A Very Special Olympics (Psalms 139:14)

A few weeks ago, our family attended the Southern California Special Olympics held on the campus of Cal State Long Beach University. The event was amazing with athletes of all ages gathered for this annual event. We spent time watching the track and field, basketball, and gymnastics.

One touching moment occurred as we watched the gymnastics competition. It was standing room only as four different events-floor exercise, balance beam, vault, and horizontal bar competed. We were sitting next to the balance beam when a middle aged woman mounted the beam. With a steely and determined look, she began her routine. She was a bit unsteady at the start but quickly gained her composure and advanced halfway down the beam. As she briefly paused to begin the next major move, she looked out into the audience and saw her family. Her face broke into a huge smile and she happily waved. She then went on to complete her routine to the cheers of the appreciative crowd. Dismounting the beam, she rushed into the audience, embracing her family.

The Special Olympics is a tribute to their competitive spirit and to the families that support them. And this is the message of the Special Olympics. The athletes all have special needs but special is not designating a disability. Special is honoring the spirit and attitude of the athletes. Special is celebrating the gifts and talents that God has bestowed upon them and all of us.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalms 139:14 (ESV)

All of us are uniquely gifted by God. For these athletes, mere competition and completion of an event is just the beginning. It is using their gifts and talents to the best of their abilities. It is a reminder to me that God expects all of His children to use their gifts in His service. The goal is not the outcome, it is the service. We are special because God made us in His image.

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

"It's Time for You To Play a Musical Instrument!" (Jeremiah 29:11 )

When I was eleven years old, I fondly remember a discussion with my parents that forever changed my life.

“Son,“ my father began. “We think it’s time for you to play a musical instrument.”

Oh boy, I dismissively thought! It’s going to be the piano and I hate the piano!

“...And your mother and I have decided it should be the guitar.”

Whoa! A smile came to my face as the words sank in.

“Wow!” I stammered. “I would have thought you wanted me to play the piano.”

My parents smiled. “We did. But we thought that we would rather have you play an instrument that you can carry with you. We thought the guitar would be great to bring to a friend’s house and to parties.”

I was elated! Playing a guitar was cool! From the moment I first touched the guitar, I fell in love with it. It is a love that continues to this day. I have played the recorder and ukulele in elementary school and the violin in middle and high school orchestras, but no other musical instrument ever captured my heart like the guitar.

My parents had a keen understanding of my abilities and interests. Although I had never voiced a desire to play guitar or any musical instrument, they picked the right fit for me.

God is much like this. He may present a situation that does not fit with my preconceived notion of what I can accomplish. But He gives me what I need, not necessarily what I want or desire.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

My parents knew what was good for me. God knows me better than my parents and even more than I know myself. I should accept all challenges and opportunities He places in my path because He has my best interests in His heart to give me a future and a hope.

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

"They Deserved It!" (Obadiah 1:15)

Whenever I read of a heinous crime or hear about it on the television or radio, I have a satisfying feeling if I learn that if the perpetrator has been caught and convicted. Justice has been served! And I think to myself, “They deserved it!”

Indeed, we reap what we sow. These incidents should be enough to deter anyone from deliberately breaking the law or violating another person. Yet, since Adam and Eve, we have rebelled against God and God, could, at any moment, exact His judgment against all mankind. One chilling example is found in the book of Obadiah.

For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you;

your deeds shall return on your own head.

Obadiah 1:15 (ESV)

The prophet Obadiah pronounced God’s judgement against the Edomites, the sworn enemies of the Israelites. As the Babylonians swept into Judah, destroying Jerusalem and taking the citizens captive, the Edomites assisted the conquerors by helping to capture any fleeing Israelites. The Edomites were full of pride, thinking their mountain fortresses of Petra protected them. But the Edomites did fall, as God commanded.

God is in control of all events. Like the Edomites, I deserve punishment for my sins against God and others. But thanks be to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have confessed my sins and repented and have been sanctified by work of the Holy Spirit.

