Superman (Hebrews 1:3)

When I was growing up, I was an avid collector of comic books. My favorite was Superman. There was something so compelling to read about a person who came from another world possessing nearly unlimited powers. The stories always exhibited some cool aspect of his superpowers.

As I grew older, I realized that it was not as interesting to be reading the adventures of a superhero who was essentially invulnerable and invincible. Apparently the editors and writers felt the same way and Superman began to be more vulnerable and the stories became more complex. It was not simply the good guy defeats the bad guy. Plots were dense and complicated and the lines between good and evil were blurred. Superman, with all his super powers, could not simply punch his way out of a problem. He had to think creatively and understand how to best use his powers, sometimes working through others. Superman became more realistic. He became more man than superman.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…

Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)

When I reflect upon my love of Superman, it is easy to see why I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is omnipotent and holds the universe in the palm of His hand. And yet, in the singular pivotal moment in the history of this world, Jesus, the God of the universe, became a man to take the penalty of sins that separated man from God. Jesus was fully man and fully God. At any moment, He could have destroyed all evil in the world but He chose to lay aside His divine powers and live the life of a mortal man. He chose to follow His Father’s plan and become our sacrifice for our sins. The only way sin could be conquered was by His sacrificial action. There was no way to punch His way out of the problem. He had to lay down His life. It was not by super strength but by super love.

Jesus Christ is my superman. He can be yours as well if you confess your sins, repent, and accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

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

They See And Believe..Sort of! (1 Samuel 4:8)

Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness.

1 Samuel 4:8 (ESV)

The Philistines saw and believed the power of God. There was no doubt whether God or gods existed. They simply felt their god, Dagon, was not as powerful as THE GOD.

Not much has changed today. Perhaps we do not label ideas, values, and possessions as gods, but some of us hold them with equal reverence. I was one of them. I held my education and awards as my gods. I knew they were powerful because I saw the results in my life. But I knew there were others more powerful. They had a superior education and more of it. They excelled where I failed.  I knew that I had to be better. I wanted their gods.

When would this futile quest end? No matter what I did, there would always be more powerful gods. I knew the truth but did not want to accept it. It was not until I was confronted with the One and True God, Jesus Christ, did I understand.

It was not about being better than others. It was not about improving myself. It was not about comparing gods.  It was about surrendering my will to the God of the Universe and accepting His rule in my life.

I see and believe in God not because He is better than other gods, but because He is the ONLY God.

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

Two Trunks (Colossians 3:2)

Tucked away in my garage are two metal trunks filled with my entire comic book collection. As a child,  I collected comic books, and, like thousands of other collectors throughout the world, carefully stored each in specially made plastic bags. I would buy two copies of each, read one, meticulously handling the comic so that no creases would occur, and place both in separate plastic bags. I also rummaged through comic book collections at swap meets and garage sales, hoping to find a hidden gem of a rare comic book, lost amidst the myriad of comics that were being discarded. I kept the collection long after I stopped collecting because I was certain these comics would be worth a fortune someday.  Stories of comic book collections selling for tens of thousands of dollars danced in my head. I intended to give the collection to my children, hoping to add to their inheritance.

Nearly 35 years later, I was quite dismayed to discover that the value of most of my comic books had plummeted. Not worthless, but certainly not worth the value I anticipated when I carefully collected them.

So many things I have owned, which once were valuable, have faded. When I think of the time and money that I invested in so many material possessions, like my comic collection, it is disheartening.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

I still intend to give my children my comic collection. Whether it will amount to a financial windfall for them someday is uncertain. What is certain and far more important is the spiritual legacy I leave them. It is my responsibility to lead our family in their spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. The same care and attention I took in preserving my comic books, must now be showered upon my family. I must wrap them in God’s Word and seek God’s Holy Spirit to preserve and transform them into the image of Jesus Christ.

Someday, our family will stand before our Lord Jesus Christ, and give an account of our lives. I will be held accountable for leading my family. My desire in this life is to prepare them for an eternity with God. May God bless our family be helping us to set our minds upon Him above, not on earth below.

