Thinking Inside the Box (Romans 12:2)

Sometimes you have to think inside the box!

Scientists at the Rhode Island Hospital’s Center for International Health have come up with a novel approach to a vaccine for malaria. Malaria is caused by parasite that is carried by a mosquito and is introduced into our bloodstream when we are bit by the insect. Once the malaria parasite enters our bloodstream, it immediately infects the red blood cells and liver cells. The above photograph, taken from Smithsonian Magazine, captures the moment the malaria parasites are bursting through the red blood cells.  Most vaccine therapies have focused upon blocking the parasite from entering the cell or attempting to directly eradicate the parasite. These scientists focused on a protein PfSEA-1. This protein is critical to allowing the malaria parasite to escape a red blood cell so that it may infect other red blood cells. A vaccine was created that blocked the protein, trapping the parasite in the red blood cells, and preventing the malaria parasite to escape, thus mitigating further spread of the parasite. The entrapped parasites remained in the red blood cells until normally cleared by the spleen. These researchers were thinking outside the box by thinking inside the box!

We often seek solutions to life’s problems by looking for creative answers, thinking outside the box. We pass laws to ensure that no group is disenfranchised. We create programs to address a wide variety of needs. All of these efforts are noble but all are external solutions and do not address the root of the problem. The problem is us. We are all sinners. The change has to first come from within us.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2

God has provided all of us a solution through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Solving life’s problems can be an exercise in creative solutions. But to truly solve the problems of life, we need to first think inside the box. We need a Savior who can change our hearts and make us right with God. Only then can God transform us, renew our minds, and allow us to see the problems and solutions to life, the way that He wants us to see them.

Blessings with Aloha!

But We're Speaking Japanese! (John 10:24-28)

When we listen to others, are we truly listening to what they are saying or do we have our perceptions colored by our prejudices and expectations? It could be, if you believe this light-hearted video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLt5qSm9U80

Jesus Christ spoke plainly to everyone who would listen to Him. He demonstrated the works of God through miracles. He taught with a unique authority, like no other teacher who had previously lived or since. And yet, even when He was right in front of His critics, some refused to believe in Him. They were blinded by their own prejudices and preconceived notions what the Messiah should be. They were convinced that they were right and He was wrong.

Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “ I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me, And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."
John 10:24-28

Even if we have attended church or Sunday school all our lives or were raised in a Christian home, we may not truly know who Jesus Christ really is. There is only one truth. Jesus Christ is God and only by accepting Him as our Lord and Savior will we be forgiven of our sins and be saved. There is no other name under Heaven or on earth by whom we can be saved. Jesus’ message of salvation is to all of us.

Are you truly listening or only hearing what you want to hear?

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

Supersaturate Yourself with the Word (Proverbs 6:21-23)

Dr. Linus Pauling was a brilliant scientist and researcher who, along with Madame Marie Curie, is one of only two people who have been awarded the Nobel prize in two separate categories. In 1970, Dr. Pauling wrote his controversial, albeit popular book, VItamin C and the Common Cold. This book was followed by another, How to Live Longer and Feel Better. In both books, Dr. Pauling advocated high doses of vitamin C to combat viral infections, that cause the majority of colds, and cancer. The medical community has always been sharply divided on the science and merit of taking high doses of vitamin C, claiming the studies that initially touted the efficacy of vitamin C were murky at best. Nonetheless, Dr. Pauling was able to get the popular press on his side and there are now many over the counter cold remedies, replete with high concentrations of the vitamin.  Whether this is good science or a placebo effect at work, vitamin C has integrated into our mainstream health consciousness.

I prefer the term supersaturation as a means to explain what Dr. Pauling was trying to achieve. Vitamin C, Dr. Pauling averred, had to be taken in a sufficiently high dosage to supersaturate the cell, correcting any deficiencies that were introduced by a virus or cancer causing agent.

