Music at the Greatest Concert (Psalm 150:1-6)

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
Psalm 150:1-6

Cognitive neuroscience of music-This is a mouthful of scientific jargon denoting an entire branch of science and medicine devoted to understanding why we respond to music. Basically, why does music evoke such a strong emotional response within us?

There are few sensory experiences that can evoke such deep seated emotions or revisit powerful memories as music. Clever marketers have seized upon this information and have packaged CDs and DVDs with the bold claims that classical music will enhance an infant’s abstract reasoning skills and assist in developing spatial intelligence.

Neuropsychologists have found the right brain is more involved in creativity and abstract thoughts while the left brain process factual information and problem solving. This division, however, only partially begins to explain how we perceive the world and process information. In every activity and every problem solving, both sides of the brain are used. A structure known as the corpus callosum joins both hemispheres of the brain and facilitates communication.

The very complexity of the brain and how it allows us to perceive music should point us to the master Creator. God created us with an inherent love of music. As far back as Genesis, the Holy Spirit recorded the skill of Jubal.

And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Genesis 4:21

Music brings out emotions and also encourages movement and dance. When David brought the ark of God into Jerusalem, he was overwhelmed with joy and danced with joy to music in an intense outpouring of emotion and gratitude.

And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
2 Samuel 6:14-15

God created us with an innate love of music because someday, we will be singing and worshipping with song and music in Heaven, in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders:and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:9-12

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder:and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders:and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
Revelation 14:2-3

No concert on earth could even begin to compare with what we will someday experience in Heaven. Ten thousands times ten thousands and thousands of thousands...literally uncountable numbers of God’s creatures, all singing and praising His name. And we will have the honor of front row seats at the greatest concert in eternity.

AMEN!

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

Taking God's Gifts and Wasting (Ezekiel 16:17)

When I was a medical student, I had an opportunity to work with a famous missionary physician, Dr. John Dreisbach. He and his wife, Bettie, were working in Micronesia. I was there for a 2 month period, doing family medicine. Dr. Dreisbach, an orthopedic surgeon,  was already well known in the Christian missionary circles as a pioneer in the treatment of leprosy in Africa. Over many years, he built several hospitals and developed innovative surgical techniques to assist his leprosy patients. I once asked Dr. Dreisbach why he entered the missions field and he matter of factly stated, “This is what the Bible commands us to do.”

You have also taken your beautiful jewelry from My gold and My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images and played the harlot with them.
Ezekiel 16:17

In this passage, God, through the prophet Ezekiel, warns the Israelites how they have taken God’s gifts and perverted and wasted them for their own purposes. God wants to bless us, far beyond what we could imagine or comprehend and the gifts that He has given us are for one purpose alone, to bring glory to Him. Whether we serve God with our gifts on the missionary field or at home with our family, we serve God, not for ourselves and not for our gain. Some of us are gifted with education, receiving advanced degrees in law, business, or medicine. Others have physical gifts exhibiting dexterity in art, music, carpentry, or plumbing. Still others have the gift of service and hospitality. Whatever the gift, God has allowed us to redeem the time wisely to further develop these gifts and using them to bless others to advance His kingdom.

Have you taken the gifts that God has given you and redeemed them wisely? Or have you squandered His blessings for you and perverted them for your interests and gain?

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
Luke 12:48

The Holy Spirit reminds us that our time on this earth is limited. God, through His mercy, has given us gifts and time to bring glory to Him. Examine your heart and ask God to enable you to wisely use the gifts He has bestowed upon you.

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

It's So Awkward! (John 21:15-18)

“Yuck, it’s awkward!”

“I was awkwardly looking at all of them.”

“They were so awkward!”

And so it went as I transported my daughter and her girlfriends to a school event. For about half an hour, I listened to their conversations. It seemed like every other sentence used the word “awkward”. After a while, I felt awkward because I wasn’t quite sure what they meant! So I visited the online dictionary which defines awkward with the following meanings:

1. lacking skill or dexterity.

2. lacking grace or ease in movement

3. lacking social graces or manners

4. not well planned or designed for easy or effective use

5. requiring caution; somewhat hazardous

Thus, depending upon the setting, any of these definitions may be applicable.

The Apostle Peter was impetuous, always putting his foot in his mouth, and acting and speaking before thinking. He was awkward! It is easy for me to be critical of Peter’s awkwardness. However, before I am too quick to judge, I need to look in the mirror. My life is filled with awkward circumstances, relationships, events...all of these can result in humiliation and anguish. Sometimes, the only one I hurt is myself, taking the form of a bruised ego or deflated pride. But sometimes, others are drawn into the situation. And an already awkward situation becomes far worse.

