Opening Thoughts
I have been looking forward to having some interaction on hip hop and christianity for a while. I hope to get a lot of feedback concerning this vital theme. I think like any cultural shift that impacts the church, there tends to be a variety of responses. Some react harshly and are unwilling to accept anything they have never seen before. Others will permit almost everything including some things that are not at all healthy. I believe there is a way to embrace the many people that are entrenched in this lifestyle without compromising the gospel of Jesus Christ. I also believe the key to this is those who are in hip hop must learn to love Jesus more than they love hip hop.
What do you think???
posted by work it out @ 6:48 AM
113 Comments:
We have to look at our issues of focusing on traditions (not ingrained in Jesus) and show our young people Jesus. They must see that our commitment to Christ is real and this is shown by what we do more than what we say. Once we do that, we have be willing to share that even in our imperfections how Jesus saved us and forgives us. Prayer and reading our Word is neccessary so that our attempts at reaching out to our young does not compromise the Gospel. In all that we do or attempt we have to approach our young people in love (holding them accountable), but not with a judgemental spirit. If we look back over our lives we can all ask where would we be without the grace and mercy of Jesus towards us that is so amazing?
Thank you anonymous for making comments on the blog. I was waiting to see if others would respond as well. Your point is very well made. Our own love and faithfulness to God is probably the best thing we can give to our youth. We also must not come across as judgemental. I know for me, I made my share of mistakes. In fact I still make some. God bless you for your comments.
I personally think that hip hop and the culture has in some ways replaced religion because many of the evils of man and flesh have been associated with God. The scandals have rocked the sanctity of what the church should be, but that's because the masses put their faith in man, and not in God.
Additionally, I think that many of the older saints have forgotten that they were young, the feelings they had, the learning they had to do, and the mistakes they made and were forgiven for. It was Jazz, Funk, Rock, Big Band, all that wasn't really any different that the music and movements that go on today. It’s just different. It’s a different time. Things are just more real now. People are in REAL situations that need REAL solutions. They need things they can grab on to. Feel a part of. Why do people join Gangs? Many times because they want to feel like part of a family, loved unconditionally, even if they make a mistake, and encouraged to use their talents for the uplift of the movement, which in this case in negative.
Let’s think, Isn't God Love, forgiving, and doesn't he want to use our talents, interests, things that excite us to the uplift of his movement. Yes, so it’s just a matter of finding out why people like to dance, break, do graffiti, etc.
I don't think that God can be out of style, b/c he made all the styles before they even existed. It’s just a matter of accepted the new forms of expression and the passion from the mood of society to be harnessed for the glory of God.
And I think sometimes some of the older saints make evil of things they don't understand. But our generation didn't march with MLK, we saw 2pac get shot, Rodney king get beat up by the cops, different more strategic and covert methods of racism and control. So our generation I think is bred from rebellion, so not accepting someone because they have dreads, tats, earrings isn't of God, for God, or by God, so its important for the ministry to show that the word says come as you are. And any gift that is given, any form of expression, was given to be used to the glory of God.
I hope this helps...
I'm sure I’ll add more later
Peace and love
The preacher’s son
Thank you preacher's son. The comments you sent are strong. I really want to hear from your generation especially. I also feel that every generation has had cultural issues to wrestle with. We didn't always resist the temtations that were flashing in our faces and it's true that we also made mistakes. I feel like maybe the biggest explosion of positivity the world has yet to see will be when the church learns to communicate with the hip hop crowd. The gifts, talents, energy, and firm commitment to a worthwhile cause are all things we need from you. I'm not hip hop, but I want to understand and work with your generation. I firmly believe that we need you and you need us. A bridge must be built in Jesus name!
Blessings! Work It Out
Just another thought or more of a message to my fellow youngbloodz out there. Part of the solution is being willing to be part of the solution. Just like we like to point out how people don't accept us, don't understand us, we also have to try to understand others, and respect our predecessors. To get respect, respect has to be given, and if we follow the example of the Master, we can all humble ourselves, because if The Creator of all could humble himself and allow himself to be punished, crucified, and mocked by humans he created and could have destroyed at any time; we should have no problem humbling ourselves to learn from each other and work together. That's REAL TALK! Let's not be HABITUAL DISSENTERS, but let's focus, release that anger inside, and concentrate our energy together to make a difference and make a noise so hard it can't be ignored, the same way they said at one time, hip hop was a fad. Everyone in the community supported it and fought hard to show this was a new expression that had to be reckoned with. The parallels are quite similar with this movement that is about to start. They say the church's influence is gone, separate church and state, remove prayer from school, everything basically saying "we don't need you anymore god", "we're good now", which in my opinion is FARRRRRRRRR from the truth, ya dig? We need God in our lives more then ever, b/c these times are getting rough, and from personal experience I can truly say there is NO foundation like the foundation of Solid rock that the lord provides. anyway, I digress, but basically what I'm trying to say is a new Biblical movement can take place that would shake up the WORLD if you think of the influence this art form and lifestyle of hip hop has in conjunction with the UNCHANGING, UNWAVERING, TRUTH of God...
