From The Bishop's Desk

King Espoused Speaking Against Injustice

2011-08-25T14:39:00.001-04:00

"If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." These words were spoken over 2,000 years ago by those who opposed and disagreed with Jesus Christ. They were concerned that Jesus would change their way of living; their status in the nation. So in an instance, they created a plan to silence the voice of Jesus.

Sadly, the volatile practice of removing the dissenting voice continues even today. Last week, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot at close range, and six others, including a federal judge and a 9-year-old girl, were killed. Many say that the shooter was not a proponent of any political cause and that his murderous actions should only be associated with his mental instability. Even so, it seems there was an attempt to silence the congresswoman's voice.

Forty-three years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a victim of violence perpetrated in an attempt to silence his voice because he spoke out against the racial and economic injustice of our times. His stance, his willingness to speak to oppositional power, changed the world. Consequently, many more people live with hope and possibility. Obviously, speaking up and speaking out can be costly, even deadly.

However, when we remain silent, evil and wrong prevail. The Rev. Leonard Sweet said it this way: "If we don't learn from history, we shall be compelled to relive it. True. But if we do not change the future, we shall be compelled to endure it. And that could be worse."

To speak or not to speak is the question and the choice we all must make in choosing to remember King's admonishment that "injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere." We don't have the luxury of being silent. We must address the issues of our day and challenge systems that are unfair.

When we get involved, we should do so with the conviction of pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said, "I must live through the difficult period of our national history with the Christian people of Germany. I shall have no right to participate in the reconstruction ... if I do not share in the trials of this time with my people."

As we celebrate the memory of Rev. King, let's continue in the discourse of peaceful disagreements. We all want our voices to be heard. We want a future with a world we can live in and be treated with equality and respect. Our thoughts and opinions should never cost us our lives.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t.anthony bronner

Finish Well

2011-08-25T14:33:00.000-04:00

“And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11)

“All men seek happiness, This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. They will never take the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.” – Blaise Pascal

Blaise Pascal, the French philosopher, made it extremely clear that humanity is always in search of happiness or joy; and there are no exception! He even acknowledged hanging oneself as an attempt to achieve happiness. Of course, he was going to great length to pictorially explain how humanity will do anything to be happy. In all fairness however, Pascal went on to say that happiness or joy can't be acquired without faith. "And yet, after such a great number of years, no one without faith has reached the point to which all continually look. All complain princes and subjects, noblemen and commoners, old and young, strong and weak, learned and ignorant, healthy and sick, of all countries, all times, all ages, and all conditions". He (Pascal) implied that there is nothing within humanity's surroundings or within human effort that can bring happiness or joy.

Joy comes from God. Or better yet joy comes from being with or in God. There are joyous things that may come to us, but they will not produce continual or consistent happiness. Most of us can agree that these things often expire or lose their initial luster or excitement. However, the one thing that never loses its ability to foster joy is Jesus. When he was being introduced to the world, the angel said: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus is the permanent and perpetual Joy that was given to the world; and in John15:11 he clearly says that having him, or his joy, in us will make our joy complete: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”. Being associated, and in relationship, with Jesus can bring a life of joy.

Unlike other things in life, Jesus doesn’t change. Jesus' involvement or interaction with us does not fluctuate like our relationships with other people. Jesus sees us as indispensable and will not jeopardize the covenant relationship he has with us even when we struggle to live up to the potential or standards of our covenant requirements. Jesus constantly chooses to maintain relationship with his people even when his people don’t make that same choice for him. "If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). We can be joyous with Christ because "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever"(Hebrew 13:8). Jesus' wish for us to have joy was realized in his willingness to sacrifice his life for us.

Now, of course, there are evil forces at work that try to hamper and hinder the believer from having joy. There are life situations that happen that can make you think that joy is not possible. But, the joy that comes from and in God cannot be taken away by the evil one or the forces of evil. The joy of Jesus remains, for before his crucifixion Jesus said to his disciples "The sadness you have right now is similar to [the pain of childbirth], but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you" (John 16:22).

God so desires for us to be happy and joyous that he continually offers his son, Jesus, to the world as a gift; and whoever receives God's Son can have salvation, life and joy."For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). With that being said, we should respond to the command and suggestion of the psalmist: "take delight in the Lord" (Psalm 37:4). In other words be happy in the Lord for so much has been given so that we can be happy or joyous. In closing, if we grab hold to the joy that is promised to us this joy will be our strength until we see our Savior face to face (see Neh. 8:10).

"Joy to the world the Lord is come"

Prayer: Lord thank you for coming to the world that I may know and have authentic joy. I love you and the joy I have in you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Joy To The World

2011-08-25T14:31:00.001-04:00

“And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11)

“All men seek happiness, This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. They will never take the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.” – Blaise Pascal

Blaise Pascal, the French philosopher, made it extremely clear that humanity is always in search of happiness or joy; and there are no exception! He even acknowledged hanging oneself as an attempt to achieve happiness. Of course, he was going to great length to pictorially explain how humanity will do anything to be happy. In all fairness however, Pascal went on to say that happiness or joy can't be acquired without faith. "And yet, after such a great number of years, no one without faith has reached the point to which all continually look. All complain princes and subjects, noblemen and commoners, old and young, strong and weak, learned and ignorant, healthy and sick, of all countries, all times, all ages, and all conditions". He (Pascal) implied that there is nothing within humanity's surroundings or within human effort that can bring happiness or joy.

Joy comes from God. Or better yet joy comes from being with or in God. There are joyous things that may come to us, but they will not produce continual or consistent happiness. Most of us can agree that these things often expire or lose their initial luster or excitement. However, the one thing that never loses its ability to foster joy is Jesus. When he was being introduced to the world, the angel said: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus is the permanent and perpetual Joy that was given to the world; and in John15:11 he clearly says that having him, or his joy, in us will make our joy complete: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”. Being associated, and in relationship, with Jesus can bring a life of joy.
Unlike other things in life, Jesus doesn’t change. Jesus' involvement or interaction with us does not fluctuate like our relationships with other people. Jesus sees us as indispensable and will not jeopardize the covenant relationship he has with us even when we struggle to live up to the potential or standards of our covenant requirements. Jesus constantly chooses to maintain relationship with his people even when his people don’t make that same choice for him. "If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). We can be joyous with Christ because "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever"(Hebrew 13:8). Jesus' wish for us to have joy was realized in his willingness to sacrifice his life for us.

Now, of course, there are evil forces at work that try to hamper and hinder the believer from having joy. There are life situations that happen that can make you think that joy is not possible. But, the joy that comes from and in God cannot be taken away by the evil one or the forces of evil. The joy of Jesus remains, for before his crucifixion Jesus said to his disciples "The sadness you have right now is similar to [the pain of childbirth], but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you" (John 16:22).

God so desires for us to be happy and joyous that he continually offers his son, Jesus, to the world as a gift; and whoever receives God's Son can have salvation, life and joy."For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). With that being said, we should respond to the command and suggestion of the psalmist: "take delight in the Lord" (Psalm 37:4). In other words be happy in the Lord for so much has been given so that we can be happy or joyous. In closing, if we grab hold to the joy that is promised to us this joy will be our strength until we see our Savior face to face (see Neh. 8:10).

"Joy to the world the Lord is come"

Prayer: Lord thank you for coming to the world that I may know and have authentic joy. I love you and the joy I have in you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Accepting Plan B

2011-08-25T14:30:00.001-04:00

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for (Jeremiah 29:11 MSG).

During an interview with political analyst, Keith Olbermann, Elizabeth Edwards, author and wife of John Edwards, was sharing how she copes with dealing with plan b. She said, in essence, that you can't practice eternal disappointment when things don't go your way. She was saying this in light of a son who died; two bouts with cancer and dealing with the infidelity of her prominent and very visible husband. Elizabeth had resilience, the name of her book, and the ability to adjust after adversary. She didn't succumb to living life with regret and bitterness and sinking into despair and discontent when the initial and desired plan was not realized. She didn't get stuck in the various difficult moments of her life. She moved passed them and embraced what could happen after those situations. In no shape or fashion did Mrs. Edwards live in denial. She was clearly aware of the intensity of each of her issues. It appears she went through the process and steps of loss, and she reached a level of acceptance about life and what life can bring. Sadly, life is not always fair, but Elizabeth Edwards has proven that it is livable – even through the unfairness.

There are a great number of biblical characters who had to accept plan b for their lives as well. But, maybe their plan b was always God's plan and will. Although Moses was living comfortably and successfully in Egypt, was it not God's desire for him to be the leader who would lead the children of Israel from bondage and slavery to a place where they could worship God freely? "And say to him, 'GOD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you with this message, ‘Release my people so that they can worship me in the wilderness.’ So far you haven't listened"(Exodus 7:16). There was also David who was tending sheep for his father, Jesse; and there is no suggested biblical text that reveals he desired more than that for his life. He was living out his plan. Then God called him from obscurity to become the beloved and controversial king of Israel. "And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah" (I Samuel 16:12-13).

The above illustrations, Moses and David, are for the, most part, favorable stories. However, there are people like Mrs. Edwards who had to make adjustments after encountering tragedies. Maybe, the coping mechanism for those types of situations is the wonderful verse where God told the children of Israel: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for (Jeremiah 29:11 MSG). These are words of comfort - our beloved God knows the difficulty God's people are going through and God will take care of us and will not abandon us in the midst of our transition. Then there is the wonderful promise that God is concerned about our future.

Simply, God will help us pass the most unbelievable moments of our lives and bless us with a satisfying future. God will give us the strength to endure and adjust to God's plan for our life. It may seem like plan b, but maybe it’s simply that we are coming into agreement with God's plan and making the declaration that Jesus made: "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39). Plainly, there may be some things that are unavoidable and some bitter cups that will not be removed: hurts, losses, disappointments or adversities. Nonetheless, may God give you strength to say not my will but your will be done. In other words, not my plan but your plan God.

Prayer: Lord I accepted your plan, A and B, for my life. Lord just let your will be done, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

An Open Heart

2011-08-25T14:29:00.005-04:00

But she said, "Don't call me Naomi; call me Bitter. The Strong One has dealt me a bitter blow (Ruth 1:20)

I heard Keith Urban say he asked his wife (Nicole Kidman) “how is your heart?" and her reply was “open”. And I wondered – an open heart - is that the key to leading an engaging, exceptional and enchanting life?

An open heart is sacred. The resiliency of the human spirit is reflected in the open heart. It shows a willingness to receive and become.... It is the open heart that finds its way through episodes of darkness and grief. An open heart embraces the moment and operates in the spirit of invitation: the invitation to live without suspicion, long for without fear of disappointment, laugh without the paranoia of being watched, love without judgment, and accept grief as a necessary but temporary life experience. Open hearted people learn from isolated hurts without making them universal: i.e. “men are dogs”; “women are gold-diggers”; “preachers want my money”; “church folk are nasty” or “I’ll never love again”.

