The Very Next Time

The Harvest is past, the summer has ended and the gathering of fruit is over, yet we are not saved! [comes again the voice of the people.] - Jeremiah 8:20 (The Amplified Bible)

For me, seeing how the leaves of summer goes through a process of green to fall colors of orange, brown, red, and golden yellow is absolutely amazing! As a retired commercial art teacher and professional painter, I can recall spending numerous hours mixing oil, acrylic, and pastel colors in an attempt to match the leaves that fall from trees. The Fall Season has always given me inspiration; yet, I’m not alone when it comes to being inspired by God’s masterful design in nature.

Mrs. Betsy Seymour, the wife of Rev. Dr. Jody Seymour, Senior Pastor of Davidson United Methodist Church, Davidson, North Carolina, has lifted the hearts of many by her love for flowers and how the art of presenting them [in floral displays] is an ongoing love affair. Wow! This lady is awesome! Anyway, Betsy shared some of her favorite snapshots with Lillie and me as we were in attendance at a recent wedding reception at the Charles Mack Center in Mooresville several months ago. A marriage ceremony was held earlier at Davidson UMC for one of the Associate Pastors and Betsy bedazzled everyone’s eyes with beautiful flowers both in the sanctuary as well as at the reception.

I asked, “What is your favorite flower? Just why did you choose it?” Daylily was her response. Betsy added, “My love for Daylilies began when I was a child and entered in a sandbox competition. The person who won the competition put some Daylilies in my display and I never forgot it. They were flowers from beside the road.” Pastor Jody added these remark, “Betsy went with me to visit my grandmother in Gulfport, MS. She met my grandmother’s doctor who hybridized Daylilies in an effort to produce a ‘white’ lily (which has yet to be done). Later, she started collecting Daylilies and the rest is history. In fact, she had a Daylily named after her called ‘Betsy Seymour.’ She now has over a thousand Daylilies that she has cross pollinated…they are waiting in her garden for their coming out…you never know what the bloom will look like until it blooms. It is all in the creation of the gardener who takes pollen from different lilies and cross pollinates them…then she waits until the new flower happens. Betsy loves it. She calls them ‘her little children.’”

In speaking about her love of flowers, Betsy mentioned something that dug deep in my spirit. “My goal,” as I interpreted her to say, “Is to plant [a] flower(s) so that its [their] roots will become strong the next year!” Wow! A phrase popped up in my spirit - The very next time. What could it mean? Tree leaves go through a transformation… hence time and circumstance changes things. Since there is always the contrast between the physical (world) and the spiritual, the Very Next Time could act as a wake up call. In retrospect, each time I see a tree in the process of losing its leaves, I think about what sin can do to an individual. Slowly, a person gradually begins to change and inevitably he or she dies. So the question maybe, what lesson can be taught to offset this condition?

“The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved!” - Jeremiah 8:20 (NIV). Theoretically, the prophet Jeremiah is weeping for sinful Judah in these words, which are a vivid portrayal of his emotions as he watched his people reject God. Jeremiah responded with anguish to a world dying in sin. What kinds of sins are implied here?

-Lying/ unrepentant hearts (8:5),

-Purposeful ignorance of God’s law (8:7),

-Foolishness of teachers (8:9), and

-Greed/hypocrisy/fraudulent prophets and priests (8:10).

As you go back and reread these things, observe that God is listing these sins as Jeremiah responds.

Far away from their homeland, witnessing the temple destroyed, and driven to hopelessness in the province of Babylon, Judah was punished for turning their backs on God who permitted their condition because of sin. Today, we watch that same world still dying in sin, still rejecting God. But how often is our heart broken for our lost friends and neighbors, our lost world? Only when we have Jeremiah’s passionate concern will we be moved to help. We begin by asking God-in-Christ to break our heart for the world he loves. Selah

Just who is listening?