They deserved it? No, I deserve it. Only by the grace and mercy of God am I saved from the punishment I justly deserve.

Praise God!

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

"But It's Not Real!" (2 John 1:7)

I love jellyfish.

Whenever I visit an aquarium, I always make a beeline to the jellyfish exhibit. I can spend hours watching the different jellyfish, fluoresce, riding the currents of the water. It has a great calming effect upon me. Not surprisingly, I have wanted to raise jellyfish in my home or office. But I know that this is an extremely difficult task. Until now.

In my office, there sits an aquarium that contains seven jellyfish, circulating the water via two pumps. There is a changing array of lights which dance off the tentacles and body. During every break, I glance at the tank and delight in their dance. My staff and guests to my office are equally mesmerized. It is soothing and entertaining. But it’s not real!

I found this aquarium through an online site. It is really a child’s toy but many of the online comments came from adults who were absolutely taken with the realism of the toy. From a distance, it is virtually impossible to discern that this is not real. The manufacturers did an outstanding job of imitating the real thing at a fraction of the cost.

In my Christian walk, I have encountered many situations that were close imitations, and I wanted to believe it as genuine. I read books written by well-known Christian evangelists, but the theology is not solid or grounded in God’s Word. I have attended churches that had wonderful worship teams and all the support programs for families. Yet the pastor’s preaching was not based upon God’s Word. I allowed myself to be caught up in the organization of the church but not focus upon what was most important, the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.

2 John 1:7 (ESV)

My jellyfish tank is a close mimic, but I know it’s not real. I need to be even more discerning when I read or listen to anything that appears to be expounding Christian values and teachings. Satan is far more devious and subtle than I can imagine, and I need to hold every teaching to the light of God’s Word. Only through the illumination of the Holy Spirit will I be able to discern whether it is real.

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

Smog Check (Romans 8:28)

It should have taken fifteen minutes. It was a routine smog check, something I had performed upon all of my cars, dozens of time ever since I first starting driving in California. There are a plethora of smog check stations, but for the last eight years, I have only used two, and within the last two years, it was only one of these. Thus, the other day, I found myself running errands in a part of the city where I do not often frequent, but it was close to the smog check station that I used for nearly six years. I pulled into the station, expecting to be greeted by the owner. Instead there was an unfamiliar face. His demeanor was cold. I asked if Dave, the previous owner, was around. He looked at me suspiciously and said, “Dave?”

“Yes, Dave. He used to own this place.”

“Dave hasn’t been here in 3 years.”

Flustered, I sheepishly muttered, “Oh, I guess I haven’t been here in awhile. Anyway, I am pleased to work with you.”

He took my paperwork and proceeded with the inspection. At the end of the ten minute test, he turned to me and said, “You have a problem.”

I had never heard these words uttered at a smog inspection so I was naturally perturbed.

“The light on the sensor should have gone on but it didn’t. I need your car manual.”

I fished the manual from the dashboard and handed it to him. He spent the next ten minutes poring over the pages, looking for what, only he knew. He then proceeded to spend another 15 minutes under the steering wheel, searching for something. Then, he spent another 15 minutes under the passenger’s dash, removing things with his screwdriver. I was growing suspicious.

“Umm...how much longer will this be? It’s not like I have an unusual or old car.”

That did it!

“What are saying? You have a problem. I have to fix it!” he snarled at me.

“I’m just asking how long will this be. I need to leave by 2PM.”

“What time is it now?”

“It is ten till two.”

“This test takes ten minutes.” his voice was rising in anger.  “I usually charge customer $50 to make this kind of repair.”

My antennae went up. I smelled a scam! I searched for an exit strategy.

“Listen, I appreciate what you are doing but I need to get back to my office. I am a physician and I need to attend to my patients.” I wasn’t sure if I should disclose my occupation but I wanted to speak the truth.

“Fine. You go. I usually charge $50 for this.” He repeated himself, emphasizing his disgust.

