(WISDOM)CAFE SOZO

COMMENT: The other day I was switching TV channels until I caught a glance of a movie that had a prison scene. Since I have been involve in a prison ministry, one way or another, for almost my entire Christian life, I stopped to see what it was all about. I could tell it was an ancient flick because it was in black and white. After a while it dawned on me, this was that movie called “The Bird Man of Alcatraz” It was about an inmate who raised birds in his cell. My attention became riveted when they showed the struggle a little birdie had trying to be released from the confines of the shell and the slime that encased him. I understand that it is important that the creature should not receive any help in his valiant escape during the struggle because the labor he goes through gives him the strength to survive in his new environment. When we Christians struggle against adversities and receive our deliverance by relying on and trusting in Jesus, our faith is strengthen and we are in a better position to handle the next onslaught from the enemy.

SCRIPTURE STUDY: Romans 8:37, 1 Cor.15:57 and Philippians 4-13

“I want Jesus to walk with me; all along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.” African American Spiritual

We all have been through the fire: emotional fires, financial fires, relational fires, career fires, social fires. All of us have had to endure situations that were traumatic, draining, and extremely heated. We all have been in and survived the fire. Our ancestors would say, “My soul looks back and wonders how I got over.” We came out because Someone was in the fire with us. Someone was there keeping us under watchful eye. Someone was there making the fire bearable. Someone was there keeping your mind in perfect peace. Someone was in the fire with us.
The three young men in the story had become victims, like so many of God’s children, of racism, jealousy, and hatred. Folks hated them because of their success and accomplishments. They were singled out because they were not afraid to take a stand.
When we go through the fire we can be assured that the Lord is already there preparing for our arrival and survival. Don’t let the fire scare you because the Lord has a way of taking what was meant to destroy and frustrate and use it to prove, build and make. The Lord will use the fire to burn away the things that bind us and keep us from living the abundant life. The fire makes us strong. The fire increases our faith. The fire strengthens our determination. Aren’t you glad that when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego got out of the fire, the Lord stayed in? Three went in. Four were observed walking, unbound and unharmed in the fire. But only three got out! He is still in the fire waiting for your next fiery ordeal!

COMMENT: A couple of Sundays ago my church had a special meeting and I sat next to a young mother of four by the name of Latrelle Powers. Suddenly it dawned on me that, almost 20 years ago, I taught this young lady in Kid’s Church. She is a godly woman and I am sure that Latrelle and her husband, Andre, will perform our Lead Scripture extremely well. My heart goes out to parents who are raising children today. Even some cartoons on TV bare the “Parental Guidance” label. For instance, on the Fox Network’s “The Simpsons”, the husband and wife have had simulated intimacy in their bedroom. Also, there was a recent survey of youngsters that revealed an appalling: “42% of Internet users ages 10 to 17 surveyed said they had seen online pornography in the past year. Of those, 66% said they did not want to view the images and had not sought them out.” The New Hampshire researchers report is found in the February issue of Pediatrics. I have two neighbors who have made some positive moves to shield their 10 year old son from all the trash that is so abundant in our environment. Philippe and Kim have a three step plan. (1) There are blocks on their Televisions. They’ve chosen a TV rating appropriate for their son’s age. Any higher rated program is automatically blocked. (2) There are parental blocks on all of their computers. (3)They keep their computers in a common area. The purpose is not to spy on their son, but this way they can casually monitor what he is viewing. My hat is off to these conscientious parents. They are great role models to follow.

SCRIPTURE STUDY: Proverbs 3:1, 22:15, 23:13 and 29:15