The Young, Saved, and Fly

In a world where text messages and emails have replaced letters and conversation it’s been increasingly difficult to truly communicate feeling and affection. That is why the prospect of being kind is one that most people simply take for granted.  The pace at which we operate has made kindness a difficult concept as well.  We look past those in need and miss opportunities to do good daily.  Believe me I’m not holding anyone at fault because I too have allowed life’s hurdles to consume me at times.

I have an uncle who doesn’t have any children and isn’t married. As a child he would always get my sister and I any gift, toy, or candy we asked for. It was his way to show he loved us. He wasn’t much of a talker but as I got older I always made sure to visit and check on him as did my sister when we would come home from college on break. As I continued to get older I allowed the work stress and general life stress tire me and I saw my extended family less and less. I knew my grandparents, uncles, and aunts were aging but in my mind I always assumed there would be time to visit, time to see them, and time to tell them I loved them. In December of 2008 my uncle had a stroke, shortly after that, his brother who was also my godfather, passed away. I have to admit for a while that I was upset with myself. I didn’t visit either like I should have and was so consumed what was going on with myself that I didn’t check on them like I should have. Over time I found peace because I knew my uncle who passed away knew I loved and admired him a great deal and my uncle who had the stroke survived and God allowed me the opportunity to tell him what an influence he’s been on me. My goal now is to exhibit the type of kind love the mentioned in the scripture. I don’t believe being kind is a hard thing I just believe kindness is overlooked.

Jesus’ kindness was seen throughout the bible. He operated with kindness and humility. It was clear to see in many stories like the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9 or in Matthew 8 where Jesus healed the man with leprosy he not only operated in kindness he did it with a humble goodness and no expectations of anything in return.  Kindness is having a good or benevolent nature or disposition (the thinking).  It’s desiring to do good to others.  Goodness is moral excellence, virtue, generosity, and the activity calculated to advance kindness (the doing).  It has been stated by a few published authors that”kindness is the sincere desire for the happiness of others.  Goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness.”  Kindness is the thinking, the thinking of others.  Goodness is the doing.  Simply enough we are to do good by and for one another.

Our purpose in life, of course, is to glorify God.  In Galatians 5:13″You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” If you go back through the bible Jesus never stopped with the kindness.  He always calculated the activity required to meet the needs for the sincere happiness and joy of others.  Jesus never fell short when it came to goodness.

I’m committed to trying to be more sensitive to show more kindness.  To help someone in need.  Love is patient, love is kind.   It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4).  In showing kindness we show love and our capacity to love one another the way God has called us to.

Be Young, Saved, and Fly…

Jeff

Listen to the song written by Chicago’s own Christopher LeMark dedicated to Derrion Albert who was brutally killed in Chicago. Listen as he talks about the senseless violence and sends a message of change to young people involved in those activities.

A picture of hope

Have you been in a holding place lately?  You know, a place where it just doesn’t seem like much is happening and you’re struggling to be patient because you want something new to happen in your life immediately.  I think we’ve all been there.  I know recently I’ve felt like I’m just not using all the gifts God has given me at work and I’ve questioned whether or not I’m operating in His purpose or running a rat race.  I’ve just felt like a change must be on the way because life can’t be this mundane. Well this week I’ve had friends speak to my life in this area and I felt it necessary to share.

One friend found a lost family member after many years.  A few weeks earlier this same friend spoke of the desire to find the lost family member but had no clue how.  My friend had done the internet searches and had just about lost hope that finding the lost family member would ever occur.   Just when my friend thought it may be a lost cause my friend received a call the phone rang and it was someone who had located the long lost family member.  When I was a kid it used to amaze me how when God decides to perform a miracle He does so in a manner that you know it was only him.  You see my friends lost family member had only got online 4 days ago and that it only took four days from that step for a family to find it’s lost member who had been looking for years But God!

I have a cousin who many years ago lost contact with the family.  Growing up she was the cousin I looked up to the most. She was a few years older, smart (matter-of-fact the 1st to graduate from a 4 year University in my family), funny and had one of the kindest spirits you could encounter.  Many things went on in the family and we lost contact with her.  Yesterday she found my sister and added her as a friend on Facebook and last night I added her as a friend on Facebook. Our uncle passed away in March and at the funeral I actually told my mother that I missed my cousin and wished she was there. My mother told me to pray and continue to pray and that in time God would make it happen.   Yesterday after nearly 8 years He did. But God!