“Thank you.” I wanted to salvage this entire interaction. “Listen, I apologize if I seemed like I was questioning your expertise. It’s just I have never had this happen before. I thought this would take ten minutes.”

“Go.” He dismissively proclaimed.

I got into my car, anxious to leave this nightmare; it should have been a routine smog inspection. But it seems this inspector was determined to mark his territory. I started the car and to my horror, the entire dashboard was dark and the odometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, and battery gauge were not moving. I restarted the car, hoping this was a weird aberration. It was not. Fortunately the car seemed to work and I quickly drove away.

As I drove, I debated my options. I could take the care to the dealer and hopefully they could fix the issue. But I decided to take a chance and take it into my usual smog check station. I would explain the situation to him, I reasoned with myself, and hoped he would have compassion and fix the problem.

As I drove, my feelings alternated between anger and anxiety. But God intervened at that moment. He spoke to my heart and asked me to trust Him. He brought to mind the familiar verse from Romans.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

After I recited it out loud and prayed, I said, “Ok Lord. You are in control. I know that all things work together for Your good. I honestly cannot see the good in this situation. Perhaps You are preventing me from being in an accident. Perhaps, You are protecting my daughter the next time she drives this car. Perhaps I will never know. But I will trust You and not grouse and complain like I usually do.”

I brought the car in to my usual smog check station. When I pulled in, I was chagrined but explained the entire episode to him. At the end I looked at him, searching his eyes for any compassion, and said, “I am so sorry I didn’t come to you first. I feel like I betrayed you!”

With a serious face, he said, “You did!” As his face broke into a smile he said, “Let’s see if we can figure this out!”

Within five minutes, he isolated the problem. It was a burnt out fuse. There was also another fuse missing. All signs pointed to a manipulation by the first smog check station. I quickly drove to an auto supply shop down the street and returned with the two fuses. He replaced the fuses and the dashboard instantly lit up. He then completed the smog inspection.

God used this surreal experience to teach me about trusting Him. Instead of lashing out in anger and frustration, I turned inward and upward to God. Looking back, I realize that my faith is still so weak and I stubbornly cling to old habits. God has to use absurd situations like this to rivet my attention.

Praise God for His faithfulness to me even when I so often turn my back to Him.

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

"Do You Need Anything?" (Psalms 51:17)

“I’m going to the store. Do you need anything?”

This is a common phrase exchanged between couples several times a week or month. As this phrase ran through my mind, I wondered, does God ever need anything? He has created everything. And although we may think we own our possessions, we are simply taking care of them and should be using them for His glory. The old adage, “You can’t take it with you,” is true.

God does not need anything. But He does desire things from us. And only we can answer His desire.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalms 51:17 (ESV)

God desires humility. God desires honesty. God desires a confession and true repentance from our sins. Earlier in the same psalms, the psalmist makes this request of God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalms 51:1 (ESV)

This is God’s answer and desire for us. God doesn’t need anything. We need everything from Him!

Love and trust the Lord. Seek His will in your life.

Touching the Basketball (John 20:25)

The other evening, I was watching a professional basketball game. At one point several players converged upon a loose ball. After the play was whistled dead by the referee, he picked up the ball and examined it. It was slick with sweat so he proceeded to bring it to scorer’s table and replace it with a new ball. What happened next was intriguing. At least 5 of the players on the court wanted to touch and handle the ball. When one’s livelihood depends upon the proper care and maintenance of the equipment, all precautions and steps will be taken to ensure perfection and acceptance. They could see the ball and undoubtedly trusted the referee, but until they actually touched the ball, they would not be convinced.

The episode reminded me of the doubt that Thomas displayed when he heard that Jesus had risen from the dead. No doubt he trusted his fellow disciples, he heard the testimony of Mary Magdalene, and he saw the changed behaviors. But it was not enough for him. He had to physically touch Jesus. He had to be convinced.

So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “ Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
John 20:25 (ESV)

Jesus would then utter these prescient words.