That's scary; if we get that poppin and work together they might try to shut down this site b/c its going to be too real!
Preacher’s son signing off
These are really powerful comments! In my experience in dealing w/teenagers, we have to move past pretense and a facade of perfection and faking amnesia, as if we forgot just how God brought us from. I try to deal with teens in a very real way by sharing the word of God and how it applies to them directly. At times I have even shared some of my imperfections(as led by the Holy Spirit), and how having a relationship with God has changed me and how I approach life. We have to show teens/young adults that we are not Super Saint and that we are humans who are addicted to Jesus. We have to stop treating church like an exclusive "Bless Me" club (where only the holy looking, talking, and acting need attend) that we use to portray ourselves as Holy as opposed to a place we come to learn and worship and then leave the walls to do the work of our Master. We have to welcome teens/young people and others with the love of Christ which is kind, protects, endures, does not envy and never fails. However, my concern and I am assuming yours as well is reaching those whose parents don't make them come to church or are past the age where their parents can make them come. I am concerned when I look at the news and seeing so many of our young men who need prayer, love and guidance from their homes and the Christian community.
Holla Back!
Right on Anonymous! It is the many young adults who don't attend church at all that I'm trying to reach out to. It's not about trying to build up church statistics. It's not about trying to mold them into somrthing they are not. I want to understand them and want to be understood by them. My life in Christ is a wonderful experience. I love Him. I love walking in His ways. I love the way my life has unfolded because of Him. In looking at the results of so many of our young adults just gone from our churches, I know we have made some huge mistakes. I don't want to see the seperation between us continue. The talent and energy they have is desperately needed by us. The wisdom and experience we can share is just as much needed by them. I hate to even use terms like us / them. The unfortunate truth is that's what we have become. Severely divided, At least that's the way I see it. I sure would like to see this us / them thing turn into a harmonious togetherness. I want to see the powerful expressiveness of hip hop glorify God much more. I want to see multitudes of young adults loving Jesus Christ passionately in their own way. How do we do it?
I think one way is to teach why, and not just rules. I think sometimes people that are brought up in the church are taught these are the rules. don't do it. They don't get a chance to learn why, take ownership, and understand the rules aren't rules just to be rules. they're for our own protection, and we have to have the faith in the lord and trust that he knows best. instead, i think a lot just try to break the rules and then learn through pain that the rules were for our own good. if more was put into understanding why and how and how to take ownership that would help. and that there isn't a certain way to love the lord, as long as you love him with all your heart and follow his way.
I think that is really on point in that we must teach not only the rules, but the why of the rules. We sometimes just throw things at the young adults without giving them the why and how it is based on GOD. Also, we have to let them know that as we walk this Christian walk that we will not be perfect and that even in our imperfections if we repent and seek forgiveness God will restore us. Sometimes the older saints make young folk feel that they are the scum of the earth, sinking to rise no more when they fall short. Who wants to come into an environment like that? We have to also show our love and excitement about our relationship with the Lord as well and be willing to share how he has changed us and how much sweeter the walk is with Jesus. Not that the obstacles are not there, but having Jesus makes the walk worth the while because of our love for Jesus. Also, there is a church in the Charleston area that has more than one service (one which has more of the traditional music and one that has contemp. music). Also, I was reading about one church in New York where they actually had a "hip hop" service so to speak with Kurtis Blow (I don't know if you are familiar with him or not.) These things may be on more of a larger scale and I am not sure of the effectiveness, but just a few random thoughts about how to address this issue. Whatever we attempt we have to keep our focus which is Jesus and not compromise the gospel.