Train children in the right, and when old, they will not stray. – Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)

Just a few weeks ago on September 18, 2011, a “Real Talk Youth Summit” was held at Celia Phelps UMC, Greensboro, North Carolina where the Rev. Larry Fitzgerald serves as Pastor. The WNC BMCR North Youth Committee, after having met on several occasions prior to the event, witnessed a turn out of approximately 86 young people. From varying churches in the Greensboro and High Point Districts, teenagers [12 years and up] and children [11 years and under] came together in a show of enthusiasm and expectation. Proud of the fact that churches rallied to the cause of getting their young people out to the summit, the Youth Committee did not leave any stones unturned when it came to providing music, dance, mime, instructional teaching, and of course a hearty meal.

Beginning at 3:00 PM, the sanctuary at Celia Phelps was tailor made for introductory prayer, praise, and worship. However, from 3:20 until 4:05 PM, children ages 11 and under were sent to the fellowship hall to have “Town Hall Discussions” on such topics as
bullying, grades, abstinence, self- esteem/confidence building, and family problems. The leaders for that group included Aja Salaam, Ryan Herbin, and Cody Barnes. The adults met in several designated spots to discuss issues of the family and children.

For those 12 years and up [remaining the sanctuary], consideration was given to look at stress, grades, relationships and confidence building – guided by the esteemed media personality Buster Brown who was assisted by Kimberly Waldron and Jamal Dearman.

A light meal was observed from 4:05 PM until 4:50 PM; afterwards, both groups came together as a wrap up. An inspirational message from Mr. Brown was earmarked as well as to hear concerns from Ms. Pam Shoffner, Coordinator of WNC BMCR, the Rev. Rodvegas Ingram, the Rev. Larry Fitzgerald, the Rev. Dr. Tina Mosby, and the Rev. Otto Harris (who serves as the chairman of the Youth Committee).

I personally had the good fortune to serves as photographer as well as to cash in on the good news that went forth. For instance, Buster Brown encouraged the youth not to hang around those whom they considered to be cool so that they could be cool. He told them that they were already cool because they knew God-in-Christ Jesus. Mr. Brown inspired the youth to be the child that he or she would want for their ideal parent. In other words, to behave or to live in such a way that his or her parents would be proud of him or her. Likewise the challenge for each adult is to do and be the same. In both cases, God is glorified.

Just who is listening? It is my estimation that seeds of encouragement were sown. In response to many of the questions and subsequent challenges that Mr. Brown offered, those children and youth that volunteered to voice their concerns mainly that older adults send out mixed messages; that is, dance and shout all over the place at church and then go home only to be mean and grumpy for one reason or another. I distinctly heard also one youngster quote this familiar statement “We’re not only are the future church of tomorrow, but we are the church of today – right now! Wow! Proverbs 22:6 provides a marvelous relevancy here. Train children in the right, and when old, they will not stray. What does this mean? What does it imply? Here is how I see it as a proud Father of two adult children and six (6) grand children. In the process of helping our children to choose the right way, we as adults must discern (to come to know or recognize mentally) differing paths for each respective child. It is natural to want to bring up all our children alike or train them the same way. This verse implies that parents should discern the individuality and special strengths that God has given each one. While we should not condone or excuse self-will, each child has natural feeling/inclinations that parents can develop – overtime. By talking to teachers, other parents, and grandparents, adults can discern and develop the individual capabilities of each child.

Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him or her in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don’t have to watch every step he or she makes. They know their children will remain on the right path because they have made the right choices themselves. So, when a child is trained in the right way, you and I as a God fearing adults can give an affirmative, I am one who is listening. Selah

Flies that bite - More than annoyance

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. - 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)

During the late spring and summer months as you’ve had a picnic at one place or another, what particular insect almost always showed up? You guessed it – the medium-size, approximately 1/4 inch long (?) critter called a house fly. Appearing to be all black with tiny wings, a head the size of a minute thumb tack, and strange- iridescent colored- looking eyes; this insect almost always was a nuisance, which is defined as an annoying, unpleasant, obnoxious thing, or practice.

Flies can be bothersome; buzzing around your head particularly where large numbers are present. And when one or two find a good spot to land on your plate of food, the quick response is to fan it away with the hand all the while hoping that it wouldn’t fall into the soup or other foods on the table. But like mosquitoes, there are flies that bite. I grew up in Carteret County, Morehead City, NC, where nearby farmers had all kinds of livestock such as chicken, mules, horses, cows, and pigs. Mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects were found among them.

