On a Scale of 1 to 10 (Psalms 51:3-4)

I recently saw the movie Big Hero 6 with my family. Baymax, the personalized inflatable healthcare robot, accompanies the hero, Hiro, wherever he goes. He is activated whenever Hiro is hurt or troubled and can only be deactivated if Hiro states that he is satisfied with his services.

If Hiro is hurt, Baymax will flash an icon of happy to sad faces with a numerical scale underlying each face. He then asks Hiro, “On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your pain?” In one humorous exchange, a series of objects successively rolls off a shelf, striking Hiro on the head every few seconds, eliciting an “Ow!” from Hiro. Baymax responds with, “On a scale of 1 to 10…”, restarting the phrase, but never finishing it, each time Hiro says, “Ow!”

It is humorous but it makes complete sense. After all, Baymax cannot adequately assist and treat Hiro unless he knows how much pain and discomfort he is in. By following this same sequence, Hiro can allow Baymax to render the proper healing.

When we sin, we sometimes jump to an immediate solution, thinking we first need to make things right with the person for whom we have sinned against. This is very important and needs to be done. But first, we must realize that we have sinned against God and we need to come before Him before anything else.

For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight —
That You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.
Psalms 51:3-4

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Like Baymax, we need to start at the beginning, first acknowledging, then confessing our sins to God. And we must do this every time we sin, not just when it is convenient or when we remember to do it. Once we do this, God will act and direct us to deal directly with the consequences of the sin, whether it means to make things right with another or to deal with an unpleasant situation. But we must first come to God.

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

Help Me! (Isaiah 59:4)

When I was about 7 years old, my father and I were at the ocean, off a pier. My father was standing on the pier watching me swim when a young voice, crying for help, interrupted us. It was a little girl, probably not more than 3 or 4 years of age, screaming for help, apparently drowning. Everyone on the pier just glanced over at her but no one moved to help her, no one except my father. I still vividly recall him ripping off his glasses and diving headfirst into the ocean to save the little girl. Some people congratulated my father but most just ignored the incident. Perhaps most surprising was the reaction of the parents of the girl who seemed puzzled and confused. No thanks or smile, nothing. My father later just shook his head and mumbled something about these people didn’t realize how close their daughter came to drowning and how no one else was willing to lift a finger to help.

This memory has remained with me all these years. It reminds me of the unselfish spirit of my father who heroically acted when no one else did. It also reminds me of how some people can be so wrapped up in themselves they do not see an imminent danger right before their eyes.

No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth.
They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:4

The prophet Isaiah warned Israel that their sins were separating them from God. There were signs all around them but the people turned their back on God and listened and followed false teaching, leading to more sin and evil. They turned a deaf ear to the warnings of Isaiah and many other prophets who spoke for God.

God can speak to us in many different ways and can use circumstances in our lives or people with whom we meet to communicate His message. Are there urgent messages that God is attempting to communicate with you at this very moment? Do not turn away from or be ignorant of God’s warnings!

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

Radio is Dead...Again (Malachi 3:6)

When television arrived on the scene in the latter half of the 20th century, the pundits predicted the death of radio. When the internet arrived in the mid 1990’s, other pundits declared radio’s obituary. Now, in the first half of the 21st century, broadcast radio is still here and more popular than ever.

Even radio has evolved, beginning with shortwave, progressing to AM and FM stations and now with HD radio and satellite radio. But the fundamental programming is still the same. Instead of killing it, the internet has facilitated the access of radio to a wider and larger audience than ever before. Radio fulfills a vital need for many of us who are at work, commuting, or simply enjoying rest time. Just because something is old, doesn’t mean it is not relevant or obsolete.

For I am the Lord, I do not change...
Malachi 3:6

When I share the Gospel with seekers and non-believers, the occasional reply is, “That stuff is old, it doesn’t apply to us today.” But God’s Word stands forever because truth does not change. And God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider of Truth.