Closed-hearted people, on the other hand, tend to be cynical, cold and callous, and according to leadership expert, Marty Linsky they redefine these terms so that their closed-heartedness will not sound so bad. They call cynicism “realism” and their callousness they refer to as being “thick skinned”. Unfortunately, they miss out on innocence, curiosity, change and compassion. They fail to realize that open-heartedness is an important factor in the development of one’s own spirit and personal identity. Of course, as Linsky asserts, “it takes courage to keep an open heart”! And with that thought (the courageousness of the open heart) in mind let’s consider this passage from Ruth.

Understandably, Naomi’s heart closed after the death of her husband and sons. Her disposition, reflected in Ruth chapter 1, was dismal and bleak. She had no expectation, she was not embraceable, she was not engaging and she was no longer the example of godliness she once was, and neither did she want to be.

*un-Expecting – Naomi had no hope. She had concluded that because she had no family she had no future. She would never have another husband nor any more children, and even if she had the hope of remarrying and bearing more sons – could she realistically expect her daughters in law to wait for these new sons to grow up? “... If I should have an husband also tonight, and should also bear sons; would ye tarry for them till they were grown?” (Ruth 1: 12b – 13a).

*un-Embraceable – Like many of us, Naomi wanted to be alone in her sorrow. She could not have the relationships she once enjoyed with her husband and sons, so she wanted no relationship at all. She admonished Ruth to leave her just as her other daughter in law had done: "Behold, your sister in law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister in law". (vs.15)

*dis-Engaging – Naomi really wanted Ruth to leave, but Ruth insisted upon staying. So Naomi finally gave up and just stopped talking to her. She altogether withdrew as they made their way home: “when she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.” (vs. 18)

*non-Exemplifying – Naomi’s pain was so great that she hardly even recognized herself. She no longer saw herself as an example of God’s sufficiency. Rather, she saw herself as lacking. She even assigned to herself a new name which she thought to be better suited to her circumstance: And when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, "Is this Naomi? She said to them, "Do not call me Naomi call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty” (vss. 1:19-21a).

What, you may ask, is the cure for a closed heart? Well, the answer is friendship – true friendship. A friend is a second self (Cicero) and as theologian, Leonard Sweet points out a true friend “won't let you surrender to your dark side. She holds on to you for dear life when you are about to fall into the grave of the bottomless pit, where death lies".

Of course a true friend is not necessarily a best friend. Depending on where you are in your journey any friend could conceivably be your best friend, but a true friend is she who helps you to face the truth of where you are so that you can get to where you need to be. According to Antisthenes (ancient philosopher and cynic) there are two people on whom you can count to tell you the truth about yourself – an enemy who has lost her temper or a friend who loves you dearly. Whereas a best friend may not tell you the truth, a true friend will always do what is best for you. Ruth was a true friend to Naomi. She clung to her during her most difficult time in life: "And they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung"(Ruth 1:14). Although Naomi wanted to be forsaken Ruth’s decision to cling was best for her. It’s not that Ruth didn’t understand Naomi’s sorrow. She understood it, and she shared in it for she too had suffered loss. It’s just that Ruth was determined that this time of sorrow would not be the defining factor in their lives. Ruth did not argue or fight with Naomi. She simply held her ground until the hardship passed. True friends see you as indispensable, and they will stick with you through the most difficult circumstance.

Ruth saw Naomi as indispensable and she would not allow her heart to remain closed.

Prayer: Thank you God for open hearted friends who keep our hearts from closing and rescue us from sorrow, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God's Peace And Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Intentional Gratitude

2011-08-25T14:29:00.003-04:00

He then went back to the Holy Man, he and his entourage, stood before him, and said, "I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no God anywhere on earth other than the God of Israel. In gratitude let me give you a gift." (2 Kings 5:15MSG)

It has been said "people who are kind don't have to be kind to you". Acts of kindness are often a choice, and those who make those choices don't have to include you. So when you are the recipient of kindness you should intentionally express gratitude and appreciation. Immediately thank the provider or giver for their time, talent or treasure. Do not delay the articulation of the honor felt upon receiving any form of kindness or well wishes.

In this text, Naaman illustrates how to express appreciation to the man of God who was used by God to perform a miracle in his life (2 Kings 5:1-19). Naaman, a prestigious leader, was healed from leprosy- a contagious disease that isolated people from their communities. In dramatic fashion Naaman was required to dip seven times in dirty water before he was healed. God could have healed this dignitary without the dirty water, but God often uses extreme measures with extreme people who think they are extremely important or extraordinary. Maybe, this is God’s way of generating humility and removing the disposition of entitlement.

Naaman was not initially grateful for the manner in which was being handled or the methodology of his healing. Based upon who he was, he thought that he should be treated a certain way. However, the prophet gave Naaman no special treatment. Eventually Naaman relented and was obedient to the orders and directions of God through the man of God. Then he was healed.

Being a recipient of this act of kindness lead him to declare: "I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no God anywhere on earth other than the God of Israel. In gratitude let me give you a gift" (2 Kings 5:15). Notice how his sincere thanks was directed to God for being a healer in his life. God provided the opportunity for him to be restored to his status and station in life. More importantly however, God restored his ability to love his mate, to embrace is children and to function freely in society without public stigma. He was no longer an outcast with a socially despised disease. So, his first expression of thanksgiving was to the Lord.

His second intentional expression of gratitude was towards the man of God whom God used. He said, in essence, to the prophet let me give you a gift for being willing to interact with a leper: a person whom society shunned and didn’t tolerate. Thank you for exhibiting love and obedience and risking your own reputation. By the way, the prophet would not receive the gift, but instead granted him favor. Elisha said, "Everything will be all right. Go in peace" (2 Kings 5:19).

Well, during this season of thanksgiving and advent let us intentionally thank God for God's intervention in our lives by way of salvation (letting Jesus – God’s love - come to town to love and save us); sanctification (perpetually changing us so we can function in the world) and sources (giving us what we need to survive and succeed). Then, let's thank those whom God has used, and is using, to make a difference in our lives. If they hadn’t come into our lives we might still be unsure of our identity, or struggling with that issue or living in isolation. Go tell them thank you. Some parent, partner, pastor or other person should hear your intentional expression of gratitude.

Prayer: Lord thank you for being God in my life and letting people display the love of God in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Change Your Status

2011-08-25T14:21:00.001-04:00

Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! (2 Corinthians 5:17 MSG)

The social network Facebook asks for your status. The objective is to determine your standing in life: married, single, divorced or whatever. This gives the population somewhat of a depiction of who you are or where you are in your life. If your standing changes then you are expected to update your status report. Well, when you are in Christ, you are a new creature, and you have a change of status.

As the apostle shared with the church of Corinth, when a person is connected to Jesus, he/she gets a fresh start and a new lease on life. The old is “gone” and everything is “becoming” new. There are two tenses used in this verse. On the one hand, the old things – old concepts, value systems, priorities, beliefs, loves, and ideas - are gone: simple past tense. Due to positional eradication the old things have lost their power to control and influence. Redemptive thoughts preoccupy the mind and heart instead. The believer can see, hear and perceive from a different (better) lens and process things from an improved mindset. On the other hand, while the old things are simply gone, the new things are yet becoming: future perfect tense. This appears to be associated with progressive sanctification. The believer is on a learning curve, and is constantly discovering new things in God. Upon learning and receiving the new truths the believer can apply them to life such that there is a new display of attitude, behavior and conduct.

It is good to know biblical truth or doctrine. Only then can the believer live life in accordance with the will of God. The truth of God becomes the prevailing thought thereby conquering antithetical thinking that does not line up with God's word and giving the believer strength to fight against pervasive strongholds. It becomes difficult for the enemy or negativity to hold the believer captive. The Christian will look at life’s challenges with hopefulness and determined faith. There will be a certainty that all things will work together for the good to them that love the Lord and are called according to God's purpose (Romans 8:28). You will see valley experiences as opportunities to be reminded that God is with you and that with God you need not fear any evil. Fiery trials will no longer be an effective strategy for destruction, but a way of being purified and developed.

Simply, in God you have new status! You are no longer what or who you used to be. Update your report. View and define yourself the way God does. God sees you as victorious and not as a victim; as prosperous not pitiful and as healthy and not hurting. Go ahead and sing along with Andre Jones and the Sacred Assembly; "My status is changing. The decline has declined. I’m on my way to better days". You Are On Your Way To Better Days. So, change your status.

Prayer: Lord thank you for changing my status, in Jesus’ name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

We Are Not Distressed

2011-08-25T14:20:00.001-04:00

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed ... (2 Corinthians 4:8)

Sport metaphors are used to describe various events in life. Use of the term “knocked it out of the park” refers to something having been done extremely well. “In the ninth inning” indicates that time is running out. “Down for the count” suggests a reaching of one’s limits or an inability to continue. “Y.A.C. – yards after contact” demonstrates an ability to produce after being hit hard by something or someone. “Two strikes against you” denotes the entering of a danger zone in which one more error will leave you without options. Sadly, sports notwithstanding, this particular terminology is often used in the penal system with reference to African American men who are repeat offenders. And yes, I digress but, I must pause here to say that many of our convicted brothers are in need of greater assistance not greater legal restrictions. Then lastly (returning to our sports metaphors) “ran the distance” implies a show of endurance through difficulties and transitions. These are but a few of the sports metaphors we so love to use. I’m sure you can name a few more.

Similarly, the apostle often used sports imagery to make a point and/or drive home an idea. In this particular verse, 2 Corinthians 4:8, Paul used sporting terminology common to his era to portray the Christian struggle. "The word rendered troubled" (thlibomenoi) was a wrestling concept used in the ancient Grecian games. It implied that a wrestling opponent or antagonist had crowded his competitor such that he could successfully grip, throw down and pin him. To “trouble” was to constrain, to hem in or to restrict movement. In other words it meant to stop progress and victory or to compress physically and oppress emotionally. Hence the reference to being “troubled” on every side: front, rear, and side- to-side.

Life can sometimes feel like a wrestling match. Stuff, situations and stressors can hem you in and make you feel like your progression is restricted. Even now many Christians (too many of us) are experiencing the harsh reality of being troubled on every side. Family issues, financial trouble, fatigue, fractured dreams and failing faith make us feel like life has gripped us and pinned us to the mat. We can hear the proverbial countdown as we are being counted out of the game. Recovery seems impossible and victory unattainable.

