Don’t Shoot the Wounded

People do unpredictable things. We say, “What were you thinking?” We have all done some things we’re not very proud of. When people make a blunder, it is easy to point fingers and judge but the right thing to do is to forgive, love, and restore them.

Recently, I got a call from a friend informing me how Billy Graham’s grandson had succumbed to some indiscretion. He wasn’t just informing but reminding me to show mercy. I agreed.

That’s exactly the attitude of Jesus. The Bible says, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world” (John 3:17 NIV).

Once, an adulterous woman was brought to Jesus. The religious fanatics of the day threw her at the feet of Jesus claiming that they had caught her in the act. What a religious duty to look through the keyhole! I always wonder why they didn’t catch the man.

I see the dust rise. This young woman had gone astray. It could have been your daughter, my daughter. Jesus was the only person qualified to judge her but He wouldn’t. He said, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

If you want to be like Jesus, quit throwing stones at people!

Celebrity or not we’re all under the clutches of sin. By the way, there’s no celebrity Christian or VIP sinner in God’s eyes. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

As long as we’re here on earth, none of us are immune to sin. Let's not judge people simply because their sin is different than ours. God doesn’t see any difference.

Some say, “But these are leaders in a position of influence and authority!” So what? If we’ve not prayed for a person to walk uprightly before God, we have no right to judge them.

Whenever I’m tempted to point fingers at others, I’m reminded of the terrible mistakes I’ve made over the course of my life. I sinned deliberately. I knew better. But against all good judgment, I failed. How grateful I am for God’s mercy and people’s forgiveness.

9-year-old Kim Phuc suffered terrible burns by the napalm bomb dropped into her village during the Vietnam War. As she ran for her life, naked, photographer Nick Ut shot a picture of her that decorated the covers of every magazine and newspaper in the U.S. Phuc spent more than a year in hospitals. After dozens of reconstructive surgeries, Kim survived. Now 52, she lives just outside Toronto, a wife, mother and the subject of the iconic picture in 1972.

Kim could not find peace. She wanted to disappear. She even wished for death. She thought if she died she wouldn't have to suffer mentally, physically, and emotionally. She began to seek answers, studying different religious texts. At 19, she became a Christian, and she credits her faith for helping her embrace life again.

"When I became Christian, I have a wonderful connection -- the relationship between me, and Jesus, and God. And from that point," she says, "I learned to forgive."

Clearly, if anyone should have difficulty forgiving, it would be Kim. But she allowed God’s forgiveness and mercy to flow towards her assailants. What was humanly impossible was made possible through God.

Let us not be so quick to judge. Let us not drag people through the mud when they make a grave mistake. Christian army is the only army that kills its wounded. Where is the compassion? Beware! We too are susceptible to fall into temptation. Instead of pointing fingers, let us pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Don’t shoot the wounded. Let us show mercy and restore the fallen!

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 NIV).

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How to Heal a Broken Relationship

Conflict is inevitable. People hurt us and we do the same to others. Nobody can be perfect 100% of the time. It’s only human to make mistakes. When a relationship is strained, we should take the high road and try to bring healing to the situation.

I find that most people want to repair a severed relationship. However, they don’t always have the tools to bring healing to a conflict. When we intentionally reach out to the other party, it honors God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” Today, let’s look at a few tools that will help us mend a broken relationship.

Initiate the dialogue. Most people want to repair the damage but they want the other person to initiate things. If we can just swallow our pride, we can see great things coming out of the reconciliation; it doesn’t matter whose fault it was. The person who reaches out first is the bigger person. Be the bigger person.

Allow the anger to settle. When a relationship is damaged, people tend to be extra sensitive. When people are upset, it’s not the right time to make apology. Reaching out too quickly can hinder more than it can advance the cause for peace. Depending on the weight of the offense, it’s generally good to give someone at least 48 hours for things to cool down. People are high strung when they’re emotionally charged. Time doesn’t always heal everything but it can make things easier to deal with.

