Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14

In my quest to be a godly man, questions for the Lord or Professor of professors are endless. Here is a puzzling one I asked Him and what I believe to be His reply:

What is a balanced leader? A balanced leader….

• pilots his Spirit, soul, and body from preparation to take off, to flight, and to landing and wrap up.
• is led by the Holy Spirit and all the attributes that are inherent; wisdom, timing, competence, appropriateness, judgment, provision, protection, direction, and perseverance.
• can be trusted to perform what he says.
• is flexible, without compromise. He walks in obedience to God’s direction.
• is patient, kind, loving, faithful, joyful, peaceful and good.
• integrates emotions and thoughts properly and in an orderly manner.
• is a go-to person in times of peril.
• is an avid reader.
• loves the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth empirically and Jesus – Who is the Truth, Spiritually.
• shares advice sought by others who value balanced leadership.
• has trusted counselors around him to provide direction and assessment.
• seeks God in a wholehearted way. He is a prayer warrior.
• is holy, not secular or sacred (knows how to balance the spiritual side and practical side of things without throwing out one or the other).
• lives a sacramental life. Whatever he eats or drinks or whatever he does, he does to the glory of God.

Family and friends, our Father God is the Standard of standards. Our identification and understanding of the application of His attributes can be clearly seen in the living model of His Son and the Ultimate Balanced Leader, Jesus Christ. With help from the Holy Spirit, we too can fit in and grow in wisdom and stature, like Jesus. Be aware, be patient, and expect that God will work in us both to will and to do His good pleasure.

1 Cor 10:31; Phil 2:13; Phil 4:13; Jer 33:3; Prov 11:1

O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:12

Gus Triandos and Clint Courtney were catchers for the Baltimore Orioles back in the 1950″s. They used a regular catcher’s glove for the pitchers on staff who threw fast balls and curves. Their ingenious manager, Paul Richards, also designed an oversized catcher’s mitt for them to use in handling the dancing unpredictable knuckleballs of Hoyt Wilhelm, one of the greatest knuckleball pitchers of all time.

Our life challenges these days require a new way for us to catch too. The usual straight balls or curves of family, business, religion, media, education, military and our government have suddenly turned into bobbing and moving knuckleballs of uncertainty. In our present innings, the same old glove of the past is ineffective.

Is there a trusted designer we can turn to? Is there another type of outsized mitt for our lives? May we suggest we rely on the Ultimate Designer; the One who created Clint Courtney, Gus Triandos, Hoyt Wilhelm, Paul Richards and the potential in us to play baseball or use baseball as a way of understanding. That mitt is fashioned and is individually tailored through our privilege of divine conversation called prayer. Bear with me on this hopeful play on words…it’s the best com”mitt”ment we can make.

When haunting thoughts of the past or present bob through our mind, when secular lessons jiggle around and no longer make sense, when religious traditions begin to spin and float rather than liberate, when the media hysterics swirl in chaotic patterns, then seek, ask, and knock for God’s management and design.

Below is a prayerful poem, entitled I AM by Helen Mallicoat. It comes’straight from the bull pen of the Lord,and it can help us catch the truth the next time life pitches us a major league knuckleball:

I was regretting the past
and fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
“My Name is I AM.”

He paused, I waited, He continued.
“When you live in the past with it’s
mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
I am not there.
“My name is not I WAS.

“When you live in the future with it’s
problems and fears, it is hard.
I am not there.
“My name is not I WILL BE.

“When you live in this moment
it is not hard. I am here.
“My Name is I AM.”

Matthew 7:7

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’” John 4:13-14

The founding Pastor of our Church, Sam Smith, once described a person who helps another, metaphorically, as a hose. He said, “When a hose is used to deliver water, it gets wet too.” I have a sense that we all could use a good watering experience this week. Not only that, and how awesome is this…if enough of us choose to act as a hose, we’d create a type of nurturing sprinkler system. Here are a couple of encouraging stories to help turn on the faucets for the coming days.

There was a father and his young daughter standing on a deck of an ocean liner. The little girl said to her dad, “I can’t see, daddy.” So, in quick response, he picked her up and saddled her up over his shoulders. Her comment then changed to”Daddy, now I can see farther than my eyes can look.” We can expand our limited perspective too.

Let’s stand a little taller this week, peer over our rails of life, and see things beyond where our eyes can look in helping a neighbor, family member or friend.

Someone defined character as what you are in the dark. What about Helen Keller? She literally spent her life in physical darkness. In spite of her blind condition, she was a woman of bold character; one whose monument will forever shine in our hearts. As we begin our week, let’s consider one of her more incredible and illuminating quotes: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

Her character and realistic expectation can be a glowing model for us this week. Each of us is a one too. Let’s not refuse to do what we can do because someone else in our sphere of influence may need our assistance!