Peter denied his Lord three times on night of Jesus’ arrest. Now, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared before Peter and restored him to the relationship they shared for 3 years.  He offered Peter a chance to understand and demonstrate the kind of love it takes to truly follow and commit his heart to Jesus. And for the three times Peter denied knowing Jesus, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”
John 21:17

An awkward situation. Perhaps the most awkward situation anyone has ever faced. But Jesus understands awkward situations. He was beaten, tortured, and died a humiliating death on the Cross. His enemies mocked Him and His disciples and followers fled.

He endured this for us. He died on the Cross to pay the penalty that God demands of sin and rebellion. He endured this supreme moment of awkwardness so that God could raise Him from the dead. What a glorious Savior we serve!

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

All In The Name of God (John 16:2)

I was skimming through a world history book the other evening and lamented the long bloody history of wars fought in the name of religion. Conflicts between Christians and other religious groups; conflicts within Christianity between Protestant and Catholic; conflicts within Islam between Sunni and Shia. The list is endless and shameful.

Jesus warned His disciples that the time was coming when many of their fellow countrymen would seek to kill them, justifying their actions by stating that they were doing it in the name of God. In reality, their motives were motivated by hate and prejudice. This prophecy definitely came true within a few years. But even to this day, the prophecy is being fulfilled as we hear and witness violent acts performed as a service unto God.

They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.
John 16:2 (ESV)

There is only one God. We are commanded to share the Good News of the Gospel to everyone. We are not commanded to physically abuse or coerce anyone to accept our beliefs. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw a person to Him and convict them of their sins, leading them to repentance and to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

And when that happens, our actions and motives will be directed by God and not by our own selfish motives. We will preaching and telling the world about the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

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

A Time to Relax (John 2:1-2)

For many people, including myself, the weekend is a time to relax, catch up on sleep, or spend additional quality time with family and friends. While these activities could be done during the week, there is always the added pressure of working or going to school the next day that hangs over everyone’s mind like a damper. But when the weekend arrives, we can let loose and take the time we need to do the activities that allow us to relax. Even the first days back from the weekend, our discussions with our friends and co-workers are usually filled with what was done the last weekend. And then, as the weekend approaches, our conversations turn to what our plans will be for the coming weekend. Everything seems to revolve around our weekends, our time to relax!

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
John 2:1-2

The Holy Spirit does not record many events of Jesus enjoying fellowship in a casual setting, that is, not teaching, healing, or observing a Jewish ceremony. Yet, it is likely our Lord did participate in many social events. He was very popular and wherever He went, crowds followed. In this passage from John, the first miracle of Jesus is recorded at a wedding in Cana. Even at this festive occasion, Jesus was called upon to perform a miracle. Jesus responded with little fanfare, so as to not disrupt the festivity and take attention away from the bride and groom.

During our times of relaxation, do we remember to take our Lord Jesus Christ with us? Our Lord was in continual fellowship with God the Father. Thus, even during a time of relaxation, His attention was focused upon doing God’s will. Relaxation is important and helps us to recharge. But we should guard against letting this time be one when our relationship and obedience to God is put aside or diminished. It is during our times of relaxation that we need to be even more focused upon doing God’s will. Like Jesus, following and obeying God during our times of relaxation does not have to be done with much fanfare, just a willing and obedient heart.

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

When God Says No (Acts 16:6)

Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
Numbers 20:12

And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you.
1 Chronicles 17:11-13

Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
Acts 16:6

God answers all prayers. Sometimes the answer is no. Even the great heroes of the Bible, Moses, David, and Paul all received a no from God. So if God says no to you, rest assured, you are in good company. When we receive a no, we may think that something is wrong with us. Perhaps we asked with wrong intentions or perhaps we have unconfessed sin in our lives. We may even think that God is upset with us, that He is answering with a no because He is punishing us. But why should we assume that if the answer is no, that it is a bad outcome?

If God says no, it may be for any or all of the reasons listed and many that we can never even imagine. But we should never assume that a no means a bad outcome. God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Thank goodness! Our perceptions and understanding of the world are so limited and colored with our biases and prejudices. We may think that we know best how to direct our lives, but we will always fall far short of the ideal. If God says no, it should always prompt us to examine our motives. But if we have truly asked for something in God’s will and the answer is still no, we should accept the answer with the same joy as if the answer was yes. Be secure in the knowledge that the God of the Universe and your Creator has a much greater plan for you with blessings you would never have imagined!

