The Kingdom of God is Within You – Part I

There is great news today!  There is a solution to all of your problems.  You can resolve each one!  The psalmist says, “I sought the Lord.  He heard my cry and delivered me from all of my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)  What is the solution to your daily challenges and enduring trials?  Interestingly, both problem and solution lie within you.  What you desire most lies within your heart.  What you need to acquire your dreams and goals also lies within you.  Simply put, you are the problem.  But, the good news is that you are also the solution.

Followers ask the Lord about the kingdom of God.  When will come?  What are the signs?  Where will it begin?  Shall the Messiah inaugurate the kingdom?  How will anyone know the kingdom has come?  The Lord responds, “The Kingdom of God isn’t ushered in with visible signs.  You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’  or ‘It’s over there!’  For the Kingdom of God is within you.”  The Lord instructs us to search deep within and strive toward the ideal world that we envision.  Whereas our minds record frustrations we have with multidimensional problems, our hearts contain willingness and wisdom for progress.  The problems and answers are within us.

Norman Vincent Peale in The Tough Minded Optimist shares an encounter with a cynic.  This guy berates Peale for his system of “Positive Mental Attitude.”  In response, Dr. Peale asks the man, “What do you really want in life?”  The fellow replies, “I want a problem-free life!  That’s want I want most!”  In turn, Peale says, “No problem.  I’ll take you to a gathering of thousands of people who have absolutely no problems.”  Then, the man says, “That group is for me.  Where are they?”  Mischievously, Peale provides the man with directions to the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY.  The only people with no problems are people who are dead.  All other people have a fundamental choice whether to dwell on the number and nature of our problems.  Instead, we assume a “tough minded optimist’s” approach by realizing all problems include resolutions.  Further, each problem provides possibilities for personal development and spiritual growth. 

The opening verses of James encourage us to embrace life’s trials.  “Consider it pure joy whenever trouble comes your way.”  Tribulations afford an opportunity to cultivate character and endurance (James 1:2-8 and Romans 5:1-5).  Complaints about the world’s dreadful state yield our commission by Almighty God to change society.  Frederick Beuchner posits demands for change must intersect with the world’s greatest need.

Daily personal problems are manifold: debt, termination, health challenges, marital crises, fear, career choices, depression, financial difficulties, lack of self-acceptance, etc.  On a social level, we desire the elimination of AIDS, poverty, cancer, crime, broken families, racism, etc.  The presence of the kingdom of God eliminates those social dilemmas.  We long for a new era when all children of God live in a just world that equitably distributes resources to empower individuals to actualize their potential.

Conceivably, we erroneously envision the kingdom of God.  The Lord says we will not easily recognize the dawn of the kingdom.  Realistically, it emerges each day when believers strive to fulfill the commandments of loving Almighty God with heart, soul, mind and strength and loving neighbors as themselves.  Jesus says, “The kingdom of God of within you!”  In our choices and use of resources, we have capacity to realize the kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is Within You – Part II

Knowing God liberates you from the bondage of a self.  You gain heartfelt interest in serving people. You relinquish fallacies about wealth, reputation, prestige, social status and material acquisition.  You utilize resources, talents, and time to build the kingdom where we live.

As we transition from church member to disciple, we discover a ministry within Church and larger world.  In the former, we discern practical means of empowering the body of Christ to love and minister in accordance with the Lord’s teachings (John 13:34-35 and 1 Corinthians 12).  In the latter, we embody God’s light and God’s power in dark corners of the world.  As His chosen instruments, we transform the world.  We are God’s change agents for truth, equity and justice no matter how entrenched the geopolitical dynamics and gamesmanship of current international affairs.  I believe God’s remnant of devoted followers will resolve these contemporary conflicts.  Disciples work faithfully toward ushering in the kingdom of God.

The Church is God’s unique instrument on earth to build His kingdom.  He did not choose government, academy, not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations or corporate entities.  In daily living, disciples personify light and salt.  The Church exercises good stewardship as it relates to money, talent and time.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 14) undergird our ministries.

“The kingdom of God is in you!”  Again, problems and possibilities for resolution lie within us.  We cease compromising with fear and negativity.  We eliminate unconstructive thoughts from our minds.  We accentuate the positive.  “If life serves you lemons, make lemonade.”  Find seeds of success in every failure.  Norman Vincent Peale advocates a wholesale change in attitude.  By completing reversing the way we view challenges, we replace anxiety with enthusiasm and faith.