What principle of the Bible does not apply to your life or the world today? Relationships, duties to family, caring for the needy...all of these are outlined in the Bible. But most importantly, the Bible reveals who God really is. And it only through the revelation in His Son, Jesus Christ, do we see the most complete picture of God.

The Bible is old but the message is unchanging and for today.

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

A Vaccine for Sin (Ephesians 6:11)

It is that time of year when the clarion call for flu vaccines is heard. Every drugstore or medical clinic seems to have a sign, “Flu Shots Available!” For most of us, it is a routine task and although it may give us some peace of mind, we may wonder, how efficacious is this vaccine? After all, the vaccine only protects against the anticipated common strains of the influenza flu virus. And while it may confer temporary immunity to this strain, there are many other viruses, that, while not the influenza virus, may cause us to be ill with flu-like symptoms that are virtually indistinguishable from the influenza flu.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11

We do not have a vaccine for sin but we do have God’s Word and promise to us. And unlike the flu vaccine, God’s Word can protect against all forms of sin and evil, not just the most common ones. Satan hates the Word of God and when we quote it, meditate upon it, and live it, Satan must flee. It is His armor that God gives to us. And it is available any moment we call upon His name.

A vaccine for sin? Look to God’s Word for the answer and be inoculated with it every moment of every day.

Blessings with Aloha!

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

The Pallet Guitar (Psalms 139:13-14)

A famous guitar maker was criticized many years ago with the charge that his guitars only sounded good because he was utilizing very expensive wood, unavailable to many other guitar makers. After listening to years of this criticism, he produced a guitar dubbed the Pallet Guitar, fashioned entirely from wooden shipping pallets. Even the ebony fingerboard had a mother of pearl inlay of a forklift! It became an instant success and still enjoys an avid following, especially amongst guitar collectors. The point? It is not the quality of the wood, it is the quality of the guitar maker.

People sometimes look at others who were born in different countries, different socioeconomic classes, or in different families and wonder how different their lives may have been. Would it be better or worse? Is hereditary or environment more important in what shapes us as individuals?

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
Psalms 139:13-14

The Bible is very clear that it is God, our Creator, who made us unique and wonderful! God can use our environment to shape our experiences and personalities. But the core and essence of our being is from God. A skilled guitar maker can fashion a masterpiece of a musical instrument out of seemingly ordinary material. God, our Creator, is able to take the same bodies of flesh and blood of humanity and create a masterpiece of a unique person….You!

How amazing is our God who created us and loves us!

Blessings with Aloha!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

The Blood Moon (Joel 2:31)

The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
Joel 2:31

This year, the world has been treated to a spectacular heavenly show, a total lunar eclipse. One of the highlights of eclipse is the the moment when the moon is completely in the earth’s shadow and it turns a magnificent blood red. Here is a detailed video and explanation of this phenomenon.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2014/04/15/lunar_eclipse_the_blood_moon_of_april_2014.html

The blog universe was alive with people posting their own photos and videos. I was amazed, not only that people were able to stay up that late (the blood moon did not occur until after midnight PST), but they had the time to photograph or video capture the entire event, at least 3 hours.

Amongst the many comments, only a minority mentioned this prophecy in Joel. This prophecy will be fulfilled during the height of the Tribulation period, as recorded in Revelation.

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.
Revelation 6:12

As magnificent a sight the blood moon is, it should serve as a sobering reminder that God is in control and He is moving the events of the world to a final judgment. God is giving all of us time to repent of our sins and confess that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. But once He returns in judgment, it will be too late.

God’s love is patient and kind. But His love will never force us to do something that is not in our will. Accept God’s invitation of love.

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

Someday Everything Will Sing God's Praises (Psalm 150:6)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
Psalm 1:1

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6

These are the first and last verses of the first and last Psalms. The Psalms begin with a blessing and end with a praise! God always blesses us first so that we may be able to praise Him for His creation and what He has done for us. But how wonderful it will be that someday, every creature, every part of His creation will be praising Him! I can't wait for that day. No more tears, no more sorrows!