What if we applied this principle to God’s Word? What if we completely immersed ourselves in it, supersaturating over very being with it? What if every where we turn in our home, our workplace, our leisure time, the Word of God was posted in front of us? The Holy Spirit directs us to do just that!

Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
Proverbs 6:21-23

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ quoted God’s Word during His times of greatest trials.  Like Jesus, we need to be so dependent upon God’s Word that it comes to our minds and lips during every situation and trial we face, to strengthen and reassure us. And we need to quote it accurately and completely.

When I lived in Denver, Colorado, the pastor of my church was an avid student of the Bible. I recall a sermon when he held up his Bible and stated, “I have worn out at least one Bible a year!” At first I thought he was exaggerating but as I got to know him, I saw the discipline and enthusiasm with which he studied and devoured the Word of God. He truly did wear out more than one Bible a year! He loved God’s Word and was so eager to share it and teach others of God’s love, grace and mercy.

Let’s supersaturate ourselves with God’s Word. Unlike vitamin C, no randomized blinded studies are needed to prove the truth of God’s Word! We will see and reap the immediate benefits in our lives as we live out the commandments of God.  

AMEN!

A Buddy for Life (Proverbs 12:10)

Army Sgt. Jason Bos left the military in 2012 because of a back injury. His partner was not another soldier but a bomb sniffing chocolate labrador named Cici. When Sgt. Boss heard that Cici was retired, he quickly made plans to adopt her. This is their reunion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXsH42X087Q

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:10
A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

It seems appropriate to place these two proverbs next to each other. This dog, Cici, was Sgt. Boss’ buddy for life. Imagine the many dangerous missions they both shared, saving countless lives and forever bonding in the process.

All relationships that are based upon love and respect are a beautiful representation of the infinite love and honor that God bestows upon us when we trust His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior. God’s love extends far beyond human relationships. God's original plan in the Garden of Eden was to give Adam dominion over all of nature. Sin has marred this perfect relationship but someday, when Jesus Christ returns, we will live in a perfect world where all relationships, even the ones with animals, will be restored.

I am looking forward to that wonderful day!

Blessings with Aloha!

p53 and the Sin of Pride (Proverbs 6:16-19)

p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in cancers. Its normal function is to regulate apoptosis, a sophisticated mechanism that controls the death of cells. To cite a very few examples of the ubiquitous nature of this gene, whenever we shed hair, skin, or renew our blood cells, p53 is involved. But when p53 is mutated or altered, it loses this ability and allows the cell mechanisms to run amuck, growing out of control. The result may be cancer or a process that will lead the cell to an eventual cancer.

The Bible lists many sins but perhaps none is more devastating than pride. Like p53, it is ever present and involved in nearly every type of sin. The origins of pride can arise with very noble intentions. It is important to take pride in one’s work, in one’s appearance, in the character and honesty of one’s relationships. But like p53, if this balance goes awry, our pride can become envy, jealousy, vanity, and insecurity.

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19

Why does God place a proud look or pride as the first sin that He hates? In many instances, pride can lead to the other six sins that God hates. Think about how many people in the Bible have fallen because of their pride-Saul, Samson, and Hamman, just to list a few. Even in one the shortest books of the Bible, 3 John, Diotrephes is singled out as a member of the church who “loves to have the preeminence” (verse 9).

The sin of pride should remind us how easy it is to lose our balance and focus upon God. If we do, like a mutation in p53, we can allow our lives to careen down a destructive path, far removed from the plan of peace and contentment that God desires for all of us.

Love and respect the Lord; seek His Will in your life.

Amen!

One Hit Wonders (Philippians 4:3)

I enjoy television programs and articles that spotlight “one-hit wonders.” The definition varies, depending upon the category, but the common theme is an artist who had a hit song or performance and never repeated the success. We all know of a great song that permeated the airwaves. The future seemed bright for the artist and then...nothing. There was no follow up recording and everyone wondered what happened to the artist.