Don’t make light of the offense. No matter what caused the relationship to break down, understand that the person is still hurting. Right or wrong, people have the right to their feelings. It becomes harder on the person offended if we make light of our action. One of the best things to do is to take ownership of our action. We can say, “I’m sorry that I hurt you. I didn’t mean to. I will make sure that it doesn’t happen again.” Then shut up. Don’t try to explain yourself.

Be gracious to forgive. When people make sincere apology, don’t humiliate them by withholding your forgiveness. It takes a lot of humility and emotional strength to apologize. When people recognize their mistake and try to repair the damage, be a decent human being and minimize the shame. When we keep meddling with the offense and “keep the record straight,” we’re adding fuel to the fire. Never threaten or give ultimatums. He or she may not say the exact words you want to hear but you’re better off accepting the apology instead of dragging him or her through the mud again.

What goes around comes around. We have a tendency to forget that we too need mercy. When we’re being stiff about an offense, we’re hurting ourselves the most. People may not be fair but God is. When we don’t forgive others, God will not forgive us. What we don’t deal with now can haunt us for generations to come. Let’s forgive and bury the hurt. Life is too short to hold on to a grudge.

It may take time. Healing a relationship may not be instantaneous but it is worth it. When we try to hurry the other person, we risk delaying the process. Allow people some space. The bigger the offense the longer it may take to reconcile. Let them process your apology. If they’re big enough, they’ll come back to reconcile with you.

Be at peace with yourself. Some people will never forgive you no matter what you do to mend a relationship. If you don’t get a response after repeated attempts, let it go. You cannot force people to reconcile. Just do your part and allow God to vindicate you. Go on with your life.

Friend, no matter how it started, a restored relationship is divine. You have the right to be sour and bitter against people who have hurt you but it is not right to allow poison to take root in your heart. You can either get bitter or get better. Make that call to apologize today. Send a card. Give a gift. Write that email. When we live life as a healer, we’re being like Jesus.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15 ESV).

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Making Marriage Work

We live in a society where even the definition of marriage is being challenged by secularism. A simple and age-old definition of marriage is the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

A good marriage can be the most fulfilling thing in life. A bad marriage can be equally dissatisfying and make life hell on earth. With the help of God, and a little bit of work on our part, a bad marriage can be good and a good marriage can be better. Today let’s look at a few principles that make a marriage work.

1. Build trust. A marriage is the most intimate relationship on earth. Therefore, it requires highest degree of trust. When we’re building each other based on trust, we’re empowering a marriage. Trust is simply believing, accepting, and cheering for the best in the other person. Trust can be earned but it’s at its best when it is a gift. We can allow bitter experiences of the past to poison our marriage or we can rebuild with the gift of trust. If we’re to have a good marriage, we have to work on building trust. God trusts us; shouldn’t we trust each other?

2. Have fun. We all know couples who don’t have the love, respect, or intimacy they once had. They’re not thriving, they’re just surviving. This is a sad waste of time, effort, and energy. When we’re in a below-par marriage, we’re wasting a beautiful thing God gave us to enjoy. Any marriage can be reignited and exhilarating again. Date one another. Enjoy, not endure. Do fun things together. If your marriage is struggling, then I want to infuse new hope into your relationship. Loosen up and see your marriage transformed!

3. Forgive quickly and frequently. Karma is people getting what they deserve. Christianity is Jesus getting what we deserve! Let people off the hook. The Bible says, “Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged” (I Corinthians 13:5 NLT). Every good marriage requires quick and unlimited forgiveness. When we forgive, we don’t bring up and punish people for the same “crime” again and again. If you struggle with forgiveness, remind yourself how God forgives you every day. Forgive your spouse the way God forgives you. Alexander Pope, a British poet from the sixteenth century said, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” You can try to get even or you can try to be like God!

4. Revisit your expectations. Life comes in seasons. What was once essential is now obsolete. Many couples are working very hard but they’re shooting in the dark and it’s making them frustrated. It is healthy to talk about each other’s expectations. Create a safe environment to talk. Take your guards down and communicate your current needs and aspirations with each other. Most couples work hard at pleasing each other. However, they’re often trying to give what they want for themselves. Learn to adapt to the preferences of your spouse. I recommend that you revisit and write down your expectations every 3-5 years. Stay fresh. Stay current. Stay connected. Remember, no one person on earth can give you everything you need. Only God reserves that right!

