Dr H Reflections

Timely moments – fitting words

Timely moments – fitting words

For everything, there is an appointed time and an appropriate time for every activity on earth. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.

7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

Throughout history, at appropriate times, the Father has raised up ideally suited, capable, seemingly tailor-made individuals to utter memorable, heartfelt, appropriate words.

“In war, resolution

In defeat, defiance

In victory, magnanimity

In peace, goodwill” (Churchill).

“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln).

“Not only are there times and seasons in this world, but there is also an overruling providence in our lives. From before our birth to the moment of our death, God is accomplishing His divine purposes, even though we may not always understand what He is doing” (Wiersbe).

As there are ebbs and flows to times and seasons, our personal experiences also have their fluctuations and swings.

The Father is at work, and He is at work all the time. As we interact with His assignments for our lives, the use of the right words and actions can significantly impact outcomes. Good word choice conveys empathy, understanding, respect, and clarity, enhancing effective communication. Similarly, aligning our actions with our words and intentions demonstrates integrity and nurtures trust.

The rub comes when we speak ill-timed words or take inappropriate actions. Sometimes, we act out of defiance and stubbornness instead of peace and goodwill; we may ultimately find ourselves opposing the will of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 13:5 But I have placed my trust in Your lovingkindness; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

Father, thank You for making everything beautiful in its own time.

INSIGHT

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

The Hebrew word translated as “season” or “appointed time” is zeman. This term does not refer to a general period but rather to a specific moment in time. It is forward-looking, gazing into the future and suggesting there is an exact time for something to occur. Its focus is not on the concept of time itself but on the succession of events within the space-time continuum.

Consider the fairy tale Cinderella. In the story, she is mistreated by her jealous stepsisters and stepmother, living a life of drudgery and misery as a maid in her own home. A kindly Fairy Godmother comes to her aid, providing her with a beautiful silver gown and a unique pair of glass slippers so that she may attend Prince Charming’s ball. However, there is one condition: the magic spell will be broken at a specific moment in time, midnight. At that moment, the coach and horses, the footmen and driver, and the dress all revert to their original forms. This perfectly illustrates the concept of an “appointed time.”

Appointed times, seasons, and every event under heaven are planned and actualized through the Father’s grace and peace. Regardless of the circumstances, grace and peace are always the present possessions of every child of the King.

What are grace and peace?

“These are two things you can always have, no matter what your circumstances. Grace is all God’s power, all his love, all his beauty available to you. It is a marvelous term that wraps up all that God is and offers to us. It comes from the same Greek word from which we get our English word charm. Grace is charming, lovely, and pleasant. It is something which pleases, which imparts charm and loveliness to a life.”

“Peace is freedom from anxiety, fear, and worry. These are the two characteristics which ought to mark Christians all the time: Grace – God at work in their life; and peace – a sense of security, of trust” (Stedman).

Understanding grace enables one to place great trust in the Father. Trusting in the Father allows one to experience tremendous peace and rest, knowing that the Father is gracious and kind. The Father reveals His personality, character, and ways through His words.

Psalms 33:13-22

13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.

14 From his throne, he observes all who live on the earth.

15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

From His unlimited and eternal perspective, the Father sees and knows all. Because He is omniscient, He is aware of our innermost motives and intentions. Because He created us, He has a perfect understanding of how we feel, think, and act. There is no misunderstanding; He knows us thoroughly. Yet, remarkably, He still calls us into His love, His fellowship, and His life!

When children of the King respond to His call to know, worship, and choose to serve Him, several remarkable things often occur in the innermost parts of our being. We experience inner peace, joy, increased hope, and confidence. The Father designed worship to develop a deep love for Him and His people.

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The myth of impartiality ∙∙

The myth of impartiality ∙∙

Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth and defer to no one, for You are not partial to any. – Matthew 22:16

John 2:24-25

24 But Jesus didn’t trust them because he knew human nature.

25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.

There is a widespread myth that actual impartiality is achievable. However, everyone possesses their own personal opinions, preferences, or biases. Consider a simple scenario: when you go to buy doughnuts, which kind do you choose? How do you perceive those who prefer different types than you do? Such choices reflect individuality, diversity, and personal preferences, which are ingrained in our fallen DNA.