What prevents a person from building the kingdom of God?  Fierce resentment most definitely disqualifies anyone.  Such intense emotions clog the heart.  In addition, perpetual self-serving behavior impedes building the kingdom of God.  Lack of self-control resembles the tip of an iceberg of tremendous proportions that will sink any ship.  The combination of these character defects relegates any believer to being the captain of his own Titanic. 

To realize the kingdom, God calls everyone to a process of personal development and spiritual growth.  This quest for inner healing and wholeness begins with self-evaluation.  It requires daily spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation.  The Bible is the textbook of life containing wisdom for daily living.  Affirming and applying relevant memory verses creates images of the kingdom of God.  An important supplement is visualization of a just society and success of personal goals and dreams.  A daily period of quiet time and devotion to worship and praise of Almighty God affords you an opportunity to practice spiritual disciplines.  

Ephesians 3:20 Reflections

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 is one of the most immutable verses in the New Testament.  It comforts and challenges as well as encourages and empowers disciples.  The verse declares the awesome and infinite attributes of Almighty God whose abilities surpass our mental capacities, logic and imagination.  Interestingly, He deposits spiritual power within each believer.  From the mystery of birth in which we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:130-16), we are the gracious recipients of God’s creative power.  However, we face daily challenges of surmounting fear.  Can we mature in faith and genuine reliance upon God to access and utilize His divine gift of internal fortitude?

In the King James Version of the Bible, Ephesians 3:20 reads, “Now to Him who can do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”  While indeed redundant, the characterization, “exceedingly abundantly” richly describes the abilities of the infinite architect of the universe.  The only limitations God acknowledges are those He freely places upon Himself. 

The Bible primarily discloses God’s faithful and eternal love for humankind.  God limits Himself in accordance with His unconditional love for us.  He adheres faithfully to the covenant He makes in Eden, repeats throughout the Old Testament and eternally seals through Christ’s redemptive work.  As a natural extension of God’s limitless love, He graciously chooses to utilize His infinite power to bless us.  He is able to do more than we can conceive.  Furthermore, He can do more than we ask.  That is an amazing thought, considering we have a seemingly endless wish list.  Yet, God can do more than we envision.  When we consider our normal flights of fantasy, it is simply astounding to think God attempts to satisfy our weirdest desires.

Do we possess courage to ask or imagine?  I suspect many Christians ignore it because it seems so far fetched.  “Yeah, what a nice thought, Pollyanna!”  Should we cultivate faith and boldness to seek the promises of this verse, we travel spiritually and existentially to unimaginable vistas.  Those heights may include financial blessings and material acquisition.  More significantly, we discover places of love, truth, justice, joy, and peace, the enduring wealth of life.  Nonetheless, many believers never visit these grand pinnacles because they simply lack courage to embark upon the trip.

Imagine your life without fear, doubt, disease, sin, and any other limitation that impede your progress toward inner healing and wholeness.  Your daily meditations are more than wishful thinking.  They can become real!  God is able to do it!  If you genuinely rely upon Him by your willingness to follow His guidance, you can live the good life.  Faith asserts an unequivocal belief in God’s abilities.  Trust acts upon your faith.  If you can imagine it, it is yours. 

God accomplishes His work through us.  He works immeasurably “according to His power that is at work within us.”  As we partner with God, we obtain the blessings and promises of this verse.  Daily seeking His will and denying self enables the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve resolutions to our problems.  Prayer is neither magic nor wishful thinking.  We ask God for wisdom, strength and willingness to take the next right steps.  Additionally, we request holistic change of attitude and character. 

The Spirituality of Play – Reflections on the Sabbath

As the Grand Architect of the Universe in the opening verses of Genesis 2, God establishes the Sabbath.  He finishes the work of creation on the seventh day and rests.  He blesses the seventh day and makes it holy because He rests from the labors of creation.  Why did God find it necessary to rest?  His “rest” includes stepping back from creation and surveying His handiwork.  Any artist periodically stops in the midst of a project to assess its progress.  A break allows us to reflect upon our work.  Why do we do what we do?  Can we do it better?  How can we work smart rather than hard?  God concludes the work of creation is good; thus His rests from any further work.

Playing has spiritual dimensions to it.  In recreation, we re-create ourselves.  Time away from work enables us to gain a new perspective and approach.  Each week, we should take at least a day away from our work to rejuvenate our creativity and energy.  Utilizing the spiritual discipline of withdrawal from the world for the purpose of self-mastery increases the worth of play.