5. Get rid of selfishness and pride. This is elementary but an alarming number of marriages are stuck in this low level. The Scripture says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). You can be right or you can have peace. Peace is superior. Another definition of marriage is death to self! If you want peace, pleasure and prosperity, die to your selfishness and pride. Find ways to unite and shun what divides.

Friend, whether you’re married or single, these principles will build a strong marriage. Shake off the hopelessness and the disappointments. Today is a new day. People change for the better. You can take no chances and have a mediocre life or you can make some changes and revitalize your marriage like never before. Trust. Forgive. Communicate. Have some fun. Give your marriage a total makeover. I pray for a baptism of God’s love to seal your marriage. I declare peace, passion, and prosperity to rekindle your love life. Embrace the spouse God has given you and you’ll live happily ever after. I love you and I’m praying for your marriage to prosper.

“Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting” (Ephesians 5: 22, 25 The Message).

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Let Freedom Ring

If you’re an American, 4^th of July is a great day of celebration. This day is remembered for severing ties with Great Britain after they imposed unreasonable conditions upon their citizens. God made man free therefore it is a basic human right.

While it is great to be free as a nation, what is more important is that we’re free as individuals. We may no longer succumb to the tyranny of an unjust government; many today are trapped in bondage much more sinister than political control.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” What he was saying is that if we become free as an individual, we can be free as a nation.

Today, let’s look at five areas of life where God wants us to be free.

1. Freedom from wrong mindsets. Too many people are trapped into wrong thinking. A wrong mindset is anything contrary to the Bible. Self-limiting thoughts like: I’m nothing special, I’m not attractive, I’m not smart, I’m not gifted, I will never own my own house, I’ll never get married, I’ll never retire are contrary to God’s promises. Our wrong way of thinking is keeping us from experiencing God’s best as an individual, and collectively as a nation. When we disagree with God, we’re dwarfing our potential. A wrong mindset is more dangerous than a venomous snake because it makes us believe we’re doing the right thing while it leads us to destruction. Our freedom has to do with our mindset. What we believe is what we will become.

2. Freedom from want. A great deal of our lives is spent on gathering for ourselves. While we need to assume responsibility for our own provision, we shouldn’t stretch ourselves too thin. When we live beyond our means, we’re digging a hole for ourselves. We should not be greedy. On the other hand, God wants us to have a mentality of abundance. We limit ourselves by thinking that if God has to provide, it has to be through a job, business, stocks, and bonds. While this is a good place to start, why not believe in God for the supernatural? John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” God created the diamond and gold mines. Can we trust Him to meet our needs over and beyond and have plenty left over to help others? Instead of praying to pay off your own house, pray to pay off someone else’s and see what God does! In God, government or job we trust?

3. Freedom from pain. There are different kinds of pain. When we’re in pain, we think differently. Physical, mental, and emotional pain cause us to live a constrained life. God wants to heal our body, mind, spirit, and soul. One way we can be free from that is to forgive those who have done us wrong. When you forgive others, you set a prisoner free and that that prisoner is you. Often people asked Jesus if He wanted to heal. Jesus replied, “I will.” Jesus still wants to heal today! He will heal every place you hurt.

4. Freedom from bad habits. Habits come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Let’s not judge people because their sin is different from ours. All of us have issues. We can all improve. Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Here are simple steps to overcome a bad habit. Acknowledge > Make yourself accountable > Get help > Give it time.

5. Freedom from sin. God said all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. We’re professional sinners but we don’t have to live that way. John F Kennedy said, “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” You may feel that you’ve failed miserably but Christ paid the ultimate price our freedom. You’re no longer a weak, worm of the dust. You’re the righteousness of God. If you don’t like the way you’re born, today I urge you to be born again. If God can change the world inside of you, He can change the world through you.

Friend, let freedom ring loudest in your heart and let us remember that righteousness exalts a nation. A nation will prosper if we’re living right individually. Jesus didn’t come to change a political order He came to change the heart of men, women and children. Everything changes when the heart is powered by Jesus.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

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God Will Vindicate You

Have you ever been hurt, betrayed or misunderstood? These are universal offenses that have marred every one of our lives. If we are to live in the blessings of God, we have to take people off our potter’s wheel and let Him vindicate us.

