Relevant Revelation

Growing Up

2009-11-08T01:09:00.000-05:00

There is a great lesson on maturity from the life of David.

There were two men who levied great insults against the psalmist: Nabal and Shimei.
Nabal’s insult came when David was hiding from Saul. He slanderously denied help to David and his men though they watched over his shepherds for the year. It was a disrespectful, inconsiderate offense from a crass and base individual. To not help was a cultural wound, but to speak evil of good added salt to the wound. David reacted by mounting up with his men and riding to Nabal’s house with intent to slaughter all the men.

Shemei’s insult came when David ran from Absolam, who led a semi-successful coup against the throne. Shemei was a descendant of Saul, so he’d been holding a grudge for over twenty years. When he saw David and his men walking dejectedly from Jerusalem, he laughed, called names and even threw rocks at the man of God. David did not retaliate or allow his captain to kill him. Instead David said that perhaps God sent Shemei to insult him.

How did we get such a difference in reaction? Why did David go from antagonist to pacifist? What changed a hot-headed war machine into a patient, considerate and forgiving man of peace?

The answer my friends is Life. Life changed David from a rash avenger to a patient sufferer. Life humbled, changed and matured the Man after God’s own heart. The years from Nabal to Shemei included his sin with Bathsheeba, the rape of his daughter Tamar, the murder of his son Amnon and the rebellion of Absalom. These things would change anyone.

Life is producing a kinder, more thoughtful, less offended David Wilson. And I’m determined to learn the lessons without the loss. What is life producing in you?

Dealing

2009-11-05T22:08:00.007-05:00

The Psalmist said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest (Ps. 55:6)."

Wishful thinking, but the fact is you don't have wings so you have to deal. I realize David was speaking poetically about his troubles. People were mistreating him, pressure was heavy on him, and life was uncomfortable. I've been there and you have as well, but if wishes were fishes we'd eat for life. God did not make us to flee or fly but to stand and deal.

Too often we find ourselves fantasizing about fleeing. "I should just quit," "I ought to leave" or "I'm moving my membership." Sometimes we even hope God would step in and stop consequences, cease suffering or make things better. I understand the sentiment, but the relevant and evident truth is God wants us to deal with things.

Look at the statements of our faith and see the endurance element.

- Running the race with patience (Heb.12:1).

- Wrestling against powers (Eph. 6:10-12).

- The fiery trial of faith (I Pet. 1:7).

- Bearing one another's burdens (Gal.6:2).

- The perfecting work of patience (James 1:4).

Don't fly away like a bird, deal with it. Bear up. Go through it. Suffer it to be so. Persevere. Endure. Overcome. Take your shots. In the end, you will be better having gone through than if you ran like a coward. We should all focus more on what we are going to more than what we are going through.

By the way David, if you did have wings, where would you fly to? Trouble will find you wherever you go. In the desert you'd run out of water. In the mountains you'd get cold at night. Best to stay in Jerusalem where God put you and deal with it.

Hope up.

Disciples of Dayton

2009-11-03T15:46:00.014-05:00

A few weeks back I returned to Dayton, Ohio to preach for the Northwest Church of Christ in their fall meeting. My friend and brother Dr. Cleavon Matthews is the very capable Minister there.

I love going to Dayton. The hospitality and appreciation is overwhelming. Golf with Cleavon and Bro. Pediford was wonderful and educational. I even got to sit down at Papadeux with John Edmerson. Or I should say, sat down with John at Papadeux’s. I really, really love that restaurant. J

Dinner by Christy Matthews was exceptional. One word says it all – Strawberry Butter. Hm hm good! Found out that when Christy writes letters for the church, she sometimes writes Church of Christy. Imagine that! Going to hell for a typo.

I commend the audience for their patience and support through a not so celebrated subject – Stewardship. That is a hard subject for many, but Dayton took it, nodded their heads and vowed to do better. Curtis Williamson did an excellent job on the singing. May God bless that church and inspire them to fulfill their vision.

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2009-10-28T12:35:00.005-04:00

"Don't talk about it. Be about it."

For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. - Ecclesiastes 5:3

Change

2009-10-23T09:26:00.007-04:00

"Well go ahead and die then!" (Said jokingly to a young lady who declared that she can't take change.)