I'm just kind of wondering in print this morning. The phrase has been used a couple of times, that church folk can make us feel like the scum of the earth. I know that religious people can be good at putting pressure on folk. What I wonder about though, is it possible that part of the negative feelings are coming from sin itself. Christian fellowship is in part an accountable community. In this free wheeling society we have, no one these days really wants to be held accountable. When we do things wrong and have to face them, our consciences make us feel badly. It is the job of the conscience to check us when our behavior is off course. An accountable community like the church does aid in that process. Is it possible that some of that "scum of the earth feeling" is coming from doing wrong and not wanting to change? Just asking!
a good point! however, it could be referring to the more judgemental characteristics of Sis. "fill in the blank" or Bro. "I been here 40 years" when an individual recognizing their need for change and to put the work in is discouraged by DEacon "pull your britches up and take those earring out" b/c he's made to feel unwelcome or that there is no place for them or they have to fit a certain outside appearance, instead of focusing on the heart, soul, actions, relationship with God, in order to fit in or be accepted within the church community. I just think there are extreme cases where the standards to be accepted into the church scene are more stringent that the standards to get into the kingdom of heaven.
Thanks for your response Anonymous. I have to admit that I have seen exactly what you are talking about. I think that when folk respond in that rigid judgemental way, they really are trying to do what's best. It's not what's best, but I'm convinced that is what they are trying to do. You're right, at times the outward appearance is what people emphasize more than what is in the heart. The kingdom of God does start on the inside and works it's way out. That process last a lifetime so we never graduate to a place of arrival. Sometimes those who have been around a while forget that. I believe that there is true hope for a change. There can be a more honest and accepting environment in our churches. I know I'm certainly working on it. IN Fact the exchanges on this blog are really helping me a great deal to take a hard look at myself. Thanks again for your comments!
Thanks for the comments. I think that I have experienced both perspectives on feeling like the scum of the earth-one from the church folk being judgemental and one from wanting to continue doing what I wanted to do. I do thank God for the conviction about some of the things that I was doing so that I would in Him make changes to do better (live for Jesus). I think that some of the "judgementalness" comes from lack of exposure to anything different from the typical "church procedures". I am not trying to dog church protocal, but when it interferes with a move of God then that is a problem because we should not try to quench the spirit of GOd because of insecurity to move past what is comfortable and live by faith.
However, it is important that we have to hold the community of faith accountable and not just let any and everything go on in the body of Christ. We have to try to correct our brothers and sisters out of love and not out of eliteism.
I am just curious as to what some of you out there are doing with the youth in your church or if you are a part of the Hip/Hop crew, what would you like to see more of? I know that we have theme for our youth bible study this year which was the theme of a youth revival that we had a few years back...XXX Bible Study (X-treme, X-cited, and X-traordinary for Jesus) I told our students to invite a friend and tell them that they are invited to an XXX event. That may not get the young adults, but hopefully it would get the teens to come out willingly and not being forced by parents.
This is some good conversation! I think this type of forum is the key. I think this way we can all learn more about each other and see that we're not that different. a little different approach, but the key is that we all have the love of God. I'm excited to read these things, b/c its stuff we should have been discussing a long time ago. Let's keep it going. Tell a friend to tell a friend!
Where's my people at? I enjoy reading all the comments that have appeared on the blog. I've been missing the conversation. Every thought has been entered has been an enhancement to my learning. Talk to me somebody! I need to hear from you.
We are out here. I must say that although, I have not been leaving messages on the blog, I have been truly blessed by the daily devotionals and sermons. The words that have been provided on the site have encouraged, challenged, and taught me a great deal. God is using you!
In looking at our world today, (the recent church scandal) I thought about your sermon on a "Clean Temple". When God cleans house...you don't want to be on the wrong side. When a brother/sister falls...we should not stand in judgement, but in prayer with compassion and love for each other. Even when we fall, God loves us and wants us to repent and restrain our sinful nature (each person has their own weakness) through the power of the Holy Spirit.
That's what I'm talkin bout! Thanks Anonymous for being out there. Double thanks for taking the time to jot me a note. It's encouraging to know the site is being tapped into. I really get charged by the comments that come via e-mail or the blog. The topics raised are always things I feel need to be discussed.
You raised a very important one. The recent scandal in the church world should make all of us pause and take a breath. The carnal nature can betray anyone of us. If we are not on our toes, leaning on the grace and power of the Christ, we could be in tommorrow's paper ourselves. I like the idea you present in terms of our being compassionate to each other. We will reap what we sow, therefore extra punitive measures by our brothers and sisters is counter productive. It seems as though whatever accountability systems their particular movement had in place, are working to deal with the situation at hand. Those of us from the outside looking in could do best by praying for the man and his family, praying for the church, and remembering none of us are in heaven yet. We must pay attention to ourselves lest we also have a collapse.