God has a plan and purpose for our lives. Trust Him!

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

A Spiritual Biopsy (Hebrews 4:12-13)

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13

Biopsies are taken in an attempt to understand a disease process more completely. A radiograph or CT scan may show a tumor or lesion in different parts of our body. A skin rash may be limited to the skin or be the first sign of a systemic disease. Each of these gives a clue that something may be wrong with our bodies and the doctors need additional information to make a diagnosis and properly treat it. Only a biopsy can provide this information.

What if God could take a spiritual biopsy of us? What if God were to sample our spirit, to see how strong is our faith and how devoted we are to Him? Jesus reminds us that, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21) Do our actions show that our treasure is seeking God's will rather than our own? Our actions give a clue, just like a radiograph or skin rash, to what our true nature is. But only God's spiritual biopsy would reveal the truth. And His spiritual biopsy is His Word which cuts through to our soul and spirit to reveal everything that is going on in our heart.

There are many pop psychology articles on the internet and bookstores that are replete with self-help pundits telling us what is wrong with ourselves and how to "fix" oneself. But is only when we hold up our lives to the truth of God's Word, can we immediately know our true spiritual health. God's Word is living and this is why, if we allow it, it will transform and continue to renew our mind to become more Christ-like.

If God took a spiritual biopsy of your life, what would He find?

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

Seeing Through God-Colored Glasses (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Are we able to see everything through the eyes of the Gospel?

So much of what we learn today is filtered through another source: the internet, newspapers, magazines, even gossip. Popular terminology include such phrases as, “Seeing the world through rose-colored glasses,” imply that we may get a biased view of the events that shape our lives. We must guard against this bias as it may present the information they way the writer or reporter wants us to see them, not how they truly are.

What if we are able to view the world as God sees it? What if we were able to see ourselves as God sees us? Can we touch this world by being grounded in the Gospel? What if we could see the world through God-colored glasses?

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18

If our sight was truly filtered through the lens of God’s Word, how would our lives be changed? Would we be more willing to forgive another when hurt by them? Would we be more eager to lend a helping hand to a stranger in need? Would we live every moment knowing that what we do has eternal significance rather than just a temporary change?

Seek to see the world through God-colored glasses and allow Him to show you things that you never imagined in your wildest dreams!

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

Advanced Humanity 101 (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Do you believe in the promises of Jesus Christ?

Anyone who does without knowing even a little about Jesus is foolish or lying. This is the meaning of blind faith, accepting or trusting without any knowledge. But why should we believe in what the Bible tells us about the life of Jesus? Because He was the only perfect man who ever lived. He is teaching us a course on Advanced Humanity 101.

Jesus did not sin nor did He ever fail in His task to be in complete obedience and perfect fellowship with God the Father.

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
1 Timothy 2:5-6

Do you believe in the promises of Jesus Christ?

Any person asking you to follow them because they have inner or secret knowledge to God is lying. Because every person who has ever lived is a sinner and has fallen short of perfection. Every man, except one, Jesus Christ. If you are going to follow someone’s teachings about life, wouldn't you want to follow someone who lived a perfect life, rather than a life marred by sin and imperfections?

To pass Advanced Humanity 101, you must first trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And the moment you do, you begin your education to realize and begin to understand the unlimited potential of a life devoted to serving and worshipping God.

Do you believe in the promises of Jesus Christ?

There is no reason on Heaven or on earth to not!

Blessings with Aloha!

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

Talk is Cheap (Mark 2:8-11)

Talk is cheap!

Put your money where your mouth is!

All talk and no action!

These are a variety of phrases, all communicating the same message. One can easily say anything but unless one backs it up with action, for many observers, it is meaningless.

