Author: indurancewpadmin

I spend a lot of time with children – life’s best educators.  I’ve found two of my little companions to be extremely entertaining and enlightening – Noah and Caleb (see attached photo, 2006).  I’m most impressed by how they defend each other – when one gets in trouble, most of the time, the other will speak on his behalf.  And they’re so convincing; if you listen long enough, you’ll retract the incriminating evidence. 🙂

Moses serves the same purpose in today’s recharge.  When the Israelites blew it, he pleaded on their behalf to reverse GOD’S pending judgment.  Likewise, JESUS defends us against the devil’s charges.  No wonder John wrote, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous” (1 John 2:1, New Living Translation). What an awesome SAVIOR HE is!

Be blessed …

One childhood experience will remain in my memory forever … 11th grade, Spring semester.  As I walked down the hall after school, I caught wind of a rumor spreading about me.  Immediately, I lost it – flipped my wig, blew a fuse, the works!  In the midst of my whirlwind of words, one of my favorite teachers eased into the hallway and said, “Reggie, into my room; NOW!”  Within seconds, she uttered the words that often struck fear in my heart, “Would your dad approve of what I heard you say?”

In retrospect, I wish I had kept my mouth shut.  Had I been silent, my life would have proved the rumor wrong.  That’s the perspective JESUS offers in today’s text.  While the false accusations poured in, JESUS remained silent.  If HE didn’t feel the need to “fix” the rumors, then why should we?  JESUS understood that the wrong words – at the seemingly right time – can prove catastrophic.

So the next time you’re tempted to “put someone in check,” remember JESUS’ response.  Or, reflect on the powerful insight in the following quote: “‘Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt” (Abraham Lincoln).

If you have children – or any connection to children – then this example will be relevant.  Imagine this: you’ve had the longest day ever at work.  You don’t feel like cooking, so you stop by McDonald’s and purchase a six-piece chicken nuggets happy meal for your child. As the child eats the food, you develop a “taste” for some nuggets. You ask the child for one, then s/he looks at you and says, “No, they’re mine!”  Now, consider the numerous responses you could offer – “No you didn’t!” … “After I spent my hard-earned money, this is the thanks I get.” 🙂

Each day, GOD gives billions of people time – the most precious gift ever.  But sometimes, we’re like the child in the example above; we act as if we made the day.  Truthfully, everything we have, GOD gave it to us (thanks Uncle Darrish!).  So, make sure you give HIM the portion of the week HE requires.

Have a blessed day!

I’m biased, but “Akeelah and the Bee” has to be one of the most inspirational movies ever.  Most people remember her tenacity or the infamous quote on the wall, but I’m moved by a different scene from the movie.  Akeelah had mustered the courage to pursue the national spelling bee title, only to discover that her coach (Laurence Fishburn) would suspend his services.  She was broken, and in her despair, she wondered who would help her.  Shortly thereafter, Akeelah realized she had an entire neighborhood full of coaches.  And, she didn’t have to find them; they found her!

Many of us are like Akeelah – we worry about who will fund or support our GOD-given dreams.  Moses, however, gives us an encouraging perspective – GOD will give provision for the vision.  After GOD commanded Moses to make the Tent of Meeting and the garments for the high priests – assignments probably outside of Moses’ jurisdiction – he sent help, people gifted to complete the assignment.  All Moses had to do was lead, his true gift.

GOD’s requirement for us is the same as Moses’ – do what HE asks you to do, and let HIM fill in the gaps.  Always remember, HE’S able to supply our every need!

Be blessed …

It’s good to know that GOD does not ignore our faithfulness.  When we give HIM the honor HE deserves, HE releases grace, mercy, and peace into our lives.  What an awesome GOD we serve!

This isn’t grammatically correct, but an old saying notes, “Ain’t it funny how tables turn?”  If you don’t believe it, then ask Michael Vick.  He was an adored celebrity, often esteemed as the savior of the Atlanta Falcons franchise.  When the dog-fighting allegations arose, however, the admiration and allegiance quickly turned into condemning attitudes.  People were so supportive of Vick during his prime, but not during his peril.  It’s funny, as a “criminal” he can’t find comfort, while a celebrity, he could.

Such a thing occurred to JESUS in the today’s text.  As HE neared the most excruciating trial of HIS life, HE longed for the support of friends.  To HIS surprise, HE found them sleeping.  In HIS moment of crisis, JESUS discovered that HIS only true friend was GOD.

Don’t assess your friends when all is well; rather, look for those who help you when all seems hopeless.  As John Churton Collins once wrote, “In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.”

Be blessed …

I’m biased, but navigation systems are arguably the best technological advancement (especially for the “find-it-yourself” driver).  These accessories make driving simple.  You enter the destination, and somehow, the program leaves your current location, travels to the destination, and returns with step-by-step directions.  WOW!  Even better, some navigation systems come equipped with voice command. Just listen, and the voice prompts will guide you to the destination!

JESUS is our spiritual navigation system.  As the angel guided and Israelites to the promised land, so JESUS directs us to heaven.  And there’s good news.  If you venture off course, JESUS, like a good navigation system, will meet you where you are, and direct you from there.  What an awesome GOD HE is!

Be blessed …

I’m an avid Carolina fan; since 1982 (when I was 2.5 years old), I’ve pledged allegiance to the Tar Heels.  One memory left a lasting impression in my mind.  Remember the 2005 away game against Duke?  We had the ball with 19 seconds left, trailing 71-70.  It looked like a sure win, but the play collapsed, and Carolina never attempted a shot.  I guess the players thought they had more time than they really did.

Many people live as if they have more time than they do.  We plan for the future as if tomorrow is guaranteed.  Today’s recharge is a gentle reminder that the eternal time clock is ticking, and JESUS will return soon.  Make sure you’re ready when HE calls a timeout on your life.

Be blessed …

The year 2007 could be nicknamed “The Year of Mistakes.”  Countless celebrities and national “heroes” made terrible mistakes.  Perhaps you remember Don Imus’ “nappy-headed hoes” or Michael Vick’s dog-fighting scandal. Maybe you recall the steroid scandals in Olympic/professional sports or Isaiah Thomas’ harassment allegations.  Many people made mistakes I’m sure they now regret!

While the reports offered were troubling, I was more shocked by the crucifying comments people offered.  Truthfully, we’re all guilty of mistakes; no one has room to judge.  What if you received the punishment you REALLY deserved for your mistakes?

I read the verses included above, and immediately, I had to thank GOD for sparing me.  I’ve made some irrational decisions in my life, that apart from HIS mercy, I wouldn’t be alive to write you today.  When you think about what GOD could have done in response to your errors, it softens the scrutiny with which we view other people.  Long story short … if you’ve received mercy, be the first to give it.

Be blessed …

Maybe it’s just me, but arrogance really irritates me.  I’m baffled by people who act like they’ve “arrived.”  If you’ve lived a few years, I’m sure you’ve stumbled across a few.  What about Mr./Mrs. “Big Shot” – just received the promotion and now s/he is too important to speak?  Or maybe you’ve encountered “Vanity Smurf” – flaunting her/his riches although you remember the rags.  Arrogant people really get under my skin.

That’s why I appreciate Moses.  Although he had been an instrument of GOD’S awesome power, his head didn’t swell.  When Jethro, his father-in-law, came to visit, he bowed low in reverence.  What a great example he set for us!

No matter where life takes you, remember how you got there.  And, here’s a gentle reminder from JESUS: “But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12, New Living Translation).  Humility is the way to heights unknown.