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

"What Is Your Most Important Possession?" (Isaiah 40:8)

During my freshman year in high school, our entire class was invited to a weekend retreat in the mountains. It was led by our high school counselor who explained that it was a time for each of us to reflect upon our values and goals before the pressures of high school begins.

It was a relaxing and introspective weekend for me. We engaged in group activities to foster cooperation and communication. We shared our family backgrounds and the cultural diversities that brought us to that point. But the one activity that stands out in my mind was a question the counselor posed to each of us. “What is your most important possession?”

I had never given thought to this. I was grateful that there were five others ahead of me as I struggled to gather my thoughts and answer this question for myself. Others shared fairly predictable answers...a photo album, a particular heirloom jewelry. As the counselor turned to me, the answer struck me.

“My guitar.”

Everyone in the group was a bit surprised. At that point in my life, no one knew I played guitar. It would be another two years before I played in the high school stage band and jazz combo. But I had been playing the guitar for three years and smitten by the instrument, spending every free moment with it. That was why it was difficult for me to think about my guitar as a possession. It was a part of my very being.

The discussion ended with the last participant who firmly stated, “My Bible.”

Everyone was also surprised at his answer. We did not know he was so “religious”. But as the years progressed from that date, I knew there was something different about him. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior  nearly five years later in college, I finally understood his answer.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

Today, my guitar is still my most important possession, but no more than that. My Bible is a possession, but it is much more. Like my sentiment about my guitar, so many years ago, the Bible has become a part of my very being. By reading its words and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to me and guide my life, it stands forever in my conscience and soul. All other possessions will someday fade away, but God’s Word will remain!

Amen!

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

"It's Decent!" (Luke 14:26)

“How did you like the movie?”

“It’s decent.”

“How about the restaurant?”

“It’s decent.”

Decent is the answer one of my employees gives whenever he is asked to give his opinion. As he explained, it’s a great answer since it is always positive without being specific. It also doesn’t place any expectations upon you to have to explain your position.

Clever!

So often, I search for the proper words to be politically correct, not wishing to offend. In fact, I probably spend far too much mental energy attempting to avoid this social land mines. This is in stark contrast to Jesus Christ. He did not mince His words-ever. One example has been distorted by liberal critics and non-believers alike.

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:26 (ESV)

Did Jesus really mean to hate everything that most people hold dear? Hate even your own life? The answer comes with the very next verse.

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:27 (ESV)

Jesus is setting forth the highest standard for a child of God. He forsook His own life to obey God the Father and redeem us for our sins. If He faltered one moment, if He had any doubt that He should preserve His life or cling to His own family or this world, we would never have salvation. All would be lost if Jesus did not hold Himself to this highest standard. And He is commanding us to live to this highest standard as well. No political correctness, just a blunt reality.

Following Jesus is not decent, it is not politically correct. The highest expectations are placed upon us when we chose Him as our Lord and Savior. It is positive and very specific.

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

"Aren't You Going To Write This Down?" (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)

I once had another dermatopathologist cover my practice during a vacation. She came in a few days earlier before I left to go over the protocols for dictating and completing a case. As I explained the steps, she seemed disinterested, only occasionally nodding as I went into great details about the nuances of the dictation system. After about 5 minutes, I looked at her and asked, “Aren’t you going to write this down?”

“Oh no, “ she confidently smiled. “I can remember this, it is very straightforward.”

Really? I gave her the benefit of the doubt but recalled dozens of other pathologists who took several days to learn this system. I had my doubts. Sure enough, after I came back from my vacation, I asked my colleagues and secretaries whether she was as adept at learning the dictation system as she boasted. They all rolled their eyes and exclaimed, “She was asking us questions every five minutes!”

I am respectful of the way people learn, but sometimes common sense and practicality override any style of learning. Perhaps this woman thought she could remember everything. Perhaps it was her pride and unwillingness to admit she needed to take notes. All I know is she was no different from any other who came before or after her.

I read the Bible everyday. I have verses posted in my closet at home and every wall in my office. There are Bible verses in the bathroom at work. There are even Bible verses on my garage door! And yet, as often as I read these verses, I still have not memorized some of them.