When people do us wrong, it is easy to develop a negative attitude. It is human to want to get even and seek revenge. We think, “You hurt me so now I have the right to hurt you.” We have the right but it’s not always right to exercise our right! It feels good to our flesh to pay people back but it is contrary to the teachings of Christ and in the long run it affects us adversely the most.

Researchers are now saying that when we hold a grudge and carry an offence, it can cause long term damage to our immune system. If we do not forgive and let go of the crimes committed against us, we allow ourselves to be susceptible to depression, chronic illness and even mental breakdown. This is why it is wise to forgive and release the offender to God. The quicker we learn to master this process, the happier we will be.

In the Bible, David was anointed to be the king of Israel. He made grave mistakes but he had a humble heart. David was very loyal to Saul, then current king of Israel. But Saul got jealous. He made multiple assassination attempts to get rid of David. David on the contrary could have killed Saul but he understood this principle: God will vindicate him. Saul made David’s life miserable but David always found solace in God and He kept doing his best to run with God. Finally, Saul’s life ended in a violent death while David is hailed as one of the greatest kings of Israel. Saul is remembered as a villain while David is remembered as a man after God’s own heart.

Friend, I’m not making light of what happened to you. You do not deserve to be treated the way you have been. But if you let go of your pain and forgive the offender, then God will vindicate you. If you take matters into your own hands, God will stand back and let you handle it yourself.

You may have people at work talking bad behind your back. You may see other businesses prosper in deceitful ways. People may look down upon your family because you don’t wear the latest fashion or drive the latest car. Management may not promote you in spite of your excellent performance because you don’t compromise your Christian faith. People may look at you as a second class citizen because you have an addiction. No matter who or what causes you grief, let God vindicate you. When we bless our enemies who persecute us, the Bible promises us a special blessing.

The Word of God says, “You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing” (Psalm 23:5). What is interesting here is when we allow God to fight for us He will not only make sure to pay us back in front of our enemy. Our opponent will see our promotion, joy, laughter and happiness. Does this sound good to you? Wait. There is more! When we allow God to vindicate us, He will make the enemy pay us back seven times more for all the troubles he has caused us. God always restores broken lives better than the original. You may look weak and outnumbered now but if God be for us, who can be against us? He is the Defender of the weak. Let’s pray for our enemies. Let’s not get bitter; let’s get better. Do not repay evil for evil and God who is the Righteous Judge will vindicate you in ways you have never imagined!

“Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22 NIV).

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Better Than We Deserve

One of the greatest expressions of Christmas is to realize God sent His Son to give us better than we deserve. We should never be arrogant with God but we should also not be fearful and timid to accept God’s best in our lives.

Christmas is the time when many people feel trapped in their past. They regret about what life could have been. While it’s not bad to do some soul-searching and not repeat our mistakes, it’s never right to feel condemned about our past. The Bible says that the devil is the accuser of the brethren. If you’ve done wrong and repented for it, you have nothing to regret about. There’s nothing you’ve done that is beyond God’s reach to forgive. Don’t beat yourself up for what happened in the past. Accept God’s love, forgiveness and mercy.

One of the things Jesus came to deliver on earth is God’s mercy. Unlike many people think, God is not waiting for us to make a mistake so He can punish us. Sin cannot be punished twice. He has already dealt with our sins on the cross. The gifts that are under your tree is nothing compared to the Gift that hung on the tree. He doesn’t give us what we deserve; He gives us what we can never earn for ourselves. God’s mercy is so great for us that He gave heaven’s most prized possession. While we were yet sinners, Christ loved and died for us. That is God’s mercy! We don’t have to perform, we don’t have to keep the rules and the laws; we just have to accept His mercy. When we humble ourselves at His mercy seat, we inherit the royal robe, the signet ring and the welcome home banquet. God has forgiven you. Now it’s time for you to forgive yourself.