Is Sunday or Saturday the Sabbath?  The apostle Paul, in Romans 14:5, recommends the choice of a day; and makes it holy unto the Lord.  Depending upon your work schedule, the day could be Wednesday or Friday.  Nonetheless, you devote it to the Lord for worship of Almighty God and the spiritual practice of Sabbath and play.

The biblical writer offers a luscious description of the Garden of Eden given in the second chapter of Genesis.  There are exquisite details about the four rivers which led from the garden.  Also, the author details the presence of certain minerals and their worth.  He specifically lists the countries that were adjacent to the garden.  In so doing, he foreshadows the interesting people and conflicts that will emerge in the later chapters of Genesis.

In the fifteenth verse, the Lord commissions Adam to be a good steward over the garden.  “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”  Essentially, God Adam is the manager of this beautiful garden.  Our brothers and sisters who complain about the environment find biblical support in this verse.  We are to care for the earth and its resources.  We are not to rape the earth of her priceless riches in minerals, land, oil and other natural treasures because it is profitable to us.  Instead, we should cooperate with the rhythm of nature. 

Additionally, God’s charge to Adam includes the necessity of work, creativity, patience, and dignity that emerges from labor.  We were not created to be idle.  God gives each of us unique talents and abilities.  Like a good steward, we use them to honor and glorify Almighty God and serve humankind.  Accordingly, we spend part of our Sabbath practicing the spiritual disciplines in order to discern internal resources.  We return to work with new imagination.  Work enables us to utilize these talents and return a “profit” to God for His gracious gift.

In the sixteenth verse, God gives free will to humankind.  “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden.”  Initially, we were free to roam and enjoy what we saw.  However, that freedom was not absolute.  God offers a single yet rather significant condition upon our liberty.  In the seventeenth verse, God limits the freedom of humankind.  “But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”  Our freedom correlates with God’s commands.  Daily, we juxtapose our liberty with our love of Almighty God which requires we faithfully obey Him.  Jesus says, “If you love me, you will obey my commands.” (John 14:23-24)  Spouses demonstrate their love for each other by faithfully obeying the commitment of their marital covenant.  Children show their love for their parents by following their instructions and guidance.  Likewise, despite our God given liberty, we prove our devotion to Him by our faithful adherence to His word. 

The Presence of Almighty God - Isaiah 41:10

The Presence of Almighty God – Isaiah 41:10

The presence of Almighty God empowers us surmount challenges, internal or external.  On any day, we confront issues relating to health, finance, marriage, family or job.  Naturally, fear overtakes us.  Sometimes, anxiety paralyzes us.  We are clueless about resolving these problems.  Moreover, we make fear larger than life.  We fail to see the solutions because we focus so heavily upon the dread.  Yet, Isaiah reminds us God is always present to empower us to triumph over adversities.  “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

The preceding verse contains a lifetime of divine promises.  First, the Lord encourages us to forsake the fear we readily feel.  Fear and faith cannot coexist as darkness and light cannot simultaneously occupy the same space.  God, our Shepherd, leads and protects us.  His presence automatically eliminates worry. 

Secondly, He suggests we forsake fear because He is with us.  God’s presence comforts us.  The word, comfort, equals the combination of “cum” (Latin for with) and “fortis” (Latin for power or strength).  As a consequence, God’s presence always yields fortitude necessary to overcome hard times.  The first two clauses of this verse are amazing promises from the Creator of more than a billion stars with separate solar systems and galaxies to all believers with a mustard seed’s faith to receive them.

Further, God says, “I am with you.”  The great “I AM” (Exodus 3:14) is always with us.  God simply is.  He is everywhere.  It is therefore fallacious to pray and ask God to be with us.  “Be with us now Lord as we go into this surgery.”  Interestingly, God is already in the operating room before you arrive.  Instead, we ask the Lord to open the eyes of our hearts and minds so we see Him.  We need a greater revelation of His presence.  We may additionally require reassurance of His comforting presence.

“Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”  Essentially, the Lord says, “don’t fret.”  There are times when we throw a pity party.  We focus upon circumstances until they overwhelm us.  We engage in self-centered fear believing our problems are superlative to everyone else’s.  We resolve we have been dealt a bad hand.  The Lord reminds us to open our eyes and realize He is standing there, willingly giving confidence to face our daily struggles. 