But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘ Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”— He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
Mark 2:8-11

There were many skeptics in the room that day in Capernaum when the paralytic was lowered through the rooftop into the presence of Jesus. If this were to happen today, the response of the observers would be no different. In fact, it would be likely that a chorus of laughter would erupt.

When Jesus walked this earth, He performed many miracles, demonstrating, quite convincingly, that the power of God was working in their midst and the Kingdom of God had arrived. And yet, He knew the most important outcome was for all hardened hearts to turn away from their sins, repent, and call upon the Name of God. 

Jesus ascended into Heaven but He left us with His Holy Spirit, who indwells within every believer. But a believer in Jesus Christ does not simply utter hollow or empty words when they proclaim that they are a child of God. The Holy Spirit places His seal upon every believer and empowers all believers to live a victorious life.

Is believing in Jesus Christ just saying a few words? If you have truly accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He empowers you. Can’t turn away from your sins? Can’t forgive someone who has hurt you? Turn to Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior.  And once you do that, you will immediately learn that a life in Jesus Christ is not just words, but transforming power!

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

What Did I Do to You? (Jeremiah 2:5)

Thus says the Lord: “What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me, Have followed idols, And have become idolaters?
Jeremiah 2:5

What did I do to you?

We hear this cry from school playgrounds to workplaces to heated discussions around the dinner table. The cry issues forth as a defense and a cry for help. At the heart of this cry is the conviction that nothing you did could ever possibly justify how you are now being treated by the perpetrator. You are right, they are wrong. When we say this, we are convinced we are being unjustly treated.

God, through the prophet Jeremiah, asked His people the same question, “What sins, injustices, or wrongs have I done to you that would cause you to reject me and follow after false gods?”

For thousands of years, God continued to extend His infinite love to man, His greatest creation. But man chose to reject God’s overwhelming kindness, love, and mercy substituting their own idea of what goodness should be. God is right to ask this of all of us, “What did I do to you that you would treat Me like this?”

And yet, even after we treat God like this, He returns to us and offers us redemption and peace by sacrificing His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross to accept the penalty of our sins. And it is through the power and promise of His resurrection that we are able to have peace with God.

What did God do to you? Ask yourself this question the next time you stray from God and reject His blessings. Ask yourself the next time you feel unjustly treated.

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

I Don't Want to Go Home (Mark 6:3-5)

I have a friend from medical school who is now a well-respected pulmonologist and practices in Los Angeles. Both he and his wife are from Hawaii and love the islands. So when I once asked him if he would ever consider returning home to Hawaii, his response surprised me.

“No. I don’t want to go home.”

“Why not?” I persisted.

“Here in LA, I’ve made a name for myself. Everyone knows me as the doctor who made that diagnosis of botulism and saved a man’s life! But back home, I am just Jerry.  Doesn’t matter what I’ve done here, people back home just think of me of plain ol’ Jerry. I’m a nobody there. Here, I’m somebody...someone people respect.”

As a young resident in the emergency room, my friend’s astute diagnostic acumen correctly diagnosed botulism poisoning in a young man, saving his life. This story was circulated amongst all the Southern California training programs for years, garnering him instant and well-deserved fame and accolades.

I completely understood his answer and hoped that someday, he would be able to return to Hawaii and be rightly honored for a lifetime of helping and improving the lives of so many patients.

Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
Mark 6:3-5

Jesus Christ was rejected by the people with whom He grew up. Even though He had performed mighty miracles and taught with authority in all neighboring towns, it was not enough for His own kinsmen. They only knew Him as the carpenter’s Son, nothing more. But within a few years, everyone would know who He truly was, God’s Son, our Lord and Savior. Even Jesus’ own brother James, doubted Jesus’ deity, until Jesus appeared to him after His resurrection. James went on to become one of the leaders of the Church at Jerusalem.