A great many people today are sick in their bodies. I have a friend who hasn’t had a good night’s sleep for weeks. Others are fighting terminal illness. No matter what your sickness or physical illness are God sent His Son to restore your health. We should respect medical science but never underestimate God’s power to heal. The Bible says that He’s the greatest Physician; He’s more than a doctor – He’s our Healer. No sickness is too hard for Him to heal. He can even bring the dead back to life and you’re not dead yet! Friend, I want you to muster up a new hope today. Visualize a mental picture of you – healthy, happy able to live the dream you once envisioned. I encourage you to put up your pictures on the mirror and walls when you’re strong. Every time you see yourself, say this prayer, “Thank you Lord for divine health springing forth in my life. My best days are ahead of me. I will live full and healthy life that you have for me through Jesus. By His stripes, I’m healed.” 

 

Many people cannot accept better than they deserve because they’re prisoners of drugs, alcohol, depression, addiction and emotional pain. If this is you, I have good news for you. Jesus came not only to give us eternal life (in heaven) but also abundant life here on earth. Friend, the Good News of Christmas is that captives will be released and the oppressed will be set free. God is not mad with you; He is madly in love with you. There’s never going to be a better time than this to let go of your hang ups and receive God’s free flowing mercy. God’s not like Santa checking His list twice to see if you’ve done good enough to bless you. He has already decided to bless you. Christmas is the evidence! He will give us better than we deserve.

A great way to show our gratitude to God’s grace and mercy is to forgive those who have hurt us. Too many Christians today are guilty of holding a grudge against one another. Don’t let that be you. The Scripture teaches that when we harbor unforgiveness and resentment, it becomes a root of bitterness. When the root is bad our fruits will be rotten also. When you forgive, you let a prisoner free – that prisoner is you. Don’t seek to pay people back. Don’t take revenge. When you let go and begin to trust God and trust people again, you’ll see the glory of God’s power in your life. God has better things in store than we deserve. What do you have for God?

“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” (Luke 2:10 ESV).

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I Was In Prison

This is the time of the year when many lock themselves behind invisible walls. They have been hurt, betrayed or mistreated. It may have happened recently or a long time ago but they lock themselves in various prisons.

We should not underestimate the pain of others. It is never right when someone is hurt. However, if we allow bitterness, anger and resentment to fester us then we get locked behind self-imposed prison walls. It is not healthy for us and we hurt ourselves. Instead of holding grudges, Christmas is a good time to forgive and let go of past disappointments.

Yesterday, I was privileged to minister in a maximum security prison in east Texas. It was my first time in an American prison. I was very touched by the people we met. Eric is a forty four year old man. He’s serving a 38 year sentence for murder. I’ve never met a broken man like him. Eric lived a reckless life. He’s been HIV positive for almost twenty years. But he found the Lord in prison and now lives a God honoring life. His father is a minister and his family has been praying for him. When I asked him how I should pray for him, he said, “I’ve been holding grudges against my brothers because they don’t come to see me.” I told Eric what I’m telling you! I had the opportunity to pray with him and ask him to forgive his brothers. When I left him, he had a brilliant smile. Please remember Eric in your prayers. I told him that we’re going to pray for him.

When we don’t forgive, we’re allowing ourselves to be hurt and controlled by other people over and over. Prisons of anger, unforgivness, bitterness, self-pity, depression are far more dangerous than criminal prisons. Many people right now are trapped in the prisons of substance abuse, alcohol and other addictions. It is easy for us to point fingers and look down on them. Instead, we need to have compassion and pray for our friends.

In the twenty fifth chapter of Matthew Jesus welcomes those who offered a cup of water to the poor in His name. He said, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” The surprised audience says, “When Lord? When were you in prison and we came to you?” Jesus replied, “When you do it for one of the least of my brothers, you did it for me.” What Jesus is saying is to reach out to the poor, suffering, crying humanity. People see God when they see us. Jesus can only touch people through us. He can heal and deliver people when we stretch out our hands of compassion.

Christmas is the season to be joyous and celebrate the festivities in honor of our Lord’s birth. It is good for us to take time off and spend it with our families. However, in the midst of our business, let’s not forget those who are captives in prisons. Not just the criminals but also those who are locked up in emotional prisons. Let us reach out and help those we can.