Please notice the very specific language of the apostle. He didn't say trouble might happen. He very matter-of-factly stated that trouble is on every side. He wanted it to be obvious and clear that trouble does occur in the life of the believer. Even Jesus said "you will have suffering in this world"(John16:33). "Many are the afflictions of the righteous (Psalms 34:19). This troubled, by the way, is not a consequence of doing or being wrong. It is the trouble that comes with life as in the "man/woman who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1).

Now, here is the word of faith. Paul wrote contrasting metaphors to demonstrate the human struggle on the one side and Godly strength on the other side. The apostle said although there is trouble on every side and the wrestler has us confined, we are not distressed. We are confined to the degree that we cannot turn or move about, but we are not put in a strait. In keeping with the sports metaphor, we have another turn. Consider for instance that in baseball there are nine innings and each batter has an average of three to four at bats. So, the batter who strikes out the first time has yet another turn. Paul was plainly saying that in Jesus the Christian has another turn. The believer is not an easy out! The enemy can countdown, but the follower of Christ cannot be counted out of the game of life. As servants of God we are more than conquers and we are triumphant in all things (see Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 2).

Life may try to wrestle you and pin you, but you are not distressed-YOU GOT ANOTHER TURN.

Prayer Lord we know that in you all things work together for our good because we love you and are called according to your purpose (Romans8:28), in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Chasing The Things Of God

2011-08-25T14:19:00.001-04:00

I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14 HCSB)

Abraham Lincoln said "with the catching ends the pleasure of the chase". The apostle understood this concept. He told the church of Philippi, in essence, he would be pursuing God and the things of God for the rest of his life. He made it abundantly clear that it was not even possible for him, or anybody else, to think he had arrived or achieved all he was going to achieve in God. "I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me"(Philippians 3:12 MSG). He said he is in constant pursuit because he has not reached perfection. Is it possible that the apostle’s honest assessment of his own life and its underdeveloped areas kept him chasing God so intently?

Some Christians lose their zeal and become spiritually bored when they have an unrealistic and unhealthy diagnosis of themselves. They think they got it all together and they are superior to other Christians because they can quote more scriptures, they attended more services, or they know more doctrine. These are all great accomplishments but they should not hamper the pursuit of the Lord. As a matter of fact, if we would compare ourselves to Christ and not to others we would recognize the need to do more studying, praying and worshipping. Jesus’ perfection, and being the Son of God, should humble each of us and increase our desire and drive to chase after God.

Now, it is worth noting, that although the apostle said he didn't have it all together he was well on his way. I just want to point out the obvious - that our acceptance of our own imperfections as Christians should not be used as an excuse for immaturity. If we have been walking with the Lord for some time, there should be some evidence of fruit and productivity in our lives. Others, and we ourselves, should be able to see the fruit of the spirit in us - the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (see Gal 5:22,23). Mature Christians should not always be offering excuses, confessing perpetual mistakes and mishaps or falls and failures. There should be some times when we can declare victory, success, happiness or joy. Old things should be passing away and some things should be becoming new (see 2 Cor. 5:17). In Christ we do become new creatures.

Nonetheless, the apostle said he only has one goal or desire and that is to pursue God and the things of God. He had forgotten the things of the past. He said they were no longer important or an option. "Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus" (Phil 3:13 MSG). The apostle said his focus was singular and clearly defined. The things of the world had grown strangely dim in light of God's glory and grace. The apostle had fully turned his eyes to the face of Jesus. His longing and passion was to see and be with Jesus.

May we all who name the name of Christ reach that unique objective and join the pleasurable chase and pursuit of God and the things of God - God's word, prayer, worship and an intense walk with and before Jesus. Before you feel some unreasonable guilt, be assured that none of us live(s) absent of earthly duties and responsibilities. We all have the weight of earth on our shoulders, but may we all find the delight of having those memorable moments in God's presence and may our spirits and souls always be longing for God. As the deer desires water may our souls long for the things of God (see Psalms 42).

Prayer: Lord may I never tire of chasing you, in Jesus’ name Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Still In Love

2011-08-25T14:18:00.001-04:00

... God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8)

Brian McKnight wrote one of the greatest love songs ever written. In his song “Still In Love”, he describes his undying love for the object of his affection. He made it abundantly clear that if the unthinkable happened he would still be in love. Read these intense lyrics: When eagles forget how to fly...And it's twenty below in July...And when violets turn red....And roses turn blue...I'll be still in love with you”. Wow that's love, and I know some of us may be thinking have I ever loved anybody that way or has anybody ever loved me that way. I'm sure some may respond with a resounding yes and others may be saying no way.

However, this is one thing we all can be sure of - God has never ever stopped loving us. God is still in love with us. The apostle told the Church of Rome that while we were still sinners “God demonstrated God's great love for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for us” (Romans 5:8). What manner of love does God have for us that God would STILL love us when we were unlovable, uncontrollable, undesirable and unwilling to obey and follow? Perhaps, this is where we pause and think about some of our bad decisions, wayward directions and delinquent ways, and then declare with excitement and amazement Still In Love With Me?

The bible is a love story of a God who has been willing to love humanity while humanity has been intentionally willing to make choices antithetical to God's desires and wishes. At the risk of being repetitive and rehearsing familiar biblical history, Adam and Eve began the process of breaking God's heart by choosing to listen to a sneaky snake. Following their act of disobedience there is a litany of biblical characters who disappointed God: Moses having an intense angry moment; Abraham's repetitive lies; David's immoral decisions and so on and so on. Then there are our many sinful ways, and yet the biblical text affirms that God is still in love with us.

If an unexplainable earthly love could cause our hearts to skip a beat, how much the more should we have endless praise and thanksgiving for a God who loves us beyond measure? One song says “I can sing of His love forever”. I know it sounds like foolishness. But maybe, just maybe, it is not that foolish when we cognitively consider his sacrificial love at Calvary. The love of God deserves continual applause from us. Full regard for God's love for us might even resolve our occasional conversation that nobody loves us. God is still in love with us. God's love remains constant for all generations. God is not unfaithful or untrue. God never seeks to deceive or mislead. God's love is dependable, reliable and accountable.

Brian may have written one of the greatest love songs, but God has performed or provided the greatest display of love ever. “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again” (John 3:16, 17 MSG).

Prayer: Thank you God for loving us in the most amazing and unbelievable way, in Jesus' Name Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

It Must Be The Shoes

2011-08-25T14:17:00.001-04:00

God said, "Don't come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You're standing on holy ground" (Exodus 3:5)

When I was growing up we had three kinds of shoes: play shoes, school shoes and church shoes. These shoes were to be worn during their designated time and there was hardly ever any overlap. You didn’t wear your church shoes to school, and you didn’t play in your school shoes. Well, one year my brother decided to wear his Easter (church) shoes to school on the Friday before Easter. Of course he scuffed the shoes and was not able to pass the preliminary fashion show we held on the Saturday evening before Easter. Our mother’s indictment against my brother was so severe that he may have received the worst whipping in the history of our household. Well, maybe the spanking my sister received when she forged my mother’s signature on her homework assignment was worst, but I digress. Anyway, our mother’s rationale for the intense discipline was that the scuffed shoes were a poor reflection on her.

Memory of that incident in the life of my family got me to thinking: is it possible that the Lord wanted Moses to take off his shoes because the shoes he had on were a poor reflection on God? Metaphorically speaking the shoes stopped him from making progress or matriculating in the things of God. God said to Moses, “Don’t come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You’re standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5).” In this passage the shoes Moses wore represented his past. They were reflective of the Egyptians culture in which he was raised, and because of them he could not get closer to God.

According to several scholars Egypt is a typology of the world. Whereas Moses' shoes depicted him as a worldly person, God want him to embrace holiness and righteousness so he was instructed to remove the shoes. Likewise, the apostle told the church of Ephesus you must pull or take off the former ways and behaviors and be renewed in your way of thinking and live a Christ- like life. "Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything--and I do mean everything--connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life--a God-fashioned life"(Ephesians 4:22 MSG).

Clearly, removing or eradicating the past is a challenge; and it cannot be met without the aid of the Holy Spirit who is willing to continually and constantly lead us into the truth: “And God's truth -the word of God- will make us free from the bondage of our former life. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32). As servants of God we cannot be double minded. We must either love the things of God or the things of the world. There is not room for both. Christians cannot be lukewarm or straddle the fence (see James 1:8; Revelation 3:16).

Therefore, we must be willing to take off our shoes (unrighteousness) in exchange for the opportunity to stand on holy ground (in the presence of God). Unwillingness, stubbornness or intense failed efforts in this regard can stop or delay our spiritual growth. An eagerness to be in God’s presence should be the motivation for removing our shoes. In God's presence is the fullness of joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength (see Psalm 16:11; Nehemiah 8:10). God's presence is the refreshing place for the believer: the place of security and safety. "You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow say this: GOD, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe"(Psalm 91: 1, 2). We should not be willing to hold on to anything that will disturb or distract us from genuinely and authentically being in the will, way, and presence of God.

It must be the shoes.

Prayer: Lord, as I long for a future with you, help me to take off the shoes of yesterday and forget my past, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Accusations

2011-08-25T14:16:00.001-04:00

Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying, Salvation and power are established! Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah! The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out, who accused them day and night before God (Revelation 12:10 MSG).

When I was a kid the last thing I wanted to hear from my siblings was “I’m going to tell Ma about your ...” (whatever my behavior and actions happened to be). These words fostered fear and concern. They also marked the beginning of the negotiations: If you keep this between us, then I will do anything you want me to do”. Or the conversation might have gone this way, “if you tell my business, then I will tell yours”. Whichever way it went keeping the secret about my imperfection was important to me and thought to be necessary for my well being simply because I did not want to experience the wrath, whooping or temporary withdrawal from my parents.

On the hand, if the words “I'm going to tell Ma” were said when I was innocent, I had a different type of confidence. I could function free of fear and anxiety. There wasn't any need for negotiation. I did not have to think about how I was going to spin the story or retell it to make me appear more favorably. There was no fear of the truth because truth was on my side: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32). As the wise, late Reverend Gus Wilson, former pastor of the New Kingdom Baptist Church where I grew up used to say "truth can walk down the street naked". Simply, the truth doesn't need to be concealed or covered. It is able to withstand accusation.

When the incarnated Jesus was being accused by the religious rulers of his day, he remained silent. "When the accusations rained down hot and heavy from the high priests and religious leaders, he said nothing"(Matthew 27:12). His silence was not an admission of guilt. Rather, it was confidence that truth would prevail. He knew that God would vindicate him and bring the injustice he was encountering to a halt. For the record, when charges were being leveled against Jesus, other people came to his defense and honor. "They said, "This has to be the Son of God"(Matthew 27:54).