Jesus accepted this rejection by His own kinsmen but did not dwell upon it. Sometimes, the most difficult people to reach are the ones with whom we are most familiar, our own family. They have seen us grow up, witnessed all of our failings and faults, and spent hours counseling us on the do’s and don’ts of life. Now, if we return to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, doubt and suspicion may easily cloud and obscure our clear and earnest message. We want to share Jesus’ message of hope and salvation but all they can see is the awkward kid who played with matches and teased his younger sister.

Look to the example of Jesus Christ when we are discouraged and disheartened by those who would look down upon us because they are familiar with our past. What a glorious Savior we serve!

Blessings with Aloha!

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

I Was Really Messed Up! (Romans 8:1)

When I was in medical school, I was sitting in a restaurant with some friends when a vaguely familiar face came up to our table.

“Hey Paul! Remember me? It’s Brent!”

I looked at his face and slowly recognized my high school classmate. It had been about 6 years since I last saw him but it could well have been 26 years. He looked so much older and heavier than our last encounter. I struggled with my memories as I searched his features, trying to remember him.

“Yeah, I’ve changed a lot, huh? I was really messed up in high school. But Praise God! I found Jesus Christ and He turned my life around!”

It was then I noticed that he was holding a Bible and a notebook under his arm. “I’m headed to my Bible study, “ he beamed. “But I wanted to come over and say, Hi!”

“Wow Brent!” I managed to muster. “That’s great! I’m a Christian also!”

“Hey that’s great! Well, Praise God man! See you around!”

And with that he was gone. It has been over 30 years since that encounter and I have never seen or heard from him again.

No preaching or sharing of testimonies occurred. No reminiscing of our former lives happened. But that encounter did linger with me. Brent really was messed up in high school, heavy into drugs and a dangerous lifestyle. In fact, he did not graduate with us and had to take additional remedial classes to obtain his high school degree. He was an extremely talented musician and I presumed that was how he was surviving. Thankfully, he was doing more than surviving, he was now living a new life in fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ!

I marvelled at how dramatically his life had turned around! At that time in my life, my relationship with Jesus Christ and walk with God was very distant, almost non-existent. I was completely focused upon becoming a doctor and if that meant forsaking my time fellowshipping with other Christians or doing a regular Bible study or quiet time, so be it. I was wrapped up in the world, once again, and my excuse was always that when I had more time someday, I would spend time with God. Needless to say, my life was completely out of balance and I was really messed up!

Seeing my high school classmate at that moment in my life was a much needed wake up call. Sometimes I hear people flippantly state, “I need to take some time off from God." That was exactly what I was doing, and it made no sense. During trials, stress, and tribulation, this is the absolute worst action anyone could ever do. What could be more important than to draw closer to God during your times of greatest need?

I am ashamed of these times in my life when God was so distant. I deliberately pushed Him away thinking I knew better. Whatever takes your attention away from God, whether it is school, your job, drugs, or money, it is messed up and you will be messed up.

It is only through God’s mercy and grace that He accepts me once again, if I turn from my sinful ways and truly repent, asking for His forgiveness. And yet, there are many times that pangs of guilt and shame haunt me for these and many other times I have turned away from Him. I claim His promises that the Apostle Paul recorded.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1

Thanks be to God for His merciful love.

Thank you Lord Jesus. Thank you!

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

A Game of Trust Fall (Hebrews 13:5-6)

When we play this game of Trust Fall, we allow ourselves to fall into the arms of someone, trusting that they will catch us.

This game can also be viewed as a metaphor of life. We trust things in life we know will “catch us” when we get into difficult circumstances. If we are in a difficult situation in work, we may trust in our own experiences to solve the problem. If we encounter a difficult subject in school, we may remind ourselves that we need to reassure ourselves that we have tackled difficult subjects in the past and we will prevail once again. Our trust falls may be our education, reputation, jobs, money, families and relationships.

Do we have a similar trust fall with God’s promises? Do we truly trust that God will catch us when we fall or are we willing to substitute other solutions, like money, friends, and education? And what happens if those substitutes fail? Who will be there to pick up the pieces of our life?