Humanity, at its core, is tribal. We tend to favor our own groups, whether these are based on shared interests, cultural backgrounds, or other commonalities. This tribalism manifests in many aspects of life. For instance, football fans often exhibit intense loyalty towards their favorite teams. This loyalty can lead to a strong dislike for rival teams and their supporters.

The same principle applies to many other areas of life, from political affiliations to brand loyalties. People inherently align themselves with certain groups and develop preferences that may sometimes lead to biases against others. Such biases are an intrinsic part of human psychology.

What is bias?

Bias consists of attitudes, behaviors, and actions that are prejudiced in favor of or against one person or group compared to another.

What is implicit bias?

Implicit bias occurs automatically and unintentionally, yet it significantly impacts judgments, decisions, and behaviors. This type of bias refers to unconscious associations, beliefs, or attitudes toward social groups. Often, implicit bias leads to stereotyping, where certain qualities or characteristics are attributed to all members of a particular group (www.verywellmind.com).

Despite its pervasive influence, we are generally unaware of the presence of implicit bias. The proverbial 500-pound gorilla in the room is that everyone harbors implicit bias, even those who criticize others for having it.

Implicit bias is analogous to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS acts unconsciously and regulates bodily functions. It oversees and controls heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, etc. It is there, but we are generally unaware of its presence.

The line between personal preference and diversity is crossed when it becomes disdain, prejudice, and outright hatred. Recognizing this, we should strive to understand and respect the perspectives of others, even if they differ from our own. While total impartiality might be a myth, empathy, and open-mindedness are within our reach.

In the 21st century, recognizing implicit bias has become a catalyst for social and cultural change. However, people often feel bewildered by the accusation because it strikes so close to home. While many can recognize and acknowledge their conscious biases, insidious implicit biases usually lurk beneath the surface. Moreover, most individuals who consider themselves morally upright acknowledge the evil of blind, hateful prejudice and genuinely wish to see it eradicated.

Who decides which groups are favored and which are not? When wrongs are committed, what actions can be taken to right these wrongs, if any? Perhaps the most profound question is: if someone controls this process, then “Who controls the controllers?”

Implicit bias is part of the collateral damage of the Fall; it taints the entire human race. Is there any way to escape this condition? The Father has shown the way.

Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then, you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Has anyone ever lived without bias toward any individual or group? There has only been one: The Lord Jesus Christ. Although his enemies spoke these words, they were undeniably correct.

Matthew 22:16 Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our fallen soulishness, combined with the pressures of the current sinful world, compel us to conform. We must resist and undergo a complete change and renewal in our hearts and minds.

Father, please help me overcome the harmful effects of bias and prejudice by transforming my inner self and changing my thought patterns. Guide me to understand and fulfill Your will, and help me to act in a way that is pleasing to You.

INSIGHT

The Father God is genuinely impartial. The Scriptures make it quite clear.

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

The Greek word translated as “partiality” is prosopolempsia. This term derives from prosopon– meaning “face” – and lambanein – meaning “to lift up.” This word appears exclusively in Christian literature and literally means “to receive the face,” implying acceptance of someone based on their appearance or other external considerations. In addition to Romans 2:11, it is found in Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, and James 2:1. There is no “face-receiving” with the Father, and there should not be among the children of the King.

The concept of “face-receiving” likely originates from the Old Testament, where a similar expression is used.

Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

The Hebrew phrase translated as “you shall not be partial” or “do not show partiality” is nasa panim, which can be literally translated as “lift up the face.” This phrase means to show partiality and defer to someone based on their appearance or status.

Job 34:19 He doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.

The Father is not concerned about a person’s appearance, wealth, social status, gender, or class. He is totally impartial. In the King James version, it is translated that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). God does not show favoritism. He has no implicit bias or explicit bias.

What are the implications for the children of the King? We are to strive to be impartial as our Father is impartial.

2 Chronicles 19:7 Now, then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness, partiality, or the taking of a bribe.

Romans 12:18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Children of the King are to strive to eliminate face-receiving partiality and instead draw all people to their King.

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The Peace Child ∙

The Peace Child ∙

For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him, God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you, who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. – Colossians 1:19-22

Luke 2:9-14

9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,

10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

11 “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

13 “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying,”

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

The Sawi people of Western New Guinea, now known as Irian Jaya, consisted of approximately 400 individual tribes. Each tribe had its own distinct worldview and belief system. Many were headhunters and cannibals, living in a manner utterly alien to the Western world.