As believers, we must become familiar with being falsely accused. Sadly, it goes with being a Christian. Accusation is one of the weapons in the arsenal of the devil. The devil constantly comes before the Lord accusing Christians regarding our conduct, character and choices. This demonic spirit also appears among believers in the church. Several times in the early church the apostle had to address issues of slander and accusations. As a matter of fact, the apostle said that in the last days there would be a pervasive spirit of verbal unkindness among Christians. "There are difficult times ahead, and as the end approaches people are going to be....dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage...and cynical (2 Timothy 3:1-3 MSG).

Therefore, since we know that the spirit of false accusations is operable in the world (and unfortunately the church as well) then let's not give the devil or people anything to talk about. We must prayerfully ask God for strength to live according to godly and biblical principles. Also, we should hold ourselves up to a higher standard and be free of excuses that justify ungodly actions and behaviors. Paul said we must "walk worthy of our vocation, and don't let our good be "evil spoken of"(see Eph 4:1; Rom14:16). Let us be holy as God is holy! (1 Peter 1:16).

Finally, we know that this Christian journey is not easy. It has great challenges and temptations. The Christian struggle is perhaps best captured in a portion of the hymn, “Come Thou Fount” which reads "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it: Prone to leave the God I love". Or as the apostle described it, the wrestling to live righteously presents internal difficulty: "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not" (Romans 7:18). For this reason, we must not judge other believers when they are fighting, falling or fallen into divers temptation. We must resist the tendency to accuse. Instead, we should pray for the strength of others and ourselves. "Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out" (Galatians 6:1MSG)

Prayer: Lord we seek your face for our own strength to live according to your word, will and way. Then God we ask that you give others power to live in obedience to your standards, sayings and statues. Please God the world is watching us to see you. We’re prone to wander Lord and we feel it: prone to leave the God we love. So take our hearts Lord and seal them – seal them for thy courts above, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

GOD Is Good

2011-08-25T14:15:00.001-04:00

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Psa. 103:1)

Good is one of those terms with a variety of meanings (see inset) and one of the truest mantras of the Christian community is “God is good all the time”. While there may be some who would disagree with this reality (and certainly they are entitled to their opinions) the vast majority of Christian believers support the idea that God is good:
*Morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: Good man
*Satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: Good health
*Of high quality; excellent: Good credentials
*Right; proper; fit: Good to be here
*Kind, beneficent, or friendly: Good deed
*Honorable or worth; Good standing; a good name
*Educated and refined: Good background
*Genuine; not counterfeit: Good quarter
*Reliable; dependable; responsible: Good advice
*Excellence or merit; kindness: Do good

The writer of Psalm 103 gives at least five examples of God’s goodness. One, the Lord has forgiven our individual sin (103:3). Two, God has healed sickness (103:3). Three, the Merciful One has provided deliverance from death (103:4). Four, God has given abundant kindness (103:4). And five, the Lord has assured food to sustain life (103:5). For these acts of goodness, the psalmist says emphatically, the recipient should bless the Lord. Biblical scholar, Albert Barnes, said the repetition of the phrase 'bless the Lord oh my soul' in verses one and two denotes the intensity or earnestness of the psalmist’s wish or desire. Blessing and praising of the Lord should not lack enthusiasm or exuberance. Worshippers should approach blessing God with the same level of energy they would use at an event in the secular world that provided excitement like the graduation of a child; the chance meeting of a favorite celebrity or a favorite team winning a championship.

Believers should always be cognizant of the goodness of God: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (103:2). We should deliberately and intentionally practice the art of remembering God’s goodness. Just as remembering historical achievements and accomplishments enables us to chart where we are and from whence we’ve come, remembering God’s goodness helps to keep us grateful and appreciative. Upon remembrance shouts of declaration and proclamation that God is good should be articulated: if it had not been for the Lord on our side where would we be (Psalm 118: 6). But, even more exciting than God being good is that God is actually good all the time. Hemingway once said “Good is what feels good after.” In other words if the sense of goodness persists over time then there is a “good chance” that you have a “good thing”. There are some indulgences that feel good during but not after. Just ask those of us who need to avoid some junk foods – i.e., potato chips. They’re good while we’re eating them, but we later pay the price for the pleasure.

Seriously though, have we not all been involved in relationships that appeared to be good or beneficial only to have our hearts broken and our spirits wounded? There are countless numbers of us who have been stunned by relationships gone bad or wild; and we can only describe those experiences as regrets. But such is not the case with God. Fortunately, the goodness of God does not result in guilt or shame.

A relationship with God is always good, and there are no regrets. There are times however, when conditions or experiences challenge our interaction with God. Listen to the psalmist's plea in Psalm 22 (vs. 1) "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? But, the same psalmist goes on (vs. 22) to say "I will declare your name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee”. Simply, the writer, like most of us, realized that God is good in the rough times as well as in the good times. So, he blesses the Lord with all that is within him.

Like Campbell’s soup – the Lord is umm, umm good!

Prayer: Bless the Lord o my soul and all that is within me. Lord I will bless you at all times: and your praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in you: the humble shall hear and be glad, in Jesus’ name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

NOT Going Rogue

2011-08-25T14:14:00.002-04:00

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. (1 Peter 5:8 MSG)

Not long ago politician, Sarah Palin released a book entitled “Going Rogue” in which she details her views of the 2008 presidential campaign. Since then there has been much discussion about her choice of a title. The nagging question is why would anyone want to be associated with going rogue? After all, by definition to be “rogue” is to be an unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person; a scoundrel or rascal". Less severely, “rogue” also means to operate outside of normal or desirable controls; and it is no doubt this latter definition with which Palin and her publishers are toying. They are appealing to our desire to have the real untold, uncensored, “uncontrolled” story.
Nevertheless, it is risky to associate oneself with rebellion and disruption. We ought not delight in being combative, destructive - like a rogue wind or wave, or being anti-community, or isolated like a vicious elephant who has separated from the pack. Old folk would say only people who have the devil in them would act like that. And, they’d have a point for the devil, by any definition, is indeed rogue.

The devil decided to leave the atmosphere, authority and administration of God, and create his own hellish and rogue alliance. "Satan's original rebellion resulted in one-third of the angelic host joining his insurrection..." (see Isa 14:12ff; Eze 28:11ff; Rev.12:4)(JM) Ever since that demonic revolt, this rogue bunch has only had one objective and that is to create havoc for God and the people of God. In fact, during one conversation Satan had with God in the book of Job, he told God that he was moving about the earth to see what mayhem he could cause: “One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."(Job 1:6-7).

Satan's rogue activity has caused a plethora of Godly servants to miss opportunities, to fall short of their objectives and to quit on their obligations. David had moral failure with Bathsheba because he could not resist the temptation to be with a married woman (see 2 Sam 12). Moses was hampered when he could not control his anger. Consequently, he was not permitted to enter into the promise land (Num 20). Martha missed the privilege of sitting at the feet of Jesus because she was cumbered with stuff- anxious (Luke 10). The bible is full of narratives about people who were challenged and provoked into going rogue by the enemy.

Just recently, there was an article written about a series of servants who, having found it difficult to oppose the attractions and temptations of the devil, have gone rogue. The article is called 'Preachers Gone Wild'. The story highlights all of the negative choices made by some well know preachers. Perhaps the only reason some of us weren't included is that we aren't as well known. Or, maybe it is because of the grace of God which keeps us from wrongful desires and covers us when we succumb to them.

In any case, the bible gives believers very helpful advice so that we will not go rogue. The apostle told the church of Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God. Then stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph 6). Don't back down or compromise. Maintain your godly and biblical convictions. Do as Daniel did and purpose in your heart not to violate what you believe and who you follow - Jesus (see Dan 1:8). It will not be easy because the world and the devil are always trying to convince the believer that s/he is missing out on something. That’s how Satan got Eve to eat from the forbidden tree: “God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you'll see what's really going on. You'll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil. When the Woman saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of it -- she'd know everything! -- she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate.” (Gen 3:4-6 MSG). So, stay alert and be on the lookout for the temptations, tricks and traps of the enemy.

Perhaps Ms. Palin is well meaning in her choice of the title “Going Rogue”. Perhaps we are well meaning in our pursuit of the information delivered in her script. Still, we must be on guard against any enticement (including our choice of language) to become comfortable with sin. The devil wants nothing more than for the believer to go rogue and be out of the will of God. But, we will Not Go Rogue. We will do as one thinker suggested and stay in the book: "those who stay in sin stay away from the book, but those who stay in the Book (bible) stay away from sin".

Prayer: Lord, lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil. Stop me from going rogue, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Rekindling Fruitfulness

2011-08-25T14:14:00.000-04:00

Seeing a lone fig tree alongside the road, he approached it anticipating a breakfast of figs. When he got to the tree, there was nothing but fig leaves. He said, "No more figs from this tree--ever!" The fig tree withered on the spot, a dry stick. (Matthew 21:19 MSG)

It was one those Christmases when the kids (boys) on my block all chose to get the same gift: football uniforms. We begged our parents for those uniforms, and when we got them boy did we look the part with our helmets, shoulder pads, and cleats. The only problem was that we didn’t play football very well.
Similarly, I am reminded that as Christians we often look the part with our church clothes- church hats, neatly pressed suits, clerical collars, crosses around our necks and leather-bound bibles under our arms. However, just as football uniforms cannot make football players out of untrained young boys, church clothes cannot make Christians out of fruitless church goers. According to the scriptures, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control; and without this fruit we may seem to be Christians or give the appearance of being godly but as the apostle said we are merely “holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim 3:5).

This appearance of fruitfulness is the premise of Jesus' conversation about the fig tree in the Matthian text 21:18 - 20. As the story goes Jesus approached a fig tree because he was hungry. The tree was very leafy (there are scholars who believe that the fruit should have appeared at the same time as the leaves) and the leafiness gave the appearance of fruitfulness. To the contrary Jesus discovered that there was no fruit on what appeared to be a healthy fruit-bearing tree and he, in essence, saw this as a form of deceit. So, Jesus cursed the tree which immediately caused it to wither.
"The story of the fig tree is symbolic of the temple or Israel in Jesus’ day. In the Scriptures, in fact, the fig tree is often employed as the symbol of Israel (Hos. 9: 10; Joel 1:7) and the barren fig tree often symbolizes divine judgment on Israel because of her fruitlessness despite an abundance of spiritual advantages"(Jer. 8:13; Joel 1:12 (JM). The association of fig leaves with deception however, originated with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when ... “the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed FIG leaves together and made coverings for themselves"(see Gen 3).