This month, our goal is to reach 100,000 souls for the Lord in India, Nepal, China and other parts of Asia. We challenge you to extend your hand of compassion and bring hope and healing to the people in captivity. We are also ministering to children and old folks by providing sweaters, shoes, blankets and food. Every one of them will hear the Good News of Christmas. Thousands will accept Christ as their Lord. Will you participate with your prayers and gifts? When we help those trapped in various prisons, we’re ministering to our Lord. What can be more appropriate Christmas gift we can give to our Lord on His birthday? Let’s celebrate this season of joy and share with those who have none.

“I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36 NLT).

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God will Use Your Shortcoming

What a wonderful season of the year this is! Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love to see happy faces, festivities and the hustle and bustle of shopping and good times. Unfortunately for many, this is the worst time of the year.

I know people who dread festivities, good times and enjoying themselves. They retrieve because they’d done something wrong in the past. Guilt, shame and regret engulf their lives. Some resort to alcohol, drugs and other self-inflicting vices. We should never judge people like that instead, reach out and try to include them in our circle.

I can speak for myself. I made many blunders in my life. Believe it or not, I used to be selfish, moody, insecure, unfaithful, unreliable, lying blankety blank. (I’m still working on some of these issues.) When I felt guilt and condemnation, I’d turn to do more of the same thinking, I’m good for nothing. I don’t deserve anything better. Thankfully, a series of event in my life catapulted me to take a hard, long look at myself. I had to decide whether to let the enemy’s voice win or accept God’s plan for my life. I chose the latter and what a ride it has been since then. Today, I’m able to minister to thousands facing those same issues.

Here’s what I’ve learnt. When you’ve done something wrong or something bad happens to you, there are three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you or allow it to strengthen you. If we have God’s perspective, we’ll always allow our weakness to strengthen us.

Many people sit on the sideline today because they made a mistake thirteen years ago. There are others who feel less of themselves because they don’t think they look beautiful nor have any talent. They constantly feel inferior amongst others. They look down on themselves and mistakenly give heed to the accusing voices of the devil. Don’t let that be you. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” God will use your shortcomings to thrust you into amazing things God has in store for you.

This is what happened to Zacchaeus in the Bible. He had two things going against him. He had a bad reputation as a tax-collector and he was short in stature. Understandably, Zacchaeus allowed his self-esteem to drop but deep in his heart, he had a desire for God. He wanted to do the right thing. He wanted to see Jesus. There was no way for sinner Zacchaeus to get close to the Holy Man but he was determined. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree. You know, today, people everywhere are looking for Jesus. If we Christians were a little more sensitive to their need and less judgmental to their sins, many more will follow Him. That’s exactly what happened to Zac. Jesus overlooked all the people pressing on Him and looked straight to Zac and said, “Come down, we’re going to dinner together.”  Jesus saw the heart of Zacchaeus while people looked at his shortcomings. Friend, Jesus is looking at you today. If you’re wrestling with your past, let it go; there’s no future there. The enemy has kept you crippled for too long. Why don’t you accept God’s free gift of forgiveness and mercy? He has a life waiting for you that you cannot comprehend. Today is your day. Will you turn to Christ?

Friend, there’s no better time to get your life right with God than this time of Christmas. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” That’s Good News my friend. It doesn’t matter where you have been. What matters is where God can take you. Will you say this prayer with me? “Dear Jesus, I know I have sinned. I need a Savior. I accept you as my Lord. I repent from my sins. Give me the strength to overcome sin and bad habits by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name.” Friend, if you prayed that prayer, you’re born again. Tell someone about your experience today and let the God of peace lead and guide you in all Truth. I’m praying for you!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10 NLT).

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Don’t Answer to Your Critics

One of the greatest tests of maturity is how we handle criticism. If you’re doing anything worthwhile with your life, people will talk. How we learn to handle criticism will determine how far we will go.

I used to be a very insecure person. I didn’t take criticism well. I had to defend myself in the most insignificant things. I created scenes and embarrassed people. Often I was winning arguments but I was a small person inside. As I began to develop God-fidence, I started to handle criticism in a much healthier way.