My interest in “flies that bite” resurfaced when Mrs. Molly Stewart, a good friend of the Jones family, mentioned that black flies were biting humans in an abnormal fashion in Huntsville, Alabama [my wife and I were visiting there this past July]. Now I know about a black horse fly that feeds on the blood of horses and other livestock. The horse fly is slightly larger than the ordinary house fly and much faster. I learned quickly how to avoid its attacks and grimaced (facial expression showing disgust) whenever I saw one light on horses that I loved to watch on the Tootle farm. Nonetheless, Mollie's concern about the abnormality of black flies being on a rampage raised my curiosity.

I did a bit of research and discovered a few relevant facts. First, flies bite human and animals by sensing certain substances, including the carbon dioxide and moisture in exhaled breath, dark colors and movement, warmth and perspiration. Once a suitable host is located, a biting fly inserts its piercing mouth parts, lacerates the skin, then injects it saliva to keep the blood flowing. To many sensitive individuals, the fly’s saliva can trigger life-threatening allergic reactions. Secondly, flies that bite transmit debilitating diseases to million of people worldwide. Biting flies can be identified by such name as deer flies, stable fly, black fly, horse fly, sand flies, etc. Most, if not all, are highly active in late spring and early summer. Biting flies live as larvae in rivers and streams; having a 3 week cycle before they die.

What can you do to avoid flies that bite? You can purchase repellants, but these products should be supplemented with other preventive methods, such as avoiding areas inhabited by flies that bite, avoiding peak biting times, and wearing heavy-duty, light colored clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats.

“Flies that bite -More than annoyance” prayerfully presents a spiritual thought. I believe that the most extraordinary things about a common fly are speed in flight, and the ability to camouflage itself due to size and color. Satan is like that the biting fly hiding himself in order not to be seen. When you know a biting fly is in your room or house, you can’t rest until it is gotten rid of. 1 Peter 5: 8,9 says, Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

In the same vein of being sober, vigilant, and watchful of the enemy lurking about as a fierce lion, the wake-up call is to become knowledgeful of the enemy tricks – like that biting fly that transmits diseases only when the time is right to suck blood. Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals; they choose victims who are alone or not alert. Through Peter, the Holy Spirit warns us to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. It is so easy to be distracted when one is alone, weak, helpless, and perhaps cut off from fellow believers. Sometimes such a person can become so focused on his or her own troubles that he or she forgets to watch for danger. Becoming convinced that just as the buzzing fly lets you know where it is and you need only to swat it away, allow your eye to stay on Jesus and your swatting will not be in vain. Selah

Living to Inspire

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10: 35,36 (NLT)

Lighting a fire in my enthusiasm, Bishop Goodpaster (as always) did an outstanding job in spiritually leading our past WNCC 2011 Annual Conference held at Lake Junaluska. Becoming re-united with fellow believers in Christ was a welcomed thing for me; it has been that way for a long time. I cherish the hope of renewing old acquaintances as the topic of conversation is about how good God is. For instance, brother George Eubanks, a member of Mt. Pleasant UMC Church, Stanley, NC (Gastonia District), responded to a simple question I asked him at breakfast on Friday morning, June 10th: “Hey, brother, what is the word for today? Can you share it with me!” “Yes, I can,” was his reply. “The word is patience!” Before we got into a deeper discussion on the subject, brother Coley Hooker, a member of St. Matthews UMC Church, Greensboro, NC (Greensboro District), joined us. Anyway as the three of us were filling our stomachs and having a great time witnessing to each other, brother Eubanks mentioned that patience is not only one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 22) but is a necessary “prayer-of-the-day innovator.” I liked that! Brother Hooker added, “That there can be no worthwhile (organizational or personal) agenda unless God-in-Christ is first invited – through prayer.”

As an afterthought, I discovered that patience is merely a state of endurance under difficult circumstances that can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way. On the other hand, exhibiting forbearance when under strain; especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. I immediately had a flash back to my only surviving uncle, Robert Lee Jones, [who lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana] is still struggling through the recovery and rehabilitation stages after having had heart surgery nearly a month and a half ago. “Son (as my uncle calls me), keep praying for me…I’m not doing so good- but watch out, with God’s help, I’m going to beat this thing!” Living to inspire.