Ever notice how often the Bible mentions a particular character only once? Euodia, Syntyche, Dorcas….just to name a few.  There are many more.  And although they are only mentioned once, the Holy Spirit recorded their names to remind us that each of them are recorded in the Book of Life.

And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Philippians 4:3

Perhaps their names are not associated with a grand or earth-shattering event, at least not in our opinion. But God does not see life and His creation as we see it and gives honor to people that we sometimes overlook.  Is there anything more important than to have your name recorded in God’s Book of Life? Millions of people had probably heard the Gospel and read the epistles by the time the Bible was put together, but only these few, mentioned once by name, made it into the pages. In this passage in Philippians, we are granted a small glimpse of their importance by Paul’s commendation of these women (Euodia and Syntyche) for their work with Paul in spreading the Gospel.

A one-hit wonder in the Bible is not a fleeting honor. It is an eternal blessing and recorded forever in God’s Word. Take the time to appreciate these great heroes of the Bible. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will meet them someday in Heaven and learn of all the great works they did to serve our Lord during their time on earth.

Blessings with Aloha!

Reality Shows (Romans 5:10-11)

Every week, there seems to be a new reality television or internet program.  Is it any wonder why reality shows are so popular? People are always searching for the latest talent or to be able to talk about the latest outrageous situation in which “real people” are placed. This search is nothing new. Even the Athenians, nearly 2000 years ago, did the same thing. If they had television, you can bet Athenians would be the producers of all the latest and hippest reality shows!

For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.
Acts 17:21

If you are searching for the raw and uncensored reality, read the Bible. Murder, theft, bribery, racism...no punches are pulled; nothing is sugarcoated. There is a reason-our sins are laid out as a record of how we have rebelled against God and His love. But with this sordid record, is the answer and undeniable hope that God gives us by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. For every harsh reality we may read, there is an even more stirring reality of love, forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation.

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Romans 5:10-11

Reality shows can never compare with the beautiful reality of what God has done for us!

Aloha blessings!

Personalized Medicine and a Personal Savior (Matthew 11:29-30)

Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pneumonia was a disease that was diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms. Physicians knew it was an infection of the lungs but were limited in their understanding of the causes. Now with increasing sophistication utilizing microscopes, laboratory tests, radiological imaging, and tissue cultures, we know that there are many infectious causes of pneumonia including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In fact, our sophistication has grown so that by examining additional molecular studies of the patient and lung tissue, one can discern who is at risk for certain types of lung infections, potentially leading to prophylaxis and avoidance of situations that may predispose to infections. Much progress has similarly been made in neuropsychiatric disorders. With molecular and genetic mapping, it is becoming increasingly clear that disorders such as autism and schizophrenia are really multiple diseases that present with seemingly similar clinical manifestations. Our current state of knowledge for these neuropsychiatric disorders is similar to where our knowledge was at the beginning of the 20th century with pneumonia. We know the protean clinical manifestations of the disease but are only now discovering that there may be a myriad of causes.

This new era of medicine has been termed personalized medicine. The ultimate goal is to tailor the therapy for each patient, no longer relying upon a crude sledgehammer of broad spectrum antibiotics or medications to treat the disease but now treating with the precision of a surgical scalpel or laser beam aimed precisely at the unique characteristics of the disease in each individual.

Like medicine, reading and studying God’s Word may be as superficial or as deep as you are seeking. For some who are only interested in reading the Bible as a work of literature, you can study the historical sites and characters and chronicle the stories. Your knowledge will be as superficial as our understanding of pneumonia was in the 19th century. But if you are seeking to understand the Bible as God’s plan of salvation for you, the depths and complexity are limitless! The characters and stories will be personalized and through God’s revelation, you will see how it all applies to your life. We understand that Jesus Christ is not a bookshelf religion of rituals and rules but an intimate and personal relationship with a living God. Much like our knowledge of medicine is becoming personalized, the knowledge of God becomes personalized.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
Romans 1:20

Dare to dig deeper than just recognizing the Bible characters and location. Man is so motivated to explore the intricate molecular mechanisms of disease leading to ever more complex biological pathways in his quest to cure disease. And yet, when it comes to his eternal destiny, does man explore this with an equally ardent fervor? Shouldn't man be searching for answer to sin and suffering? Like each new discovery of medicine that takes us closer to understanding the disease, each layer of discovery of God will lead us to seek Him even more. But we do not do this alone. A personal Savior awaits your journey. He is a living and mighty God who created this entire world and put into place all of biological pathways that lead to life. We may never understand all of these pathways but the only pathway we need to find for ourselves is the one that leads to accepting and believing that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was resurrected.