You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 11:18-20 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit knows I, and many others, struggle with remembering things. Regardless of one’s learning style, He gives us practical advice….write it down and place it everywhere you regularly spend time. It is a slow and arduous path, but with God’s help and direction, I will succeed!

Amen!

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

"How Are You Caring For My Soul? (Hebrews 13:17)

I recently attended a church that was welcoming its incoming 6th graders to the adult worship. The head pastor emphasized the importance of the youth to take the time and get to know the pastors, elders, and deacons of the church. “These men are here for you,” the pastor declared. “They are here to care for your soul. So take the time and seek us out and ask us, ‘How are you caring for my soul?’”

That last statement elicited a chuckle from the congregation. I loved it! This church is firmly rooted in God’s Word and the leadership was asking its members to hold them accountable for their teaching and positions. How many churches would be bold and confident enough to issue this challenge to their members?

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)

The challenge is firmly grounded in the Bible. Attending church is a command of God and we are not to forsake the fellowship with other believers. But a great responsibility is shared by the leaders. They are to keep watch over our souls. We should do the same and pray for our leaders and pastors in our churches.

Are you caring for the souls of those whom you love?

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

"Life Keeps On Getting Better!" (Romans 8:28)

One of my employees has a unique answer to the usual query, “How are you?”

His reply... “Life keeps on getting better!”

The response from the questioner ranges from a chuckle to a surprised, “Yeah!”, especially to those expecting the usual pleasantry, “I’m fine. How are you?”

It’s a good answer and reflects his optimistic spirit.

Life does keep on getting better when you have committed your life to serving Jesus Christ. I can look back over my life, and, even with recent events, realize that God’s Hand is always moving and in control, even if I don’t want to acknowledge Him. At times I think that it is by my efforts, my cleverness, or my wisdom that produced a good outcome. But this reflects my selfish attitude and God always confronts me with His truth.

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)

Life keeps on getting better!

There is no other option when God is in control of your life!

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

"Maybe I Shouldn't Have Come?" (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

When I was a child, I played baseball until I was 11 years old. I was an average player but loved playing the game. One day, a classmate from school asked if he could attend one of my games. It was against a team that we had a reasonably good chance of beating and I agreed, thinking that I could impress him in a good winning setting.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The game began with my first time at bat. I was usually the lead off batter and I promptly went down in a strikeout. But I was unfazed, confident that I would later get a good hit. The pitcher was not very intimidating and his fastball was hardly that. Nope. I struck out four times that day.

But my lack of offensive prowess was the least of my concerns. My defensive fielding, usually the strongest part of my game, also let me down. I was playing second base and an easy ground ball was hit in my direction. I bent down to snatch it up, as I had successfully done so many times in the past, except this time, it scurried right through my legs. Another play was an easy pop fly, but I stumbled and dropped the ball. Finally, I overthrew the first baseman blowing an easy out. It was the worst game I had every played.

Seeking to ease my obvious disgust, my classmate turned to me at the end of the game and said, “Maybe I shouldn’t have come?”

Maybe. I was distracted, seeking to impress my classmate rather than concentrating on doing what I was there to do. My motives were selfish and I paid a price. The painful memory reminds me that at times, in my Christian walk, I seek to impress others rather than seeking to serve God. I may lead a worship service and play a fancy lick on my guitar, only to impress other musicians. I may lead a Bible study and include an obscure reference to impress the scholarly saints in the group. Sadly, I still have not learned my lessons from childhood.

...but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (ESV)

All of my actions need to be focused upon pleasing God rather than man. I cannot serve two masters. Regardless of the outcome, if my efforts are dedicated to God, He will bless me.

Maybe my friend shouldn’t have come? No, the problem was with me, not him. Thanks be to God that He still is transforming me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

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

"You Can't Fake It!" (Titus 1:16)

I was entertained by a recent winner on the television show, “America’s Got Talent!” Sal Valentinetti, a 20 year old pizza delivery man, was looking for his shot to stardom. He got it by channeling the chairman of the board, Frank Sinatra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGyKg2fWehU

One of the most insightful statements came from judge Simon Cowell.  "When you want to sing this kind of music, you can't fake it. You either got it in you or you don't. You are an old soul."

