Ferguson, Missouri MADNESS

Many already have, and will continue to disagree with the outcome of the Grand Jury's decision on the Michael Brown case, just like many who disagreed with the outcome of the Casey Anthony verdict in Orlando, Florida on July 5, 2011.

One thing is for sure. MADNESS (a demon that many flirt with daily) and blatant disregard for authority has no gender, race, or age restraints. Too often, our enemy's influence and presence is underestimated and rendered harmless. 

Jesus warns us of the dangerous and destructive nature of our enemy:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

When we look at ALL of the recent reckless happenings in the news (both local and national crime - i.e. FSU shooter, Tallahassee Deputy death, etc.), it is clear that the aim of, or the recipient of, the bullet had little to nothing to do with the color of one's skin. For example, if the deputy killed in Tallahassee on Saturday, November 22, would have been black, then the headlines may have read, "Angry man takes out anger on innocent black deputy in revenge for the FSU shootings." However, the deputy who was killed was white. You see, a firearm is not manufactured to only harm or kill a certain gender, race, or age group. It's not the gun, the caliber, or the bullet,... it's the person pulling the trigger.  

Individually, we are our worst enemy. An enemy, a slave, a destroyer to no one but ourselves, resulting from poor self esteem which often leads to destructive decisions accompanied by irresponsible actions that, regardless of gender, race, or age, will yield undesirable consequences (the element of accountability). The platform to rise above the "race/slavery/victim" mindset is withIN. 

Looking inward is the key. Our greatest days in life will begin the moment we acknowledge and accept there are questions we'll never be able to answer, things we can't explain, things we can't control, things we can't change, and things we can't stop. On the other hand, if it's within our power to render a more fruitful and productive outcome, then by all means, engage responsibly. In addition, if you own your position and are convinced it is sound, then don't be silent. Rather, speak up in love and deliver it with grace.

I'm taken back to a song we used to sing when I was a child in Sunday School and Children's Church:

"Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, yellow, black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world."

Red, yellow, black, and white - WE are all precious, AND stronger.....TOGETHER.

Beloved, let us love one another and let us pray that the love, peace, and justice of God prevail for all in Ferguson, Missouri, and abroad.

 #truthsetsfree #john8:32

OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER

SERIOUSLY!!! Some things should never really be posted on a public forum such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.

What's unfortunate is, some of the personal statements, pictures, shared links, and "liked" pages are clearly not fit for private consumption, much less placed for public display. Some say it's a matter of personal preference and maturity. 

I've got some great news. 

I agree!!! POOR preferences and gross reckless IMmaturity. 

Poor judgment begins with the absence of self respect, which eventually becomes evident to all. 

Let's get a viewpoint from the apostle Paul, when speaking to the church at Corinth:

"When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)

There's only one person who can "Stop the Madness," so step up and shut down the madness. Refuse to stay in the streets of childhood and make the shift to the highways of adulthood. This lane change will be evident by the respect you not only have for yourself, but the respectful restraint you possess and practice in public. 

#growingpains #Udecide #newbeginnings

TRUTH: The Deciding Factor

I've heard it and you've heard it, "He/She/They don't agree with me because they don't understand." 

To really make a proper interpretation of this statement, we need to establish the foundation. 

In order to agree with someone about something, the element of Truth must exist. To agree, requires that two or more people share the same value (acknowledgment, acceptance, and application) of truth. Jesus said, "you will know the truth and the truth (applied) will set you free." (John 8:32) So, IF the person making the initial opening statement is accurate in their summation, then the implication is that whomever does not understand must be lacking the element of Truth that is impeding both or all to be "in agreement."

For me, if more than one person is waving a red flag, there must be reason to stop, look, and listen. If the enemy is aiming to derail or destroy your life, he's not going to give you any warning or constructive caution.

One's inability to understand is in direct proportion to perceived or realized inconsistencies within the proposed question, situation, or decision being made. If the truth is absent or being blatantly ignored, one of two prognoses can be rendered:

1.) The person has consciously chosen to be led astray. OR

2.) The person has been deceived into believing their decision is best suited at the time, thus everyone else will not understand or agree.

We must not underestimate the words of the apostle Paul:

"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)

Revisit the exposition of Jesus about the serpent in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

SUMMING IT UP:

Ask yourself, "Am I in love with the Truth, or am I obsessed more with my own interpretation of the Truth?" 

There is a remedy. Are you ready? You will need to tighten your grip on the Truth. Could it be that the remedy very well may be seated within all of those who "don't agree." 

The Word of God has a safeguard for us when desiring success, yet experiencing what appears to be a lack of UNDERSTANDING and/or AGREEMENT in life:

"Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success." (Proverbs 15:22)

Simply saying we're doing something FOR God, unfortunately, doesn't necessarily mean we're doing it WITH God. Often, the god in the sentence is US, the god of self.

Hopefully, you AGREE!!!

Is Silence Always Golden?

Have you ever heard, "Shhh, Silence is Golden?" When does this ring true? I'm often made aware of the contextual confusion of some when it comes to forgiving someone of a wrong committed. Grant it, saying nothing may be preferred, however in most cases, it is far from being productive. 

Let's review God's heart on this most often misunderstood subject:

"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Mark 11:25

"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Colossians 3:13

What about those who say, "Just give IT to God." Well, of course, however, this doesn't relieve you and I of our personal responsibility.

Please LISTEN UP!!! Avoiding people or issuing "Silent Treatment" is often one "punishing" another for a perceived wrong! Unfortunately, it has been both said and experienced, "Hurt people, hurt people." Human nature is to return pain for pain. Heaven nature is to replace pain with peace. Our Father's heart never hurts, it only heals. When we have His heart, we are quick to share it with others.  

Your freedom in Christ will be realized the moment you learn to truly forgive yourself and begin forgiving others.

You are loved and valued, so "LET GO and LET GOD!"