I think that you are right in that others can take a look at the steps that this church has in place to deal with such situations. I was reading that several well known folks (Dobson in Focus on the Family)will be assisting with the restoration process regarding counseling. In all of people who will be assisting in this process, I pray that this preacher knows that GOD has the power to restore and that if he asks for forgiveness, God will forgive and give him what he needs to withstand the wiles of the Devil. Even though the world has watched him fall, what is more important is that the world is still looking and he can show the world how we get back up again when we are in Christ.
We have to realize that our men and women of God walk through tough places and deal with "bigger demons" so to speak. The greater the annoiting the greater the struggles. The more you seek GOD and decide that you will without compromise follow Jesus seems like things get worse at times. It is Satan's desire to sift all of us like wheat, but particulary ones in key position that lots of people are looking at. That is why we need to pray, pray, pray for our men and women of God to withstand the wiles of the Devil. We need to pray instead of being obstacles in their path, particulary when they are trying to follow Jesus.
Strong comments! Many of our churches may not have the kinds of resources that this church has. We can however, have systems in place to help bring recovery to the bruised and broken. I agree with you that there is a way back. The road is not always an easy one, but we can recover. There are very few people I know that fell as hard as king David in the scriptures. After confession and divine discipline, forgiveness and restoration did indeed occur. We seem to be very proficient in problem identification today. Unfortunately, we have a ways to go with the restoration of our brothers and sisters. May the Lord help us to do better than we've done.
I pray that we do better in the restoration process as well. I think if we focus on how good God has been to us and merciful to us in our current and past messes, our hearts would be softer to a fallen brother or sister.
I know that's right. Forget about the God of a second chance. I blew my second chance so long ago I don't even remeber. God has been way more merciful to me than I could ever describe. Looking down on someone else would be a horrible crime. I've been forgiven and set free. I know I'm still capable of becoming a disgrace. We all need mercy. We all depend on grace. We all overcome only by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no room for spiritual arrogance. He is the vine and we are the branches, without Him we can do nothing!
Great blog on the power of words. I think that we lose sight sometimes of how much impact that we can have with words of kindness, encouragement, the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Thanks!
Thank you for following the site. Taking a moment to shout about what helps is big to me. I take all the comments I receive to heart. It helps me to know what come back with at other times. Also I have a book on the horizon, so thanks for the feedback.
Blessings to you!
Great word on 11-17-06 on Daniel and diet. I really think that we need to hear that as we enter into the season that should be for Thanksgiving and Christ, but often we use it as an excuse for excessive eating or drinking.
I really needed that reminder for the eating part.
Thanks
I hear you. The holidays are a challenging time. It's tough, with so much good food around, not to over do it. For me it's also hard in everyday situations. I'm at the age where I really need to be careful. This e-conversation is also a way to be held accountable. Thanks for being there. It helps me to stay on top of my own issues. At least at times it does. Spiritual people tend to neglect our physical selves. To be honest with you I need to lose a few pounds right now. Let's keep workin on it!
This issue is with me throughout the year, but gets real difficult during the holidays. I will try to put in the work to exercise self-control this holiday season because I know I need to get rid of some extra pounds. I will try not to indulge in the honeybun cake, sweet potatoe pie and chocolate chip peacan pie that I will be baking for Thanksgiving:-) Seriously, God does want the best for our physical selves and we need to put in the work to make sure our bodies are strong to do the work that God has called us all to do. I am reading a good book by Don Colbert-Living in Divine Health. It gives good information, but for me I need to take the information that I know and put it into practice.
I'll be enjoying myself within reasonable limits. I won't be knocked out in a chair needing to sleep off my meal, but I won't torture myself either. You've got a real strong point about doing what we already know to do. I know exactly how to drop the extra weight I have. I've had success in the past. Cutting way back on fast food, drinking water and walking. Three simple things and I'll be back in a very healthy state in a couple of months.
Great life concept regarding the teaching on loving God. The only thing that I can say is ouch because I certainly am far, far, far from that mark. This word allows us to see just how far off we are, but that God is so loving that he loves us in spite of that.
I hope that you find the results that you are looking for in the next few months. I will be prayfully "puttin' in the work" as well.
Happy Holidays!!!!
We truly live in a "it's all about me" and what I want type of world. We really need to stay focused on it's all about God and God's will for us. To be in His will is the only thing that will bring us the fulfillment that we yearn for. There is a part of us that can only be satisfied by God, but it is sad to see that so many seek to fill this part of us in all of the wrong places.