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:29 (ESV)

At this moment, I cannot touch my Lord. But someday, in Heaven, I will be able to and speak to Him face to face. It will be the most glorious day of my existence! Until then, I must believe and look forward to that day, as Jesus has commanded me.

Praise God!

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

The First Bicycle (Matthew 7:11)

Source: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323728204578517451345634138

There is something special about receiving your first bicycle. I don’t mean the first bicycle with training wheels, I mean your first real bicycle. For me, it was the 1973 Schwinn Orange Krate Sting Ray.

It was a slick beast and the envy of the neighborhood. I didn’t ask my father to get this bike but when we walked into the store, he went straight to this bike and said, “What about this one?” I was floored since I didn’t expect him to offer to buy me the most expensive bike in the shop! And it was THE bike that I wanted! I loved that bike and wished I kept it. Apparently, I am not the only one because in 2013, Schwinn reissued this bike as a special 50th anniversary edition!

So, it was with great excitement that I recently went to a bicycle shop with my son to purchase his first real bicycle. He had quickly outgrown the starter bike he had for three years. Now he was ready for a full size bicycle. We looked at a variety of bikes until we found a beautiful cruiser bike, perfect for his style of riding. I loved it too and thought to myself that when he is not riding it, I will!

Buying the first bicycle is a special shared experience between father and son. I never asked my father but I think he was more excited than I was when he purchased the bicycle for me since he never had a new bike of his own, only hand me downs. He wanted to make sure that I was able to experience what he did not. Now, I was proud to share this experience with my son. The grin on my son’s face as he pedaled away made me beam and fondly remember my father’s happiness.

As parents, we seek to give our children the opportunities that we had or did not have. It is never a sacrifice when we chose to do this because we love them. It reminds me of the desire for God to bless us, His children.

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11 (ESV)

My father blessed me with a gift beyond anything I thought I could ask. God blesses His children with an abundant life and He blesses us exceeding abundantly beyond anything we could think or ask!

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

"😍 & trust the 😇" (Hebrews 4:12)

The Bible has been translated into more languages than any other written book. And now there is a new translation, sort of….it is an emoji Bible

http://www.bibleemoji.com/

Emojis-those ubiquitous icons that appear on text messages, emails, even advertisements. Now an enterprising Christian group has created this “translation” of the King James translation dubbed “Scripture for the Millennials.” Here are examples from some familiar verses.

Not by might nor by 💪 but my 👻 says 😇 of hosts.
Zechariah 4:6 (KJV-Emoji)

& that every tongue should confess that jesus christ is 😇, 2 the 🙌 of 😇 the father.
Philippians 2:11 (KJV-Emoji)

The emojis comprise 10-15% of the Bible while the rest is in conventional english text. One of the creators stated, "A major goal of this whole process was to take a book that I think is very non-approachable to lay readers and try to make it more approachable by removing a lot of its density."

A laudable goal! One can debate the merit of emojis that are vague or peripherally related to the actual words in the Bible. However, if this emoji Bible does encourage the casual reader or seeker to undertake a deeper search of Scriptures, by reading a modern translation such as the ESV or NKJV, then I am all for this. At the least, it may encourage the active sharing of Bible verses by text and emails!

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.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

God’s Word is not limited to any language or alphabet. The Holy Spirit may draw anyone closer to Him, by the spoken Word, written Word, and even emojis!

So remember!

😍 & trust the 😇; seek his will in ur life.

🙏

Thanksgiving in Song (Colossians 3:23)

Our family recently attended a surprise retirement party for the founder and teacher of a dance class for children with special needs. My son has been attending the class for about a year and he has blossomed under her tutelage. At the party, all of the teens and young adults with special needs stood in line, taking turns to thank their teacher. One young man had great difficulty speaking, because of his stuttering. As he struggled to complete a sentence, someone from the audience, shouted, “Take your time! You’re doing great!” He was determined to thank his teacher. After struggling with a few more words, he looked up from his microphone and gazed in the direction of his teacher and sang several musical notes. There were no words, just notes, but sung with a sweetness and bell-like clarity. The room was silent for the few seconds after he sang, then erupted into loud applause. The teacher lept to her feet and hugged him, proclaiming, “His voice is so beautiful. Thank you for that gift!”