Fig tree symbolism can also be applied to Christians and churches today that are barren or bankrupt concerning the things of God. Unfortunately, humanity - rather than becoming more accountable and doing the hard work on self to be fruitful - has been using figs or something to conceal or hide true character ever since the incident in the Garden. Well, let it stop with us and let us work on being authentic, sincere and fruitful. It should be every Christian’s heart desire to bear fruit or to be fruitful for our Savior. At any given time someone should be able to pick, if you will, or draw from us. We should always be ready to give a reason of our hope and faith (1 Peter 3:15). We should be able to share God's good news with ease. "The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the
blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity]" (Luke 4:18).

Christians should look and perform differently under pressure. We are the salt of the earth. Our lights should brightly shine (see Matthew 5) and there should be some evidence of the fruit of the spirit operable in our lives. We should be lovable in unlovable situations. We should have a measure of self-control and not always become irrational or unpredictable in tense situations. We should practice acts of kindness with both family and strangers. "So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who along with you belong to God’s family, the believers] (Gal. 6:10 AMP). Plainly, Christians ought to be Christians. We must abandon this love we seem to have to appear like Christians, and ask for Godly strength to actually
perform and produce like Christians. Let's remove the fig leaves or false presentations. There is a generation of people who need to experience and encounter the fruit of the spirit; so let us be the trees from which they can pluck.

Prayer: Lord I'm moving past appearance and operating and producing in the authentic. Give me the strength to bear and share the fruit of the spirit in and from my life, In Jesus’ Name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

God's Love Hates All Evil

2011-08-25T14:13:00.000-04:00

You who love the Lord, hate evil...;(Psalms 97:10)

Generally, when scholars speak of the evil that God hates, they are only referring to sin or immorality. Notice John Calvin's commentary on Psalms 97:10, "He shows from the very nature of God, that we cannot be ... acknowledged to be his servants unless we depart from sin, and practice holiness [for] God must necessarily hate all iniquity...” Clearly, John Calvin and other thinkers are correct. God hates the evil that is associated with sinning. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity [evil] (2 Timothy 2:19).

As the apostle told the church at Ephesus, the believer, in essence, should be discarding and eliminating evil or sinful behavior and becoming a new person with righteous conduct (Ephesians 4:22-24). If you love God you don't rejoice in evil (1 Cor. 13:5). As matter of fact, the psalmist says the lover of God hates evil. You hate what God hates and love what God loves. Consequently, you hate all forms of evil including every false way (Psalm 119: 104); double-mindedness (v. 113) and lying (v.163).

Evil however, is not merely one dimensional. Even as sin and immorality are evil, so is injustice evil; and we must fight all forms of evil if we are to be a blessing to all people. It is not enough to simply BE good (abstain from immorality). We must also DO good (engage justice). God hates it when people, especially believers, are unfair. We should always be ready to do good and not evil. "Therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith" (Galatians 6:10 MSG).

When the prophet said love God and put away evil, he was referring to social activism leading to social justice. "Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don't have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless" (ISA 1:16 - 17 MSG). The prophet further said that God does not listen to the prayers of those who pretend to love God while engaging in injustice and evildoing towards others: "When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I'll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you've been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody" (ISA 1:15).

Simply and clearly, injustice and immorality are equally evil. We should either love God and hate evil – all evil, or do evil and leave God out of our lives, but God will not tolerate hypocrisy, two-facedness, or double-mindedness. There is no way we can cuddle with evil and share love poetry with God. So, love what God loves which is helping and caring for the least, the lost, the last and the lonely; and show how much you love God by doing what is just, loving mercy and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:5).

Stand up against injustice and against the unjust. Let "justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream"(Amos 5:24).

Prayer: Lord let my love for you show up in my character, conduct and civil treatment of your creation and your creatures, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God's Peace And Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Keeping Score

2011-08-25T13:50:00.001-04:00

Love...doesn't keep score of the sins of others (1Corinthians 13:5 MSG)

Sport fanatics constantly want to know the scores of their favorite teams: did we win, are we winning?? For obvious reasons gamblers also want to know the scores of teams. The fact is that scoring determines the winner.
The concept of "keeping score" is also associated with getting revenge. In some cultures it is commonplace to say, when thinking of retaliation, “I’m going to even the score.” Meaning I will get whoever got me: an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth.

Biblically, the concept of "keeping score" is derived from the Greek word, logizomai (take into account). "It is a bookkeeping term that means to calculate or reckon, as when figuring an entry in a ledger"(JM). Just as accountants record every financial debt, scorekeepers register or record every moral debt. They remember every wrong that has been committed against them. Wrong doing entries are recorded and contained in the heart and mind. The King James translation interprets this idea as "thinking evil"(1 Corinthians 13:5). The scorekeeper harbors evil thoughts towards the perpetrator at all times. Sadly, the believer who thinks evil perpetually is not in accord with Christian status or character and is behaving unbecomingly.

Now of course, it is not easy to abandon the idea of evening the score, thinking evil or retaliating against those who have committed wrongs against us. God is well aware that revenge is often a desire for us. That's why there are so many verses that encourage us not to keep score or take action into our own hands. Jesus said in the Matthian text "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you"(5:44). The apostle tells the Church of Rome "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord"(Romans 12:19).

It has even been suggested that evil or wrong committed against a believer can work out or result in a good situation. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive"(Genesis 50:20). This verse is in reference to Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery after which he went on a tedious and transitional journey that led him to prominence and power in Egypt. Upon reaching his prestigious status, he saw his brothers in want, but he did not render evil for evil or keep score. Joseph forgave them and said, in essence, your hateful action worked in my favor.

Might Joseph have missed all his wonderful and blessed opportunities if he harbored resentment in his heart for his brothers all those years? It would appear that scorekeepers or people who think evil hinder themselves. Is it possible to be so consumed with evening the score that you cut off your own desires, dreams, destinies or delicate and intimate relationships? Are you missing the present and future by living in the past? It might be time to take the advice of any sporting or athletic coach and forget about the last play, game or score. Live in the now: play the game at hand!

You may not forget the wrong that has been done against you. In fact, I'm sure you will not; but while you remember you can also forgive and move on. It is your life which is held up when you keep score.

Prayer: Lord give me the strength to forgive like you and to release those who have wronged me. I no longer want to keep score, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Senseless

2011-08-25T13:28:00.003-04:00

Pay heed, you senseless among the people; And when will you understand, stupid ones? (Psalms 94:8 NASA)

On August 14, 2010 eight innocent people were shot in Buffalo, NY and there were four fatalities. It was a senseless random killing; and this world for the longest has been involved in what can be considered senseless, murderous acts. The word senseless is often defined as a lack of appreciation. Senseless behavior is exhibited when people don't value or appreciate one another, and life and dignity are of no worth.

This lack of appreciation was demonstrated in antiquity and it led the psalmist to ask "...You senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?"(Psalms 94:8 NIV) This question is intriguing because it seems to suggest that senseless people can come to their 'senses' and behave with a spirit of cooperation, community and collaboration. They can control their actions and behavior and not act like fools. This takes away the argument that they "can't help themselves."

Senseless people don't have any excuse for behaving antithetically and cruelly to the people they harm or violate. Could it be as simple as senseless people are just selfish, and the only needs, wants and desires that matter to them are their own? Now, of course, there may be some cases of senseless activity that can't be so easily simplified. But, perhaps, most of these heinous, senseless expressions are committed by what biblical translators call fools or idiots (see Psalm 94 MSG, NLT).

Senseless conduct and foolishness was despised by the psalmist. The writer gave a warning to the people who were being idiotic - take heed. "GOD will never walk away from his people, never desert his precious people. Rest assured that justice is on its way and every good heart put right." (Psalms 94:14,15 MSG) God will avenge the senselessness committed against God's people." Well, think again, you idiots, fools--how long before you get smart? Do you think Ear-Maker doesn't hear, Eye-Shaper doesn't see? Do you think the trainer of nations doesn't correct, the teacher of Adam doesn't know? GOD knows, all right -- knows your stupidity, sees your shallowness."(Psalms 94:8-11 MSG). The work of evil will not prevail and God will do right by the righteous.

Until then the righteous or those who want to do right, must pray and practice appreciation. We must first appreciate that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and then we must realize that everyone else is too (see Psalms 139). If we value ourselves, then it is a good chance we will respect and honor others. We must not count anyone or anything as disposable. Our consciousness and consideration must be greater than the slave traders who had no appreciation for Africans; we must be greater than the Nazis who eradicated millions of Jews; we must be greater than any form of hatred toward another person, race, culture, gender or religion. We must be paradigms for the spirit of kindness and consideration. We must see everyone as our neighbor; then we can love our neighbors as we love ourselves (see Matt 22:39).

The songwriter is right:

It's that
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Send yours in right away
Hate's goin' round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it's gone too far

So, let's be appreciative of one another and calm down some of this insanity and lunacy. We can't keep hearing heartbroken fathers like Raymond Wilhite talk about his slain daughter, Tiffany Wilhite, 32 years old, of Buffalo,NY: she was part of ' "a SENSELESS, random killing."

Prayer: Lord you have shown us appreciation with your sacrificial love on Calvary; help us to love and appreciate each other. If we practice gratitude for you and our neighbors, then we may see a decrease in senselessness. In Jesus’ Name Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

A Beloved Community

2011-08-25T13:28:00.001-04:00

I will get up and go to my father's house.....(Luke 15:18).

Recently, the power of a loving community was revealed to me. The prolific preacher, Dr James Forbes, said in essence that a beloved community can help with behavior- the way a person acts. This is evevident in the prodigal son parable in Luke 15:11-32. In this narrative, the younger son engaged in the inappropriate behavior of spending a portion of his inheritance on riotous living. Clearly, he was out of the will of God and living antithetically to the wishes of his father. Nonetheless, the father granted him this undesirable opportunity to do what he wanted: to practice his independence and pursue his ungodly interests.

"And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need" (Luke 15:11).

Living opposite of God's way, word and will only ends in destruction, defeat or death. "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (James 1:15). The prodigal son's behavior resulted in public humiliation, disconnect from family and a familiar foundation, and departure from his spiritual roots and beliefs. However, after a period of time, he was awakened in his consciousness and spirit, and he realized that he could go home. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger"(Luke 15:17). Hence, it was his father's house that would become his place of restoration. The father's house would also be the place that would alter his reckless behavior. So, the beloved community becomes the place that welcomes him home after his bad choices, but, it is also the place where his behavior improves.

The community of love should be a place where people can have their behaviors challenged, corrected and changed. There was a time that the elders in our communities demanded such respect that children were reluctant to be common or familiar with them; a time when the church was such a pillar of integrity that the neighborhood drunk wouldn't dare to drink while passing those hallow grounds; a time when the neighbors could discipline and develop all the children of the neighborhood.