Change must come. Sometimes uncomfortable, often foreseeable, but always inevitable. We live in a changing, transitioning, conforming, alterable reality. In fact we are changing as we speak. The you that started reading this article is different from the you that is reading and thinking about change right now. Someone once said, "We are not so much human beings as much as human becomings." For we are always in flux, ever developing into something other.

Change should be expected.

Wisdom produces enlightened foresight, while folly promotes blind ignorance. It is the wiseman who foresees change and the fool who is caught unawares. Businessmen who see market trends, inventors who foresee new applications of scientific fundamentals or farmers who can taste the changing of the seasons are all those who expect change. In like manner, we all should expect things to change. We must never be foolish enough to believe that things stay the same.

Change should be embraced.

Some try their best to resist change. They frustrate themselves by trying to hold on to the way things were. We often find comfort in homeostasis. It is familiar, it is safe, it is predictable, but it is a lie. You and things are changing, either for the good or the bad. Nothing stays the same. The inevitability of change calls for acceptance not resistance. The only way to stop change is to stop time. The best option is to embrace it.

Change should be enhanced.

Since change is coming, we then need to decide what that change will be. While we have no power to stop change we certainly are given power over how we are changed. You cannot stop the year from turning, but you can determine to not be in the same place when the year turns around. You cannot stop the sun from setting but you can make sure that it does not set on your anger. You cannot change the atmosphere from stormy to pleasant, but you can determine your attitude and actions in the storm.

Change is not the enemy but the arena in which we reveal the gift of God. We must have the right attitude about transitions to bring forth sweet fruit in due season.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;

he sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with him.

-- Daniel 2:19-22

God Sees

2009-09-16T14:59:00.006-04:00

That’s one of His names in Hebrew. Jehovah-Roi. It was articulated by Hagar after God miraculously provided water for her and her son Ishmael. The name celebrates a very comforting and encouraging aspect of the character of God. He Sees.

"But the Eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love."
Psalm 33:18 NIV

God sees my adversity – It is a comfort to know that when I suffer, God sees. A loving, benevolent Father watching over His child will move in response to danger. So often we feel that no one sees or cares about our troubles. That’s not true; God sees, knows and understands our trouble. This is why His Word is so important. By it He guides, comforts, restores and strengthens.

God sees my iniquity – It is convicting to know that when I sin, God sees. You can walk in the darkest night, wearing all black clinging to the shadow, and still God sees. In the closet, in the basement with the lights off, God sees. He see even what is on our hearts. This is not meant to cause paranoia, but one who reverences God can’t help but feel a great, burning desire to do right in His sight.

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV

God sees my destiny – It is compelling to know that when I cannot, God sees. As he exists outside of the sphere of time, His perspective is timeless. He sees then, now and after, all at once. He knows the end at the beginning. Such vision is invaluable to the plans for my life. I cannot make the right decisions, choose the right path or endure the right processes without God’s perspective. His higher vision lets me know through His Word that, humble is the way, the meek inherit the earth and love conquers all. His vision reveals that, sin destroys a nation, tribulation worketh patience and good overcomes evil. What I need is faith. Trust to do as He say, even when it doesn’t make sense to me. “We walk by faith and not by sight,” can only be understood in the light of God’s perspective.

"The Eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth."
Psalm 34:15-16 NKJV

Hallelujah for Hopewell

2009-09-15T16:30:00.010-04:00

The Arlington Church of Christ in Hopewell, Virginia is a great group of Christians. It was our pleasure to visit and preach for their 62^nd Anniversary Revival. They love God’s Word, His people and good times. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Leruna Gilbert and his beautiful and charming wife, Leah, are doing an awesome job in serving that church and community.We have known this couple for years and are thrilled at their relationship and effectiveness with Hopewell. Leruna is an awesome singer as well. He sounds like Peabo.

Arlington Road has a great history. 62 years ago, a tent-meeting was held across the street from a Baptist church. The preacher, Wilton Cook, was convicted and told his congregation, “Anybody who wants to go to heaven, come with me across the street to the tent.”

150 came with him in obedience to the Gospel and thus began the Arlington Road Church of Christ. Awesome!

Some of the members of that original group were there for the Anniversary. Excellent!

Thanks again Hopewell and may God continue to bless you.

Cheerful or delirious? You decide.

2009-09-08T18:01:00.003-04:00

I can't help but wonder how much was in the envelope.