You can’t fake it.

Whether it is singing, working, or playing...you can’t fake it.

The Christian life is the same. When things are going well, it is easy to live with the facade of a “good” Christian. It is under stress that our true nature emerges. Many years ago, I was playing in a Christian missionary golf tournament. I was happy to be paired with a new friend. I had been visiting a new church and I had spent some time in the preceding months getting to know him. This was the first time we played golf together. It was also the last time.

I am not a very good golfer and my friend knew that when he asked me to partner with him. Predictably, it was a not a good day for either of us. His frustration increased as our bad play fed each other’s poor performance. Several times during the tournament he swore and yelled at me and said, “Come on! Can’t you play better?” I bit my lip as I noted he wasn’t playing much better. At the end of the match I attempted to shake his hand but he simply turned and walked away. He was treating me like I betrayed him. Our relationship was never the same and he never spoke to me again, even during meetings at the church. He was one of the youth leaders in the church but I saw his true heart. I soon left the church, disillusioned by his hypocrisy.

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Titus 1:16 (ESV)

I know I have failed God and so many others by my actions and speech. God continually reminds me that I must continue to examine and test myself to know that my faith is genuine.  

I can’t fake it. It is God or nothing.

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

"It Will Be Good Preparation!" (Jeremiah 12:5)

During the summers before my freshman and sophomore years in college, I was privileged to do research at a hospital medical laboratory. The first summer, my physician leader was a young resident physician, training in general surgery. He was arrogant, cocky, and overbearing...and that was when he was in a good mood!

It was a rough summer but I learned many important lessons. The next summer, I had a different physician leader. He was an experienced surgeon from South Africa and the exact opposite of the first physician. When we first met, he looked over my resume and wryly commented, “So you worked with Dr. Smith last year. How was that?”

“It was good.” My quick reply surprised him.

“Oh...well! Glad you thought it was good. I heard he was a terror to everyone, especially the students.”

I answered cautiously, not wishing to offend. “It was difficult,” I slowly began. “But I figured that I should get used to this type of treatment now, before I enter medical school. It will be good preparation.”

The surgeon grinned, “Good optimistic philosophy!”

It was true. My experience taught me that I needed to have a tougher character if I were to survive in the world of medicine and life. And it is even more relevant when I serve God.

If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses?

Jeremiah 12:5 (ESV)

God reminds us that to serve in His Kingdom, we must prepare ourselves, above and beyond what we think we can or could do. And this is only possible if we yield our lives to Him in complete submission. Only by confessing our sins to Jesus Christ, repenting, and turning to Him as our Lord and Savior, will we be able to compete with what the world and the enemy confront us. It is a solemn and sacred duty that God calls us to follow. But it will be good preparation for a lifetime in eternity with Him.

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

"It Does Hurt!" (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Recently, I had one of my dermatology residents freeze several flat warts on my hands. This very common procedure utilizes a precisely directed thin stream of liquid nitrogen, directed on the lesional skin. The effect is instantaneous, permanent, and painful! It was only a few seconds per wart but I complained like a spoiled child. After the procedure, I queried the other residents if they have ever undergone this procedure and if they thought it was painful. Several of them nodded and laughed. “Yes, it does hurt, doesn’t it?”

Yes it does!

It is a simple treatment, one that is prescribed thousands of times a day, throughout all dermatology offices. I have recommended it many times without giving a thought to the potential discomfort. I only knew the treatment was fast, inexpensive, and effective. After having the procedure done on myself, I was willing to at least reconsider my nonchalant attitude. Is the short term pain worth the long term gain. In this case, yes.

We hear the phrase, “No pain, no gain.” We balance the short term pain with the long term benefits. Sometimes, God deals with us in the same manner.

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)

Trials often cause us pain. Can I accept God’s promises that He is using these short term trials for long term gains in my life? Do I trust God that He is working through all circumstances in my life and He is control? Or do I doubt God’s sovereignty over all of Creation? Who is more trustworthy? Me or God?

