President’s Message

Many times, people ask, how can I experience God? It is an interesting question because God is everywhere, all at the same time (omnipresent). It is like asking how can I experience the sun while standing in it. We can learn from several persons, one of whom is Paul because Paul said, “…….I no longer live, it is Christ that lives within me… .” (Galatians 2:20). Paul would also say he is drunk with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-18). This is not unique to Paul because Christ dwells in us as well (Ephesians 1:3-4; Titus 3:5). How did Paul get here when he once struggled with sin and wished someone would deliver him from his sinful nature (Romans 7:14-25)? Paul was committed to renewing his mind from the traditional Jewish way of thinking, especially in relation to the law (Romans 12:2; 8:9- 17). This transforming experience caused Paul to depend more on the Spirit than on the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). In this process, Paul became more conscious of his weaknesses, especially as he encountered numerous trials (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Amid his trials, Paul’s dependency on Christ demonstrated a complete reliance on the nature of Christ and His Word. His dependence on Christ meant Paul was convinced that he could rely on God’s promises (2 Timothy 4:6-8) and “all things would work together for His good” (Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 6:12). Especially since Christ is love and He is Lord, and nothing will separate us from His love so there is no way we would not be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37-39). So what Christ plans to accomplish amid trials is achieved (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-9). We cannot experience Christ and ourselves at the same time. Experiencing Christ is like jumping into a deep swimming pool. Swimming is required to enjoy the water. This is because of the nature of the water and our nature. When those two natures collide, swimming is demanded. Our nature and His nature are different; we are lost in sin (Luke 19:10, shaped in iniquity (Psalm 51:5), and Christ is holy. We can’t come to holiness on our own (Ephesians 2:8-10; works cannot save us). Our only hope is to trust His Word and His love for us and be transformed. The more we do this the more we die to ourselves, mentally and emotionally (overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt), as our dependency on Christ makes us more spiritual. He is a Spirit being, so we experience Christ. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4; Matthew 6:22-24; 1 John 2:15-17; NASU)

Most believers would agree that God is good and He is good all the time, but they probably would struggle to count trials as joy. Sometimes, when there are struggles with illnesses, jobs, marriage, the stress of being a single parent, and the constant stress of managing long bills with a short budget, all we can see are problems. So when God says, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things,” we say things like `I don’t know if I can do that or that is hard.’ The major problem with our thinking is that this verse requires faith, and it is faith that God rewards (Hebrews 11:6). This verse requires that we keep our eyes on what God is doing (since every good and perfect gift comes from above, James 1:17), rather than what our circumstances dictate. Robert Fulton was utterly discouraged by his steamboat invention and the jeering public response it had brought him. But then, a man went on board the boat one day, and this conversation ensued: “Mr. Fulton, I presume?” “Yes, sir.” “Do you return to New York with this boat?” “We shall try to get back, sir.” “Can I have passage down?” “You can take your chance with us, sir.” “How much is the passage money?” Fulton had never thought about that. After a moment’s hesitation, he named the sum of six dollars. The man became the first to pay for a steamboat passage in history! Fulton met this man four years later and told him: “The vivid emotions caused by your paying me that first passage money will always be remembered. That, sir, seemed the turning point in my destiny—the dividing line between light and darkness—the first actual recognition of my usefulness from my fellowmen”(Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations : A Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers. Garland TX : Bible Communications, 1996, c1979). This man could have given up because people laughed and mocked his invention. He kept trying only for this man to make his invention a great development for trips around the world. When life is not going well each day, how can we count it joy or genuinely believe that God is good and truly feel this? It takes place when we look through the eyes of God and focus on what He is doing because of His genuine, sacrificial love for us. (John 3:16-17; NASU)  We must focus on the good things God’s loving nature is doing each day so that His gifts keep us feeling blessed. God says that He can take our trials and disappointments and make them work for our good (Romans 8:28), and He uses our trials to teach us endurance and  strength for life in a world led by Satan and his demons (James 1:2-4; Ephesians 2:1-2; 5:19). “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13; NASU)  This is because; “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (Rev 4:11; NASU)  It is a blessing to be a vessel that God seeks to live in and work through, whether every day goes well or just another day.