I still remember the names of the elders and neighbors who helped shape my behavior- Ms. Mabel, Mr. Phil, Ms. Lil, Mr. and Mrs. Ester and many others. I'm sure even some of you remember those who loved you and cultivated your behavior. I wonder if we can return to creating beloved communities in our homes, on our blocks, and in our churches. I certainly hope that we can. This may be a solution that helps our prodigal children (and adults) with their problem behaviors and actions. Maybe, if they knew we cared enough to speak the truth in love and hold them to a standard, it would stimulate accountability and responsibility. It will not solve all of the ills of culture or time, but it can be a start.

Prayer: Lord thank you for creating for us a place in you where we can go and be loved and corrected (Heb 12:1-10). Now, Lord use us to be loving peolple where the wayward, lost and despondent can come after their poor choices, and find help for their behavior. Make us a refuge for the broken, barren and battered. In Jesus Name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Weary... But Pursue

2011-08-25T13:27:00.001-04:00

David and four hundred men kept up the pursuit, but two hundred of them were too fatigued to cross the Brook Besor, and stayed there" (1 Sam 30:10 MSG).

Have you ever said or thought “I can take another thing! I can’t handle another issue: not another national crisis; not another dissatisfied co-worker or employer; not another family transition; just not another....”

You feel like you are running out of the emotional fortitude that is necessary to handle transition. You don't have the words to inspire yourself nor the attention span to hear anyone else's pep talk. You have grown weary in well doing, and you can't take another blow, hurt, accusation or anything. You are tired of the process. You can't go any further. You are emotionally, spiritually and physically spent and you are beginning to put your dreams on hold.

Practically speaking you have checked out. You are no longer living. You just exist. You are not fully alive, and even the psalms (or scriptures) you rehearse reflect your inability to negotiate your transition: Lord why have you forsaken me (See psalm 22); Soul why are you disquieted in me (psalm 42), or I'm in a horrible pit (psalm 40).

Theological scholars refer to these seasons or periods as times of disorientation. Life and life’s stuff are not correctly aligned and almost everything seems dysfunctional and out of order. Think it not strange when you come to these moments. Several biblical characters hit this place of emotional disorientation as well.

In the text, 1 Samuel 30, King David’s mighty, strong warriors were extremely fatigued and very weary. They had just seen and heard the devastation of their community; and their wives and children had been kidnapped by their enemies and constant opposition, the Amalekites. Frustration was so intense that the mighty men of God cried uncontrollably. Moreover, they had such internal friction that they wanted to stone David, their leader. They just didn't know what to do with the hurt they felt or where to place the blame (see 1Sam 30: 1-7). Then, with all that extreme disappointment resonating, they heard a Godly word from Abithar, the priest, who told them to pursue – to go and reclaim their families and their possessions.

Now, two hundred of the six hundred men (one third) were so physically tired and emotionally weary that they did not pursue. They simply couldn't do it. The remaining four hundred were equally weary, but they pursued. Somehow they found the strength they needed. It seems they were inspired by the leadership of King David and by the word of God which came from the priest.

In times of transition it is fine if we are numbered among those who can honestly confess earthly tiredness, as long as we can still be inspired by a heavenly and Godly word.

We serve a loving God who will always provide leaders or someone, like David, to inspire us to hope again; leaders who can urge us to get up after being knocked down and encourage us to pursue; leaders who will remind us that although no one is exempt from difficulty and transition. ("Dear friends, don't be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you" (1 Pet 4:12 HSCB). We must always hear (take in) the word of God and pursue!

So despite your fatigue, keep moving; keep doing; keep being and keep pursuing.Pursue! Finish what the Lord has started in and with you (Phil 4:6). Complete your degree, raise your children, love your mate, or whatever. Just see your dreams through. Pursue.

Prayer: Lord I'm grateful that I can be honest with you. Life has its moments ofchallenge when things, stuff and people tire me out, but Lord I will not get weary in well doing (Gal 6: 9). I will pursue the goals and plans you have prepared for me. I'm confident that you will help me to finish and complete what you have started with and in me (Phi 1:6, 7), in Jesus’ Name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Under Cover

2011-08-25T13:26:00.001-04:00

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1 KJV)

Hopefully, some of us have wonderful images of being tucked into bed by our parents while hearing the adoring words “get under the covers”. It is warm, safe and comforting under the covers. Or, perhaps hearing the words “under the covers” conjures up images of being snuggled up under the protection of a strong father, or being nestled under the arms of a caring mother. Or, if you think of it as a compound word (undercover), you might have thoughts of secret agents working undercover and disguised so the enemy will not know who they are. However you look at it being undercover protects you – sometimes from the cold; sometimes from the enemy.

The poetic writer of the sacred 91st psalm paints a desirable picture of being under the covering of a passionate and powerful God. The metaphor of being under the covering of God offers the imagery of being sheltered and protected from the calamities of life. Old Testament scholar, Walter Breuggemman says the unknown author of the psalm writes in a testimonial style. In other words, he speaks from experience and not mere theory as evidenced by use of the personal pronoun “my” in verse two of the psalm: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: myGod; in him will I trust.”

What an awesome proclamation! How marvelous to be able to declare that God is yours and to know for yourself that the safest place to be at all times is under God’s covering. The writer’s use of the imperfect tense for the word dwell indicates that he had more than a single encounter with the Almighty. He dwelt with God all the time and felt secured and assured under cover.

The writer describes God’s dwelling station as a secret place: the secret place of the Most High (91:1). Some might argue that the secret place referenced here is the same one defined in Psalm 27:5, “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me upon a rock.” At that time the secret place was the tent or tabernacle of God (like the church). It was not only a place of worship but also a place of protection or refuge from one’s enemy (see Proverbs 18:10).

For some the church house is indeed that secret place. For others it may be the mountainside. And still for others it may be a mental space. Old folks referred to the secret place as the prayer closet. It’s not the locations that matter. The important thing is that our secret places provide intimacy with God, peace and quietness under the covering of God, and protection from life’s stuff. When we emerge from our secret places our proclamations and boasting should be that our God is an awesome God: our refuge, our fortress, our shelter and our covering in times of trouble and triumphant.

That special place to which we go to meet with God can, and perhaps should, remain secret. So, keep it a secret if you must but never hesitate to dwell in that secret place of God for there you shall abide under the shadow, under the protection, under the covering of the Almighty.

Prayer: Lord all my life you have covered and protected me from dangers seen and unseen. Even when I was naive and unaware of your providential care you were looking out for me. And now that I know you have been sheltering me, I will say to all that you are my Lord, my refuge, my fortress and my God (Psa. 91:2). I will forever trust you and I will always thank you for keeping me under cover! In Jesus Name. Amen

God's peace and Good journey!
+t.anthony bronner

I Hope You Dance

2011-08-25T13:25:00.001-04:00

As the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter [David’s wife], looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. (2 Samuel 6:16 AMP)

Lee Ann Womack made the song "I Hope You Dance" famous and popular in the year two thousand. In the video presentation she is singing to her daughters. She is offering them motherly advice, and she strongly suggests that they always choose to dance. "And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance"

The song implies that dancing is optional, a choice. You can decide to sit it out or you can take every opportunity to dance. That is to say to live life to the fullest: be fully alive. The power to live and dance according to the song is determined by the individual.

In the referenced scripture, Michal, Saul's daughter (David's wife) had the option to dance and live but she sat it out. She wasn’t moved when she saw the ark of the Lord (God's covenant and symbolic presence). Neither was she moved by the excitement of her husband dancing. She was not impressed or stirred up by the presence of God or the success of her husband, David, in restoring the ark of the Lord to Israel.

Michal had contempt for, and despised, King David in her heart; and her heart would not give her permission to celebrate, dance or live. She was held hostage by past disappointments that hindered her from exuberance and excitement. She chose to stay bitter, broken and barren.

Deciding to dance or live after being hurt or wounded is not always easy, but it is doable with the grace of God. The apostle Paul told the church of Corinth "we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-9). Notice the framework of the verses. There is an admission of the pain and hurt on the one side of the comma, but then there is affirmation that God can help us each to overcome and get past the trouble, perplexity, despair, rejection or whatever there may be on the other side of the comma. Simply and plainly, God will get us through the pain because God wants us to live and dance.

God wants us to have life and have it more abundantly (John 10: 10). God never intended for us to sit life out and watch others dance. God wants God’s children to live and dance. God sacrificed God's son, Jesus, so that, we would be saved, live and dance (John 3:16). So, "Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens. Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance, and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I HOPE YOU DANCE.....I HOPE YOU DANCE".

Prayer: Lord, life at times can be unfair and unreasonable and it can affect my ability to rejoice and have joy. But your Son came so that I can have life and live it to the fullness (John 10:10). I choose to live and not die and declare your works (Psa. 118) and I will tell my soul always to hope in God (Psa. 42). I will not live a bitter and defeated life and be Christian. I will trust your plan for my life and I will live and dance, In Jesus' Name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Loving Others

2011-08-25T13:24:00.001-04:00

You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scripture: "Love others as you love yourself" (James 2:8 MSG).

In this passage of scripture, James was commending those believers who practiced the Royal Rule of loving their neighbors as they did themselves. They loved others because they understood that God's desire for them to love others is actually a command and not a suggestion or request. The grammatical structure of the phrase “love others” is imperative (mood) as in do it or as in it is necessary. According to Jesus, it is by our love for others that the world knows that we are Christians or disciples. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13: 35 KJV). Loving others is the highest act of all Christianity for it ultimately imitates the actions and attributes of Christ. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34 KJV).

Sadly, as Christians we do not all love others as we love ourselves. As with some of the believers in James' time period, our love is biased. John MacArthur, the great expository preacher, said in his interpretation of this passage that some of the Christians were "partial". They loved when it was convenient, and even then they loved only the popular, prestigious and prominent. When you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!" and either ignore the street person or say, "Better sit here in the back row ...” you have despised the poor" (James 2). Favoritism in love is not of God, and as followers of Christ we cannot choose whom we will love. In fact, Jesus insisted that we love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us (see Mt 5).

One of the running jokes around my home is to respond with “thank you” when someone says that they love you. Perhaps you have to be there to fully appreciate the humor of these exchanges, but it really is a glorious thing to be loved and it should generate feelings of appreciation. Yes, I’m aware that the expected response to someone’s expression of love for you is “I love you too”, but occasionally we should add a “thank you” especially if we understand love from a Godly point of view.

