to play a full round of golf, especially with a group of other players. So, I spent most of my time on the practice range. In fact, the cumulative time I spent there would easily surpass one round of golf per week. As one of my golfing colleagues correctly pointed out, “You’re not a golfer. You’re a range rat!”

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
John 5:39-40 (ESV)

In my mind, I was a golfer but the truth was I evaded the real game and used my practice on the range as a substitute. The Pharisees were fanatical readers and memorizers of Scripture, but they were completely focused upon the task of memorizing rather than understanding the meaning and significance of the words they were reading. In their minds, they were devout Jews but there were substituting a task for true faith. They could not see the Scriptures all pointed to Jesus, who stood before them.

Don’t be a spiritual range rat! Prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship-these are not simply tasks to be completed. They are to encourage us to seek God’s will by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is true spirituality, living a life to honor God!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

A Slippery Slope (Romans 8:38-39)

When I was a child, I learned I could get away with certain wrong behaviors. It began innocently with small lies, but as I became older, I realized that I could do many things and not suffer any serious consequences. I had entered a slippery slope. Smaller sins became larger and larger sins became even larger. Even after I became a Christian, my initial change in my behavior began to falter and I began to lapse back into these old habits. I was ashamed of failing so many times and I would desperately pray to God to help me and heal me. Yet, when I was faced with the same temptation, I would once again fail.

My defiant and flippant attitude toward God was because I never had the complete assurance in my life that Jesus Christ was my Lord and Savior. If I was truly convinced of the truth that the Apostle Paul wrote in the book of Romans, my life would have changed and I would have truly repented of my sins and turned toward Jesus Christ instead of continuing to wallow in my own sins, attempting to pull myself up by my own efforts. I kept insisting to myself that, “I could not change,” when in reality, I was telling myself, “I would not change.”

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

If you are assured that nothing will ever separate you from the love of Jesus Christ, your life would reflect this truth. You would live, assured that God sees every action, knows every thought, and understands that in every situation we encounter, God would provide the strength to endure it and emerge victorious.

That is the promise of God and He sealed it with the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no slippery slope to sin when you stand together with God.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Is the Lord on Your Side? (Jeremiah 21:5)

The Bible is filled with many comforting verses of God’s sovereign protection for those who trust and obey Him. One verse that always resonates with me comes from Psalms.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Psalms 118:6 (ESV)

But as comforting and reassuring that this verse is, God gives me a sobering reminder that He may execute judgment against those who repeatedly disobey and turn their back upon Him.

I myself will fight against you with outstretched hand and strong arm, in anger and in fury and in great wrath.
Jeremiah 21:5 (ESV)

In this passage, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, is warning the nation of Judah that because they have repeatedly disobeyed Him by worshipping other idols and gods, He would deliver them into the hands of a foreign conqueror. God, Himself, would be fighting against them. What could be more horrific than this? You against God, the Creator of the Universe. Who do you think will win? You have lost before you have even begun.

Is the Lord on your side? The only way to be sure is confess your sins, repent, and turn to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Is the Lord on your side? Your eternal destiny will depend upon how you answer this question.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"We Only Come Here for Weddings and Funerals" (Colossians 1:18)

I recently attended a memorial service for a friend. It was held in a Buddhist church. As I met with the family members, I inquired whether this was a church where my friend attended. The wife sighed and reluctantly admitted, “No. He didn’t really believe. We only came here for weddings and funerals.”

I nodded as I forced a smile. Although this was a Buddhist church, how many people view the Christian church with a similar disinterest?  Is the Christian church a gathering place for weddings, funerals and the occasional Easter and Christmas service?

For so many years of my life, I had a similar jaundiced view of the Christian church. It was a place where narrow minded people gathered to discuss myths. It was a place where weak minded individuals met to support one another rather than relying upon their own inner strength. I was indifferent, even hostile, because I was lost in my own sins and wretched state. Only God, through His love and mercy, changed my heart. And when He did, the Church was no longer an optional event, it was my family.

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

What I never understood was the Church was not just a building, it was the Body of Christ, and He reigned over it. If God sustains it, there is no other place I should be spending my time. For in it, I live and breathe because I learn to become more like my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the teachings of pastors and the fellowship of believers.

The Church is more than just weddings and funerals. It is for all of life. It is for sinners who need redemption, acceptance, and salvation from the only One who can grant it, Jesus Christ.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Has Anyone Ever Prayed for Him? (Matthew 6:6)

As I surveyed my daily prayer list and prayed for various individuals, I wondered how many other people, in the Body of Christ, may be praying for these same people? One person on my list is a bit of a loner. Has anyone ever prayed for him? I knew so little about this man, save for random brief encounters. He has behaviors that made him annoying to many that met him and thus, most people avoided him. But God had placed him in my life and let me know that he was not a believer. And that is all I needed to know to pray for this man.