It does hurt! But if God is using the pain to mold me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, it is more precious than gold!

Amen!

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

"Doctors, Engineers, and Pilots" (2 Corinthians 13:5)

One of my employees has an interesting take on occupations. He lumps doctors, engineers, and pilots in the same category. When I queried him about the reason for this association, he stated, “Because if a mistake is made by anyone in these occupations, someone could immediately die.”

I am sure others could think about other occupations that may have an equally devastating impact upon a person’s life if a mistake were made, but I would have to agree with his sweeping statement. Knowing many in all of these occupations, I can attest that all take their work very seriously and are cognizant that if a mistake is made, the results could be tragic.

When we live with the knowledge that any decision we make could end tragically, how does that alter our behavior? We choose our words carefully, we think before we act, and we review our actions after completion. We revisit every encounter making sure we did not miss any critical step or bit of information.

In my spiritual walk with God, should my behavior be any different? The Holy Spirit guides my life but I need to choose to obey. My words, thoughts, actions all need to be controlled by Him. And I must continue to review my actions, testing them against the Word of God.

And I do so because I realize that all of my actions have an eternal significance, not only for myself but for others.  While any decision may not lead to an immediate tragedy, if I neglect any step in my walk with God, it may lead to sin and backsliding. It may lead to a hardened heart unwilling to assist a neighbor. It may lead to ignoring the Holy Spirit’s direction in my life. The end result would indeed be tragic.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)

All of our actions have an eternal significance. I must continue to hold all of my thoughts and actions captive to the Word of God. Whatever my occupation, I am first and forever a believer in Jesus Christ and a fellow heir with Him to God the Father.

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

The Encyclopedia (2 Peter 1:3)

When I was about 6 years old, my parents purchased a gift for me which still resonates to this present day. They presented me with an encyclopedia. It was a somewhat surprising purchase since I was not an avid reader at that time. But I soon became one. I had forgotten, but my parents reminded me that after I received the gift, I would spend every free moment reading the encyclopedia. There is no question, the encyclopedia ignited my love for learning.

I am grateful to my parents for the foresight they had in providing me with the proper resources and surrounding me with a supportive environment for learning. Learning was not a task, it was a joy.

God has also surrounded me with a supportive environment and given me His resources. He has placed me in a Bible believing church, surrounded me with a church family, and has provided the Bible to instruct me. Most importantly, through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior, He has given me His Holy Spirit to keep me in His ways.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence...

2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

My parents provided me with the resources to learn. God provides me with resources to live. And it is all for His glory!

Praise His Holy Name!

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

"We Thought You Should Have This!" (1 Peter 4:10)

When I was 11 years old, my parents sat me down in the living room. Their serious demeanour worried me since the living room was only used for guests  and I wondered, “What did I do now?” My father began. “Son, you’re getting older now and your mother and I thought you should have this.”

They produced a suitcase-shaped object from behind their chair and placed it on the table in front of me.

“What is this?” I asked in obvious confusion.

“It’s a record player!” My dad was excited as he demonstrated the device. “See, the speakers fold up over the turntable.” The suitcase opened and the two speakers detached from the turntable. It was a portable record player!

“Wow! Thanks! This is a cool gift. Is this an early birthday gift?” I asked since my birthday was only 20 days away.

“No,” my parents both smiled. “We just thought you should have this.”

They gave me $10 dollars and told me to buy any record I wanted. I already was listening to songs on the radio but the record player now captured my attention and I listened to it everyday. With time, my parents helped me to add and improve this system. To this day, I have always owned a good audio system to enjoy my music collection.

Although my parents did not create my love for music, they significantly enhanced and accelerated my desire. God works within us in a similar manner and takes our good desires and magnifies them to be used for His glory. God took David’s skill as a shepherd and transformed him into the greatest king of Israel, foreshadowing the coming of the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ. God used Saul’s zealousness to persecute the early Christians and transformed Him into the mightiest and most zealous missionary the Church has ever witnessed.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

When God offers to give something to us, gladly accept it and ask Him to help you use it for His glory. Like the wonderful gift that my parents bestowed upon me so many years ago, it may ignite your desires in ways you never expected.