For this young man, his beautiful singing voice was his gift and tribute to his teacher. What he could not express in words, he offered by a thanksgiving in song. It was a lovely reminder of how gratitude comes in many guises.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

When we thank God, we should honor Him by using all of the skills and talents that He has blessed and bestowed upon us. God has blessed each of us with a skill or talent. For some, the written word or delivering a speech is their calling. But for others, it may be a gift of hospitality such as baking. It may be working on an assembly line in a factory. It may be studying and being a conscientious student in school. Whatever the situation, we thank God by doing our very best with the skills and talents He has given us.

God blesses with talents and we return the blessing by using it to honor and praise Him.

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

"I'll Sleep On It!" (Pslams 5:3)

“Ok why don’t you think about it and call me.”

“Right, I’ll sleep on it.”

Why do we think a night of sleep leads to better decision making? I will admit that I thought it was of marginal benefit, at best. At the least, sleep would allow the mind and body to regenerate, and perhaps, clarity does come from rest. But the Bible has provided a better answer.

I marvel at the stories of the great saints of the Bible who received revelation from God in dreams. Although I cannot state with certainty that God has spoken to me in a dream, on many mornings, I awake with a new insight and direction from the Holy Spirit. Some examples include receiving a new blog about a Bible verse, a new direction for my life,  or a decision about my business, such as whether to pursue a new contract or hire a new employee. These insights always began when I ended my day reading the Bible or a Christian book and awakened, reciting the Lord’s prayer as I lay in bed after the alarm rang. So yes, sleeping on it does yield answers!

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
Psalms 5:3 (ESV)

God never sleeps and He is always praying for us and hears all of our prayers, silent and spoken. It is a comfort to know that the last thoughts I have before sleeping and the first thought when I awaken is in Him!

Praise God!

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

"You Don't Think I'm Having a Good Time?" (Acts 15:37-40)

Several years ago, my wife and I were traveling in another city. As we walked on the sidewalk, we happened upon another couple who were in the midst of a heated argument.

“You don’t think I’m having a good time?” His arms flayed as he questioned his wife. “I’m having a good time!” he shouted at her with an enraged face. His wife silently walked alongside of him.

Uh...okay.  I would hate to see when he is NOT having a good time.

Our body language and delivery speak far louder than our actual words. Sometimes, we need to hide or mask our true feelings. But as well know, many people can see right through a person’s words when they are being disingenuous. I often find myself in this situation, when working within a small group, particularly when I know the other members. Different personalities and sometimes, different agendas. It takes skill and grace to navigate the potential minefields of any group interaction.

Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
Acts 15:37-40 (ESV)

The Bible never pulls any punches and presents the great saints with their flaws. I appreciate the Holy Spirit recording this disagreement between two giants of the early church, Paul and Barnabas. Although close friends and colleagues, this issue divided them and caused them to separate. There was no sugarcoating the episode, no false humility.

Conflict is inevitable and it is acceptable to disagree and show your true feelings, even between fellow Christian believers. But we are to go beyond the disagreement. Although estranged for a while, Paul and Mark were later reconciled and near the end of Paul’s life, he requested Mark to visit him in prison. The Bible presents life as it truly is. It gives me the answer to live life how God wants us to live, by believing and trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior.

Amen!

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

"The Unseen Guest at Every Meal" (4:13)

When we were married, my wife brought several pieces of artwork and a plaque with the following anonymous quotation.

“Christ is the head of the home, the unseen guest of every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.”

Appropriately, it hangs on the wall next to our kitchen dining table. Inappropriately, I have often ignored this invitation and solemn reminder. Terrible arguments have arisen around this dining table. During these shameful  episodes, only rarely would I lift my eyes long enough to gaze upon this plaque. And if I did, I would angrily dismiss the message, justifying my actions with my selfish pride.