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6

God will never leave us or forsake us. He is the only one who can say this and never fail us. But we need to come to Jesus Christ first and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. And when we do, all the unlimited and unimaginable promises of God will become available to us.

Don’t substitute the world’s answer for your trust fall. Only Jesus Christ will always catch you and stand you upright to face the world, stronger than ever before, through His love and power.

Amen!

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

Burnt Impressions (Colossians 1:15)

The selfie craze is hitting new heights!

A company named Burnt Impressions has created a toaster that can create toast with your selfie! Send in your photo and the company will customize a toaster that creates a toast with your burnt image on it, replicating the photo. But the toaster is not limited to images. You can send in artwork, logos, sayings...anything, and a customized toaster that will burn the image will be made.

Having a toasted selfie is a great gift idea, for someone who would appreciate such a gift. But I would think the novelty would wear off quite quickly, both for the giver and receiver. Because truly, what is more important, a distorted burned image on toast, or the actual person from whom the image is based? This reminds me of people bidding thousands of dollars for a piece of toast that has the supposed image of Jesus Christ or Mary on it. Don’t need thousands of dollars, just $75 and purchase this toaster!

The highest bids always go for alleged images of Jesus Christ. Why this fascination? Do people think that these images are divinely inspired? And if you have this image, what will one do with it? Worship it?

No one has ever seen God the Father. But in His Son, Jesus Christ, we have something far better than a burnt image on toast. For through Jesus Christ, we can know who God truly is.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 1:15

The Bible is very clear that we need to turn to Jesus Christ to capture the true image of God. Only He is worthy of our desire, attention, and praise. No image, whether configured on an artist’s canvas or burned onto a piece of toast will ever capture the glory and magnificence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Aloha blessings!

You're Running the Dryer Too Long! (Romans 12:18)

During the first year of my marriage, adjustment and compromise were essential to navigating the coming together of two very different personalities. Lots of laughter and frustrations but overall, a closeness that only marriage can nurture and provide. Thus, when the first potential conflict arose, the conversation gingerly began, treading on eggshells.

“Honey, I really appreciate you doing the laundry but could I ask a favor? Could you not run the my clothes so long in the dryer? I think the heat is shrinking them.”

My new bride turned to me, smiled, then replied, “Of course, honey! I will make sure I don’t run the dryer too long.”

It was not until many months later when I realized that my clothes were not shrinking, but my waistline was expanding! My lovely bride knew better!

Many conflicts are the result of mis- or lack of communication. Whether we think we are in the right or not, if the other party is also convinced of their stand, conflict is inevitable. I am thankful the Bible does not pull any punches in recording instances of conflicts even amongst the great heroes of the Bible. Paul and Barnabas had such a heated argument about whether John Mark should accompany them on their second missionary journey, that they agreed to part ways, with Paul taking Silas and Barnabas taking John Mark. But the conflict did not end the relationship between these two mighty servants of God. Years later, in one of his last letters, Paul writes...Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11).

God is able to bring healing and reconciliation to any relationship that has been marred or seemingly irreparably damaged by conflict. If we were to simply rely upon our own efforts, it would indeed be futile. But thanks be to God that He desires all men to be in fellowship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18

Mis- or lack of communication is never an issue when we allow God to speak to us through His Holy Spirit. Allow God to work in your heart and address the conflicts that hinder you from being at peace with others. Never doubt the healing power of an all-loving God!

Love and respect the Lord; keep our family strong.