The beauty is this message of the Good News…

That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.
Acts 2:21

The simplicity is Jesus’ invitation to us…

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:29-30

The complexity, and the deepest most profound layer, is simply accepting by faith and continually trusting in this gift of mercy and grace from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dare to dig deeper and seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

AMEN!

A Very Special Date (Ephesians 3:20)

This is the story of a very classy, young man and a very special night. Austin is a 19 year old high school student and when it came time to find a date for his senior prom, he asked his great grandmother, Delores, a woman who never attend a high school prom. And of course, she said, “Yes!”

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/05/01/teenager-takes-his-great-grandmother-to-prom/

What is so beautiful about this story is the planning and preparation this young man did to make sure his great grandmother was comfortable, surrounded with love, and overflowing with memories that would fill her every moment, from that day forward, with a smile.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
Ephesians 3:20

The loving care that Austin did for his great grandmother reminds me of God’s provisions for our lives. God makes sure that all of our needs are taken care of, and if that is not enough, He goes above and beyond, anticipating and fulfilling what we will need for the rest of our lives. Only a supreme and loving God could do this, giving us exactly what we need, when we need it, and how we need it!

If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have entered into a very special relationship with the God of the Universe. And if you have, He will make every moment with Him, more memorable and special than you could ever dream. From the first date you say “Yes” to Him, through the rest of eternity, Jesus will keep you and never forsake you.

Amen!

Blessings with Aloha!

Dreams of Sushi (Philippians 2:8-11)

I recently watched the documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-aGPniFvS0

It is a documentary of Jiro Ono, owner and head chef of Sukiyabashi Jiro, the only sushi restaurant to ever garner a 3-star Michelin rating.  This is serious sushi! Don’t expect a California roll here! Even movie critic, Roger Ebert, chimed in by writing, “You realize the tragedy of Jiro Ono's life is that there are not, and will never be, four stars."

Jiro’s ideas resonate throughout the documentary:

To perfect something, you must repeat it for the rest of your life.
To be perfect is a goal that is never truly achieved in this lifetime.

Such passion for doing what you love! But in spite of Jiro’s passion and best efforts, he knows he will never achieve perfection. Think of the great heroes in the Bible, like Abraham, David, Josiah, and Jeremiah, so passionate in their love for God. But in spite of their passion and commitment, they also had their failings. Perfection? Elusive, unless you are our Lord, Jesus Christ, the only man who ever lived a perfect life.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:8-11

What did Jesus perfect? He was always in complete obedience to God and He repeated it every moment of His life. What an awesome Savior we serve!

Aloha blessings!

Finding Portland (John 1:46)

This is a very cool video.

This production company took hundreds of thousands of still photos of the city of Portland and put them together in a video montage.

http://www.movoto.com/blog/opinions/portland-one-prettiest-cities-america-amazing-time-lapse-proof/

Even for those who live in Portland or know the city very well, this new presentation gives a completely novel perspective on the city. In fact, it may even motivate those who love the city to appreciate it in a greater light. And for those who do not know the city, it may encourage them to come and see it for themselves.

And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
John 1:46

Anyone who has ever heard the name of Jesus Christ will have an opinion of Him. It may be praise, hatred, fear...but you will have an opinion. For some, He is just a teacher, a great teacher for sure, but nothing more. For others, He is a great man who was unjustly murdered. Yes, He is  a great teacher and a great man but He is much more. He is God incarnate!