Accept God’s answers to all of your prayers. Seek His will in your life.

One or Three Names? (Philippians 2:9-11)

Ever notice that when someone is a celebrity, their name morphs into either one or three names? Oprah Winfrey is Oprah, John Cougar is John Cougar Mellencamp, Prince is, well, still Prince. He never really was known by another name!

Even popular and familiar consumer retail outlets have their original names shortened to one or three letters.  The YMCA is simply the Y. Kentucky Fried Chicken is KFC.

Having one or three names certainly draws attention to yourself or to your company. When you are a celebrity or in business, more attention is a necessity.

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 2:9-11

Jesus only had one name. Christ is His title and it means the anointed or Messiah. We often speak of Jesus Christ but He is truly Christ Jesus. We know Him by many titles, Lord, the Great Shepherd, Son of God, the Way, the Truth, and the Light. The Bible records over 200 titles for Jesus. Simply speaking the name of Jesus will never leave any doubt in anyone’s mind as to whom you are referring. Jesus is God! His name is so glorious, so powerful, so compelling, that even with all these titles, it does not begin to express His magnificence.  Someday, everyone who has ever lived will acknowledge that there is no greater name than Jesus!

One or three names? For Jesus, one name but many titles.

Worship Him and acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior.

Jesus is God!

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

Cold Smoking (1 John 2:11)

I love to smoke meats. In fact, I love everything about smoked foods. The pungent aroma of charcoal and wood seem to bring out the most savory aspect of just about anything I place in the smoker. And I am always looking to learn more. So when I heard about cold smoking, that intuitively did not make sense. Smoking is created by heat, how can it be cold?

It turns out that there are clever ways to introduce smoke into food with minimal heat. The disconnect was the realization that smoking and heating did not necessarily have to be paired together.

But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2:11

Blinded by darkness? This phrase also intuitively did not make sense to me. How can one be blinded by darkness? Isn’t a bright light what usually blinds us? The disconnect in this case is to realize that blindness is a lack of sight, an absence of vision. Darkness and evil can blind us by preventing us from seeing God’s goodness and love. The more we chose to walk away from God’s light of revelation and truth, the more our sight will be blinded by the lack of of it, or darkness.

Blinded by darkness. Cold smoking. Our world is far more complex than we can begin to imagine. Allow God to expand your mind of what is reality and the truth of His Creation!

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

Science-Lots of How but Little Why (Romans 1:20)

Science Fairs are a tremendous learning experience. From stating a hypothesis, researching a worthy topic, organizing the materials and methods, collecting and analyzing the data, and forming a conclusion-the entire process teaches one the importance of having a clear vision of the hypothesis and how can one answer it, either proving or disproving it.

A perusal of any Science Fair project yields a plethora of intriguing hypotheses and proposed answers. With varying degrees of success, the students present their data that either support or disprove their hypothesis. The How? and What? are addressed in these projects. But there is a deeper, even more profound question-Why? Why does the world function the way it does? Why is there order in such complexity?

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

God has provided the answer. All of Creation’s complexity, the intricacy, the wonder, the glory, all point to an intelligent design by a Supreme Creator. Man may propose explanations to describe his surrounding environment, but only God provides the answer to why it exists. God created the world to reflect and magnify His glory. And the more we investigate, the more we will understand this. God created the world so that we can exalt and worship Him!

Take a moment today to thank God for His glorious creation!

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

The One Thing (Philippians 3:13-14)

Billy Crystal is an American comedian. One of his more successful and memorable movies was City Slickers. In the movie, Mitch (played by Crystal) and his two other friends are experiencing a midlife crisis and decide to participate in a cattle drive to find themselves. The trail boss is a gruff and hardened cowboy known as Curly. During a reflective moment, Curly makes a shrewd assessment of Mitch and why people like him all come to this cattle drive at this stage in their lives. They are all looking to find an answer to life’s problems.

Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is? [points index finger skyward] This.

Mitch: Your finger?

Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean anything.

Mitch: But, what is the "one thing?"

Curly: [smiles and points his finger at Mitch] That's what you have to find out.

By the end of the movie, Mitch and his friends have each found that “one thing”. For Mitch, it was his family.  