Furthermore, He says, “I will strengthen you and help you.”  What an incredible access to power!  The maker of heaven and earth pledges His resources in resolving any dilemma.  God gives us what we need to be victorious.  Because He helps us, we put anxiety out of our mind.  We utilize practical techniques that enable triumph through a combination of His steadfast love and a sharp mind.  According to Ephesians 3:20, God aids us beyond our wildest imaginations, through strength of His Spirit at works within us.

The last section of this verse summarizes the foregoing remarkable divine promises.  God vows to uphold us despite the circumstances.  He pledges His loyalty solely on the basis of His righteousness.  “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  God carries us when we fall on the road of life.  When our strength gives out, we rely upon His power.  Elsewhere, Isaiah says, “He gives power to the weak and to them that they have no might, He increases strength.” 

An unknown author wrote a famous poem, “Footprints,” which vividly illustrates the immortal wisdom and encouragement of Isaiah 41:10.  A man realizes God never leaves anyone in the midst of trials.  Rather, God picks us up and carries us when burdens exhaust our resources.  Assuredly, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.  “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  What a wonderful image of a loving Father who takes the hand of a scared child and reassures him or her everything will be all right.

"Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God"

“Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God”

As I reflect upon my journey during the past thirty-one years, I see one undeniable and constant factor, the faithfulness of God.  Having been tossed by theological winds and battered by doctrinal waves, I seek refuge in God’s limitless.  Despite repeated sins, cycles of repentance and “sincere” pledges never to repeat transgressions, I faithfully receive forgiveness from a loving and merciful God.  Though I take three steps forward and two backward, Almighty God’s loving presence and sustaining power faithfully abide.  When I am willful and snatch control of my life, God kindly waits for eyes of my heart to open and see His purposes.  His steadfast love never ceases and His mercies do not end.  They are new each and every morning.  “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God.”

In Lamentations 3:22-23, Jeremiah assures Israelite exiles the Lord’s mercy will prevent their destruction.  He reminds them the Lord’s love is a steadfast, unequivocal and unquestionable foundation.  Regardless of situations, God’s abiding love never comes to an end.  There is always a divine oasis of love in the deserts of life.  The living water of God’s infinite love will overcome droughts of fear, cynicism and depression.  May we acquire a new appreciation for this magnificent love.

Second, Jeremiah rehearses God’s enduring mercy.  God faithfully forgives us.  It does not matter how many times we sin.  If we humbly and genuinely request forgiveness, God reliably forgives each every time.  God’s forgiveness reaches to  infinity.

The great apostle of love, John says “If we confess our sin, God is just and faithful to forgive our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  Note the magnanimous love of God!  God devotedly forgives us each time.  He also empowers us with wisdom to cease actions that prevent right relationship with Him.  What an awesome and loving God!

Pause and briefly stroll through memories of your journey with the Lord.  Consider countless times “He made a way out of no way.”  Think about coincidences in which “things just happened to work out.”  Ponder your good fortune and lasting lucky streaks.  God faithfully sows seeds of providence throughout our lives.  His love and loyalty make the fundamental difference.  His faithfulness proves His existence.  How can we possibly deny a benevolent God who does so much for us?  Why do we entertain fallacious and subjective ideas atheists and skeptics?  All proofs for God’s existence are not propositional.  There is an undeniable experiential element to faith.  We affirm God’s existence because He recurrently demonstrates His love.

Majestically, God’s faithfulness paints upon the canvass of our lives with broad brushstrokes.  Incalculable blessings are ours because of God’s goodness toward us.  1 John 4:7 says, “God is love.”  Because He is love, God freely gives love.  God’s love parallels the ocean which liberally shares its life-giving essence with anyone.  James says “every good and perfect gift” comes from God who generously shares His wonderful grace and bountiful love. A loving marriage, successful career, health and productive talents are gracious benefits of Almighty God.  These wonderful treasures graciously and faithfully adorn our lives with His enduring love.

What is Prosperity?

Anyone who receives letters and memoranda from me knows I usually begin with a familiar greeting.  “Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  I hope this letter finds you in good health, spiritually and physically.”  It comes from 3 John 2 in which the apostle of love prays for well being of his dear friend, Gaius.  “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth.”  That verse is the foundation for “the gospel of health and wealth.”  Christian television universally endorses this theological perspective.  However, my use of that verse suggests a desire for the recipient of my correspondence to achieve holistic health.  It may or may not include a clean bill of health and material acquisition.  Yet, it includes an earnest prayer for a vibrant relationship with Almighty God in which your needs are met. 