God asks us to spend our time and energy praying for everyone we encounter, not wondering why He has allowed us to meet them. Perhaps, I am the only person in the world who is praying for this man. If so, this is a very special reason that God has allowed me to meet him. God is honoring me by allowing me to pray for him. No prayer is ever wasted and every prayer is heard by God.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)

Sometimes Christian believers cry out, “God use me!” God has answered and commands you to pray! Keep praying for all the people that God has placed in your path, no matter how brief or superficial the encounter. It may be that God is only using you to pray for that person. And if so, He has mightily blessed you to care for a very special member of His creation. Continue to pray for everyone you meet, that God would place them in the way of His grace and draw them into a closer relationship with Him.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"Just Let Go! (2 Corinthians 5:7)

A few years ago, I had an opportunity to do indoor rock climbing at my daughter’s birthday party. Since I am afraid of heights, it was with a fair degree of trepidation that I undertook this activity. As I received the safety harness and intently listened to the instructions, my eyes surveyed the vertical wall that stood before me. Most of the embedded protrusions, placed for the hands and feets,  appeared to be evenly spaced and within my reach. However near the top of the wall, many were more widely spaced. As I began my ascent, I quickly saw that my initial impression was true. How would I be able to reach across without falling?

As if on cue, the instructor on the floor yelled out, “Don’t worry about falling! Just reach out to it. Just let go!”

The instructor knew my fear was limiting my reach to the next level. I was unwilling to let go. Only after recomposing myself, was I able to trust the harness and let go, to successfully reach the next level. Fears conquered...at least for that day!

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

In my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ, I exhibit a similar fear and lack of confidence in God’s promises to hold me and guide me. I confess that I love God and Jesus is my Lord and Savior and am reborn with a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. And yet, so often, during trials and tribulations, I refuse to let go of my old life and attempt to solve problems with my own efforts and resources. When will I learn that I need to stop clinging to my old life? Just let go!

Thanks be to God who is patient with me. He continues to transform me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Everyday, every moment, I am learning to let go and allow Him to go!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Very Few Original Ideas (Ecclesiastes 1:10)

In 2014, there were over 600,000 new patent applications submitted to the United States government. A perusal of these applications reveals some creative ideas but with closer scrutiny, many of these patents are for inventions that simply attempt to improve upon earlier inventions. It is the old adage of “building a better mousetrap.”

In fact, the more one looks at “new ideas”, there is a sense that there are very few original ideas. When innovation takes place, it often occurs by applying one successful idea in another, seemingly unrelated, context. One well-known, but instructive, example is the invention of the microwave oven. While working at a radar station, an engineer at Raytheon, Perry Spencer, noted his candy bar in his shirt pocket had melted. He correctly surmised that the microwaves emitted from the radar caused it. That discovery prompted him to wonder if the microwaves could be harnessed to cook food. The result is our microwave oven.

Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us.
Ecclesiastes 1:10 (ESV)

When Solomon wrote this passage thousands of years ago, he may have been lamenting this same idea. He had amassed greater knowledge and information than anyone who had previously lived. And yet, at the end of his life, he bemoaned the lack of truly new ideas. The only answer to his searching was to fear God and obey His commandments.

How can this free us and lead to original ideas? When we recognize that God is the source of all ideas and He is the inspiration behind innovation, we stop trying and start obeying. When we confront a situation or problem that requires thinking “outside the box”, place yourself inside of God’s control and ask Him to resolve the problem. The Bible is replete with examples of original solutions that God provided to anyone who humbled himself before Him.  Just ask Gabriel, Ruth, Esther...completely original and novel ways by which God used these saints to accomplish His purpose.

There are many more examples in the Bible. And there are millions of stories that believers, through the centuries, could share. God will provide the most innovative and original ideas to glorify Him!

All we need to do is obey.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"This is how I learn Chinese!" (Colossians 3:16)

Many years ago, I visited the home of a friend who was eagerly learning the Chinese language. To assist him in his memorization, he collected pieces of paper with the Chinese characters and pronunciation in English written on them, and placed the papers on common objects in his home, like a lamp, table, chair, and bed. Thus, wherever he turned, the papers reminded him of the Chinese word. With an excited flourish of his arms, he exclaimed, “This is how I learn Chinese!”