Man is always seeking answers to life. But if the answers lead one away from God, it will only lead to frustrations and dead ends. King David also was seeking one thing in his life. He wrote a psalm to capture his longing to be with God.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:4

David knew that his earthly kingdom was only a temporary one. His temple would be in Heaven and he was eagerly seeking and anticipating God’s beauty to behold His glory when He arrived there someday.

David’s son, Solomon, was acknowledged as the wisest, richest, and most powerful man in the known world during his reign. And yet, at the end of his life, he realized the futility of his pursuit of so many different activities and summed up his entire life experiences with this one statement:

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:12-13.

The Apostle Paul also was seeking one thing in his life. He let go of his past and focused entirely upon following his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

Our Lord Jesus Christ knew the importance of distilling God’s Word to it’s essence.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6

The world will instruct us to be strong, to trust oneself, and to think positively. All of these have some truth but ultimately will focus your energy and efforts to pleasing and satisfying your own needs and desires instead of looking to please God and to delight in Him. The pithy statement of Curly may seem to point us in the correct direction to succinctly answer life’s questions. The real answer is far more profound and simple-Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10-11

This is the secret to life and the one thing that all men are seeking for, whether they realize it or not. Someday, all of us will face Jesus Christ and will acknowledge Him as Lord. Today is the day to seize the opportunity and invite Jesus Christ into your heart.

AMEN!

Fear Man and Not God (Psalm 118:6)

Before I began my medical residency, I was deathly afraid of not being prepared to function as a physician. My residency began in Denver, Colorado and I went there a month early, just so that I could read and outline 5 major medical textbooks. Although the experience certainly helped me in my residency, I asked myself, “Why am I not as motivated in my spiritual life? Why did I not read and outline the Bible as compulsively as I read a medical textbook?”

The answer is simple. I feared man more than I feared God.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Psalm 118:6

I was more concerned over how my fellow residents and attending professors would view me. Instead of completely devoting my time to growing and deepening my relationship with God, I fretted about minutiae regarding esoteric diseases. There was no balance!

I still work at finding the balance. It is important, of course, to keep current with medicine. But for each hour I spend reading about the latest nuance of medical diseases, I make sure I spend at least the same, if not more time, reading God’s Word and praying.

Be balanced! God is on your side!

Aloha blessings!

The World is Getting Smaller (Mark 13:10)

The world is getting smaller everyday. No, not by erosion. Technology is removing geographic barriers and allowing man to reach the remotest parts of the world. First it was the train, then the automobile, the airplane, and the rocket. Now the internet allows nearly instantaneous transmission of information, even allowing for simultaneous virtual conferencing with people on several different continents. These are very exciting times in which we live!

And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
Mark 13:10

Jesus Christ told His disciples that the end times will begin when the Gospel is preached to all nations. Although there have been great missionary movements in the past, never before in the history of mankind is the possibility of reaching all nations and all peoples been so real as this current time. To truly reach every person with the Word of God is exciting! But it comes with a sobering realization that when this comes to fruition, the end times will be upon us.

Jesus Christ told His disciples that only God the Father knows when the exact moment the end times will begin. While we should always live in the expectation of the end times and Jesus’ return, we should keep our focus upon sharing the Gospel to this lost world. We now have the technological means to reach more people than at any other time in history. Let us use our days wisely, utilizing whatever resources to preach the Gospel to all nations.

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

Saying the Right Thing for the Wrong Purpose (2 Timothy 2:15)

When I teach my residents, many of them are knowledge rich, but experience poor. We review a microscope slide with knowledge of the working diagnosis the submitting physician has provided. As we are reviewing the slide, I query them over what they are observing. Some may give a textbook perfect quote of the features of the disease. The only problem is this is not what the microscope slide is revealing. The residents are quoting and describing what they believe should be on the slide based upon the submitted clinical diagnosis, but not accurately describing what is actually on the slide. Their descriptions are impressive and correct but for the wrong diagnosis!

In my spiritual walk with God, I am guilty of the same error. I may think I am faithfully following and obeying God but in reality, I am forcing God to follow my preferences and desires. I may quote His Word, but out of context. I may read His word only to complete a Bible study assignment, but not to deepen my relationship with God.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

I am so thankful for Pastors, teachers, and faithful brothers and sisters who keep me honest and my mind sharpened.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17

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

Even the Mountains Rejoice! (Isaiah 55:11-12)

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:11-12

As we leave the Palos Verdes Baptist Church parking lot, there is a small sign that quotes one of the verses in Isaiah...“For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace"

It is a beautiful reminder that God will always be watching over us. But this verse should prompt us to ask, Why?