Always Inspecting (Revelation 1:13)

Today, my laboratory has a mandatory state and federal inspection. Every outpatient diagnostic pathology laboratory in the United States must undergo this inspection to be initially certified and maintain certification by being re-inspected every two years. It requires a great deal of paperwork and documentation of policies and procedures. All of this is understandable since diagnostic reports on patients are being generated by the laboratory by the physicians and employees who work there. The government and public want to be reassured that the reports are accurate, timely, and produced by a laboratory that is utilizing the highest standards of quality control and assurance. Although I was notified over a month ago about the date and time when the inspector will arrive, the government wants to see evidence of continuing oversight of the laboratory and staff by the medical director. In other words, if an inspector were to show up unexpectedly and unannounced and ask to review all the policies and procedures, the expectation is that the activities on that day would accurately reflect what is written in our manuals.

And in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
Revelation 1:13

The Bible reminds us that our glorified Lord Jesus, is in Heaven inspecting His church that remains on earth. But this inspection is continual, not just every two years. Like the inspector, He expects that our activities we are doing at every moment reflect a true and dedicated heart to serve and love Him, not just a face we put on for Sundays or with other Christians. It is not lip service He is seeking but true service.

Jesus is not looking for written policies and procedures. But He is looking for evidence that God’s Word is written in our hearts and minds.

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

What Did You Do Today? (Psalm 46:10)

When I was in college, I had a good friend who was a brother in Christ. I usually saw him in the dining hall for meals. However, one day, our usual paths did not cross and on the next day when I encountered him at the dining hall, I queried, “Where were you yesterday?”

He smiled and replied, “I spent the day just meditating and thinking about God. It was awesome!”

I was floored when I heard his answer. I needed to know more! “How did you do it?” I eagerly asked him.

“I just meditated on how amazing and immense God is. I prayed, I sang some worship songs. But mainly, I just spent the time in quiet reflection thinking about how great He is and how fortunate I am to be with a God who loves us so much.”

We all need to spend time just praising God for who He is! Too often, we get caught up in presenting a laundry list of demands to God. Intercessory prayer is important, of course, but we should make the time to just meditate and think upon the greatness of God. The more we do this, the larger our understanding of God becomes and the more humble we will become.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalms 46:10

Take time in your busy day to sit still and ponder the greatness of God. God wants to spend time with you so that He may expand your understanding of Him and deepen your relationship with Him.

Blessings with Aloha!

Security Flaws (1 Peter 5:8)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8

If you own a smartphone or smart pad, you will frequently be downloading updates to your operating system or apps. If you peruse the descriptions accompanying the downloads, you will find that the majority describe a fix for a security flaw. The seriousness of these flaws is reinforced by recent news of credit card information from several retailers, hacked by as a yet unidentified source. Hackers that gain access to our smartphones or smart pads may be able to gain access to sensitive personal information. Thus all users must remain vigilant to any potential security breach.

How do we remain vigilant? We should take care to not download apps or information from questionable sources. If possible, we should cross reference these sources or apps and test their credibility. We should also be careful to not share and receive emails from anonymous sources.

The Holy Spirit instructs us to put on the armor of God to stand against the attacks of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). We must continually be vigilant and monitor ourselves for any security breaks or flaws in our armor because the devil is always looking to infiltrate, devour, and destroy our lives. How do these flaws or breaks appear? Like careless downloads from unidentified or untrusted sources, flaws can readily come upon us. It may be as subtle listening to a song with offensive or racist lyrics or it may be as blatant as breaking the law by going above the speed limit because of a missed appointment. Regardless of the reason, the devil can use these flaws to further weaken us, creating larger and larger flaws in our armor until we are literally devoured. It is a frightening image to be mauled and devoured by a lion. We should be mindful of Satan’s schemes but we never should never think that we are defeated. This is exactly what he wants us to think; all of armor, all of our security are useless against his schemes.

God’s power and authority are infinitely beyond anything Satan could ever dream. The Holy Spirit reminds us that the final chapter of Satan has already been written and recorded for eternity. Satan will be be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone to be forever tormented for his rebellion and evil deeds (Revelation 20:10). Satan is already defeated! Do not hesitate to claim the promise of victory through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Remain vigilant to the schemes of the devil and be reassured that greater is He, the Holy Spirit, who is in you, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

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