In the name of Jesus Christ, may the God of Hope drench us in His energizing and never-ending love this week so that we can act as His children. May we serve as His hose and get wet ourselves, in bringing refreshment to others. Amen

Have a great week…and splash away!!

Rev 22:17; Psalm 65:9; Proverbs 25:25

Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. Prov 16:13

Book, magazine, and internet articles abound with formulas for success. They have been around for many years, as long as we have a desire to succeed, they’re here to stay. Most of us have a history of experimenting with many of these “formulas for success”. If you are anything like me, you’ve also learned that inherent in most of these 1,2,3 approaches in life comes a disappointing end. The profit didn’t result, the weight wasn’t lost, the marriage wasn’t better, and even the dog didn’t become fully obedient.

The question we have the privilege of asking today is this: If formulas for success have been around for a long time, and determined to stay, is there one formula that stands out, really works, and is the best to choose? May I suggest there is…and it’s not found in lucky or fateful things, but in the substance of eternal faith and hope.

As our source of authority, why not consider the first hot publication off a printing press, and concurrently the best seller of all time? That’s right… the book of ultimate wisdom, the Bible. Take a peek in Hebrews Chapter 6 and please read verse 11. It says “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.” If that is not our belief, then with all due respect, there is no need to read further because luck or fate comes by default. If, however, it applies to us, or we desire that condition, then let’s turn to the Book of Ephesians, Chapter 1. It is here where God’s amazing formula for success resides. Verses 18-19 says by faith, 1. We can operate in a Godly influenced way. 2. We can know our pre-ordained “career path” or purpose and destiny in our service to His will and 3. By the power of His Holy Spirit, we can persevere, endure, overcome, and succeed.

Formulas for success may seem good or even great. Will we settle for a good idea or even a great one, when a Godly one is available? Will we settle for a temporal curriculum of success, accomplishment, and achievement or will we open our hearts to everlasting fulfillment, satisfaction, and peace? Our choice to read, meditate, and trust God’s “formula for success” in the Book of Ephesians endures far beyond the best efforts of any secular book or people-oriented magazines that offer courses that come often, yet destined to fade. What’s amazing is that God’s inspiring formula opportunity was, is, and always will remain…… hot off the press!

1 Kings 2:3; Phil 4:13; James 1:5; Matthew 6:32-33; Psalm 57:2; Josh 1:8

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are marvelous; I know that full well.  Ps 139: 14

Apostle Paul, credited with writing most of the New Testament, didn’t have it easy. Either shipwrecks, snake bites, horrible beatings, verbal abuse, or torment seemed to be part of his day. Through it all, his persevering attitude was a tremendous example of the words he shared in Philippians 4:11-13: He learned to be content when things were going well or when they were horrible; that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.

Someone defined character as what you are in the dark or when no one is looking. What about Helen Keller? She literally spent her life in physical darkness. In spite of her blind condition, she was a woman of bold character—one whose legacy will forever shine in our hearts. As we begin our week, let’s consider one of her more incredible and illuminating quotes: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

Helen Keller’s character and realistic expectation can be a glowing model for us this week. Each of us is a “one.” Let’s not refuse to do what we can do!

Fundamentally, and most importantly, let’s also be reminded that the same Christ who strengthened Paul and brought resolve to Helen Keller is alive and well today too.  As a Spirit, the only space He’ll take up is in our willing heart. If we are open to be a “one” in Christ, then our week ahead is a challenge just waiting to be overcome.

John 8:12; John 17:21

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

One of the greatest AHA’S of our life came over twenty-five years ago when my wife to be Cynthia and I attended our first pre-marital advisory session that was required by our new church. Even though both of us had lived through previously failed marriages, in our very first meeting, none of this requirement business seemed to make any sense. We were introduced to a newly married man in his late twenties.  Age wise, he qualified to be our son. Although he had the title of Pastor, on the surface he seemed way too naive and/or inexperienced to serve as anyone’s “marriage advisor.” My secret question at the time, “What in the world could this guy tell me?” soon was answered.  After exchanging pleasantries, his first few paragraphs of conversation operated like a stun gun of truth.  Before us was no little kid, but Wisdom Himself speaking through him.

To this day Cynthia and I are deeply grateful to our Pastor/Counselor, Raymond Zimberlin, for the role he has played in our lives. As a matter of fact, twenty-five additional years of life’s challenges has helped develop him as an even wiser marriage advisor.  We have come to realize that this man learned very early that God is Wisdom and He is willing to share it with those who ask Him. (James:1:5). We didn’t know at the time that our young Pastor had read about an upstart King Solomon (rated as the wisest man ever) and his request for wisdom of the Lord in 1 Kings chapter 3. To come in contact with someone so young and so inexperienced, who could gather us into reality and counsel us with sound advice, was so refreshing and helpful that we know now that God had to be in on it!