Blessed

2009-09-07T09:15:00.005-04:00

A favorite word among the faithful. Used for babies, promotions, unexpected gifts and sneezes. The Bible shows a different bend on blessings however. It shows that blessedness is not so much the material gain or successful situation but rather the conforming and perfecting of the character.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me (Matt. 5:11)."

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (Jam. 1:12)."

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened (I Pet. 3:14)."

"Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man (Lk. 6:22)."

"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you (I pet. 4:14)."

This helps us to comprehend our struggles. We are not being forgotten or forsaken when trouble comes, we are being blessed. We are not being neglected when isolated, we are being blessed to experience the Christ-life. Trials and tribulation are not punishments, they are opportunities. When the world frowns at you God is smiling on you.

Say not "I'm to blessed to be stressed" but rather "I am being blessed through my stress."

As I close this blog, I say with deep meaning and solemn respect - May God bless you.

Stockholm

2009-08-31T11:16:00.013-04:00

The recent rescue of Jaycee Dugard after 18 years of captivity touched my heart and provoked my spiritual mind. Jaycee was kidnapped at age 11, kept in a tent in a backyard, raped and abused for 18 years, and even had two children by the male captor.

What is bizarre is that she bonded with her tormentors. She helped run a business and did not take advantage of the opportunities to escape. This is called Stockholm syndrome. It is a psychological shift that takes place when a captive is first threatened then shown acts of kindness by the captors. The result is that the victim identifies with and defends those who are actually abusing them.

While shocking and incredulous at first, it occurs to me that this is a constant condition in the Spiritual realm. We once served sin but now we have been redeemed. Our old master kept us in slavery, paying us slave wages. Now, under a new Master, we serve righteousness and receive life everlasting. For some odd reason, we still go and visit that old master and work in the field we prayed to be delivered from.

Is it Stockholm or just plain Stupid?

Whatever it is we need to stop it and be free. Jaycee will need a lot of intensive counseling to convince her of the crime against her and the salvation she now has. In like manner the penitent believer must be reminded repeatedly of the undone condition of the sinner and the great worth of his salvation.

“What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life inChrist Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:1-23).”

Amazing Grace!!!

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2009-08-26T14:46:00.004-04:00

God will provide!! - if only God would provide while He provides.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Phillipians 4:19

Conversation

2009-08-24T16:19:00.004-04:00

There’s more to a conversation than just talking. The word itself points to alteration or change. Conversation comes from the Latin – conversari, meaning abide with and convertere, meaning to turn around. So then, in a conversation you are abiding with and being turned around (to some degree) by who you are talking with.

Scripture says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him (Proverbs. 26:4).” “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).” It becomes clear etymologically and practically that we must be careful of our words and who we share them with.

Arguing with a fool makes you a fool. We know this to be true by the many childish discussions (or should I say ‘disgustions’) that we have witnessed or participated in. Tension rises, pressure builds, voices get raised and the wrong words are said. All for naught because it accomplished nothing positive.

To argue with a fool you have to meet him at his level. This means that you have to climb down into the ‘fool pit’ with him. The same is true for all unworthy conversation. The real results, after all the words and passions have passed, is that you have become that which you so despised.

It is about motive and value. If you know a person to be argumentive keep it simple. Or if the subject is not so important, brush it off. Wise men hold their peace but a fool answers every challenge. We don’t have to correct every mistake, answer every critique, silence every rumor, disprove every lie or confront every insult. The higher you rise the more things are beneath you.

By the way, it tickles my soul when someone tries to bait me into an argument and I reply, “Oh really, that’s awesome.” Or “Wow, I never looked at it like that before.” I send them merrily on their way while I save time and energy. If someone genuinely has a point or needs fruitful contention, that’s one thing. But if they are out to belittle, or strut their stuff, they can take center stage elsewhere.

I wonder if this principle holds true in the positive. If arguing with a fool makes me a fool, and evil communication corrupts good morals, then what happens when I speak with the wise and good. Abiding with and being turned around by wise men sounds like a good personal growth plan.

Wow! Maybe that’s why we all need to pray more.