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

"Test Us and See" (Malachi 3:10)

My spiritual life has been challenged this past week. Several brothers and sisters in the church, who heard or witnessed my struggles, sent me encouraging texts and emails, to let them know they are praying for me and my family. One particularly poignant email ended with this statement, “We love you and are here for you - these are not just words - test us and see.”

I reflected upon this last phrase-test us and see.

I have never placed a friendship or relationship to the test in this manner. There have been many friends and family members with whom I have spent countless hours in support-visiting them in hospitals, sitting in quiet support in a hospice, or communicating via phone or emails. But I have never asked someone to put my friendship with them to the test. Perhaps it is because I think that I may fail or disappoint. This loving sister in Christ was sincere in her support of me. She was determined to do whatever it took to support me during my trials.

Am I as sincere in my love for God? Would I have the confidence or audacity to say to God, “You know I love you. Test me and see!”

I may not speak to God with such vainglorious verbiage, but I do put God to the test in more subtle ways. I may rationalize certain actions and behaviors by stating, “God, I have done these good works for you. Will you bless me for this?” or “God, I have kept my Bible studies and prayer times everyday this week. Can you overlook that off-color remark I made this morning?”

Putting God to the test is bargaining with God. And all of this is done in direct opposition to what the Bible states. Do not put God to the test!

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Matthew 4:7 (ESV)

Jesus was quoting from Deuteronomy 6:16. The Bible has many other admonitions against putting God to the test.  But there is one verse that does challenge us to put God to the test.

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Malachi 3:10 (ESV)

God, through the prophet Malachi, exhorted the Israelites to be unselfish in their tithes and offerings. It is insightful that God does challenge us to put Him to the test when it involves giving and offering our financial and material possessions. I would aver that this also encompasses the giving of our time and resources to support others who are suffering. Jesus reminded us that when we care for those who are hurting, we are caring for Him.

I am grateful for the the prayerful support of many brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. They are the Body of Christ. Their unselfish love and support of me represents Jesus’ love within all believers. I do not need to test their words because I know they are supported by the unfailing love and power of God.

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

"Speak American!" (John 13:35)

I was watching a parody of American life on television. One person was angry with a group of recent immigrants who were unable to speak english. In obvious disgust, he yelled, “You’re in America! Speak American!”

This obvious racist rant needed an answer! I yelled at the television screen, “So we should all speak Navajo or Aleut? After all, these are some of the original native Americans!”

What defines a country? There are legal and lay definitions. Some have stated it is defined by a shared language, borders, and culture. America has never legally defined a national language but english has become the de facto standard. We are a nation of immigrants with millions of citizens speaking their mother tongue in addition to english. What binds us all together is our citizenship and belief in this country’s ideals and principles.

What binds us together as Christians? We are millions of believers speaking different languages, embracing a wide variety of cultures. We do not live in a country with borders. We live in an unlimited Kingdom. What binds us all together is belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And how do others know we follow Jesus? By our love for one another.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35 (ESV)

We’re in God’s Kingdom! Speak Christian!

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; keep our family strong.

"Go Out and Bless Others!" (Acts 1:11)

The first church I attended in Hawaii after becoming a Christian was small and close knit. The pastor was ebullient and energetic and he had a twinkle in his eye whenever he spoke. It was the perfect setting for me during the four years I returned to Hawaii for medical school. After I left and relocated to California, I heard that the church had grown and tripled in size and had moved to an abandoned department store. I was happy that God was blessing the church and the pastor.

The years passed and I lost touch with the pastor and members who were my friends. The passing of a close mutual friend, brought me in touch with the pastor as he sought to inform me of the sad event. I was grateful to reconnect with him after more than 25 years. As we reminisced over the phone, I asked him what happened to the church. “Brother,” he began. “The church has been dispersed!” For over a year, the church worked to transition the leadership to a new pastor. But at the last moment, this new pastor declined. The existing leadership of the church was old and there was no left to take over. After much prayer, the pastor and board decided to close the church. At the last service, the pastor commanded the members, “Go out and bless others and other churches!”