God’s love, agape, is an unconditional love reflected in extreme acts of kindness. The love of God is selfless and sacrificial. It is a love often expressed and demonstrated when the recipient may not be deserving of love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

So, let us make a concerted effort to practice loving others. Frankly, it will not be easy to love everybody especially those whom we may consider challenging. However, the Royal Rule doesn’t say love when it is easy, appropriate or expedient, but love others as you love yourself. Go ahead, try it, and you just might hear someone say thank you: thank you for loving me beyond my faults, failures and foolishness. And even if you never actually hear anyone say thank trust that God will say thank you, you are doing well. "You do well when you complete the Royal Rule...."(James 2:8 MSG)

Prayer: Lord, help me to love like you that I will love beyond how others are acting and behaving. I want to display a love that gives even when it does not receive. Let me love until others say thank you and until you say thank you and well done. Loving others is now my lifelong goal, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Someday

2011-08-25T13:23:00.003-04:00

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it
(Psalm 118:24 KJV)

There is an incredible line at the end of the movie Knight and Day. The Tom
Cruise character asks the Cameron Diaz character “What day is it?”, and her reply is “Someday”. Earlier in the film Cruise comments on all of the things he’d like to do someday. So, she takes the liberty of declaring that day as “someday”.

Everyone (each and every one of us) has a someday list: someday I'm going to read that book; someday I'm going to take that trip; someday I'm going to ... whatever. Unfortunately, there is a variety of reasons why we can't, don't or won't ever get around to doing many of the things on our someday list; and quite frankly we may be dangerously close to living lives of regret. If not careful, we will find ourselves looking back and reflecting upon all the missed opportunities.

Often, someday is postponed simply because of procrastination (willfully delaying the doing of something that should be done) and there are several factors that contribute to procrastination. There is laziness or lack of the personal motivation required to tackle the assignment, complete the task or achieve the goal. "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster"(Proverbs 18:9 KJV). There is also the fear of success or the feeling that we are undeserving of pleasure, productivity and prosperity. Or perhaps we haven’t given ourselves permission for satisfaction or fulfillment. That is to say we have not personally owned or applied God’s word to our lives. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly"(John 10:10KJV). And lastly, we may lack the necessary sense of urgency – Carpe Diem – seize the moment, seize
the day – to take advantage of opportunities before they slip away.

Whatever the reason for our procrastination, it's time to let it go. It’s time to let go of the old Doris Day "Que Sera Sera - whatever will be will be" philosophy. Rather than constantly pushing off the possible, probable and purposeful to the uncertain and unknowable future we must take ownership of the day. Your someday is today!

The psalmist said “This is the day”. Exegetically, "this" day may refer to the eschatological day of deliverance, but practically it is an indication of time that the Lord has made available to or given to us. Take advantage of it. We should use "this" day to do the things we keep putting off until "someday". Now (this day) is the time to be right with God (salvation), do right for God (sanctification) and live right with others (reconciliation). Go achieve, accomplish and ascertain the goals you and God have set for you. Be uniquely who God has made you to be. Live your life to its fullest and in abundance.

If not now then when? “Someday?”

Prayer: Lord, I'm sorry for delaying, denying and dragging on all the things you have planned for me. I know the plans you have for me are of peace and you have an expected end for me (Jer. 29:11). I will give myself permission to live today and stop waiting on someday. Thank you for this day you have made. I will be glad in it, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

It Could Happen

2011-08-25T13:23:00.001-04:00

Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame.... (Psa. 25:3 ESV)

One of the most adorable and memorable quotes in the movie, "Angels in the Outfield", is made by JP, an African American foster kid. He says against challenging and insurmountable odds, "it could happen". In spite of this kid's social condition and perpetual disappoints, he still has faith and expectation that something good can happen. While waiting to be adopted his mantra is "it could happen".

Those of us who are waiting on the Lord to do the simple or even the unbelievable must think "it could happen". The psalmist David, the one to whom psalm twenty five is attributed believed that things could happen. He said those who wait on the Lord will never be ashamed, disgraced or disappointed. Eugene Peterson in the message bible in essence states that believers who wait on the Lord will not be embarrassed neither will their enemies get the best of him or her. In other words, the naysayers, doubters or haters will not get the last laugh or be able to witness public humiliation of the righteous.

You, the believer can confidently trust and hope in the Lord and believe that God will come through if it is according to God's will. Waiting for God to fulfill God's promises is not a waste of your time. The apostle Paul verified God's promises to be yes and amen (2 Cor. 1:20). Put differently, you can count on God.

King David clearly confirms that waiting on God is well worth it. His journey to the kingship of Israel was long and arduous. It was several years before Samuel's prophecy (that David would be king) was realized (see 1 Sam 16). But throughout the process David knew that it was going to happen. His faith was tried and opposed but he waited until the Lord prepared a table for him and elevated him to king in front of all his enemies (see 2 Sam 3 and 5).

So, go on trust God for the simple and the incredible. We will never be hurt by leaning and depending on God. God will always keep God's word because God can't lie or deceive God's children (Num 23:19). Though what we are waiting on may be delayed, it will not be denied. There is an appointed time for all that we prayed for to come to pass (see Hab.2).

Therefore, do not hesitate to tell everybody with assurance and determination "It Could Happen" or better yet It Will Happen.

Prayer: Lord thank you that my faith in you is steadfast and immovable and that I can trust you for the small and big. You have never disappointed me and I'm certain you never will. You cause all things to work together for my good because I love you (Rom 8:28). In Jesus' Name. Amen

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Pay Attention

2011-08-25T13:22:00.001-04:00

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31 -32).

Disappointedly, as believers we are often distracted from our purpose, principles and plan. Consequently, we lose focus and sometimes faith. The bible gives us several examples of servants of God who lost their way. Lacking concentration, Abraham lost purpose to Hagar. David compromised his principles with Uriah's wife; and Peter almost failed when he put at risk the plan of God to chase greatness.

At the last supper Peter and the other disciples got into an intense discussion about who would be the greatest servant (or who would have the greatest ministry). This greatness they were seeking was unlike the greatness Christ described in the book of John.

When Jesus told the boys they would do greater things the greatness of which He spoke was Godly service for God's glory. In contrast, the greatness Peter and the disciples were warring over was for personal glory. As a matter of fact it was similar to the world's greatness. Jesus called it the Gentiles’ greatness (Luke 22:25). This is the greatness of those who seek to Lord themselves over others. It is a greatness predicated upon competition, comparison and compromise. This greatness cannot exist unless it is better than someone or something else.

Even now, the Kingdom is laden and burden with competitors and seekers of personal glory. Sadly, people of faith are still striving for worldly greatness. Every congregation wants to be the biggest and best. Preachers chasing superiority attempt to outdo each other. And the church has borrowed the concepts of the world and tried to make them spiritual. Servants of God are classified as celebrities. Church leaders are no longer pastors but CEOs, and church goers are now partners rather than members. Simply, the church and God's people have lost touch with Godliness.

No wonder Jesus spoke with such strong emphasis to Peter. "Simon, Simon I need you to pay attention to (or behold) this." Stop striving for greatness and look at this. Satan is trying to get you. Watch out for temptations: those things you like and want;trials: the struggles that can frustrate the soul; and transitions: those times when things are delayed and don’t come as quickly as you desire. Satan will try and use temptations to get you to give in, trials to get you to give out, and transitions to get you to give up, but you need to stay focused on the thing that matters. “Now, Peter (Jesus assures him in verse 32) the devil will never get you because I prayed for you.”

Point of clarity, the “you” in verse 31 is plural. Meaning the Devil wanted all of them. But the “you” in verse 32 is singular. Meaning Jesus prayed specifically for Peter because he was the main influencer. He was to be the initial head of the church that would strengthen the brothers and sisters. Jesus not only prayed for Peter, but he also prophesied over him. Notice that he did not say if you are converted, but whenyou are converted. Plainly, it is going to happen: you will come through your time of testing and your faith will not fail. You will be able to handle the process.

The upshot is that we, like Peter, must pay attention. We cannot get distracted. We have been prayed for and prophesied over: we will bless many. We will be able to help and strengthen others with our testimony as long as we hang onto our faith and our focus.

Prayer: Lord I am prone to wander, prone to leave the God I love. But thank you for always interceding for me and protecting me when I can't watch out for myself. Keep my eyes on you and never let me wander to things or people who are not like you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Slow To Speak

2011-08-25T13:21:00.000-04:00

“... everyone must be ... slow to speak” (James 1:19 HCSB)

At some point, we have all been guilty of talking too much, and we wish that we could take back some things: things we have said out of hurt to a loved one; criticizing words spoken to a co-worker; unflattering words to our children; judgmental comments to a fellow driver in traffic; sarcastic words underhandedly offered in jest to make a point we did not have the courage to make outrightly; jokes made at the expense of others while we were the only ones laughing; and yes even ungodly words we thought no one heard, but sadly the ears of God were privy to our conversation.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue"(Prov.18:21), and once the words we speak are released they are on assignment to give life or death to the receiver. Our words can either influence the listener to hope and possibility or they can cause division, discord and destruction.

When The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963 he inspired a people to dream and to expect that the American culture could accommodate people of various ethnicities living together in racial harmony. "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." His words gave life and they bore fruit of a hopeful expectation. They inspired the people to believe and to want something better for themselves, their children and their nation.

Adolfo Hitler, on the other hand led a nation into intense hatred and disregard for others with his words. He once said "hate is more lasting than dislike". His propaganda stirred up a people to be disrespectable and murderous. Rather than being slow to speak, he was quick to rehearse and recite the ugliness of his heart.

Words that quickly rush out of our mouths are from the altars and residue of our hearts. Eugene Peterson, the writer of the message bible, says "it's your heart, not the dictionary that gives meaning to your words" (See Matt 12:34). Could a heart at peace and confidence create and produce more thoughtful and careful words? I would think so, and hopefully we want more careful words because whereas "careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything"(Prov.13:3 MSG).

Everything we know and think should not be shared with everyone; and there are some things that should never be spoken into the atmosphere. We must think before we speak and we must calculate the potential damage and hurt our words could do to a person or a situation. We should not be leaving a trail of victims who have been harmed, hammered or hurt by our words. We are children of God and we have God's DNA, and if God uses words carefully so should we. "Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief" (Prov. 21:23 MSG).

Fight hard to govern your thoughts and be prayerful about how and when you share and release that which you are thinking. Let your words mean something. Let your words challenge someone to be better. Let your words correct wrongs. Let your words express love. Be quick to hear and slow to speak.