Lyrics-

2009-07-29T11:10:00.006-04:00

I built another temple to a stranger

I gave away my heart to the rushing wind

I set my course to run right into danger

I sought the company of fools instead of friends

You know I've been unfaithful

With lovers in lines

While you're turning over tables

With the rage of a jealous kind

I chose the gallows to the aisle

Thought that love would never find

Hanging ropes will never keep you

And your love of a jealous kind

-Jars of Clay

"Love of a Jealous Kind"

R.I.P.?

2009-07-20T16:00:00.005-04:00

I mean no disrespect. In fact, I held my peace while emotions were high. But I wonder about some of our responses to the recent wave of celebrity deaths.

R. I. P.

Doesn't that mean 'Rest In Peace'? Doesn't this imply peaceful rest in preperation for the judgement? Is this not a theological refrence to paradaisical bliss or a "Bossom of Abraham " type situation?

If so, then can one live any way they want, die and then rest in peace? I don't think so.

By faith, I would have to say absolutely not.

Look, I loved Michael's music too. Yes he was a musical icon (same term for idol in theology). Yes he was the greatest entertainer in history. Does that merit peaceful rest? Sorry but no.

Jesus says, "No man can come to the Father but by me (I John 14:6). "

It may be a hard truth but it is truth nonetheless. God is not impressed by what impresses the world. When Mike, Elvis, Kennedy, Biggie, Tupac or whoever stands before the throne, the Judge will not ask for autographs. You can't please heaven by being famous, talented or well loved. Lordship is a serious, as a matter of fact, eternally consequential issue.

Let's not call it like we see it, let's call it like God says it.

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2009-07-15T13:44:00.004-04:00

Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment.

Dale Carnegie

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

The Transcendant Path

2009-07-08T11:11:00.005-04:00

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (I John 3:2-3)."

It is our blessed hope that when Jesus returns we shall see Him and then become like Him. What an awesome reward for the faithful. John encourages the faith by reminding them of that great future moment juxtaposed against their current discomforted situation.

In every transcendent path there is a 'now' of present struggle and a 'then' of unequalled triumph. Now - the earthly struggle. Then - the heavenly reward. Now - confusion, frustration and exhaustion. Then - contentment, consolation and fullness. Now - momentary doubt and tendency to sin. Then - eternal existence in the absolutely perfect presence of God.

What a joy that will be!

It's the middle that we struggle with. The journey from the bothersome now to the triumphant then is filled with tests, challenges, obstacles, mishaps, distractions, disappointments and many other woes. It can become so intense at times that you are often tempted to get off of the transcendent path. This is why we all need hope?

Hope is the fuel of the soul that produces endurance and perseverance. Hope can make you press on even under great pressure. It creates courage in the shadow of the dragon. Hope says you can when all else says give up. Hope says it's worth it when others call you crazy. Hope, as the Bible says, "Maketh not ashamed."

John says that keeping our mind fixed on what we shall become creates hope, which in turn creates faithfulness to the path, which will in turn bring us to the end results. Keep looking at what God shows you so you keep walking on the path he laid out for you.

"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Next...

2009-07-07T19:18:00.004-04:00

Preaching took me to the superstate of Texas near the great city of Houston. Midway City is the home of the Antioch Church of Christ. And let me tell you, if you cant preach in Antioch, you need to hear another calling. We had a great time celebrating their homecoming.

Minister Howard Watson and his family made sure that I lacked for nothing. The members finally warmed up to me after they forgot about Bernard (inside story). We had a ball. When the Bible says that they "killed the fatted calf", I literally know what that means now. They barbecued a fresh calf and it was the absolute best Brisket I've ever had in my young life.

I look forward to the great things God will do through that congregation as they follow their great leader.

And Then…

2009-07-07T18:59:00.006-04:00

Next it was my pleasure to preach for the Country Club Drive Church of Christ in Fayetteville, N.C. http://www.countryclubchurchofchrist.com/ That church is doing a great job and is filled with very loving and receptive members. We challenged them each night from the theme, “Of Him, By Him and Through Him”. They took excellent care of Cathi and I.

It was good getting together with Brother and Sister Mason. We’ve been friends ever since Gospel Quality (SWCC singing group) days with Gabby, their daughter. They are wonderful people. Bro. Mason always has some quick but gentle witticism percolating in his mind, while Sis. Mason has a smile that can make the rain stop. We had a great time with them, the Whites the Jeeters and many others who opened their homes or took us out to eat.

