Are you tuned in?

Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you heard about the romance and wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. Not only the USA but the entire world has followed their courtship, whirlwind romance and finally their highly anticipated wedding. According to Forbes.com, “29 million people tuned in to the wedding across 15 different broadcast and cable networks. That represents a bit less than a tenth of all U.S. residents. They go on to say, “though if you were following the wedding on social media you probably figured every person in the country had a vested interest in whether Meghan wore this designer or not.” So, when they say, “the world is watching,” in this case they meant it literally. I didn’t watch the wedding, but I did watch some highlights and playbacks the following day. Many people I know held wedding watch parties. Tons of people American and British got up at the crack of dawn, hoping not to miss one second of the impending nuptials. The world was as they say, “tuned in.” That got me thinking, what if as many people all over the globe were that “tuned in,” to God’s word? What if 29 million people made it their business to live just one day in anticipation of Christ’s return? What if a bit less than a tenth of all U.S. residents lived by, loved and shared the good news of Jesus Christ? I would say that would be quite a feat and certainly a blessing. With that many people willing to watch a royal wedding, with absolutely nothing to gain from it; I wonder how many are not only willing but would make it their business to stay tuned in to the things of God and His purpose for their lives, when there is eternal life and so much more to gain. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Think about it.

What do you hear?

If you use social media at all, I’m sure you heard of the latest debate craze over the recording where some people heard Laurel and some heard Yanny. When I first listened, I heard Yanny, but then I read the comments and saw someone say listen to the lower octave, being a singer, I knew what that meant so I started it over and listened again then I could hear Laurel AND Yanny faintly. The third time I listened I could no longer single out the word Yanny and could only hear Laurel. This debate went on for days on several social media outlets and even made national news being played on many TV daytime and late-night talk shows. People were amazed just, like with the gold and white or blue and black dress; that someone could participate in the exact same activity and hear or see something totally different than them. But isn’t that the way of the world? From political opinion to religion even down to simple taste for certain food and drink our opinions and experiences always vary. The country right now is more than divided politically so I won’t even go there. Here is one point I want to reflect on. When it came to the recording many heard the same thing, many heard something different. In offices and homes all over the world the discussion was being had, “what do you hear?” Eventually the maker of the recording let us in on the secret. Both words were playing one in a low octave and one high. Those who have tendency to hear high pitch heard the high Yanny and vice versa. But when it comes to the choices we make for our lives we need not base them on what everyone else, hears, sees or thinks. Considering all that has been said have you heard, the love of Jesus is real and is for every man? Have you heard that Jesus died and rose that man might have opportunity to be pardoned from sin? Hebrews 3:12-15 (NKJV) say; “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” On the day your eternity comes calling, you won't be able to say "Lord, someone told me, but I heard wrong." You are responsible for your soul's eternal home. It won't matter what everyone else heard around you. Have you heard the calling of Jesus in your heart? Will you answer? Think about it.

A glittery coffin!

People say there are only two things sure in life, death and taxes. I don’t know about the latter, but the former is correct. Death is sure. The bible says, Hebrews 9:27 NKJV, ”And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” I recently saw an ad for “glittery coffins,” made and sold in the UK. The advertising company makes coffins that can be categorized as nothing short of spectacular! They offer options such as full glitter coffins in a variety of colors. They even sell personalized coffins with names and jewels on them where clients can design their eternal box themselves. Looking at their options I wondered, “Who would care about having a glitter coffin?” I mean don’t get me wrong, they are very pretty, and I don’t want to be buried in a plain wooden box but the question is does it really matter what your coffin looks like? At the end of the day, you will be a dead body lying in a pretty casket all dress up and going nowhere but back to the dirt. The important point I’m trying to make is this, a glittery casket is fine for a dead body to rest but when you die where will your soul rest? So many times, I have heard people say, “God doesn’t look at the outside He judges the heart,” then shouldn’t we make our heart for God our focus? I know there are times we want to dress up our situations, so no one can tell what we are really going through and at times that is what may be best. But always remember no matter how dressed up you are or how glittery your coffin in the end God will judge your life and deeds. Don’t be caught with a filthy soul lying in a beautiful casket, trust me eternally…you won’t benefit. Think about it.

The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome

I’m sure you know the classic tale of Humpty Dumpty. The fictitious egg character who had the courage to climb a huge wall. I wonder what made Humpty climb the wall in the first place. Was he trying to get up high and be nosy, was there something on the or over the wall he needed to retrieve? I wonder why he decided to climb such a high wall knowing he was a fragile individual with no assistance…can we really make it to the top alone? Once he got on top, he did as many of us do, he fell down. When he fell his fall was noted in the story as “a great fall.” Have you even had a great fall or fail in your life? What took place next is what I want to focus on. When Humpty was down, there was no one in his kingdom (circle/family) that could put him back together again, regardless of how hard they tried. This says to me that despite how high we get, there are a few things we need to remember. One, we may not want to admit it, but we need others during our time of elevation. There must be someone in your family or your circle who an at the very least lift you up in prayer during this time. It is dangerous in my opinion to climb to the top alone, you want to know why…because when you get there you are going to want to share the journey and triumph with someone! Two, we are going to fall/fail, it’s a part of life. Even big dreamers have nightmares. Don’t be afraid to try because you think you may fail, because if you don’t try due to fear, you have failed already. Three, there will be times when NOONE can put you back together, it’s in these times you must depend completely on God. I dare to say, we must depend completely on God at all times anyway! Do what Humpty neglected to do; don’t be to prideful to ask for help on your way to the top, don’t be afraid to fail, and finally depend on God at all times. Think about it! Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”