Prayer: Lord, I am your creation and I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psa. 139). Everything you made is beautiful and glorious, and I am not entitled to damage anything or anyone with my words. Use me to give life and hope with my words and not death and despair (Prov. 18:21). Help me to be careful and thoughtful with my words such that I will think before I speak; and I, in turn, will be quick to listen and slow to speak, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Dangers Of A House Diviided

2011-08-25T13:19:00.000-04:00

And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (Mark 3:25 KJV).

Abraham Lincoln, on June 16th, 1858, said of America during the civil war between the north and the south, “’A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ … this government cannot endure permanently, half slave and half free.”

Memory of that quote was evoked just recently as I watched the movie, Robin Hood. In it the king of France decided to seize an opportunity to attack England during a time of civil unrest. The French monarch noted that the English were at odds with each other, and that they (the French) could conquer a divided people. He went on to point out that the enemy waits for division, and it struck me that often the enemy creates division. For you see, the disunion among the English countrymen was caused by an impostor: a Frenchman posing as an Englishman so as to become friends with England’s monarch and thereby cause internal conflict.

That strategy worked so well because seeds of discord (Proverbs 6:19) are easily sown in a familiar field. That is to say it is easy for an insider to cause trouble or tension among people who are trusting of each other. Recall that it was Judah, brother to Joseph, who provoked the animosity and contention that resulted in Joseph’s siblings placing him in a pit and leaving him to die (Gen 37). Likewise, it was Judas, one of the disciples who betrayed Jesus and attempted to destroy the fellowship among the disciples (John 13).

The fact is that no union, organization or ministry can maintain if there is constant friction within the infrastructure. That is why the apostle Paul so strongly spoke against the immaturity that generated disconnect and discord among the Corinthians as they made choices about which leaders they would or would not follow. He said to them, "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men (women)? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal?"
(1 Corinthians 3:3-4).

Clearly, immaturity gives way to disunity and disunity gives way to opportunistic forces, but in all fairness, it can be very difficult to detect trouble making wolves in sheep’s clothing. For that reason we must pray for discernment and ask God to grant us keen insight and good judgment that we might be able to judge each tree by the fruit it bears. Pray for wisdom to see the plot and maneuvers of the enemy. Your house, your family, your marriage and church are depending on it. Don't give the devil or anyone who is working for the devil a chance to divide your house. If you will pardon the oxymoron, you must fight for unity with people you love, live with and worship with. Never let the sun go down on your anger, and quickly ask for and offer forgiveness. In God, you have the power and strength to keep your house unified and intact.

Prayer

Lord as you prayed that we would be one (John 17) I pray and strive for unity. I never want to put myself in position for the enemy to use me to create discord. I also seek your wisdom and discernment to detect the strategies and plans of the enemy. I make a conscious effort to guard and protect the harmony of my home, family and church. Keep me one with you and your creation and people, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

What's On your Mind

2011-08-25T13:16:00.001-04:00

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope (Lamentation 3:21 KJV)

How many times have you been asked, or have you asked, of someone "what's on your mind"? Have you ever wondered why that question arose? Was the inquiry prompted by what you were doing or how you looked? Were you displaying some unusual behavior or characteristic? Was your attitude out of pocket? Whatever may have been the case, the fact is that the people who know us know when something is on our minds.

Isn’t it strange how what's on our minds can affect our feelings, focus, faith and fellowships? It can determine our actions and reactions. Having something or someone we love on our minds may cause us to behave silly or sensuously. On the other hand, when we are at odds with someone we may display an array of negative behaviors. The mind, or the way we think, can produce some powerful actions and responses. Hence, the proverbial warning to guard our hearts (that is to say our minds) with all diligence: because that’s where life starts (Proverbs 4:23). In other words, how we think and how we live are interconnected.

Sadly, so many of our lives have been tarnished by unhealthy thinking. And even more sadly, much of the thinking that destroys us has been intentionally (and in some cases unintentionally) placed in our minds by our loved ones: thoughts of failure, thoughts of rejection, and so many other disappointing ideas and concepts.

Negative and unhealthy thinking is nothing new. The prophet Jeremiah, during his season of lament, had some very challenging thoughts: thoughts of failure, thoughts of rejection.

Jeremiah and the nation of Israel had encountered intense affliction, and although he realized that the hardship they were under was a direct result of their ungodly actions he was still overwhelmed by the severity of their suffering. His soul was burdened and his mindset was dark and dreary. Jeremiah was extremely sorrowful and sad. His countenance had fallen and his expectations had been nullified. He said of himself my strength is gone as is my anticipation for anything better (Lamentations 3:18). He lost all hope and vitality as it appeared that any chance for a decent life was unobtainable.
That was until he called this one thing to mind. Note the definite article “this” which would suggest that a particular thought came to his mind: a thought so impactful it gave him hope (21). He thought about the Lord's mercies.
With a sense of renewed hope Jeremiah proclaimed "it is because of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed" (Lamentations 3:22). He realized that the ordeals through which he had gone did not kill him. He survived the process and the pain, and, he was grateful for God's compassion which was exhibited in spite of his and the nation's wrongful actions.

Because Jeremiah was able to think beyond his lament and recall God's mercies that are new every morning and God's faithfulness which is great, he had hope and expectation for a full life.
So, what's on your mind? Is it full of yesterday 's regrets, hurts and sorrows, or is your mind loaded with thoughts of a God whose " loyal love will never run out and whose merciful love will never dry up"(Lamentations 3:22 MSG). Get your mind on the Lord and not on your faults, failures and falls, and watch a merciful God give you hope for a better tomorrow.

Prayer:

Today Lord I change my mind. There is life after yesterday's pain, regret and hurt. I shall live and not die and declare the works of your hands (Psalms 118:17). I confess that I deserved some of the consequences of my actions, but I thank you for new mercies in spite of me. You are so faithful unto me (Lamentations 3:22, 23). I praise you for looking beyond my faults. I thank you for turning my thoughts toward you. Forever, for the rest of my life, keep my mind stayed on you (ISA 26:3), In Jesus' name. Amen

God’s Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Originally Published June 9th, 2010

GOD Is Concerned About Us

2011-08-25T13:14:00.000-04:00

Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: (Psa.136:23)

One of the challenges of this current Christian era is that there is no place for lament. Lament is frowned upon by modern-day saints who are super in their faith. According to them there is no place for moments of intense lamentable and regrettable reflection. All conversation should be laden with excitement and joy; and all of our songs should be upbeat and celebratory.

However, those of us who will admit to moments of transition and struggle are in solidarity with the characters of the scriptures.Most bible personalities were not intimidated into silencing their struggles. Rather, they openly articulated their disappointments. A great deal of their songs, or psalms, addressed times of trouble: yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psa. 23); when my heart is overwhelmed (Psa.61) or he brought me out of a horrible pit (Psa. 40).

Walter Brueggemman, a distinguish old-testament scholar, said there are more psalms of lament than of celebration. In other words, the saints of old sang about their issues and concerns. Clearly, the psalmist, in Psalm 136, sings about low points ora lowly estate. The singer recounts the historical period when the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt. Perhaps that caused the lowly estate of which he sang. Or, it may have been that he wondered who would remember him at the low places in his life. He could have felt that people would forget who he was and what he had done when he was no longer a towering figure. Is there any truth to the adage people only remember what you have done for them lately?

Regardless of what caused him to sing of the low point, the important thing is that the songwriter (or psalmist) was aware of God’s concern. Notice the confident refrain "His Mercy Endures For Ever". That is to say, God’s Love Never Quits On Us. People may come and go but God is the same today, yesterday and forever. God looks out for God's children, and perfects those things that concern them (Psa. 138). At our lowest moments God will hear our songs of lament, and our cries of "Lord, do not pass us by".

Therefore, don't doubt for one second if anyone is concerned about you. All you need to do is remember a bloody cross and a sacrificial savior who died for our sin, sorrows and situation (ISA 53). God's love is forever, and God will never quit on you or me!

Prayer:

Father I stretch my hands to you no other help I know (Psa.88:9). Thank you for never giving up on me and always being concerned about my well being. Even when I am faithless, you are faithful (2 Tim 2:13). You never forget my name, and you remind me of my worth and value to you. If my issue never changes, just knowing that you are concerned keeps me at peace. Into your hands I place my life and purpose. In Jesus' name Amen.

God's peace and Good journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Originally published June 17th,2010

Quick To Hear

2011-08-25T13:12:00.001-04:00

My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear... (James 1:19 HCSB)

Listening can be the determining factor in failing or succeeding. "Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed"(Proverbs 15:22 MSG)

Most of the biblical texts containing a variation of the word or concept for listening are in the imperative mood. Meaning they are commands or strong requests. In the book of Revelations for instance, the churches of Asia Minor are repetitively told to pay attention to what is being said: "He that have ears let him hear what the Sprit is saying (see Revelation 2: 7, 11, 17 & 29). The writer of Proverbs is equally direct and clear at insisting upon listening: "Listen, for I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right .... All the words of my mouth are righteous."(See Proverbs 8:6-8). The Lord Jesus also requires us to listen, and he adds that the words he speaks are life and sprit (John 6:63). In truth, listening to Jesus' words is life-making and life-changing.

Unfortunately, we, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, are "slow of heart to believe what is being spoken"(Luke 24:25). Consequently, some of us are now living with the results of poor decision making. We are experiencing the casualties of not listening: not listening to God or God's word; not listening to sound or experienced advice; or simply not listening to ourselves.

Certainly, we all have some regrets: things we wish we hadn’t done or said; places we shouldn't have gone and people we shouldn't have gotten involved with. And, now we find ourselves saying "I wish I had listened" when my parents told me the stove was hot, or when the doctor said I should change my eating habits and exercise routine, or when my friends said something didn't seem right with the person I was dating. They told me to slow down and be patience; things will come in time.

We would be much better off if only we had followed the suggestion from the bible “be quick to hear"(1:19). Hearing in this context is not just being engaged in listening, but attempting to understand and make viable application with relevant and significant outcome. We must avoid the calamities of poor listeners who are hesitant to receive wise and learned advice. Instead, there should always be some evidence of us listening and applying God's truth to our lives. We should reflect that we are obedient to the wisdom of God.

God wants us to be quick to hear so we can avoid some unnecessary pitfalls and shortcomings. So, try to be quick to listen and slow to speak. As the adage goes, use your two ears and shut your one mouth for a while. There is a plan for your life and the only way to know or obtain it is to listen to the voice of God.

Prayer: Lord, daily I will seek you so that I can walk in your way and be able to follow your plan. I know you have a plan for my life and it is to bless me and not hurt me (Jer. 29:11). Increase my ability to hear your voice and to obey your will. Put me in position to be quick to hear you for all that is relevant for my life and the lives of those I am concerned about, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

God's peace and Good journey!
+t. anthony bronner

Originally Published June 10th, 2010