Hebrews 10: 35, 36 offers an encouragement to believers so that they can persevere in their Christian faith and conduct when facing persecution and pressure. We don’t usually think of suffering as a good thing for us, but it can build our character and our patience. During times of great stress, we may feel God’s presence more clearly and find help from Christians we never thought would care. Knowing that Jesus is with us in our suffering and that he will return one day to put an end to all pain, helps us grow in our faith and our relationship with him. Romans 5:3-5 summarizes it like this:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Selah

Casting a Giant Shadow

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

In this post Easter season, there are still comforting reminders of God’s love in spite of frequent floods and tornadoes {just to name a few} that constantly keep us on the edge. These two natural catastrophic occurrences (as we’ve seen in the recent headlines) make it virtually impossible to overlook the reality of fear and death. Fear can simply be defined as an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger while death is literally a permanent cessation of all vital [bodily] functions - the end of life.

Yet God has taken care of fear and death through what Jesus accomplished for us when he rose from the grave; giving the testimony that death, hell, and the grave were conquered for all time. I don’t know about you, but each year that I am able to see the dogwood trees begin to blossom in both white and pinkish red in the early weeks of spring [seemingly before the other trees go through transformation], I have hope.

I’m sure you’ve noticed how trees can cast shadows depending on the angle of light from the sun; for instance, a long shadow noticeably appears in a landscape in the mid afternoon between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00. Nonetheless, as I see it, God casts a giant shadow of his eternal presence. What do I mean by this? Check this out! Now, in order for an object to cast a shadow, what do you think must happen simultaneously? Light! By spiritual comparison, who is the "light" that casts a shadow over death? It is none other than Jesus Christ. The light of Jesus is thrown against the face of death and we can fearlessly pass through its reflection. Hebrew 9: 27 says, “Just as man is destined to die once, after that he faces judgment.” In order words since death for us is going to come, what should our attitude be? Christ passed through the halls of death, snatched the keys from Satan, and gave them to us when he rose from the dead! This alone is worth shouting over. Hallelujah!

There is still another side to the victory that Christ accomplished for us. Notice what Romans 8:1 records: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” From this verse, imagine the Apostle Paul stressing the headline, “Not guilty; let him go free.” For someone on death row, this is a highly welcomed thing. The fact is that the whole human race is on death row, justly condemned for repeatedly breaking God’s holy law. Without Jesus we would have no hope at all. But praise God! He has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and the power to do his will.

In that same chapter, Paul asks the question,“ Who then will condemn us? No one – Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting at the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” (Romans 8:34) In stressful times like we’re living in, it is good to know that God has cast a giant shadow over fear and death. In an act of love [through Jesus], God has provided comfort and confidence for us – becoming our Good Shepherd.

I like what the Rev. Paul Revere, Pastor of the Ebenezer-St. James Charge of the United Methodist Church in Denver, NC, highlighted in his sermon entitled “Following the Good Shepherd.” Speaking to the awaiting congregation at St. James UMC, Rev. Revere emphasized that the big idea of Psalm 23:4 alludes to our journey [as believers] into the dark valley where life becomes more difficult and at times painful. In this process, he listed the following points worth remembering:

1) In the valley of the shadow of death, each of us are brought face to face with God,
2) Shadows are merely reflected images – but without substance. They can scare us, but not hurt us,
3) God allows us to go through the valleys because its easy to forget about him when we live comfortably on the mountains,
4) Whenever trouble comes, it can be an opportunity for joy to abound, and
5) When faith is tested, endurance gives birth to strength of character.