Have you ever felt tired of always trying to say the right thing or do the right thing?  Does it also seem like the more you try to do what God says, the more difficult the challenges seem to be?  Maybe this is why God says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).  It is evident that there is the potential that we can get weary. This is how the people in the book of Nehemiah felt.  They went back as Jeremiah instructed them after 70 years of captivity in Babylon.  They were the obedient ones.  Nehemiah did not go back; he stayed and enjoyed his wonderful paying, highly respected job. However, many things went wrong when these obedient people returned.  They even continued to do right despite these things (walls not restored, kids raped and taken into slavery for taxes, the crop stolen, so they starved during the winter months).  They rebuilt the temple and committed to go to it as the law stated.  The enemy did not get weaker; instead, they got stronger.  They became discouraged, their worship became routine, and the Word of God was not preached or read.  Although they had a lot of singers (Nehemiah 7:73), no joy or strength existed.  They became easily demoralized and quickly stopped working because they were worn down.  The more they did the right thing, the more worn out they became. David felt the same way and shared this with us, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.   Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil.  For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land” (Psalms 37:3-9; NIV). Not only will God’s people be blessed on the earth; “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12; NIV). So remember, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength.  They will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31; NASU). Remember when we please Him it becomes His joy, which in turn becomes our strength (Nehemiah 10b).

I remember years ago, while in college, playing in a soccer tournament in Louisiana (the home of the Saints, who showed no respect this past Sunday). We had several games; the last match was in hot, humid weather. Towards the end of the last game, my legs were totally fatigued; I was literally running on fumes. Because we made it to the championship game, I somehow found the strength to keep playing. Paul teaches us why he endured so much suffering (beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, false accusations) was because he saw the prize (He saw the third heavens; 2 Corinthians 12:2) that made him write “For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18) He would tell us not to grow weary in well-doing and miss our season (Galatians 6:9-10). As we can see in Revelation, we all have access to the prizes: the white garments (Revelation 3:4-5; 4:4; 6:11, 7:9, 13), share His throne (James 1:12; Revelation 3:11), rule over angels and have access to the holy City of Jerusalem (Revelation 22). The question is, how did he find strength so that he can “do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Every athlete who participated in the Olympics went through rigorous training to develop what was already in their bodies so that they function to the best of their capacity. The scriptures teach us that we have “all spiritual blessings” (Ephesians 1:3-4), we have the Holy Spirit in us (Ephesians 3:16), and Christ dwells in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17).  By using everyone’s spiritual gifts in the local church we can all grow up to the fullness of God (Ephesians 4:12-13) and comprehend all the Lord is teaching us (Ephesians 3:18-19). This is why we can work out our salvation because of He who lives in us (Philippians 2:12-13) because Christ richly lives powerfully in us, blessing us to overcome the sinful influences of the flesh (Romans 8:9-17; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:15-18). So, we all have the capacity to win the prizes God has in store for us because we can all become just like Christ (Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Peter 2:21-25). It all depends on whether we are willing to discipline ourselves, like Olympic athletes, because we, at the point of salvation, have the Holy Spirit fully in us to transform us so that we can even overcome the attacks of the devil (1 John 4:4) even if these attacks are like fiery darts (Ephesians 6:10-18). When life’s trials seem overwhelming, and you feel like you are running on fumes, remember that when we accept these trials, God’s perfecting work (James 1:2-4) blesses us to keep on pressing towards the mark.  It is in our weakness that we find our true strength, for as Paul said,  “in our weakness, we will become strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

“While still a young boy, a certain Christian formed the habit of praying beside his bed before he went to sleep.  Later, when he joined the army, he kept up this practice, though he became an object of mockery and ridicule in the barracks.  One night, as he knelt to pray after a long, weary march, one of his tormentors took off his muddy boots and threw them at him one at a time, hitting him on each side of his head.  The Christian said nothing, took the persecutor’s boots, put them beside the bed, and continued to pray.  When the other soldier woke up the next morning, he found his polished and shined boots beside his bed.  It so affected him that he asked for forgiveness and after a time became a Christian.” (Green, Michael. Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Baker Book House, 1989. Page 157) “The Civil War had just ended, and the opportunistic scalawags were busy lording it over their fellow Southerners.  A hot-blooded contingency of die-hard former rebels gained an audience with President Lincoln.  His gentle, friendly manner soon thawed the ice, and the Southerners left with a new respect for their old foe.  A northern congressman approached the president and criticized him for “befriending the enemy,” suggesting that instead of befriending them he should have had them shot for the traitors they were.  Lincoln smiled and replied, “Am I not destroying my enemies by making them my friends?” (Green, Michael. Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Baker Book House, 1989. Page 157) Philippians 4:8-9 states, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace shall be with you.” Believers allow God’s love to bless you (John 15:9-14).  Allow God’s mind, explained through His Word, to guide, transform, and provide you with inner peace (Romans 12:2; John 16:13; Colossians 3:15-16). Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you (John 16:7) and mature you (Galatians 5:22-26) so that you are blessed as God is glorified daily (Matthew 6:9-13). “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven……..  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? ……… And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?  Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48; NIV). Stay focused!!