It's both refreshing and encouraging to read the comments that are made. It's amazing that our selfishness gets in the way of the very thing that will help us most. God's will is good, acceptable and perfect. What we need is the will of God. His plan is far better than any other plan. The thing that makes this hard experientially is we can't have our own dreams and God's dream too. When we do seek Him first we find what He has is best anyhow. He continuously prove Himself and many of us continue to turn from Him to ourselves. it's kinda strange.
Excellent Life Concept-In ministry, we can engage in lots of things that are good, but are not ordained for us by God. And even when the task is ordained by God we sometimes don't lean on God. If you are working on a secular job in many instances (not all) you can be confident that your will be given the supplies to work with (i.e., telephone, paper, computer, etc.). When we are working for God we have to learn that he gives us the supplies in which we are to work. You can depend on Him to give you what you need moreso than a secular job (Jobs get uncertain many times.). We have to trust and depend on God fully if we want His work to be done the way He wants it done. When we get so focused on good things and not God things then we lose focus and energy on things that were not for us to do anyway and in turn what you were ordained to do goes lacking. I pray that I find that focus to do the work that He has for me to do and that I exercise the faith to lean on Him and not be swayed by circumstances.
Those are outstanding points my friend. That's an eye opening illustration you used about supplies on the job being granted. God is a provider when we are doing His thing. Like you, I want to be doing what God wants, not just what's good. Circumstances are the biggest distraction at times. I want my faith to sustain me as I'm evaluating what in my life is really directed by God right now.
Life Concept for 12-13-06 is something that many of us in the body of Christ need to hear. We often think that we all need to be just alike in order to serve GOD when in actuality what we need that is alike is the Holy Spirit. We lose sight of the fact that those who are not like us were also made by God with a purpose, talent and perspective that can help to advance the Kingdom on God. If everyone was a great teacher, preacher or singer and no one had the talent of administration the God's business would not get done, but on the other hand if the situation were reversed then we would have a church with physical assests, but spritually bankrupt. IF everyone talked aliked, looked alike, acted alike...that would be boring. We need to use our differences to advance God's Kingdom instead of trying to squash the differences of others and molding them into traditional church clones (i.e., no braids, no dreds, no lipstick, skirts down to your ankles, no laughing, no fun...etc).
Thanks for the encouragement! We definitely do much better together. If we can learn to look past those surface issues that you mentioned and lock arms together anyway, we could really get some wonderful things done to God's glory. We are all beautiful in our unique way. All are valuable in God's sight with plenty to offer. May we learn how to get together and soon!
Life Concept-12-16-06/12-17-06 is a thought that keeps me fueled in children's/youth ministry. It is very easy to become discouraged when you don't see your results immediately. The Word tells us that if we faint not that in due season we will reap a harvest. When we operate on faith in God, doing his will and following his word then in faith we have to see that what we are doing is an investment into His kingdom. As we make our investments in the secular world, you don't see the results of your 401K right now, but if you keep on when you retire you will benefit from your labor in your youth (hopefully). In the spiritual, we may not see the great results right now, but if we faint not our effort for the Lord will not be in vain (certainly). The seeds that I have planted will come into full bloom one day whether I see those results or not. I try to see in every child the possibility of the next Paula White or Bishop T.D. Jakes or the great individuals who reach out in Jesus name whose names or faces we never know on a national level, but God knows. We have to keep laboring because too many souls are at stake!!!!!!
Thanks for your annointed Life Concepts! May God continue to bless you and use you in a mighty way!!
I really appreciate the fact that you took the time to drop a note on the blog. Not only does it provide encouragement to me, but the insight from your response will bless others who read it. The ministry to children and youth can be a challenging one. I served in youth ministry for a number of years. One of the reasons the 12/16 concept is so real to me is I saw very few visible results at the time, but now many of the teens I served tell me how blessed they were. They are now young adults doing all kinds of things and they still remember those days. Believe me your impact is greater than you know.
God bless you as you stay the course!
Great sermon! We really have to keep it real and it is so important not to get caught up in the hype of prestige and remember to seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all of its righteousness instead seeking titles and places of honor. When you are called to preach or teach some get caught up in the titles, position not realizing that you have greater accountability by GOd, particularly if you led others astray by your wrong doing. That is big responsibility not to be taken lightly. If we focused on God's grace and how unworthy we are of it then we would have more of an attitude of thanksgiving instead of position and power seeking.