Understandably, many who preach the gospel of good health and wealth seek to combat a longstanding heresy.  There is no correlation between poverty and righteousness.  For many years, people in the Church taught that poor people had an inherent advantage with God.  Yes, Jesus says we always have poor people.  Jesus’ incarnation actually demonstrates a preference toward the poor.  He comes as a carpenter in the poor region of Galilee.  He does not live a life of royalty and luxury.  He dwells amongst the downcast and downtrodden.  Yet, Jesus challenges them to a higher level of spirituality just as he did the Rich Younger Ruler.  Poor people face the same challenges of utilizing personal talents and natural endowments to obtain inner healing and a holistic life.  “Success” may or may not include physical health and financial gain.

Accordingly, the prevalent and popular teaching you can quantify righteousness and spirituality through an inventory of material possessions is equally false.  Righteousness has very little to do with possessions and finances.  Yes, Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon and Job were righteous and prosperous.  Again, an inherent correlation does not exist between the two circumstances. The prophets (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah and Elisha) were righteous men who did not possess wealth.  Moreover, Elisha died of a sickness.  The Apostle Paul suffers from a thorn in his side, which the Lord does not remove.  Commendably, Paul advises Philippian believers to be content in plenty or little. 

Connecting poverty and spirituality creates false humility.  Poor people assume automatic admittance to heaven.  Equating righteousness with material acquisition coerces incessant demands from God.  God becomes a daily Santa Claus who listens to self-seeking wish lists.  However, health involves more than our bodies; and money is not the only measure of wealth.  Prosperity is a holistic process that touches every aspect of human being: mind, soul, psyche, spirit, will, body and heart.  A deficiency in any component jeopardizes wellbeing in other areas.  Prosperity requires consistent spiritual discipline in developing character.  It is far more challenging than balancing your checkbook.  The rewards of genuine spiritual prosperity exceed crass materialism however prevalently taught today’s Church.

Mental health is a major societal challenge in the United States.  Countless people are on Prozac; we are a “Prozac nation.”  Bipolar disorders, depression, schizophrenia and many other mental diseases plague the Church.  Desire for genuine acceptance and unconditional love fuels an entire segment of American publishing market: seminars, books, tapes, discs, movies, retreats, etc.  People spend incalculable amounts of money pursuing self-help and self-improvement.  It is essential we heal from past wounds lest they perpetually define us.  We fail to find holistic healing and peace.  Summarily, wellness and prosperity include mental balance,   divine love, inner healing and wholeness.

Creating a Community of Acceptance and Inclusion Within a Local Church

Creating a community of acceptance, inclusion and care within a local church

It is important to raise people’s consciousness regarding the Church as a house of prayer for all of God’s children.  The local church is a spiritual hospital where sick, broken, wounded and hurting people, whether physical, mental or emotional, come for healing, restoration and wholeness.  God’s agape, the ultimate sacrificial and redemptive love, which He reveals and embodies in our Lord Jesus Christ, is the primary cure to any human ailment.  Agape is the most supreme form of love – sacrificial, unfailing, unending, illimitable, gracious, just, respectful, empowering and redemptive. As eternally grateful recipients, disciples in a local church freely extend this highest form of love to anyone who comes.  They welcome visitors, attendees and inquirers into the family of God where we share God’s love as a means of encouraging and empowering everyone to become the very best child of God of which he or she is capable.

“Let us love you until you learn to love yourself.”  Daily, people hear that prevalent saying in the rooms of recovery throughout the world.  Actually, the idea and practice originate sin the local church.  The Lord Jesus Christ tells his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)  Fervently, I posit self-acceptance is the beginning of self-love.  Until a person unconditionally accepts himself or herself as a child of God created in the image of Almighty God, it is very difficult for him or her to love anyone even himself or herself.  Moreover, replacing secular, humanistic ideas (the depictions of Hollywood movies and advertising wizardry of Madison Avenue) about love with the love of God in Christ Jesus is the lasting cure to human brokenness.  Establishing acceptance, inclusion and care within a local congregation starts with clarifying a primary responsibility of disciples to share genuinely the Lord’s love as a practical means of fulfilling The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40) and The Great Commandment (Matthew 28:16-20).