We should all be so diligent to study and memorize God’s Word! If we placed Bible verses around our home, our workplace, our car...wherever we spend time, would it begin to sink and saturate our consciousness? For years I struggled to memorize Bible verses. While I could quote the general idea and state the book of the Bible, I could not quote it directly from memory. The Holy Spirit convicted me my sin of neglect and laziness and put me to work.

In my study, in my garage, even in my closet, Bible verses are now displayed. In my office, verses are placed on every wall and in the office bathroom. There is hardly a place I can turn, at work or home, where God’s Word is not displayed. And slowly, I was able to memorize the Bible verses. My stubbornness gave way to God’s gentleness.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

For so many years, I did not allow God’s Word to richly dwell within me. No more. Now, in difficult situations, God’s Word more readily comes to my mind and lips, complete with book, chapter, and verse. In times of prayer and meditation, God’s Word saturates my words. And in times of fellowship, God’s Word is a ready instructor and guide.

This is how I learn God’s Word!

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"He Did it For His Friend" (Titus 1:9)

I was recently comforting the widow of a good friend who recently passed away. The memorial service was held in a Buddhist church and as I surveyed the interior, I asked her whether her husband was a Buddhist. “No,” she replied. “He didn’t really believe. But his good friend asked him many years ago to serve on the church board. He didn’t want to do it but he did it for his friend. But he never attended the meetings.”

He did it for his friend.

I don’t know what the criteria for eligibility are to serve on this Buddhist church board, but I would not be surprised if belief in Buddhism would be very high, if not the highest, on that list.

As I pondered that answer, I thought about the Christian church. The Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy and Titus, outlined the criteria for Christian believers to serve as a deacon or elder in the church.

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9 (ESV)

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9 (ESV)

Of the many criteria that Paul lists, these two stand out to me. Any Christian who is asked to be in a leadership or advisory position within the Church needs to be grounded in God’s Word.

Does your church hold their leadership and board to this high scrutiny? Are members on your board chosen because of their mature faith and godly example to others? Or do personal relationships, social status in the community, or their ability to contribute more in donations and talent, override any other spiritual concerns?

As Christians, we most hold firm to the highest standard of God. Friendships are important but this relationship should never supercede the importance of one’s relationship with God.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Attacking While Defending (Matthew 4:8-11)

I have always loved the martial arts. In my childhood and, briefly, during college, I trained in judo. More recently, I trained in Kempo Karate. What I find appealing in all of these disciplines is the principle of attacking while defending. While variations exist, in the best circumstance, the defensive action actually becomes the offensive attack. For example, if I use my hand or arm to block or ward off my attacker’s punch, I could continue the action and it can become a simultaneous attack to the assailant.

The lessons I learned in martial arts have practical parallels in my Christian life. Every moment, we are engaged in spiritual warfare with Satan and his demons. The attacks are far more insidious than an attacker’s punch or kick. The attacks are lies, appeal to pride of life, the desires of my eyes, and the lust of my flesh. And while I may be able to recognize some of these attacks, many of the attacks may be carelessly and erroneously welcomed by me as something desirable.

The Bible commands us to defend ourselves against the devil and his wiles by relying upon God’s Word. His Word is also our sword with which we may attack our accuser. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, did that as Satan attacked Him during a time of hunger and deprivation.

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Matthew 4:8-11 (ESV)

Satan’s attack on Jesus was an appeal to the flesh when He was physically and mentally exhausted.  But Jesus defended Himself with God’s Word and silenced His accuser. He simultaneously defended and attacked, using the Word of God!

God’s Word is sharper and active than any sword or attack than anything Satan can ever use against use.

Read, memorize, and believe God’s Word. It allows us to attack while defending.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

"God Wants to Bless Your Socks Off!" (Psalms 37:4)

When I lived in Hawaii, I attended a church pastored by an effervescent servant of God. He always had a smile on his face and his messages continually focused upon the grace, love, and mercy of God. Not infrequently, he would survey the congregation and, with a twinkle in his eye, exclaim,

“God wants to bless your socks off!”

Indeed! I loved his unabashed enthusiasm about receiving God’s blessings. His life was a testimony to God’s mercy and grace, restoring him after alcoholism and a broken marriage wrecked his life. He lived every moment in gratitude to God for what He did for him. “Count your blessings” was the way of life for this brother!

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4 (ESV)

How does one delight in the Lord? Live a life in continual gratitude for what He has done for you! Don’t have this joy? If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, pray to Him that the Holy Spirit will empower you with His peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.

God want to bless your socks off! All you have to do is trust and obey Him!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.