In a nutshell, these five points theoretically glorify God who is clearly a caring shepherd and a dependable guide. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4) is a powerful reminder. Prayerfully, we all should rehearse that death casts a shadow because we are entirely helpless in its presence. Sure, we can struggle with other enemies such as pain, suffering, disease, and injury; but strength and courage cannot overcome death. In a sense, it has the final word, however, the encouragement is - Jesus has taken the sting out of death. Jesus can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side. Selah

In Spite of It All

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drink, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

How can anyone truly define “real joy?” Think about this! After her bout with a triple by-pass surgical operation and recuperation, Rosetta (my wife’s sister) said,

“you’ll never know what it (unspeakable joy) is like until you’ve had (an) experience(s), but let me tell you one thing for certain; I know what trusting God is all about. Even in the worst of times -in spite of it all-God-in-Christ can be counted on. I can count the number of times when I’ve been prepped for major surgery, had to under go the surgeon’s knife, awakened some time later with my body full of pain, and for a moment I almost forgotten how to pray. What happened? God showed up because He knew about my condition! It was a decade ago when I had to have my skull opened up because of a brain aneurysm (a bulging weak area in the wall artery that supplies blood to the brain)! I was in bad shape! I looked at myself in the mirror and just cried and cried; my hair was all gone, and I had lost a great deal of weight. I was forewarned that I would run the risk of not being able to neither walk nor talk again, but afterwards (after the brain surgery) I literally traveled across the globe; taught children in the California School System, retired, and had a ball. Well, I had the heart surgery and came out on top again because God loves me and I know it. Do you remember that old song that goes like this: ‘I have the joy, joy, joy down in my heart (where?) Down in my heart! Down in my heart to stay?’ Yes, that’s the one.”

The Rev. Johnny Boyd, a retired United Methodist Pastor, spoke with me just a few days ago while I was in High Point, NC. We chatted about the conditions in our world including the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, battle-ridden Libya, rising gas prices in the United States, and host of other things. He pointed out that at any time a severe earthquake could hit (again) the West Coast (California) and destroy thousands of people. But we go on like every thing is “hunk-a-dory.” “We’d better repent and turn to God–before it’s too late,” he said.

Rev. Boyd told me that since his wife passed a few years ago, he has been alone and wept with tears many a night. He said that he fell and broke his hip and couldn’t walk without crutches for a long time. “But do you know” (he emphatically said) “that I threw away those crutches this past February and I’m walking on my own! You talk about being happy! Man, it felt good.”

“Real joy,” how can it be truly defined? It wouldn’t be hard to guess what Linda Y would say about going through chemotherapy time and time again. She would quickly tell you the results of praising God – in spite of it all. With a grateful heart and tears in her eyes, she’d say, I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, My God, my rock in whom I take refuge. (Psalm 18:1,2)

There is much to be learned about the meaning of experiencing “real joy” from Jeremiah 8:10: Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drink, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

In order to break this verse down contextually, the Old Testament lesson points out that the Israelites had settled in their town after being in exile from their homeland. Nehemiah, the governor and Ezra the religious leader, assembled the people to hear the Mosaic Book of the Law, which the Lord had given for Israel to obey. Well, the people wept openly when they heard God’s laws and realized how far they were from obeying them. But Ezra told them that they should be filled with joy because the day was a sacred celebration and not be looked at as being self-centered. Ezra connected celebration with giving. This act gave those in need an opportunity to celebrate as well. The underlying message here too is that often when we celebrate and give to others (even when we don’t feel like it); we are strengthened spiritually and filled with “real joy.” Entering into celebrations that honors God and allowing Him to fill you with His joy is that “real joy.” As a confirmation, look at Nehemiah 8:12, which says: So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them. Clearly I see this as what happens when one joyfully listens to God’s voice and understandingly responds to it. Selah

At the Right Place and the Right Time

We cannot stop telling about everything we have heard and seen. – Acts 4:20

Awesome! Out of sight! Amazing! Simply outstanding! These are a few of what may be called typical expressions that define how one may react to something or someone. Just a few days after the beginning of the month on February 3rd, EO -Educational Opportunities Tours, notified members from the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church that their plans to visit the Holy Lands with Bishop Larry Goodpaster was in full swing! Because of the bad weather conditions in New York and surrounding areas, our flight plans had been changed from February 1st and as far as I could see it, the wintry conditions didn’t look favorable. The dread of hearing the trip would be delayed once again loomed in the air. On top of the snow and ice phenomenon, unsettling conditions were heating up in Egypt, which is linked geographically close to Israel. Yet, God had something else in mind – to fulfill his purpose for my/our going to the land of the Bible.