Through preaching and teaching, I challenge our congregation to live this loves through action rather than thoughts and feelings.  Additionally, new members outreach, church auxiliaries and small groups are ways of including all persons.  It may be necessary to formulate certain ministries around particular groups, e.g. teens, young adults, single parents, grandparents who are rearing their grandchildren, persons with disabilities, etc.  Chances are people will find acceptance amongst similarly situated peers.

Quarterly social and recreational functions (games nights, new members tea or luncheon) to which all members are invited are generally effective.  As a supplement to weekly worship and corporate Christian education, fellowship activities afford church family members to hear each other’s “back stories” and better understand each other.  “You really do not know someone until you have walked a mile in his shoes.”  Sunday morning worship does not afford most people a chance to really invest time and energy in building and strengthening friendships.   Social and recreational settings remove vestiges of formality and allow people to relax and simply accept other people as they are.

Finally, we remember to forgive as we have been forgiven.  A sanctimonious and judgment spirit within a local church automatically repels new believers.  Sometimes, seasoned disciples forget the journey of discipleship is a marathon and not a sprint.  As they have traveled more miles than neophyte Christians, they are impatient as new believers begin the process of transformation.  Issues such a language, dress, musical tastes, worship styles and church governance potentially create disagreements which contribute perceptions of cliques and insularity.  As a consequence, some people may feel the “old guard” does not accept them.  In Ephesians 4:32, the apostle Paul exhorts the church “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Practicing kindness is a primary step to demonstrating acceptance and inclusion in a local church.

Another Serving of Spiritual Alphabet Soup

Another Serving of Spiritual Alphabet Soup

I offer another serving of spiritual alphabet soup.  I experience particularly fruitful periods of prayer and meditation during the holidays.  The Holy Spirit reveals new insights on success and excellence in accordance with God’s will for my life. 

In addition to confidence, C stands for courage.  “Courage is fear saying its prayers.”  To achieve anything, you believe wholeheartedly in God and in yourself.  Recently, I heard a presentation from a woman who assists people in starting and succeeding in business.  She tells her audience courage decides winners and losers.  People who willing take risks; sever their ties to old jobs; and devote themselves to new endeavors ultimately succeed.  Courage stays the course when things appear bleak and unrewarding despite your hard work. 

H stands for humility.  “Pride goeth before a fall.”  An egomaniacal attitude usually does not yield success.  In fact, such an approach creates entrenched blind spots.  As you are so convinced of your strategies and competencies, you fail to consult others for advice and wisdom; fallaciously believing you can accomplish your goals on your own.  Instead, submit your ambitions and dreams to the light of God’s countenance.  God burns away the dross of self-centered fear and selfish ambition.  Rather than deflating your ego, humility encourages and empowers us with strength and support critical to our success.

Without passion, it is difficult to accomplish anything.  Passion is an inner oasis in the desert of life. Passion maintains commitment to goals and objectives.  Graduate school faculties encourage prospective doctoral students to pursue their degrees in disciplines for which they are passionate.  Given eighty-five percent (85%) of persons who begin doctoral programs never complete them, a simple interest will not sustain a student during the years required to obtain the degree.  However, passion ignites continually a desire to become an authority.  Even as a student is sick of reading books and studying, passion reaffirms purpose and propels success.

Arguably, passion determines whether we excel or not.  Once, I counseled a woman who had a choice of two different jobs.  The first job paid very well.  It held her interest but she did not anticipate staying for the balance of her career.  The second job paid less but clearly arrested her passion.  I suggested she compare where she would be ten years at both jobs.  I suspect she would obtain two or three promotions at the first job.  But would she still enjoy the job?  In the second instance, I posited she would be far happier.  Further, she would strengthen her skills; deepen her contributions to the field; and perhaps obtain a level of excellence such as publication.  When we work within our passion, chances are we will excel.  “If you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” 

Purpose undergirds passion.  Undoubtedly, we possess a fiery zeal for jobs and personal interests.  As Rick Warren urges, we are purpose driven.  We clarify reasons we spend inordinate time and energy on a job.  Hopefully, we seek more than personal satisfaction and physical and material well-being.  What is our raison de tre (reason for being)?  Passions seek divine purpose.

Without a mission statement, life’s situations toss us to and fro like a ship without a sail.  Inexplicably, people with incredible talents waste these riches.  We marvel at that potential to build the kingdom of God were they to devote themselves to that purpose.  Clarity and focus prevent squandering time and resources.