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 4:13 (ESV)

I hide behind many veils, but the one that hides most of my many sins is my pride. Before God, I am exposed and I will give an account of all my actions to Him when I face Him in Heaven. My life should be lived with the knowledge that He sees and knows everything about me. But even placing the words in front of my face is sometimes not enough.

What hope is there for me? Thanks be to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has rescued me from this morass of sin. He has given me His Holy Spirit to indwell within me. My many veils of sinful pride have often quenched His work in my life. I need to continue to humble myself, confess and repent of my sins, and surrender my will to Jesus rather than seeking to justify my sins with other sins.

Is Jesus the unseen guest at every meal and meeting in your life?

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

"This is the Path!" (Hebrews 6:13-14)

When I first became a Christian believer in college, I attended a church that had an excellent music worship team. During my youth, my only exposure to Christian music was hymns, which I did not find very interesting. This church focused upon contemporary Christian music which was becoming very popular among evangelical Christians and continues to this day. The music infused my spirit and I was encouraged to being playing these songs on my guitar and leading worship in my own small groups.

With time, however, this church began to change. The time devoted to worship by music became longer and the sermons became shorter. In fact, one service had a perfunctory sermon of about 10 minutes then the pastor stated, “We want to take as much time to worship the Lord in song and spirit.”

I was very young in my walk with Jesus Christ. As much as I enjoyed the music, I needed solid teaching and preaching, something that my soul hungered for and was expecting when I first attended that church. Finally after a few months of this, the Pastor made an announcement that the church was changing affiliation and joining a denomination known to be immersed in charismatic worship and music. As he stated, “This is the path that I believe God is calling our entire church body.”

I left the church soon after that and found a Bible-believing church with a pastor dedicated to teaching and preaching the Word of God. The music worship service was uplifting but supported the sermon, rather than becoming the focus of the entire service.

...for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 6:13-14 (ESV)

At every stage in my Christian walk, I need the solid food of God’s Word. But especially at that stage in my early Christian walk, I needed to hear the Word of God taught and preached. Music is an important part of any act of worship but the heart of worship must be God’s Word.

This is the path! Read and live by God’s Word, the Bible.

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

Reverse Resume (John 13:14-15)

I have the privilege to be on the admissions committee for a dermatology residency program for which I am the director of dermatopathology. Every year, I review dozens of resumes and curriculum vitae from extremely well-qualified candidates. The list of accomplishments of these individuals would do any residency program proud. My task is to look beyond these achievements and distill something that tells me about their character. Recently, one woman stood out in my mind.

Like all of the candidates, she was at the top of her class and had accomplished more in her life than some people accomplish in their entire career. She was affable and had a nature that evoked a smile from all who met her. As I reviewed her letters of recommendation, several physicians pointed out her unselfish nature. The prior year, she and another classmate did not match for a dermatology residency program. Both were equally well-qualified. There was one open position at a prestigious dermatology program and both were scheduled to interview. However, the other candidate complicated the issue by doing a couples match. If desired, any residency applicant can link their application with their partner. For a highly competitive program such as dermatology, it would be easier if the partner were attempting to match in a less competitive program. However, this candidate’s partner was attempting to match in a very elite and competitive surgical subspecialty. The dermatology program that had the opening was in a city that also had openings for the partner’s candidate as well. The dean of the medical school called both of the candidates in and explained the situation. Without hesitation, my dermatology applicant said she would step aside to allow her classmate to take the position so that she could be in the same city as her partner.

This was one of the most unselfish actions I have ever witnessed in the residency application process. This woman was willing to place her dreams of becoming a dermatologist on hold, sacrificing it for the sake of her classmate. I praised her actions but she was embarrassed by the adulation. “It was more important for my classmate to be with her partner. Everything happens for a purpose. If it is meant to be for me to be a dermatologist, it will happen one day.”