Some of His first disciples had their doubts; they were skeptical of His claims, His character, even His town of origin. Nazareth? What good could ever come from there?

Jesus invites us to come and see what He is all about. We may think we know Him but like the video of Finding Portland, what we think we know about something or someone may change when we view it in a new perspective. Take the time to seek a real and living relationship with Jesus Christ.

Blessings with Aloha!

The Buzzer Beater! (Romans 8:37)

The Friendship Circle is an organization of dedicated members and volunteers who provide many activities for children with special needs. One of the highlights of the year is a group outing to attend an L.A. Clippers basketball game. This year, at half-time, several of the older kids participated in full court basketball game, upon the actual court the Clippers play. In the last 10 seconds, something unexpected and simply amazing happened!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpoJ6YjSVDg

What kid doesn’t dream about making the last second buzzer beater? You’re the hero! The Game Winner! That glow will last a looong time, fueled by viral shares on the internet.

I would want that glow to last forever! Every moment knowing I am a winner!

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37

God promises us that we will always be victorious when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  When you are on God's team, you are a winner and more than a conqueror!  Not even death can separate you from God's love!

It doesn’t get ANY better than that!

Amen! Aloha blessings!

Good Sportsmanship, Great Sacrifice (Ruth 1:16-17)

In this day of ultra-competitive sports and academics, I am thankful that high morals and values still abound. This touching story shows what can happen when true sportsmanship and character trump any thought of winning or losing.

http://liftbump.com/2014/05/11248-hit-homerun-career-got-injured-thats-team-really-hit-outta-park/

The unselfish actions of the opposing team are truly commendable. A true sacrifice always means giving up some reward or delaying gratification for oneself. The Bible is full of amazing people who sacrificed their goals and desires on behalf of another.

Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother- in- law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, “Look, your sister- in- law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister- in- law.”
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.
Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth was a Moabite, considered an outsider and alien to the Jews. She chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, a Jew, even after Ruth’s husband had died and she had no legal or familial obligations to stay with her. By staying, Ruth would most certainly be treated as an outcast, in spite of her relationship to Naomi. But she remained loyal to Naomi and to serve the God that she now believed in. In essence, she sacrificed her entire identity. And how did God reward her sacrifice? Ruth married Boaz, a distant relative of Naomi’s, and became the great grandmother of King David. Ruth is in the blessed family line of our Lord Jesus Christ!

God sees our sacrifices and knows the true motives of our hearts. God’s mercy and goodness are unceasing. And God does honor great sacrifices.

Aloha blessings!

The Match Day (Ephesians 1:4-5)

Match Day!

One day in every Spring, all 4th year medical students across the country discover where they will spending their next several years of their life as medical residents, learning their specialities as young, newly graduated physicians. March 21, 2014 was this year's Match Day; here is a web link to the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 4th year medical students, celebrating their matches. Congratulations to all medical students matching with their respective residency programs!

https://www.smore.com/c1hz4-match-day-2014

A match made in Heaven. It is usually a term reserved for married couples. And if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you truly have a match made in Heaven.

...just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Ephesians 1:4-5

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your match day began when you accepted Him into your life. What a blessed assurance! Jesus is mine!

Aloha blessings!

Compassion Comes in Many Forms (Psalms 117:2)

Compassion comes in many forms.

This touching story chronicles the last wish of a Dutch zoo worker, dying from a terminal brain cancer. He wanted to see the animals that he spent his entire life caring, one last time. As he was wheeled by the giraffe enclosure, one of the giraffes came near and kissed him.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/03/21/giraffe-kisses-goodbye-dying-zoo-worker/?intcmp=features

God will always remind us of His infinite and everlasting compassion toward us and will do whatever it takes to remind us of His love.  He created us and only wants the best for us, even when life is at its lowest and most painful.

For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
Psalms 117:2

Look around you and be reminded of God’s love and compassion; it comes in many forms.

Blessings with Aloha!