Have you noticed that the only people who get criticized are those who are doing something? Usually they’re criticized by people who are not doing anything. Let me sound the alarm. If you want to do anything significant with your life, you’ll be criticized. Don’t sink down to the level where people are talking down on you. You protest, “Sandy, that’s not fair. Why can’t I tell them off and put the record straight?” Here’s why. They’re not going where you are going!

In my language, there’s a saying, “Let the elephant walk and the dogs bark.” The bigger you are the less you need to defend yourself. Let your walk do all the talking. When God begins to promote you, all sorts haters will come out of the woodworks. Don’t defend yourself. Let God be your judge. He will pay you back.

Once, Prophet Elisha was passing through a small city. A bunch of young people began to make fun of him calling him bald. Elisha was annoyed but he didn’t respond to the negative talk. He simply prayed. When he turned around, two female bear had come out from the woods and mauled forty-two young men! There are two lessons to be learned here. Number one; never make fun of a bald person! Number two; don’t criticize a Man of God. Friend, don’t worry about your critics. Instead of defending yourself, use all that energy to advance yourself. God will vindicate you. Let the elephant walk…

This is what a young British lad did when he failed in sixth grade. He tried a hand at politics but there was no room for him there. He was defeated in every single election for public office. Multitude criticized him. Winston Churchill continued to serve and inspire his countrymen on the radio. At the age of sixty two, he became the British Prime Minister and saved his country from the Nazi invasion. Last month I had the privilege of standing under his monument in the middle of the busy streets of London. Once people criticized Churchill but today people from all over the world come to pay tribute and celebrate his life. When you learn to ignore criticism, you too will inspire many others. Ignore the criticism and keep moving forward. You’re going places where no one else has gone before!

One of the worst critics you’ll ever face in life is yourself. When we belittle ourselves, it is far more destructive than any other criticism against us. Too many people today look down on themselves. Don’t let that be you. You’re created in the very image of God. He breathed His life into you. You are God’s perfect ten! Your failure is an event; it doesn’t define who you are. The Scripture says that the devil is the accuser of the brethren. Don’t assist the devil by thinking one iota less than what God made you to be. You’re God’s most valued possession. Our performance has nothing to do with God’s acceptance of us. He loved us while we were yet sinners. Accept His grace and forgiveness. There’s nothing wrong with you!

Friend, let’s grow up. You don’t have to answer to every critic. Use the criticisms to fuel you to your next level. Don’t seek revenge. Let God be your vindicator. Don’t judge others and you won’t be judged. God will pay you back for the backtalk. You’re going places where no one else is going. Greatness awaits you at the top. I believe in you! Let the elephant walk…

“God will vindicate the righteous” (Psalm 37:6).

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Be a God Chaser

Human nature is to want more. We’re all pursuing something. It is not bad in itself to pursue our family, career, business, name and fame. However, nothing we do to advance ourselves will have its full impact unless we first become God-chaser.

Too many people today are spinning their wheels without success. Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). In my experience, most people want to pursue God but they don’t know how. Today we’ll discuss becoming a God-chaser.

The first thing we have to do to become a God-chaser is to make a decision. Until we make a quality commitment to put God first in our lives, we’ll not be living up to our full potential. You may not be anything right now but when you become God-chaser, you’ll have everything in Him. God has been on your side all your life now it’s time for you to form an alliance with God.

Jacob in the Bible is a perfect example for us to learn from. He was a cunning man. He didn’t consider anyone as long as he had his way. Integrity was not his strength. He cheated his own brother out of his inheritance over a bowl a soup. One day Jacob had an encounter with God. He repented from his troubled past and then he wrestled with an angel until daybreak. Jacob became a God-chaser! The angel blessed Jacob; gave him a new name (Israel) and a new nature. Everything in his life began to change from that point. He became the Father of the nation of Israel.

One of the characters of a God-chaser is humility. This is so simple yet it is so hard. Humility means dying to our flesh and self-will. A true God-chaser doesn’t try to control his/her own life but one who surrenders to God. Humility will make you bow before God and rise before men. Moses was a self-made man growing up in the house of Pharaoh. He thought he was something until he killed a man. Like most of us men, he had a lot of ego. It took God forty years in the wilderness to humble Moses. But when God was through He made Moses to be the savior of a nation!