...If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
John 13:14-15 (ESV)

The world tells us that we need to go to the best schools, get the best job, and live in the best neighborhoods to be considered great. But Jesus showed us that it is not the accumulation of titles, diplomas, or wealth. It is a reverse resume. It is the shedding of this world and its trappings and humbling oneself before God. Only then, will He exalt you.

If one were being considered for a position in the court of a king, a packed and glowing resume would seemingly be the minimum entry requirements. But in the kingdom of Jesus, it requires a humble spirit and a willingness to serve and not be acknowledged by anyone, other than God. This woman’s humility stood out. That year, she did match in a dermatology residency program and eventually met her husband in the same city. Her story still inspires me.

A reverse resume is never written in words. It is written on the heart and spoken with unselfish actions. My Lord, Jesus Christ, gave up everything so that I could gain everything.

All praise to the Living God!

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

Lord, If You Had Been Here! (John 11:21)

I know best. This is what the world tells me. The Bible shows that I am in good company.

Mary and Martha were distraught over their brother Lazarus’ death. When they both saw Jesus, they insisted that He could have prevented this.

Now Martha said to Jesus, “ Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
John 11:21 (ESV)

Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “ Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:32 (ESV)

The irony of the sisters’ statements is Jesus could have prevented this. But this was not His plan. Instead, He had a plan that was far more beautiful. As He stood outside the tomb of Lazarus, He prayed to God, His Father.

I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.
John 11:42 (ESV)

In the next moment, a miracle occurred and Jesus brought Lazarus was brought back to life! The Bible tells us that many of the Jews then believed in Jesus.

I am always telling Jesus what He should do. He should have done this because I know that if He did it my way, things would work out for the best. Really? I am so full of pride and arrogance whenever I exert my will over God’s. How many times have I hindered God’s purposes in my life because I was insistent on doing things my way? How much more would God have blessed me if I was only obedient and trusted Him?

Lord, If You had been here! Lord Jesus is always here in my life. And He wants to bless me!

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

"It's Mealy!" (1 Peter 1:6-7)

I have recently been experimenting with crock pot cooking. A wonderful invention, it allows the easy preparation of a hearty meal with minimal effort after putting the ingredients together. The first meals included oxtail, beef short ribs, and chicken. The flavoring was savory and the meat was fall off the bone delicious. However, on one excursion, I left the meat in the crockpot for over 14 hours. When my wife and I tried the dish, she observed, “It’s mealy!”

I was unsure what that meant but understood that there was a difference in texture to the meat. Instead of the tender and succulent nature, the meat took on a crumbly and, paradoxically, dry consistency, in spite of marinating in a savory sauce for over half a day. Bottom line, when there is excessive pressure and heat, the usual firm and resilient nature of meat breaks down and becomes crumbly and unpalatable.

When I find myself under excessive pressure, will I withstand the test or do I also crumble? Will the experience strengthen me or exhaust my resources? Do I become tender and more responsive to God or dried out and mealy?

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith —more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire —may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV)

The difference between a savory meal and a ruined mealy one is separated by only a few additional hours of heat and pressure. The difference between standing for God and succumbing to the pressures of the world may be separated by minutes or seconds. How can I prevent this? I need to continue to entrust my life to Jesus Christ lest I crumble and my life becomes mealy.

Amen!

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

"I Want to be a Writer for SNL!" (Psalms 66:5)

I recently met a young woman who was refreshingly candid about her career goals. She wanted to be a writer for the NBC comedy television series, “Saturday Night Live.” She is 20 years old and is determined to head to New York City to someday join the cast. I admired her enthusiasm but wondered how much she knew of the history of SNL and other memorable television comedy shows. To my surprise and delight, she knew the classic cast members from the first seasons of SNL (Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd). This was, after all, from a time before she was born. I was also pleased that she was aware of some of the other pioneers in television comedy such as Carol Burnett. She understood that if she were to succeed, she would have to study the accomplishments of those who preceded her.