Here is how all this comes to an additional benefit to us this day.  Practical moral intelligence, the kind that is in harmony with the operating system of the God of the Universe, is available to each of us.  May we pray together that by seriously studying God’s word we will all improve in doing the right thing, the right way, and in God’s timing.  Wisdom is the Spirit of God. It’s personal, focused, motivated by love for us, and forever hopeful in application.  It’s His ability in us to handle life with skill.  That family and friends is His AHA!

Have a wisdom-packed week!

James 3:17; Prov 3:13; Prov 19:20; 1 Cor 1:30

** An added feature to our special relationship with Pastor Ray — He’s been my faithful editor of this Message of Hope writing for over 17 years!

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Ps 37:4

I made popcorn a few nights ago. Consider this: All I had to do was take a flame-resistant bag of corn kernels, follow the “this-side-up” directions, stick it into a microwave oven, press a built-in “popcorn” button, wait for 120 seconds, take it out, open it, and—voilà!—a tasty snack was ready to go. Upon working my way to the bottom of the bag, I noticed that nearly all of the kernels had popped and none were burnt. I couldn’t help but be impressed. The makers of this treat really had it down pat.  As far as the nutritional value was concerned, well, that’s another story.

Just imagine for a moment if we were all kernels in the bag of life. The question is what will be the source of heat we choose to make us “pop” this week?  Will it be the scorch of trials and tribulations?  Will it come from the grind of the workday? Will it come from the friction we experience in our travels and interactions?  Or will we choose to sizzle under the faithful “macrowaves” of the One whose deepest desire is to enlighten our mind of understanding and warm the affections of our hearts, so that we may love Him, ourselves, and those around us?  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to see unpopped or burnt kernels in our bag.

Trusting our Maker to guide us this week is our best suggestion. That inspiration existed well before popcorn, comes readily, and was designed for us to digest at any time.  As far as the nutritional value is concerned, well, that’s the most wholesome story with eternal kernels.

Have a great week!

John 10:10; Prov 3:5-6

Editor’s Note: Holy Ghost & Fire – what a heat source!!! Praise the Mighty King!!

I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction resides within me. Psalm 40:8

Suppose you were told you were a major heir in a wealthy relative’s will.  Would you be content to simply believe it, or would you make a move to know it for sure? Wouldn’t reading and understanding the specific details of what was in it for you be the best way to satisfy the curiosity?

By faith, Christians believe that God’s Word is His will for us.  Almighty God, the One responsible for all wealth, has offered us an opportunity to become heirs of His immeasurable grace, love, and mercy.  Scripture says it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  If we are committed to reading and/or listening to God’s Word every day, then we can better understand God’s plan for our lives.

As part of that critical process, we find we are able to change our thinking by renewing our mind to what God says about us.  We are no longer trapped by what the world says about our identity, value, and acceptance.  If we purpose to seek God with all our heart, then God’s influence becomes our top priority. He promises to direct and guide us when we trust and involve Him in our daily lives. Scripture says the beginning of real knowledge and wisdom is respecting and honoring God for who He is. What’s more, God rewards people who have faith in Him—who believe He really exists and diligently seek Him.

The Bible reminds us that God loves us so much that we can bask in His love on a personal basis and still have enough to share with others; we can walk in His love, be a blessing to those around us, and live our life to its fullest. Taking time and effort to draw us near to God is the best move we can make.  He will never run from us, but draw near to us in return. We are on the right path when we resist the devil and his evil intentions and draw near to God.

Family and friends, believing, receiving and acting as if we are heirs to God’s will changes everything. Let’s personalize “Not my Will, but Your Will be Done!” In His Word, we get a renewed identity, a renewed sense of worth, and a renewed and hopeful acceptance and destiny.  Let’s join together and run to His Word to see for ourselves what His will for each of us really declares.  As we learn and grow in His authority, let’s remain eternally appreciative, stay balanced, and walk in divine favor!

 Psalm 119:105; Rom 12:2; Heb 6:33; Heb 11:6; James 4:7-8; Prov 3:5-6

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 

I was reflecting on a trip my wife Cynthia and I took several years ago to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.  It had been described in a traveler’s guide as a living history museum where costumed interpreters helped visitors to experience life in a New England town of the 1830’s.  We stepped into the hard and challenging life of the past by visiting houses, a bank, barns, a church, and furnishings of the period and by watching folks do things the old-fashioned way.  We took a river boat ride, watched the gardens being tended, waved to people driving by in a stage coach, experienced the livestock, and took in demonstrations such as open-hearth cooking, cider distilling, and fabricating tin lanterns.