Today I met for lunch with a young man who has a vision to change the city of Gary Indiana.  We met to talk about initiatives I could help him with and in doing so,  we sat across the table exchanging ideas of vision and ways to execute things to change lives.  We talked about God and how the divine architect builds on top of solid foundations.  We talked about how he allows people to cross paths at particular times after going through specific things to help each other accomplish His purpose.  We talked about waiting on God and being patient.  We talked about hope and ways share our message with people in our communities.  Needless to say it was a great lunch but from it again I witnessed God doing a work.  My friend talked with me about how to maximize my effectiveness as a leader. It was a Word I needed and received. But God!

These are only three examples but their are numerous examples of God operating in lives of those who have faith.  Hebrews 11:1 says “NOW faith is being sure of what we have hoped for and certain of what we do not see. “Webster’s defines faith as simply belief.  So, God is operating in the lives of those who believe.

I know that this faith thing seems so complex at times.  I think we make it much more difficult then it needs to be. We complicate it with doctrine, rules, and denomination when God just wants us to believe in him blindly and his son Jesus.  I choose to live a life based in hope and assuredness.  I choose to live one that resides in the fact that God is alive and this because he sacrificed his son Jesus Christ for our sins and he rose from the dead.    I am committed to traveling this road of hope and faith and I don’t want to take any other path.  I choose this road because it’s along this path that you see God’s miracles big and small.  It’s along this road that you meet people who refuel you, give you tools you need down the road, and encourage you to continue on your journey.  The road of hope is one not littered with the pot holes of doubt and insecurity.  I encourage you to travel this road. God Bless You

To Whom Much is Given
Jeff Beckham

I woke up this morning and I thought about writing a blog about many different things. I wanted to write about forgivness or God’s call on our lives but when I began typing I kept hearing him say, “To Whom Much is Given Much is Required.” Today was one of those days where everything tried to prevent me from going to church. My clock didn’t go off, then my clothers weren’t ironed, and finally I even told myself that it was ok to miss today because I go every week. You know about those days, those days where you wake up and nothing is wrong you just struggle to find the motivation to go.

Then I heard God say, “get up and go even if you’re late.” He said, “haven’t I provided for you, haven’t I given you all you needed and you won’t go hear the word I have for you.” I got up and got dressed and made it in time to sit in the overflow room.”

When I arrived the preacher asked the congregation to open their bibles to 1 Samuel 25. It’s the story of David and the greedy man Nabal. David had been protecting Nabal’s men and his land. When David sent his servants to ask for food and water Nabal cursed David’s men and sent them back empty handed. When David heard he was incensed and gathered all his men to head down to kill Nabal and his household. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, got word and gathered a great feast. She got on the road and met David. When she met David and his army who were armed and ready to kill Nabal’s entire house including his servants and their family, she spoke wisdom to David. She kept him from shedding innocent blood and told David to let God handle Nabal. David’s anger subsided and he took her offering and went home. When Abigail went home Nabal was sloppy drunk having a great feast. She waited until the next morning to tell him what she had done. When she told him that she took food and offerings to David the Bible says Nabal’s heart turned to stone instantly and ten days later he died.

Giving is a Godly act. It’s something God asks us to do as people who believe in His Word. Whatever you sow that shall you also reap.

I must admit that for years I would rationalize giving. I would say Lord I have these bills and mortgages and God I just can’t afford it. As I grow in faith I understand that as long as I continue to rationalize my giving, God will ration His. You see he wants to see what we do with what we have now before he gives us our 3000 sheep, 30, 60, 100 fold blessings, or our millions. We pray for abundance but if we aren’t spiritually mature in the area of giving God will not give us the abundance we ask for. I know what you’re thinking though, “when I have more I can give more” but my life is a testimony that the more you get the more expenses you have and that unless you buckle down and begin to be obiedient in what God has asked of you the “more” won’t be enough either. I’ve seen it personally as God has tripled my salary in just 6 years yet on a persentage basis I was giving the same as I did when I was fresh out of college in 2003. Ten percent of out time, our resources, and our money is all God asks for. God will give it back to you. Don’t live with a heart of stone because tomorrow’s not promised. Make the most of today.

Regret
By Author Unknown
I have wept in the night
for the shortness of sight
that to somebody’s need made me blind;
But I never have yet
Felt a tinge of regret for being a little to kind

The opportunity to do something good presents itself daily.  Whether it’s the homeless man on the street or the young person who could use an encouraging word.  As a person of faith it’s our duty to take care of the least of men.  To help the downtrodden. The Bible says…

³⁴“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

When we help those who lack we are in essence feeding, clothing, or helping God.  We are being obedient to the call of Christ.
God Bless