"Love People Enough to Let Them Go"

“Love People Enough to Let Them Go”

“Love people enough to let them go.”  Linda Lavin, the awarding winning actress of the 1970s sitcom, Alice, shared those wise words in a memorable interview.  She endured the fires of a particularly difficult divorce.  In the settlement she reached with her ex-husband, she relinquished all claims to custody she had of his children.  Legal circumstances forced her to accept that hard reality.  Contrary to her personal wishes and the relationships she had with the children, she let them go.  In time, they came back into her life.  In retrospect, Linda Lavin learned “never try and hold on to people.”  Again, “love them enough to let them go.”

“If you love something (someone) let it go.  If it comes back, it’s yours.  If it doesn’t, it wasn’t meant to be.”  Love does not take hostages.  It does not injure.  It flows freely from a heart liberated to love.  Love seeks the very best in those whom we love.  Love releases them to become whole. 

Recently, an aunt called to share she recently remarried her first husband whom she had originally wed at seventeen years of age.  Their youth, grounded in the uniformed idea “love” conquers all, led to their divorce.  Yet, almost thirty-eight years to the date of their first marriage, they remarried.  In the interim, they never lost the love they felt for each other.  Nonetheless, they were able to let go of each other.  Thinking someone else would be better for them, they wished each other well.  Amazingly, the rubble of September 11, 2001 (9/11) reunited them.  They relit the flame of the love dormant in their hearts.  Their love story demonstrates how we love people enough to let them go.

A very close colleague and friend knew her future husband during their in college years.  They discovered an undeniable love that did not result in marriage until nearly twenty years later.    Like my aunt and her husband, this second couple never loss love they always shared for each other.  Once again, the smoldering ashes of September 11^th lit the flame of love and passion.  They too rediscovered each other and their heartfelt love.  Whereas their collegiate affection enabled them to wish each other well as they embarked upon separate lives, it eventually reunited them in holy matrimony.  They also practiced the wise maxim of loving enough to let someone go.

In the previously mentioned conversation with my aunt, she assures me, “What God has for you no one can take away.”  If it is meant to be, it will be.  No one on earth is able to stop you from receiving a divinely ordained blessing.  In reply, I said, “Lord, I receive Your promise though I have no idea what will emerge.  I thank You for your grace and goodness.  In the name of Jesus, I receive the promise.”  We let people go because God ultimately orchestrates the best love affairs.  If we are willing to wait, we receive love greatly exceeding our wildest imaginations. 

Strangely enough, love needs a certain confluence of benevolent circumstances to flourish.  We fail to force its growth outside divine grace.  Nothing grows within infertile soil.  Rain equal to the ocean cannot produce a harvest on barren land.  Likewise, love does not grow where it cannot be shared openly and freely.  If someone cannot genuinely appreciate you, then love them enough to let them go.  

Thoughts on Servant Leadership within the Local Church

Thoughts on Servant Leadership within the Local Church

Faithfulness in church office begins with commitment, training and education.  Following election as Elders and Deacons, members of the Consistory commence a quarterly training program which encourages and empowers them.  These training sessions address spiritual, personal, educational and pragmatic issues.  Utilizing biblical, Christian educational, psychological and social scientific resources, these continual workshops equip lay leaders with effective tools and approaches to succeeding and excelling as officers in the congregation. 

Recently at Cambria Heights Community Church, the Consistory and I have had four sessions.  We began with “Servant Leadership Training” in which we explored relevant biblical passages on service as the primary means of leading in the Church.  A few servant leadership texts include Matthew 20:17-28, Matthew 25, Mark 10:35-35, Luke 4:18 (Isaiah 61:1-3), Luke 22:24-27, John 13:1-17, James 1:26-26 and James 2:14-26 and Philippians 2:1-11.  The session concluded with “Pastoral Expectations of Servant Leaders at CHCC.”  I share them with you for your consideration.