This joy and peace can only result when we spend time in God's Word and most importantly, obey His Word. And His Word is the Bible and Jesus Christ is the Living Word. And if we obey His Word, all of nature will explode in joy and allow us to truly revel in the glory that God had initially intended for us. The breathtaking rays of sunlight bathing the mountain peaks, the magnificent branches of a tree that reach upward to the sky, the hills that we traverse that lead us to new worlds to explore; all of these are ways that nature rejoices with us. But we can only see this if we yield to God and spend time in His Word, allowing us to be transformed and renewed by His timeless instructions. God promises that His Word will prosper all who receive it by faith.

Don't miss an opportunity to be inspired by God's Word. God will bless you with the praise of His creation!

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

The Wooden Fish (Psalms 111:4)

I have a wooden fish, fashioned and painted by my son. I proudly display this fish on my desk, next to my computer, for myself and all to see. I still remember the joy he had on his face when he handed it to me as a gift. During trying days, a simple glance at this fish is enough to bring a smile to my face as I recall his happy face. I see my son’s love in what he has created for me.

He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
Psalms 111:4

God created the world to declare His glory. When we behold His creation and ponder the intricacies and beauty of His world, it should direct our thoughts to the Creator. It should evoke within us a great longing and humility; God loves us so much that He created us in order to share in His love.

I may not understand all the reasons why God has placed me in this world. But I do know that He knows the perfect way to reach my heart. And for that alone, He is worth of my praise!

Blessings with Aloha!

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

Recovering from Sickness-What Now? (2 Kings 20:1-6)

No one wants to be sick. Whether it is a minor cold with sniffles or the flu with a fever, aches, and pains-every sickness is at best a nuisance, and at worst, something life threatening. But sickness can be more than just a few days of inconvenience. Debilitating diseases such as diabetes mellitus, lupus, and cancers can cause many years of suffering. While some of these diseases may not lead to an immediate death, the quality of life is dramatically diminished for those who are afflicted.

In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord:‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live. ’” Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father:“I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David.’ “
2 Kings 20:1-6

Hezekiah was afflicted with a major disease. In fact, God, through the prophet Isaiah, informed Hezekiah that he was soon going to die. But Hezekiah prayed to God and because of his repentant heart and honest prayer, God heard him and answered his prayers by granting him healing and adding an additional 15 years of life!

Hezekiah learned that a sickness can be an opportunity to seek God’s mercy and to discover, for himself, how deep his own faith could be. But what did Hezekiah do with the additional years of life that were granted to him? Several years later, God tested what was truly in Hezekiah’s heart. Had he truly learned humility and the lessons of God’s mercy? Babylonian envoys visited Hezekiah and in an act of pride and foolishness, Hezekiah showed them all the riches of the kingdom. God was testing him.

However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.
2 Chronicles 32:31

Because of his boasting and pride, God told Hezekiah, through Isaiah the prophet, that his future sons and the kingdom of Judah would be taken into captivity. In less than a hundred years later, this prophecy came true.

God does answer all prayers and sometimes He answers prayers the way that we wish. God can use sickness to bring us to our knees in faith. We need to understand that God can give mercy upon whom He choses. But if He does grant us mercy and heal us of our sickness, what will we do with this healing? Will we use our renewed strength to serve Him or will we become arrogant knowing that God answered our prayers exactly the way we wanted? In the case of Hezekiah, his arrogance led to the eventual downfall of his entire kingdom.

When you are sick, pray for God’s mercy to heal you. And if He does, pray that the healing in you will lead to even greater works that He will do through you, for His Kingdom.

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

Draw What You Hear (Revelation 5:11)

When I was in grade school, the art teacher gave us an interesting assignment. She played a piece of classical music for the entire class. As she played it, she asked us to meditate upon the music and then draw whatever image the music evokes within us. The music was a beautiful orchestral piece with a full symphony performing. As I listened to the delicate interplay of harmonies, the only image that came to mind was an orchestra! So I drew a picture of an orchestra.  When the teacher came over and inspected my work, she chuckled and said, “Well yes, I suppose that is true. Couldn’t you think of anything else?”

I sheepishly replied that I could not.

I am usually not that concrete in my thoughts and interpretations, especially when it comes to music and art. But on that day, many years ago, all I could think about was the most unimaginative and basic image of music.