The Sawi practiced a dreadful and horrifying cultural tradition: the worship of treachery. Betrayal, murder, and cannibalism were not only practiced but were revered as time-honored customs within their mythic traditions.

War and violent bloodshed were a way of life. Revenge was considered both manly and essential. Treachery was regarded as the highest virtue. They would feign friendship only to betray, murder, and eat their allies. Consequently, when they heard the story of Jesus Christ, they presumed Judas was the hero. The Sawi admired Judas because they themselves were a tribe that celebrated treachery. In a word, they were a tribe of Judases.

In 1962, Don Richardson, a Christian missionary from Canada, began working with the Sawi. A linguist and Bible translator, he developed an alphabet for the Sawi language and eventually translated the New Testament into Sawi. He dedicated 15 years of his life to living with and among them. Communicating the concept of redemption and the idea that one would die for another proved challenging. Sitting among the tribe, he prayed, “Lord, help me. I need a gift of wisdom.” The Father provided the perfect redemptive analogy: the Peace Child. This was the key Richardson needed to communicate his message.

The Peace Child was one person the Sawi would never betray. In an extraordinary gesture, a tribal leader gave his own child, the Peace Child, to an enemy tribe. According to custom, peace would be maintained between warring tribes as long as the child lived. War and betrayal were unthinkable; no one would betray the Peace Child. This concept became the perfect metaphor for the Sawi to understand what God the Father had done. It opened their hearts to the Gospel story.

Richardson explained that the Lord Jesus Christ was God’s Peace Child, given to remove the conflict between man’s sinfulness and God’s righteous judgment. The Father had surrendered His own Son, the ultimate Peace Child, to bring peace to all people. Cannibals were transformed into Christ-followers.

Over the years, most of the Sawi people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, with many becoming missionaries to neighboring tribes. As for the Peace Child, he became the first Sawi to graduate from higher education and went on to become a primary school principal.

REFLECT & PRAY

Paul’s approach to evangelism was adaptive and transcended cultural norms and religious boundaries. His primary concern was to do whatever it took to make disciples.

Father, I want to follow Your command to make disciples. Enable me to be adaptive, sensitive, aware, and willing to become whatever it takes.

INSIGHT

The Father sent His Peace Child, His very own Son, into the world.

Colossians 1:20 [Through the Lord Jesus Christ] God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

The Lord Jesus Christ commands the children of the King to carry the message throughout the entire planet.

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

While the meaning of this verse is clear, delving deeper and unpacking it a bit provides even greater insight. The sentence contains only one verb: “make disciples.” The Greek word for this is matheteuo. It is imperative, meaning it is a command, and it involves instructing others in the ways and teachings of a teacher. However, it goes beyond mere teaching; it encompasses the idea of becoming attached to the teacher, following them in both belief and conduct – in other words, becoming a disciple.

The words translated as go, baptizing, and teaching are participles, indicating the manner in which the primary command is to be fulfilled.

Going into all the world and making disciples necessitates effective communication. Communication requires mutual understanding between the sender and the receiver. Making disciples of all nations demands a sensitivity to the culture, beliefs, and value systems of the people being reached. With wisdom and discernment, ideal redemptive analogies often emerge.

Paul shows the way.

1 Corinthians 9:20-23

20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.

21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Paul became all things to all people so that he could save some. It’s a paradox: Paul was free from all men, yet he served all as a servant. Because of his freedom, Paul was free to serve others, putting aside his own rights for their sake.

“We are your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).

The phrase “all things to all men” (1 Corinthians 9:22) is often misinterpreted to suggest that Paul changed his message to please others. In reality, Paul was consistent and unwavering. He was a herald, an ambassador, not a politico.

Paul was given the task of ministering to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8). He began preaching in synagogues and then reached out to Gentiles (Romans 15:20). Paul bridged cultural divides between Jews and Gentiles by respecting the customs of both groups. He didn’t flaunt his freedom before Jews or impose the Law on Gentiles.

Paul wasn’t inconsistent; he wisely adapted his approach. His sermons in Acts reflect this: he started with Old Testament patriarchs for Jews and the God of Creation for Gentiles. Paul tailored his message to his audience without compromising its truth.

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Wilderness Therapy ∙

Wilderness Therapy ∙

This was the regular pattern – at night, the cloud that covered the Tabernacle had the appearance of fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. In this way, they traveled and camped at the LORD’s command wherever he told them to go. – Numbers 9:16-18

Deuteronomy 8:2-18

2 Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.

