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!"

No Faith Photos in GRAY SCALE

When looking through photo albums of both the past and the present, there's a couple of questions that seem to rise, almost immediately, to the surface:

1.) I wonder if they were/are really happy?
2.) Is it really possible to capture one's feelings, faith or favor (blessing of greatness) in a photo?

Ponder on these observations for just a moment.
1.) Why do some people become obsessed with taking pics of themselves?
2.) What is it about those who run when a camera comes out?

Most often, when taking a "self" picture, one is looking for something, or could it be, they are longing to see someone!?! Are they looking for something that gives them value or some sense of significance? Could it be, the reason why some attempt to escape when it's picture taking time, is because they don't like what they see, or they feel the "picture taking" is a waste of time, because there seems to be nothing of value in them, or with them, to capture? Hmmm...

POWER POINT TO PONDER: You can look good in a pic, but consider the following:

1.) Photos are limited & often lie, hiding the real you.
2.) You're welcome to smile, however, "No Posing Allowed."
3.) Beauty or ugliness, is actually not only skin deep. What lies beneath the surface, below the makeUP, does find its way out.
4.) You may not feel very photogenic, however your internal giftings, your destiny and purpose, are not limited to the external view.
5.) I believe all faith film development is Black & White, with no vintage (old; only new) and no gray scale. Allow me to me shed some light upon this "gray" pose'ition that some are taking today.

LET'S WORK ON THAT SMILE. First of all, Christianity is not to be a religion practiced, but a personal relationship realized with Jesus Christ. It’s a worldview that believes there is no area to which God has not spoken. Some areas, He speaks directly (life, marriage, abortion, etc.), which are black and white. Other areas (education, healthcare, homelessness, etc.), are considered "gray" and require biblical application of principles to discern and establish God’s viewpoint.

LET'S BRING THIS INTO FOCUS. As Believers, followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t get to decide what is black and white, and certainly, neither do the unbelievers. The Bible provides this guidance. However, many liberal Believers today, just like the Pharisees in the New Testament, are challenging the very principles we are called to agree, and stand UPon. In other words, all Believers should read the same Bible, agree on "black and white" issues, and then exercise constructive dialogue (some say debate) on the best method when taking a stand, while demonstrating Christ's love. On the contrary, some Believers feel the worldly pressure of being mocked and labeled an extremist, are being forced to regress by modern-day Pharisees to discuss what sin is, and then by what standard we arrive at the decision.

LET'S SEE - DO YOU THINK JESUS was/is SMILING? During His earthly ministry, Jesus was hardest on the Pharisees, the party of “liberal believers” that challenged his principles, while His disciples and other believers were discussing the best methods with Him. Though Jesus demonstrated tough love to/with the Pharisees, He had a zero tolerance for compromise, and confronted them for their leading His flock astray. But that is what liberal Believers have done to the Body of Christ today.

LET'S LEARN & LEAD: Know it is critically important to develop our spiritual health and solidify our bearings on biblical principles, with a greater, HIGHER sense of passion and priority, than the time and attention we allocate towards our physical features and attraction. If we look good physically, yet are confused and twisted concerning our principles, the picture can be taken, yet it will still need to be developed. When we take a stand on an issue, it should never be misconstrued as “hate.” It’s simply, yet painfully at times, love being exercised, like a prescription being dispensed.

LET'S ADD SOME MUSIC TO THE MESSAGE: The group, "Casting Crowns," sings a song called "Slow Fade." Though it’s lyrics and tone are about marital faithfulness, the principle can be applied to every area of our lives: “It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray.” Take a moment to read over the lyrics:

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

LET'S SUM IT UP: May we possess both the courage and conviction to accept biblical principles, even when it’s not popular. Let it be, that when others see us, they immediately say, "He/She looks like their Father!" #genesis1:26 #romans8:29 #colossians3:2

FLATTER: "What's the matter!?!"

Out of a desperate desire to belong and be loved, at times, one will become intoxicated with a subtle, yet powerful craving that tends to slip them off the radar of rightness. What begins as an innocent pursuit to have fun, grow up, discover a life of independence, and "live my life," they have often veered into the darkness.

The Psalmist pens it very descriptively: "In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good." (Psalm 36:2-3)

Flattery can be brutal, so much so that, too often, there are people we value in life who plainly have, what appears to be, a reckless propensity for less than desirable, destructive thought and behavior. They've flirted with deception for such an extended period of time, that the gravity of their poor decisions and their effects upon others, have notably escaped them.

In over 20 years of ministry, one of the most painful conclusions to which I've witnessed among many is,...those who don't know, really don't know that they don't know. 

By man's standards, the "flatterers" are hopeless and helpless (impossible), but with and through God's provision of truth, they can and will come to know life, life more abundantly. 

Let's make sure we are letting His Light shine, to aid those camping in darkness. 

#truthrevealsandheals  #john8:32

Hypocrites - It Takes One to Know One

In light of so many people today hiding behind a host of excuses for not attending a local church, comes the combative subject of "hypocrites."

The timing could not have been more "On." As the text alert sounded on my phone today, I read where one of our HGC leaders texted me a picture which punctuated the following message:

"Some people say, 'I don't want to go to church with all those hypocrites.' Well, you can go to church w/ them, OR you can go to hell w/ them."

Let's take a moment to define "hypocrite" before we issue claim to being an authority on the subject.

"Hypocrite" is defined as one who portrays having virtues, morals, or religious beliefs that they do not actually possess. A few synonyms for "hypocrite" are cheater, faker, deceiver, actor, fraud, poser, and backslider.

When looking into the Scriptures, one NOT ATTENDING church, (dishonoring the Word - Hebrews 10:25) can also be viewed through the lens of all of these same synonyms. So, what is the real culprit for conveniently missing out on the blessing of getting plugged into a "community of faith" (the local church)!?! Concluding that "not going to church with the hypocrites" is acceptable, clearly violates God's command to "assemble together." Without a doubt, God knew the composition of THE Church,...His Church, would consist of men, women, boys, and girls, who would need to depend upon His Love, and the love of, and the love for, one another, and that this "loving" would be communicated and experienced by honoring God and actively embracing His scriptural mandate to join together with other believers in a consistent gathering of worship.

Jesus delivered it directly and emphatically to those who were struggling with a critical, crippling spirit, in the Gospel of John, "to him/her who is without sin, let them cast the first stone" (John 8:7). You see, regardless of who we are, where we've been, or what we've done, our Lord loves us and desires to have a personal relationship with us. He knew we would have moments of difficulty, infused with temptation, instigated by our enemy, the devil, whose aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. We must be careful to not point a finger at someone else, becoming an expert at keeping their score, while we become oblivious to our own shortcomings. The church is not for perfect people. No, the church was established for imperfect people in need of a loving, merciful, and gracious savior, Jesus Christ. When coming together, we are encouraged by the strength and determination we observe and absorb from one another.

So, rather than labeling someone else, let's take a timeout to start linking together every opportunity we have to experience the beauty of God's intention in sending His Son, Jesus, for the purpose of seeking to save every one of us that is lost without Him.

I am all for keeping it simple, keeping it real, and keeping it together...

"We all need one another; We are Stronger Together!"