God has blessed man with a vivid imagination, one that has created countless numbers of amazing stories, movies, and musical compositions. But God’s reality is even more astounding than our wildest thoughts!

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
Revelation 5:11

This is Heaven. There are countless numbers of angels worshipping God, for every moment of time, forever! The Apostle John cannot even begin to describe the immeasurable numbers of angels that are present, surrounding the throne of God. No metaphor or simile is needed. God’s Glory simply is!

The Bible does use imagery to convey the greatness and wonder of God. But sometimes, all that is needed is only the most concrete example of God’s greatness. Let your imagination grow from the reality of God’s Creation!

Amen!

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

I Do Not Have to Live Like This Any Longer (John 8:11-12) )

...And Jesus said to her, “ Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “ I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:11-12

The other night I had a comforting and yet perplexing dream. I was in a place surrounded with other believers and while I did not see Jesus, I was filled with tremendous peace knowing that the presence of God was there. Was I supposed to be in Heaven? I did not know. But somehow I realized that any sins I had, frustrations, behaviors that were prone to angry outbursts, were gone. God had recreated and resurrected me to a state where sin could no longer dwell within me. Sin was simply not an option any longer. I would sin no more.

I was confused, unsure whether this was truly happening to me. But then someone came up to me, agitated, demanding an explanation for what was happening. Instead of getting upset, I looked at this person and realized that I no longer needed to respond in anger or hurt because sin no longer existed in me.

I looked around and saw that everyone was earnestly studying and memorizing Bible verses. I knew that unless I truly understood and kept the Word of God at the tip of my lips and within my heart, I would not be able to truly experience the full blessings of God and Heaven.

I awoke with my heart pounding. I am really unsure why; perhaps it was fear of being so close to the presence of God, perhaps it was the fear that I have not done enough with my time on earth to learn God’s Word or to repent of my sins. I recounted the dream and analyzed it, holding it up to God’s Word. There was nothing in the dream that could be supported by the Bible’s description of Heaven. However, the dream was a vivid reminder that someday, sin will no longer an option because Jesus will give me a new body and new nature, like His. I do not have to live like this any longer.

I know my Savior lives and because of Him, all sins are wiped away. Because of Him, I can stand redeemed and reconciled to God.

AMEN!

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

Adam-The First Scientist (Genesis 2:17-18)

And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them:and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
Genesis 2:17-18

Adam was the first scientist. God gave him the task of naming all the animals. So Adam was also the first biologist, zoologist, and taxonomist. You name the scientific specialty and it could be applied to Adam! Adam’s knowledge was passed down through the ages. Who knows how close the original names that Adam gave to each animal resemble the names we currently use?

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Psalm 9:1

One need only look and observe God’s Creation to be compelled to share it with others. A scientist may delve deep into the mechanisms of life but with each descent, even more mysteries emerge. And with each profound discovery, the even greater layers of complexity and wonders that exist should direct one to the awesomeness of our Creator.

...for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
1 Samuel 2:3

Knowledge is important and esteemed in God’s eyes. But knowledge for knowledge's sake is meaningless and futile unless it leads us to God, who is the source of all knowledge. Take a look at the world around you. Like Adam, you can marvel at the complexity of God’s creation and be thankful to a merciful and loving God who created a world with such diversity and wonder, all waiting for us to discover it!

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

The Recital of Life (Luke 15:7)

Nearly every student who plays a musical instrument will face the inevitable..the recital.

Resplendently dressed, the students introduce themselves to the audience of teachers and parents and nervously announce their musical selection. After a few awkward seconds of positioning their instrument, the music begins. In a few minutes, applause, and it is over...until the next recital!

I have felt the nervousness and anxiety, as a performer and parent. The recital is a collective effort, one that will be repeated many times. And the purpose? Hopefully the student will progress and be thankful to their parents and teachers who reached out and encouraged them.

Our life on this earth is a recital, a preparation for the afterlife. We are the performers and the only audience member that matters is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout our life, God will reach out to us through events, through relationships, through every possible means to know that He is caring for us and loves us with a perfect and limitless love.

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety- nine just persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15:7

The most important task we must perform at this recital of life is to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And if we do so in this life, we will be greeted with His loving embrace the moment we pass from this life into eternity. It is then we will experience the applause and joy that occurred in heaven, the moment we repented from our sins and accepted Jesus into our life.

But we only have one chance, while we live in this life. There are no further rehearsals or recitals once we die.

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