Life Concept-I really thought that I would wake up and the leaves in my yard would be gone...o well, I better get to raking:-)
Thanks for the feedback. The responsibility in ministry is definitely a heavy one. Most people have no idea what happens behind the scenes. The rewards are also very great. Looking at the comments you have made, I sense you know there is both joy and pain in the work.
Good luck with the leaves!
Thanks for the Christmas word. As a society, we have really lost the true meaning of Christmas. I am pretty sure that if you had a view into 95% of the so-called Christmas parties going on, the last thing that is glorifed is Christ. I had the opportunity to go to two and Christ was indeed not the center (spiked egg nogs and overflowing bars, excessive amounts of food). Although, it was good to see people I had not seen in a while, I sort of felt out of place at times. May the blinders of sin be removed and we see the sacrifice of the Christ.
On a brighter note...Have a safe and blessed Christmas as we all reflect on the real gift that this holiday should represent.
The experiences we actually have verify how much trouble this society is in. What you have shared is all too common these days. Perhaps those of us that know the real deal need to get a little more aggressive and provide some alternative celebrations, where Christ is openly adored. We can enjoy each other in a way where He is obviously the center of attention. A celebration where He is glorified in every way we can think of. We can do that without being obnoxius. I wonder if there are not a bunch of people who have never seen a Christ filled Christmas? A party could be the perfect introduction. Music that glorifies Him in the background. Non spiked drinks to enjoy. Good clean conversation going on. Fun and games that can be done in a Christ pleasing way. Souls could be forever turned around by such events. In fact it's not too late to think about such a celebration for the New Year. Focussing on the hope that we have in Christ for a bright future. Put in the work!
I think that we as Christians too often have a "closet faith" in that we tend to fit into the world's standards as opposed to allowing the light of Christ in us shine in a dark world. Sometimes the Christians who tend to be most vocal often have the Aunt Esther's approach to evangelism (Do you remember Aunt Esther from Sanford and Son?) being very critical to those who are lost as opposed to being mournful of their condition of spiritual blindness. That is a good idea of a Christ centered New Year's celebration! Let the celebration fo Christ not stop with the entrance of the new year, like many of our resolutions, but may we all let the light of Christ shine brightly with love, joy, peace and compassion towards others throughout the year.
Happy New Year to all!!!!!!
Thought provoking and convicting life concept for 1/4/07. Initially filth seems harmless, but once the filth seeds are planted-even though you may not do exactly what you are seeing or hearing you are not being as pure as you are called to be. The mind is a powerful agent and once we put in "dirty" music, television, books, conversations (even gossip disquised as I need to know so that I can know what to pray for.) then we can find ourselves concentrating on it and once we concentrate on it long enough, then sin does not seem quite as bad and we may even find ourselves making light of it and not seeing sin for what it is and that is an offense to God.
It is difficult at times, very difficult, but we are called to be Holy as He is Holy.
It is difficult, in fact much more difficult in our day. There used to be a time when at least the consensus in our society was to be morally strong. Now it almost seems as though purity is a disease. It's so good to know there are some people out here who still appreciate the commitment we need to live holy. We are the beneficiaries of that choice. Whenever God teaches us to do something it's for our own good.
Blessings to you!
Life Concept for 1-6-07-Simple yet profound. Our walk comes down to whether or not we choose to obey God. We have to choose to obey God in spite of circumstances or feelings. It is difficult at times, but the Holy Spirit gives us the power to obey God. Too often we choose to obey our feelings (Me included). As I am finding in this Christian walk we have to make the choice to obey God no matter the cost!
S
You're so right. Most of the things that benefit us in this Christian life are really pretty simple. We make life much more complicated than it is. When we are obedient to God we place ourselves in a position for His best. When we disobey God we position ourselves for trouble. To keep from over simplification, there are times when we do everything we should and don't see immediate results of blessing. There are those that do wrong and seem to get by with it. It's because of those apparent inconsistencies that so many people bail out. I choose to believe in the God who does all things well. I don't always understand what's going on around me. There are times when things just don't make sense. There are certainly times when obedience is by far the hardest thing to do. I'm thankful that at this stage of my life, I've seen enough to be fully persuaded, that God's way is the best way.
Word of the week about judgement was convicting. If we don't watch ourselves we can easily lose focus from our true mission and that is our work for Christ. We even get fooled that if we are doing it in the church then it is Christ-centered. If our top activities are not based on love for God and love for others and reaching out into the hedges and highways first, then we need to check ourselves and make sure our actions and motives are in line with what God requires of us. We need to remember that we can do a lot of nice things, but it is going to be those things that we do for Christ that will stand in judgement.