3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

4 For all these forty years, your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell.

5 Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good.

7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills.

14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt.

15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock!

16 He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good.

17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, “I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.”

18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful.

Trails Momentum of Henderson, N.C., is a therapeutic outdoor-adventure program for young adults based upon Wilderness Therapy.

Wilderness Therapy has the potential to be a transformative experience for young adults. Taking participants out of their comfort zones and challenging their boundaries encourages pursuing new goals and passions while testing and affirming their faith. Through Wilderness Therapy, young adults can experience personal growth and expand their horizons.

This journey of self-discovery provides young people with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their capabilities, and their limitations.

Those who successfully navigate the challenges of Wilderness Therapy often gain a newfound sense of self-awareness and discover inner strengths they never knew existed. They develop self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment by facing and overcoming challenges that they previously thought were insurmountable.

Wilderness Therapy is nothing new. The Father used it to guide and transform the generation of Israelites. Wilderness Therapy successfully transitioned the people from slavery to becoming resilient inhabitants of the Promised Land. A unique aspect of the Father’s Wilderness Therapy program is that He is always present, providing constant support to those who embark on this journey. They were never alone in the wilderness.

The Father’s presence among His people was not that of a mere observer but of a leader. The Lord led them using the cloud. He directed the Israelites to move or settle down and determined the duration of their stay in each location, whether for one night or two days, a month, or a year (Numbers 9:22). The Father guided them and directed them on every leg of their journey (Duguid and Hughes).

REFLECT & PRAY

How blessed we would be if we went when the Father told us to go and stayed when the Father told us to stay! Obedience brings blessings (Stanley).

Father many children of the King are reticent to travel or move about. You use Wilderness Therapy to transform lives. Encourage me to be willing to follow You wherever Your love leads.

INSIGHT

The wilderness in the Scriptures is not just a physical place but also a symbolic one representing spiritual trial and growth. It often serves as a significant setting for spiritual growth and character development. Through various stories, it becomes evident that the wilderness is integral to the development of resilience, faith, leadership, and deeper reliance on God.

In the wilderness, all familiar comforts and securities are stripped away, forcing people out of their comfort zones and requiring them to rely solely on the Father’s provision. A new and profound experience with the Father often leads his servants into a more intimate and profound relationship with Him.

The lessons learned in such desolate places prepare God’s servants for the challenges and responsibilities ahead. Even the Lord Jesus Christ was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the enemy.

He is the ultimate prototype for overcoming life’s trials and tests through obedience and reliance upon the Father and His Word. The Lord Jesus Christ had internalized the Scriptures, memorizing them in the context of life’s vicissitudes. In each situation, He quoted Old Testament Scriptures, the firm foundation upon which He stood to resist and overcome. He was armed with the sword of the Spirit, the living Word of God.

Matthew 4:3-4

3“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deuteronomy 8:2)

Matthew 4:6-7

6 “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God’” (Deuteronomy 6:16).

Matthew 4:9-10

9 Satan said to him, “All these I will give you if you will kneel down and worship me.”

10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’” (Deuteronomy 6:13)

The Father’s sovereign and purposeful guidance and leadership of His people is seen in how He led them in the wilderness. The Israelites stayed in one place for as long as God intended, and each experience along the journey was purposeful and not coincidental (Wenham). The people had to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. They had to follow God’s visible guidance each day until the cloud came to a halt – this required unwavering obedience to His will (ESV – Notes).

“There was no place for fussing and crying out, ‘Are we there yet?’ What they had to do was watch the cloud and follow carefully wherever it went. . . This journey is at the will of the Lord himself and under his direction every step of the way” (Duguid and Hughes).

It required forty years and the death of an entire generation for the Israelites to learn to trust God more than their eyes or emotions.

What does it take for us to learn to trust God in the same way?

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Looking beyond ∙

Looking beyond ∙

Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. – 2 Kings 6:17

2 Kings 6:15-17

15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the following day and went outside, troops, horses, and chariots were everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.

16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!”

17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Laurel and Hardy, legendary icons of the golden age of American cinema, carved out a unique niche as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedy duos during its early years. The lanky Stan Laurel and his stout, rotund counterpart Oliver Hardy became household names from the late 1920s through the mid-1940s, endearing themselves to audiences with their hilarious and charming performances.