Everyone wants to make the best decisions for the most productive results life has to offer.  However, the best decisions require the greatest need to process information effectively for the best results.  The best results sometimes require the greatest sacrifices. “More than that, I count all things to be lost in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them, but rubbish so that I may gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8; NASU) A young Roman by the name of Adrian, a Praetorian Guard under Emperor Galerius Maximian, had been a fanatic persecutor of the Christians. Yet, the calmness and courage of those he put to the torture left a lasting impression on him.  Adrian, brave himself, couldn’t help but admire the bravery of these Christians.  In them, he saw a heroism that surpassed any he had witnessed in battle. It was the year 280, and Adrian was twenty-eight years old.  His skill and daring persona had led to one promotion after another.  Yet, he could not get over his admiration for these followers of Christ.  One day, he asked one of the Christians being tortured: “What gives you such strength and joy in the midst of your sufferings?” “Our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we believe,” the martyr replied.  In a flash, Adrian made an important decision.  He stepped to the heathen judge and declared: “Put down my name among those to be tortured.  I also shall become a Christian.”  For twenty-three years after his conversion, Adrian suffered much, but he never flinched from his loyalty to Christ.  In 303, he was killed at Nicomedia.  For seventeen centuries since, he was the patron saint of soldiers.  “Put down my name,” was said with true Christian courage.(Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (pp. 1404–1405). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.) Our decisions in life should not just be about money, power, gaining a job, or hoping to one day be completely successful.  The decisions we make should be more focused on the eternal benefits that life has to offer.  “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding.  For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold.  She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are pleasant and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And “happy are all who hold her fast” (Proverb 3:13-18; NASU).  As you can see, this is a process that provides the best results, not a moment in time for temporary relief.

The issue of obeying God in giving is difficult for some people because their budget is already strained. As a result, giving to God is not the focus; it is more about how God can bless me. Biblically, this creates more significant needs, stress, and expectations from God that often do not produce the desired results. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV) The believers in Macedonia were beyond poverty, but because they came to the realization of what God had done for them, they decided to give out of their poverty. God blessed them for their obedience rather than their sacrifice. “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4; NIV) The same mindset is seen in the widow in Mark 12:41-44. This is because giving is not about sacrifice, but obedience, which always requires faith and trust in God. The depth of our obedience is identified by what we had to sacrifice to give. This kind of obedience exposes the level of our faith. The Macedonians and the widow chose to obey the Word of God, and by doing so, they demonstrated their willingness to trust God.  A church member was expecting $300,000 in a will from a family member. The member told the pastor, “If I get the $300,000, I will give one-third to the church.” The pastor said, “How will you give one-third of this amount when you can’t give one-tenth of what you now earn?” It’s not what we would do if we had much money—it’s what we are doing with what we have now! (from Heartwarming Bible Illustrations Copyright © 1998 by AMG International, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.) “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11; NIV)