In today’s message of hope and inherent desire for a practical application, we’d like to focus in a special way on one of the favorite games played back then that is pictured herein.  On a purely physical level, there was excitement as both tug of war teams gave it their all by grunting, growling, and snorting….all to pull the other team across a line to defeat.

If we choose to live a Christian life-style, we must know we face a spiritual tug of war too.  For an immediate example, we wake up daily to an aftermath of a Covid-19 atmosphere with it’s full-scale confusion, fear, discouragement, and social isolation.   When we add the muscle of the onslaught of angry political and racial unrest, we sense a powerfully hateful pulling, complete with a vicious and demonic vengeance.  If we remain unprepared or casual, there is no doubt today’s life’s challenges, saturated with poor thinking, negative social influences, and direct devilish tampering will drag us to lose precious ground in our position and condition as a follower of Christ.

How can we pattern ourselves to remain strong and keep pulling the way God promises to assist us?  It’s in His authority and balanced power that we must rely to help us overcome the forcefully negative tugging from the world’s trials, tensions, and temptations. Though not an exhaustive or perfect list, the following is a good start in our training for pulling to win in this ongoing battle.

• Avoid spiritual drifting – Minimize the news media intake. Maximize praying as a primary practice and stay in contact with God; our Father and Creator.
• Resist being hungry – Stay fed physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
• Refuse to stay angry – Erase anger with forgiveness and healthy physical exercise.
• Say no to social isolation – Establish wholesome and trusted connections with family and friends in a manner that’s wise and safe.
• Recognize being tired – Rest physically, emotionally and mentally; rest in the Lord spiritually.

In closing, the Lord is the same God today as He was in the Sturbridge Village pioneering days.  Knowing the scripture “Unless the Lord builds the house, man labors in vain” (Ps 127:1A) to be true,  let’s allow God to build our heart’s desire and overcoming muscles so we may win our personal tug of war with our life’s current pioneering challenges too.  For us and in Him, there is no such thing as being pulled to defeat….only to victory!

Eph 6:10-18; Isaiah 41:10; 1 Cor 10:13; Psalm 27:7; Phil 4:13; Prov 3:5-6

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Clearly, these are perilous and ambiguous times in which we live.  It is in such times of advancing godlessness and lawlessness that “easy” Christianity simply will not do. To live the counterfeit lifestyle while calling it the genuine article of living for Christ is to enhance or enable the downward slide of society. The wisest move to make is to turn to the true standard and live it out with a newfound gusto. God’s way is the only purely magnetic and flawless solution. There is no one but Almighty God (Lord & Commander) who could issue the absolute (not obsolete) commandments in stone.  He is the only One who could promise prophetically to write them on the Spiritual tablets of our heart (Jer 31:33).  He stands alone to personally die in our place to pay for our sins and fulfill His promise to redeem us.  Amazingly, by faith in Him, His grace makes us righteous and re-energized to live as over-comers during this crazy time and in this fallen world.

Living a Christian life is anything but easy.  If you are like me and find yourself drifting from the faith because of any number of disturbing winds: anger, arrogance, lust, pride, or pure selfishness. then we’re in this battle together.  So, during this pandemic, political, and racial unrest, how do we remain secure in the challenging journey of a fulfilling life?  The same prompt always stirs inside me that I sincerely hope will come across as an empowering wake-up call for us in today’s message.

Let’s take an honest look at our calendar and checkbook to assess if some lesser “thing” or The Lord is first in our life. The Biblical God, Commander and Savior also named Jesus said the following: “Where your treasure is there will be your heart be also (Matt 6:21). You are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14). This is love, that we walk after His commandments (2John 2:6). This new commandment I give you that you are to love others like I have loved you (John 13:34).”

Family and friends, when we read and hear the Spiritual life-giving words of the true God or Lord and Commander Jesus Christ, everything relational about us in Him must uncompromisingly move, adjust, and reconfigure in obedience to His unchanging and perfect standard or command.  It’s not a matter of how badly we’ve drifted – it’s a matter of how God can pull us back in by His grace, straighten us out, and empower us to do better.  He is also best at helping us to do that, so sharing in prayer…

Dear Father in Heaven,

In the midst of these threatening and perilous times, please let us live, move and be in the divine reality of You being our Lord, Holy Commander, and Shepherd.  May we surrender our lives, not to retreat, but to prosper in our entire being.  Your genius is perfectly authoritative and whole.  No one is before You, behind You, below You, or above You.  It’s not by our might or power but by Your Holy Spirit that works in us both to will and to do Your good pleasure. You promised to write Your commandments upon our hearts. As we hold You near, we receive Your standard promise right now.  We pray and receive this amazing blessing, in the name of Jesus and in the ultimate Word of His power.  Amen!

Philippians 4:13; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 40:3; Hebrews 12:1-2; Jeremiah 29:11-14