Israel, the Holy Land, the land of Jesus, became a reality after nearly a ten-hour flight aboard a huge Continental jet plane. When it hit the ground in Tel Aviv, I leaped in my spirit and said, “Lord, bring it on!” Let me tell you, I was just like a little child completely overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. I was at the right place and at the right time. The Royal Plaza Hotel in Tiberias, Israel, became our place of abode according to preplanned itinerary for the remaining 10 days. We would eventually move from there to the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem, Israel. Nonetheless, with the anticipation for what was ahead until February 12th, 2011, all us joined ranks with pilgrims [across the centuries] who made the journey to the Holy Land. Convinced that our faith {like theirs} would be nourished and strengthened, as we would walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

I was energized knowing that I would finally get the chance to fasten my eyes on specific geographical locations that I’d seen in numerous photos and paintings about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. But also to get a vivid sense of how the pages of the Old and New Testament would come alive as the illustrations and the scriptures came together.

With the aid of a passionate tour guide, Avi, a native Israeli was exceptional in his knowledge of how each site would illumine the parallel readings of scripture. We, designated as the “Brown Bus group” [approximately 29 passengers] were all amazed with his wealth of knowledge. Having had educational experiences in the USA, Avi spoke English very well as well as did our skillful bus driver Ramie, a native Arab.

A typical excursion from the hotel was preceded by a hearty breakfast meal and the Brown Bus Group, as did the Yellow Bus Group, etc, would leave around 8:00 AM. We would have lunch at a specific location on the tour and finally upon arrival back at the hotel, we would have an evening meal. However, on the bus we laughed, sang hymns of praise, caught a few winks of sleep between the superb lectures of our tour host. Anticipating what would happen as we visited such places as Caesarea, Meggido, Nazareth, Cana of Galilee, the Sea of Galille, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, the Jordan River, the Baptismal site, Beit Shean, Jericho, Bethlehem, Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Via Dolorosa, Masada, and the Garden Tomb (just to name a few). Our feet, legs, and lungs may have been pushed to the limit with steep inclines and long walks, but the thought of Jesus’ long struggle with the cross to Golgotha’s hill kept us moving! Our minds were saturated with knowledge, but our hearts and spirits soared! I can say that wherever we were on the journey, all us were at the right place and the right time.

Bishop Goodpaster made an outstanding remark (in his scheduled lecture teachings) when he said, “If you are amazed or overwhelmed by being here, remember it’s not what you will learn, but what you will experience!” Hey, I liked that! Using the title of “The Experiences of being in Israel,” Bishop also said

• Coming here never gets old…
• There is something that draws us to this place…
• There is something about the land that gives birth to the three faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and
• What make the land Holy is because God is here.

From Bishop Goodpaster’s broad world travels and religious associations, the word experience is significant in that brings to mind what one fellow traveler asked just before we would be leaving Israel and going back home in the United Stated, “what in your estimation would be the highlight of your visit to the Holy Land?” I thought for a moment and jumped at the memory of the Garden of Gethsemane and what I felt when I saw the sight of a nearly 2000 year old Olive Tree. Mercy! Mercy!

Acts 4: 20 says, We cannot stop telling about everything we have heard and seen. Who are the “We” mentioned in this verse? Peter and John - the disciples of Jesus! They had such a zeal for the Lord that they could not be kept quiet – even when threatened. 1 John 1: 1,2 gives further clarity:

We proclaim to you the one who existed in the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and the he was revealed to us.

Being at the right place and the right time, John, one of the original 12 disciples, wrote this letter to put believers back on track, to show the difference between light and darkness (truth and error) and to encourage the church to grow in genuine love for God and for one another. He also wrote to assure the believers that they possessed eternal life and to help them know that their faith was genuine so that they could enjoy all the benefits of being God’s children.

The visit the Holy Lands with Bishop Larry Goodpaster and the Western NC Conference February 3-February 12, 2011 – what an experience of being at the right place and the right time; to sense the very presence of God-in-Christ. Selah.