Temptation is a powerful animal that can devour all of us (Matthew 4:3. 1 Thessalonians 3:5). The Word of God states in Galatians 5:17, “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” This verse should remind us of the power of temptation. Temptation is so powerful for Joseph that he leaves his garment and runs. However, in the case of David, he did not run; he satisfied the flesh by first looking at Bathsheba, which led to adultery and murder. Because the flesh is weak, we must behave like Joseph and flee. This may be why the Lord’s Prayer includes temptation. Matthew 6:13 states, “And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil.” One three-year-old’s explanation for being in the kitchen atop a chair eating cookies is: “I just climbed up to smell them, and my tooth got caught.” Satan always appeals to the flesh. This is where he starts with Eve because he knows the flesh’s propensity with its five senses. Satan at the tree clearly shows how he still approaches us using the five senses tied up in the flesh. He still does this, especially since he knows nothing is good in the flesh (Romans 7:24). John says that for anyone who loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15-17). Temptation, however, is not powerful only because of the flesh; it is also powerful because Satan knows our weaknesses and uses them to defeat us (Ephesians 6:12). This is why it is good to flee in the midst of temptation. Paul instructs Timothy to do this in 2 Timothy 2:22: “Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Despite the overwhelming power of temptation, remember this: “No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.”(1 Corinthians 10:13)  Temptation is indeed powerful, but we can take heart in the fact that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) With God’s strength, we can resist and overcome.

Many children struggle with obeying their parents because what a child believes to be the truth and what a parent believes is the truth is different. Anytime a child differs from their parents, they think that the parent is wrong. The other reason children struggle with obeying their parents is that they do not believe that the parent understands what they are going through. Sometimes, they are correct that the parent is not listening to everything they say. Sometimes, the parent does listen, but if the parent’s decision seems irrelevant to what the child is thinking, the child becomes convinced that the parent does not understand and, therefore, should not be obeyed. How is this resolved? Children must always know that their parents love them. A parent should never take this for granted. A parent should never assume that because they do things for a child, the child knows that they are loved. A parent should tell their children that they love them. They should hug them. They should play with them, laugh with them, attend their functions, and compliment them when they do well. This constant reassurance allows a child to trust the parent, which will give the child the faith to obey when they do not understand the parent’s decision. This is why the most essential virtue is love (1 Corinthians 13:2). Children must remember that there is nothing new under the sun. Even though their clothes differ, their desire to wear them and the need not to be too different are the same. Parents must listen, but children must obey and respect their parents’ authority in the Lord. A writer once said, “Youth is such a wonderful thing; we should not allow our young people to waste it.”  The story is told of a little boy riding his tricycle furiously around the block repeatedly. Finally, a policeman stopped and asked him why he was going around and around. The boy said that he was running away from home. Then the policeman asked why he kept going around the block. The boy responded, “Because my mom said I’m not allowed to cross the street.”  The point is clear. Obedience will keep you close to those you love. “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10; NASU)

“A man sprained his ankle and couldn’t travel.  The party he was with had to go right on, but they left him with lots of food.  He was left in isolation in a desert.  All he had to do was keep quiet for three or four days.  He showed up in civilization just about half crazy.  His ankle was all inflamed.  He said he’d rather have lost the whole leg than to have stayed in that desert another ten minutes.  People can’t bear it because out there they are alone with their Maker.” – Albert Mygatt. (Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: A Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers. Garland, TX: Bible Communications, 1996, c1979 As much as people say they cannot stand being around people, they need people because this is how God designed them (Genesis 2:24-25; Ephesians 3:14-15).  “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-9 NASU) “The story is told by the Persians of the great Shah Abbas, who reigned magnificently in Persia, but loved to mingle with the people in disguise.  Once, dressed as a poor man, he descended the long flight of dark and damp stairs to the tiny cellar where the fireman, seated on ashes, was tending the furnace.  The king sat down beside him and began to talk.  At mealtime, the fireman produces some course, black bread, and a jug of water, and they eat and drink.  The Shah went away but returned repeatedly, for his heart was filled with sympathy for the lonely man.  He gave his sweet counsel, and the poor man opened his whole heart and loved this friend, so kind, so wise, and yet poor like himself. At last, the emperor thought, “I will tell him who I am and see what gift he will ask.”  So, he said, “You think me poor, but I am Shah Abbas, your emperor.”  He expected a petition for something great, but the man sat silent.  Gazing, he said, “Haven’t you understood? I can make you rich and noble, give you a city, and appoint you as a great ruler.  Have you nothing to ask?” The man replied gently, “Yes, my lord, I understood.  But what have you done to leave your palace and glory, sit with me in this dark place, partake in my coarse fare, and care whether my heart is glad or sorry?  Even you can give nothing more precious.  On others, you may bestow rich presents, but to me, you have given yourself; it only remains to ask that you never withdraw this gift to your friendship.” -A. Naismith (Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: A Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications, 1996, c1979) “Two are better than one because they have a good return…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)