Friend, today you may be going through your wilderness. Don’t be anxious if it’s taking you longer than you expected. I assure you, it won’t take you forty years. Life may be uncomfortable now. Don’t try to hurry the process. The good news is when God is through molding you, you too will make history. He will not only change your destiny but of your family and generations to come down your bloodline. When you put on humility and become God-chaser, He will promote you beyond your wildest dream.

Raised in a Buddhist family in Korea, Cho was dying of tuberculosis at the age of seventeen. A girl came to visit him daily to share Christ with Cho. He couldn’t resist God’s love for him and Cho became a God-chaser. He was healed of tuberculosis completely. Cho started a small church with only three people. Today, Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho has the largest church in the world in Seoul, Korea with a membership of over one million people! God-chasers are history makers. God wants to make history with you!

Friend, no matter what you’re facing today, God is waiting for you to return to Him. God is not mad with you; He’s madly in love with you. He wants you to surrender your life to Him. If you give Him the broken pieces of your life, you’ll rise from your ashes. He will take nothing from you without giving you something far better. If God’s love could reach a cheater like Jacob and a murderer like Moses, He can certainly reach you. Make a decision today. Become a God-chaser. I guarantee your life will never be the same again. I’m praying for you!

“Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself” (Luke 10:27 The Message).

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Claim Your Benefit Package

I know some people who go to work just for the perks and benefits they get from their job. They don’t mind putting time, effort and energy because they know that they can draw from the benefits that await them.

Many Christians go through life without ever claiming their “benefit package” from God. When we become followers of Christ, we don’t have to struggle through life, living on crumbs. God has promised to provide all sorts of benefits for those who love God and bless His name – that’s YOU!

Today, we’ll look at a handful of benefits God offers to His children. Unlike the worldly benefits that are fleeting away more and more, God’s benefits are ever so strong and we can always depend on them.

In Psalm 103 King David reminds us not to forget our benefit package. The first benefit is to have our sins forgiven. Millions of Christians do not understand the depth of God’s unfathomable mercy. Many believers keep begging God to forgive them for sin #819, committed in 1973! In reality, God forgives us the very first time we repent and ask for His mercy. The biggest button on God’s computer is the delete button. When God’s hits the delete button, our sins are not just covered but they’re blotted out. His mercy and forgiveness eradicate our sins. Let’s bless His name for exterminating our sins forever.

A major benefit Jesus offers to His followers is health and healing. The Bible says, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4). Notice, it doesn’t say, we’re going to, maybe or hope one day. It says we were healed. Past tense! It is by faith, we receive our healing. No matter how long or what sickness you’re dealing with, Christ has already paid the price for our sickness. Many Christians believe that God stopped doing miracles of healing today. On the contrary, there has never been more healing in history than there are today. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus still heals when doctors and medical science have given up. Health and healing from our God is far superior to any healthcare package our government can provide. If you’re sick, claim your healthcare benefits!

The third in the benefit package is redemption from destruction. That includes body, mind, spirit and soul. Many today are trapped in destructive behaviors. Alcohol, addictions, sex, drugs and violence are enemy’s traps to keep us bound. Jesus said, “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NIV). The Scripture says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (I John 3:8). Friend, if you’re struggling with a bad habit, addiction or a vice, claim your benefit package today. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. He wants to give you a brand new heart and a brand new start today. He redeems us from destruction!

Last but not the least on our discussion is God’s goodness. He has promised to satisfy our mouth with good things and with loving kindness and tender mercies. That means God will not only give us what we work for but He will also bless us with what we do not deserve. He will provide for our every need. He cares about the smallest details of our lives. He wants to prove Himself as a loving Father who knows how to take good care of His children. God’s “benefit package” covers it all!

Friend, don’t get God mixed up with the devil. The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy; God gives us abundant life. Claim your benefit package today. The premium has been paid in full now is the time to cash it in. Bless the Lord, O my souls, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. His benefit package has you covered!

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

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