Come and see what God has done: He is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
Psalms 66:5 (ESV)

Before we can look forward in our lives, we must look backward and know where we began. God continually reminds us in the Bible to remember He is always faithful to those who trust Him. He reminds us to look back over our own lives and see what He has done for us. My short term and long term memory are increasingly frail. But God is faithful and has given me His Holy Spirit to remind me of all the blessings He has given and continues to lavish upon me.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26 (ESV)

If you are to prosper as a child of God, you must study and remember how God is faithful to all who place their trust and salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ.

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

Trust Your Helper (Genesis 2:18)

I recently concluded negotiations with another company. As I completed the review of their final offer with my wife, I was about to email my agreement when my wife stopped me. She questioned some of the language and felt that I should push for a higher level of compensation. I disagreed and thought the company had made a very generous concession to my requests. Unfortunately, our discussion escalated into an argument. I begrudgingly agreed with her proposal to ask for a higher level of compensation and submitted the proposal. We cooled down and made peace before we went to bed.

When I awoke the following morning, I was still uneasy with the proposal. During my morning prayer time, God very clearly spoke to my heart. “One way to trust Me is to trust the wife that I blessed you with to be your helper.”

Within two hours of that prayer, I received an email confirmation that my counter offer for a higher level of compensation was matched.

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Genesis 2:18 (ESV)

There are many reasons that God blesses a man with a wife. She is my best friend, confidante, and a wonderful mother. But today, God showed me that a helper can encourage my trust in God’s promises to care for me, to give me plans for my good welfare and not evil.

Men, if God has blessed you with a wife, do not stop giving thanks to Him. Trust your helper. God gave her to you!

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

"I Hope You Don't Kill A Lot of Your Patients!" (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

I had the opportunity to do a summer of research with a renown molecular biologist, between my junior and senior years in college. The summer began on a hopeful note. Early experiments were successful, setting the stage for my project that would require the entire three months. Unfortunately, this is when the problems began. The air conditioning in the laboratory failed leading to an oppressive heat. I could not repeat earlier successful experiments. And the preliminary results of my project were not progressing as expected. Finally, on the weekend before I was to complete the summer project, I ran one final experiment. If it worked, my entire summer would be a success, validating my arduous preparations. I set up the experiment on a Friday evening and anxiously returned the next morning only to discover the entire experiment was ruined. Frantically I reviewed my protocol and, to my horror, realized I incorrectly set the parameters of one of the the instruments. There was no way to salvage the project.

At that moment, I realized that only I knew the truth. I could simply lie and tell my professor that I didn’t know what happened. But I was a Christian, saved by God one year earlier. My life was different now and the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and convicted me of this sinful behavior. This was the first time I took a stand for God and obeyed His command. With great trepidation, I prayed and committed to informing my professor the truth about what happened.

Monday morning arrived and I stepped into to his office and shared the results of the failed experiment, owning up to my lack of oversight that led to the failure. The professor stared at me for a moment, looked away, then shook his head and looked at me again and uttered these stinging words,

“I hope you don’t kill a lot of your patients.”

I was stunned but had nothing to say. Hanging my head in shame, I mumbled, “Yeah. Hope so too.”

And that was it. An entire summer’s worth of research destroyed. I had hoped that by telling the truth, God would make everything smooth, that my professor would understand, that somehow he and I would figure out a way to salvage the experiment. Instead, I was delivered this stinging rebuke that still haunts me to this day.

For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV)

I am a physician today. Everyday I pray that my decisions are made with the patient’s best interests at heart. I continually ask God for guidance. But I am cognizant that I am human with my own set of weaknesses and if I do make a mistake, I ask for God to extend His mercy and grace to my patients. I can do nothing except to obey Jesus Christ and follow His commandments. I must stand for truth, even when the consequences are dire. And when I do, this does not guarantee that my life will be free of conflict or trials. But it does guarantee that God will continue to mold me and transform me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

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