How is the weight loss going? I am on track now, but I need strength to continue on the journey:-)
S
Thanks for the comments. It's always encouraging to know that this internet audience get's what I'm trying to communicate. As far as the weight loss goes, I've been doing some fasting so the numbers aren't too bad. I have a three day fast coming up shortly which will help even more. My regular eating habits can still use some work.
Take care and stay in the fight!
The only thing that I can say about the Life Concept for 1-11-07 is ouch because you stepped on my feet!!!! We often pray for God to "bless my finances" when in many cases they are blessed. We are the ones bringing the curses because we are not doing what God would require (i.e., pay tithes and offerings and use self-control). I know for myself in many cases, I want to apply God's word in some areas of my finances (God has the power to increase them) and not to all areas when I need to use self-control and wisdom with what I have been blessed with. God is showing me and helping me in that area, but I still have a ways to go.
I will try to walk by a sale when it is an item I don't need, but it is so hard to pass a good sale-it seems like it calls me:-)
I hope that you find what you are seeking in your fast. I just finished a fast and the spiritual benefits were more than can be expressed in words.
Thanks for taking the time to give of words of conviction and encouragement.
Take Care!
S
I believe that what you are describing is common in the church. Well it's just common in our times. We are targeted to be out of control with our spending. For many of us it's much more a management issue than a blessing issue.
Most of what I'm seeking in my fast is for the church. There are some things that just plain need to be broken off of us. A few things I want more clarity on are already beginning to clear up.
Keep on blogging!
Life Concept-1-12-07 about true worship makes us examine ourselves. I can certainly relate to being a square peg in a round hole, but I have grown to appreciate the fact that God made me to be slightly square. I also appreciate that it is ok to be round as well for others because that is who God made them to be. When you can accept those things that make you indeed you, but ask God to remove those things about you that hinder his work (i.e., pride/sin nature) then you can start being true before him. It is important to "do you" and not allow yourself to be forced into a mold God did not intend for you.
It's so refreshing to read these comments. I've found this internet audience to be the most honest, upfront audience I've ever encountered. Being so willing to openly confess identification with the issues the word pinpoints is the foundation for all our growth. Thank you for being out there. Thank you for being serious about what God is saying. Thank you for your participation.
A fellow servant of Christ
Life Concept-1-14-07 about what the church is here to do is so clear yet in many ways we often find ourselves way off track. People will involve themselves in areas of ministry, but somewhere lose sight of either telling someone else that Jesus saves, encouraging one another or training others for Kingdom building. We have to make sure to check what we are driven by and it should be by our love for God (because his kindness and love towards us first that we don't deserve) and love for our neighbor (because this is commanded). When our motives for ministry are pride, wanting to look holy, or joining something because I want to support my friend, etc. then we set ourselves up to be defeated and counterproductive to building the Kingdom.
When we look at our world and the state of decline we are in due to drug abuse, gangs, violence, immorality, etc. and then look at some of the things (silly things) we argue over as a church, we are missing the big picture and as a result we are losing masses of people to Satan.
Take Care and hang in there!
S
Thanks for those on point comments.
The thing that really disturbs me about the very accurate things you mentioned, is the last statement. We are losing far too many people to satan while we major on the minors. Folk are rapidly leaving this world to enter a devil's hell and we don't have the luxury anymore of being silly. May the Lord be merciful to us and to the lost, and may we wake up to the challenge we face.
Life Concept 1-20-07 is one that we should remember to be amazed and humbled by-God's presence. I think that we have become too mindless and casual about God's presence. We take God's presence for granted. All that we do should be motivated by God's presence in public and private. God sees you when nobody else is looking and our hearts should be about pleasing God and not trying to look like we are about pleasing God to others.
It concerns me when I see those things in our church order, structure, policy or decision making that are about man's agenda and entertainment and not about worshiping or adoring God. We need to examine ourselves.
Nice picture of the week and the title is so true...only God can make an ocean. I don't understand how anyone could not believe in God.
Take Care,
S
Do you have any insight at all as to how we have gotten so far off track with man's agenda above God's? I would really love to hear some dialogue on that topic. Even if it hurts to talk about it, we need to straighten out the desperate state we seem to be in.