Their on-screen adventures consistently plunged them into an array of predicaments with unforeseen outcomes. Oliver Hardy, often portrayed as the more responsible and authoritative figure, would frequently find himself exasperated by Stan Laurel’s innocent yet bungling antics. This led to one of the most memorable catchphrases in film history: “Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into.” Delivered with Oliver’s trademark look of dismay and a pouty expression, this line became synonymous with the duo’s comedic style, making appearances in over 15 of their films.

Beyond their slapstick humor and perfectly timed gags, Laurel and Hardy’s enduring appeal lay in the chemistry and camaraderie between them. Their ability to evoke laughter through simple, relatable scenarios, combined with impeccable comedic timing, turned their films into timeless classics. Audiences of all ages could identify with their charming misadventures, ensuring that their legacy would continue to thrive long after their final curtain call.

Children of the King frequently encounter challenging predicaments due to their own choices. Life is filled with uncertainty, which raises a pivotal question: How do we make the best decisions? The Father has given us minds capable of observation, calculation, and logical reasoning to navigate through life’s complexities.

In the kingdom of the Father, there is much more. Sometimes, clarity doesn’t come from hard work and perspiration but rather from divine inspiration. The children of the King are guided more by faith than by sight. Human sight is limited to the physical world that can be seen and observed. However, there are unseen realities that are not visible to the human eye.

Elisha and his servant found themselves in a difficult situation. They were surrounded by enemies who intended to harm them. Humanly speaking, they were defenseless and had no earthly means to resist. However, Elisha knew something that his servant did not. He could see beyond what was visible and could see the unseen. Elisha was aware that the Father had sent an army of angels to protect him and his servant. This angelic army came with the power and authority of the commander of Heaven’s army. In the face of Heaven’s army, the Syrian forces were impotent.

Elisha, the prophet, was a seer. He could see angels, and he was fearless because he saw with the eyes of faith. The angels were more than a match for the Syrian army. Elisha wanted his fearful servant to be able to see as he did, so he prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened to see the unseen.

2 Kings 6:17 Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes, and him see!”

A whole new reality opened for his servant, one that can only be seen by the eyes of faith. The angelic armies had been there all along, yet they remained cloaked to the ordinary human eyes. Much remains invisible and thus hidden to those who do not look with eyes of faith.

“Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees” (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

The limitations of our physical eyes restrict our natural vision here on Earth. However, our spiritual vision knows no bounds. It enables the eyes of our hearts to open and see the unseen.

Father, I often don’t know what to do. I am limited by my human resources. Help me learn to tap into Your resources and walk by faith, not by sight alone.

INSIGHT

Elisha was a servant leader and a man of faith. He routinely saw the unseen, things that were hidden from others. This extraordinary ability had landed him in the precarious situation of being encircled by adversaries. Aram, the king of Syria, was at war with Israel. He had drawn up secret plans for attack. Time and again, his covert strategies were foiled. His plans were thwarted. He was furious and decided there must be a spy within his ranks that was betraying him.

There was a spy, all right. But that spy was Elisha.

2 Kings 6:12 Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!

Elisha had prophetic insight. He could see the unseen and discern what was hidden from others. Geographical distance and palace walls were not obstacles to him.

A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way (John C. Maxwell). A leader can translate vision into reality, faith into substance, and hope into conviction. While a boss issues orders. A true leader guides.

A leader is optimistic and upbeat. They radiate confidence and resilience. Challenges are not overlooked nor ignored; they are addressed and surmounted. Ultimately, a leader is defined by optimism, courage, foresight, planning, and implementation.

“The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been” (Henry Kissinger).

2 Corinthians 4:18 We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul’s unwavering trust and confidence in the Father’s promise and power rips away the veil of limited physical sight. The chasm between the visible and invisible, the temporary and the eternal, is seamlessly bridged by the lens of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith, not by sight

“If we think only of the things that are visible, we are bound to see life that way. But there is another way. The writer to the Hebrews said of Moses: ‘He persevered as though he saw him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27)” (Barclay).

Supernatural sight, that is, seeing the invisible, comes through faith in the One who is Himself invisible. It is a paradox. It cannot be validated through scientific experimentation.

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that eyes of your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called.

What do you see, enemies or the angels of Heaven’s army?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 7-14-1

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