1.      Daily Practice of Spiritual Disciplines in fulfillment of “The Great Commandment” (Matthews 22:34-40)

2.      Weekly Corporate Christian Education

3.      Knowledge of  and Adherence to The Book of Church Order

4.      Faithful Attendance in Sunday Worship

5.      Give Tithe (Gross Income)/Practice Good Financial Stewardship

6.      Prioritize Commitment and Duties of CHCC over all other human organizations

7.      7. Commitment to Spiritual Growth and Personal Development

8.      8. Commitment to Continual Training as a Servant Leader

9.      9. Faithful Service in Leadership Position at CHCC

10.  10. Service in Mission and Outreach in fulfillment of “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:16-20)

Second, we read and discussed Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton’s Now, Discover Your Strengths (New York: The Free Press, 2001).  In our January 2010 session, we explored our inherent strengths and how these personal attributes best prepare us for ecclesiastical service and leadership.  We followed that session with Meyers Briggs personality assessment training to confirm our discoveries of the previous training workshop.  In the fall of this year, we will explore the Enneagram and its potential to improve communication amongst our leadership.

Additionally, biannual appraisal periods in which lay leaders embrace self-evaluation help to confirm their calling as servant leaders.  The combination of training, standard meetings, individual sessions, and appraisal periods sufficiently equip church officers they handle spiritual and financial affairs of the church.

As it relates more specifically to spiritual matters, small groups or personal growth groups are longstanding and successful methods of encouraging average congregants in a quest for genuine spirituality.  Lay leaders and other appropriately gifted members serve as captains of these groups.  This model affords any member of the church with access to a lay minister with whom he consults as pastoral concerns (bereavement, illness, finances, marital challenges, job problems, etc.) arise.  Leaders of small groups undergo training in defining pastoral problems, making effective referrals and maintaining confidentiality.

With regard to church finances, the most stringent business and legal practices, including generally accepted accounting principles and practices, are the best means of establishing a system of “checks and balances” yielding honesty, accountability and integrity.  Annual audits are necessary.  Full disclosure to the congregation guards against corruption, abuse and malfeasance.  Bonding key persons such as the treasurer and financial secretary as well as any persons handling church finances is standard practice. 

Special Prayer Service for Healing and Restoration at CHCC on 18 May 2011

THE REVEREND VICTOR M. SINGLETARY, PASTOR

Cambria Heights Community Church

116-02 220^th Street, Cambria Heights, NY 11411-1607

www.cambriaheightscc.org  - Phone 718-528-2138 - Fax 718-527-7177 - Cell 615-364-9655 - revvms@aol.com

17 May 2011

To:                   People of Faith Throughout the World

From:               Pastor Victor M. Singletary

Re:                   Special Prayer Meeting for Healing and Restoration

                        Wednesday, 18 May 2011

                        Weekly Bible Study and Prayer Meeting at CHCC

                        7:00pm

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  I hope this email memorandum finds you in good health, spiritually and physically.

In response to an increasing number of significant prayer requests for healing (physical, mental, emotional and relational), I am led by the Holy Spirit to modify tomorrow night’s Weekly Bible Study and Prayer Meeting at Cambria Heights Community Church.  We will spend the first hour, 7:00pm to 8:00pm, studying this week’s passages, 1 John 2:12-18 and 1 John 2:18-27, time permitting.

The Cambria Heights Community Church family and I invite you to join us in our important spiritual quest for authentic faith, with intellectual respectability and practical application, amongst the diverse voices of public discourse in the marketplace.  We believe in the power of prayer to Almighty God, the Creator and Father of humankind.  We hope you will join us regardless of your faith tradition.  As children of God, let’s utilize the best of our spiritual and religious practices to support our brothers and sisters in their health challenges.

Afterwards, we will proceed to an extended period of intercessory prayer.  We will pray for persons who request healing in accordance with James 5:13-16, Romans 4:18-25, Ephesians 3:20 and many other relevant biblical texts.  Already, I have a list of forty (40) names of people with very specific prayer requests.  I invite you to submit names and appropriate details of persons whom you know to need prayer for healing.  We will remain and pray for each person by name.  Simply hit “Reply” to share the names with me.  I will compile a comprehensive list for the prayer service.  Feel free to join us or to send names and requests.

I hasten to add this healing prayer service respects God’s sovereignty as it relates to occurrences of miracles, suspension of natural law and bestowal of direct physical healing.  We will not engage in any gimmicks, incantations, use of oil or any shenanigans.  Genuinely, we will pray to Almighty God with humble petitions to graciously grant healing to our brothers and sisters.  We will pray for freedom from pain, provision of excellent medical care and requisite financial resources, inner comfort and peace, loving support of caretakers, family and friends, and a greater revelation of countless biblical promises of God’s unfailing love and unquestionable faithfulness.

I hope you will be able to join us for this service of healing.