Thanks Fayetteville

2009-07-01T12:53:00.004-04:00

May brought me to the great city of Pasedena in California. It was my joy to preach for the saints of the North Pasedena Church of Christ. Brother Lundy has been the preacher there for well over 35 years. I was treated well and encouraged during the preaching. I got a lotta friends in Cali. It was real good to see Fate, Robert, Chris, Chris, Kevin, Vincent and the whole crew. Rudy didn't show cause he still suspicious about Tupak I guess.

Orlander Thomas is the Assistant there and he is really growing in the Lord. I am excited about what God is doing with him. He really struggled in golf but hey, who doesn't.

Thanks North Pasadena. May our work together continue to gain growth in God.

2009-07-01T12:39:00.003-04:00

It's been a long time

Shouldn't have left you

Without a nice word to step to....

Busy Busy Busy is the name of this year. But I popped in to say Happy Birthday to me. Gifts can be sent to the Church care of David Wilson. Or you can just holla in the comment box.

I thank God for His great blessings. He has given me a family that adores me, a loving congregation and an effective purpose.

If it were not for Him there would be no us.

God bless you.

Jim Clingman

2009-05-07T21:10:00.004-04:00

We were thouroughly inspired and encouraged by Brother James during our Stewardship Workshop last month. With his special blend of historical proofs, political expertise and Scriptural truths, Jim lifted our hearts and pointed in the direction of economic relevance.

Jim's message is this - Money is not the same as wealth. We need to see ourselves as producers more than consumers to truly experience economic freedom. We should be creating, organizing and supporting our own businesses rather than whoring ourselves out for the next new thing.

Jim is well known and well loved because of his economic empowerment workshops. His books, commentaries, broadcasts and such like are really relevant for our times and situations. I hope the church starts to recognize him as a great resource for ministry.

Check out his website for articles and info on his great work.

http://www.blackonomics.com/

Thank you so much, Brother Wilson. I truly appreciate your support and confidence. I am blessed to know you and the King's Church congregation. Peace, love, and blessings. Jim

No More Prayers for Nothing

2009-05-01T16:44:00.003-04:00

We were boarding what would be a long flight. I was tired and wanted to stretch out and be comfortable. So far, the seat next to me was empty and I was so hopeful that it would remain that way. As the line of passengers began to dwindle I did something that led to a very life changing event. I prayed to God that no one would sit next to me.

Yup! I bowed my head, closed my eyes and sent up my request to the throne of God. I’d done so before. I thought nothing of it. But then an incredible thing happened.

In the midst of my prayer, before I could finish my one line request, I saw Jesus. He was praying in the Garden, leaning hard against a stone. Dust covered his clothes. Sweat was running off his face. Tears were in his eyes and his lips were dry.

He lifted his head,

turned to me.

And said,

“That’s what you come here for?”

The look on his face and the sound in his voice had an immediate effect on me. I felt so ashamed. How small I was. How petty and selfish I had been. A prayer for an open seat became clearly un-Christ like.

I determined then that I will no longer pray for nothing.

So what if I have to sit next to someone on the flight. So what if it rains and spoils my golf plans. So what if my team doesn’t win. So what if I have to make adjustments or alternate plans. I will no longer pray for that which matters none. I will endure the small things to become bigger and better.

I will pray instead for the things that Jesus died for me to enjoy – Self-control, wisdom, purity, virtue, patience, endurance, love and such.

I wouldn’t be ashamed to go to the Garden and pray for those things.

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2009-04-26T23:44:00.002-04:00

"Don't procrastinate. Yesterday used to be the distant future too." -- David Wilson

"The night cometh when no man can work" -- Jesus Christ

Savior

2009-04-12T01:01:00.012-04:00

He saved a marriage feast that ran out of wine.

He saved a father's son from a feverish death.

He saved a prostrate man miserable from 38 years of bedridden sickness.

He saved a crowd of thousands from their lack of provisions.

He saved our hopes and dreams by walking on water.

He saved a man from the complete blackness of birth blindness.

He saved the faith of the disciples by raising Lazarus from the grave.

He saved our souls by dying on the cross.

No wonder we call him - Savior

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2009-03-31T11:13:00.003-04:00

"A system is in equilibrium when the forces constituting it are arranged in such a way as to compensate each other, like the two weights pulling at the arms of a pair of scales."

-Rudolf Arnheim

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

-The Apostle Paul