As I reflected upon the story, I was saddened at first. But I realized that this is what the Bible commands us to do. The pastor was more concerned about the spiritual lives of the church members than creating a legacy for his church. He later worked to help place all of his members in other Bible believing churches throughout Hawaii. He didn’t leave a building. He left a legacy of faith.

Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.

Acts 1:11 (ESV)

The church is more than a building and a pastor. It is the Body of Christ on this earth. It is empowered by the Holy Spirit. As members of the Body, we are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations. And if we are in a church that disperses, we are not to be standing around and gazing at Heaven, waiting for Jesus to return, nor should we wallow in self-pity. We are commanded to go out into the world.

Every day we live in Jesus Christ, we should go out and bless other churches. We should go out and bless everyone we meet!

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

A Beautiful Legacy (Esther 4:14)

For the past 22 years, I have had the privilege to teach and work with many pathology and dermatology residents. Southern California is home to one of the largest populations of Jewish Persians immigrants and some of them have been my residents. As I have worked with them, I cannot help but think that some may be descendents of the Jews taken captive and transported to Persia after the fall of Jerusalem. And I as think upon this, I am reminded of the heroic story of Esther.

Haman, a court official, hated the Jews and tricked the King into signing an edict to kill all of the Jews. Esther was the queen and unknown to the king, a Jew. Her uncle Mordecai delivered the shocking news to her and asked her to approach the King to attempt to stop the potential bloodshed. His words to Esther reverberate through the centuries.

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14 (ESV)

Esther knew what she must do. In that critical moment in time, Esther bravely approached the King, knowing she could be executed on the spot if she approached without being summoned. But God was in control and allowed the meeting to take place. Through a series of stirring events, Esther saved the entire exiled Jewish nation in Persia by exposing the plot of the evil Haman who had tricked the King into signing an edict to kill all of the Jews.

Esther’s bravery and trust in God saved an entire nation of people. Today, I am witness to this beautiful legacy. As I reflect upon her actions, I realize that, like Esther, every decision that I make, gives God an opportunity to work His will through my life. And who knows if God will place me in a particular situation that creates a legacy?

Esther’s actions have left a beautiful heritage. In my walk with God, I pray that He would continue to open opportunities to serve Him.

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

"You Have Nothing to Fear!" (Acts 2:38)

A few months ago, I delivered a eulogy at the memorial service of my uncle. As I sat in the church pew, awaiting my call to the podium, a distant relative sitting next to me, chided me and said, “You know the number one fear of all Americans is speaking in public. But you have nothing to fear! I’m sure you will be fine.”

His sardonic wit was completely inappropriate for the moment, but it did not rattle me. I calmly delivered the eulogy and returned to my seat. His nonplussed comment betrayed his disappointment that I didn’t fail. “Good job.” he said begrudgingly.

This relative did not realize that as a professor of medicine, I give many speeches to diverse audiences. This eulogy, although a somber occasion, was no different. What allowed me to be at peace with this speech was the knowledge that no one in the audience would be asking me questions. The occasions before a major speech when I do get nervous is when I know someone in the audience may challenge my views. I attempt to anticipate all questions but I can never be in complete control, regardless of the numbers of speeches I have given.

This is why I continually marvel at Peter’s first sermon, on the day of Pentecost. Peter, the fisherman, the rough leader of the disciples, always putting his foot in his mouth. Now, empowered with the Holy Spirit, he delivered an eloquent speech, quoting from memory several Scriptural references from the book of Joel and Psalms. At the end of the sermon, Peter challenged his audience.

And Peter said to them, “ Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 (ESV)

At any moment, someone listening could have raised an objection or question. But Peter, who had never given a public speech was resolute in his purpose. He had nothing to fear because he was assured of his salvation and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He was in complete control because he had God on his side. And God mightily blessed and three thousand souls accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!

Do you have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? You will have nothing to fear when God is with you.

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