As for me, I think that it comes from several things. One is lack of exposure. I grew up seeing some of the procedural side of church. When I would visit relatives, I would see them in key positions, but once we got home, I would from a distance (when they thought I was not listening) hear them tear down and talk about others. Even though, they would do good things, there was the after church dialogue. Especially if it was someone whose life was openly sinful (i.e., drinking, sex, etc.) and they came in with a praise or they had been changed, then you would hear after church, oh they need to sit down becasue I remember when...and bring up their whole history.
I thought that this behavior was ok myself. Once my heart was changed and I was taught by the Holy Spirit and other Godly people, I realized that our agenda and God's agenda need to be the same. We desperately seek out God's way and not just be comfortable and complacent with stuff that makes us look or feel good. This was not an overnight thing and has taken years of study, seeking out bible teaching settings, prayer, experience and exposure. If I don't watch myself, I sometimes slip and make inappropriate judgements about people.
Also, I think fear and lack of faith. In structure, there is a sense of security because there are a set of procedures to follow. To follow in faith can be very scary when all evidence around you says something different.
I think that we have to make sure people are taught. We have to make sure that we are prayerful that some these things are broken off of us. Most importantly, we have to pray for the Holy Spirit to change the heart. Had I not had a heart change, I would still be the same prideful, hard hearted, not exposed to anything better mess. I'm still a mess at times, but just not as prideful or hard hearted.
Sorry to be so lengthy. Thanks for opening up this dialogue. Just a few thoughts.
S
No need to apologize about the length of your comments. It seems the only way to deal with this thing honestly is relating our own experiences. I could relate to the whole thing you mentioned concerning structure. Sometimes what starts out as a blessing can turn around and bite us as a curse. Procedures that began as a channel to enhance God's program at a given point in time often degenerate into our own thing. Our God is on the move. He's not stuck like we so often get. Walking with God by faith is a fearful thing to the flesh. I agree with you that at times our procedures are an excuse, or security blanket to keep us from walking by faith. I'm not sure what can be done to dismantle all the read tape that binds us. All I know is I want to be part of the sollution not the problem.
Life Concept-1-25-07 is so real and practical. We have to deal with and express our emotions appropriately. One so that there is no confusion about where you stand. Also, surpressed emotions now just lead to physical, stress related problems later. We have to learn to let things out, but in a Godly manner and not intentionally ugly manner.
S
It's funny how the real day to day plain truth seems so hard to practice. I had to shed a few tears today and I can't believe after writing this, anticipating sorrow, I still tried for a while to hide my tears. Thankfully they came out anyway. I feel so much better that they were released.
In this life we are gonna have to shed some tears, but thanks be to God that he loves us so that he allows even the strongest of us to do so. May our God that gives us peace comfort you during times like these. As you said in the Life Concept, nothing takes God by surprise even though life's events may throw us for a loop. God's got this. In the words of an old song we used to sing at my church "I feel better, so much better since I laid my burden down."
Keep the faith!
S
Life Concept-2-01-07 Thanks for that word on progress. My overall goal for this year is onward and everforward in all that I do. There is too much that I have been blessed with to not do God's work with great urgency. Progress has to start you aspiring to continually grow even when that requires personal change.
Take Care,
S
This is a hard pill to swallow so to speak regarding forgiveness especially if you were the one wronged. I guess in order to please God then forgiving others is not an option. I am glad that you pointed out that sometimes there are fractures beyond our control, but we have to sincerely do what we can to right the relationship.
How you doing S?
Just trying to keep it real. It would be nice if every fractured relational situation we face could end in a harmonious outcome. Unfortunately, time and experience has shown many of us that's not the way it is. I really like what the Bible says, "as much as it is possible live at peace with all men." That certainly implies there will be times when it's not possible. I'm so glad God takes into account the people factor.
Trying to maintain...having to apply God's word with intensity for the past week and a half. God has shown moreso that the feverant prayers of the righteous availeth much. God is a healer and a keeper. Thanks for your prayers for my nephew. God is truly good!!!
Be consistent (water, exercise, limit the salt/caffine) so that the blood pressure numbers can come down. You don't want to be enslaved to meds (like me) unless neccessary, but if neccessary it is better than the other alternatives (i.e., kidney failure, heart disease, stroke). God is a healer...we have to do our part!!!!
Take Care of yourself!!!
S
Life Concept-2-22-07_The idea of faithfulness in all areas of life seems to have become such a rare idea. You see it in how we deal with our personal/spiritual affairs (marriages, child rearing, ministry) and then we want to justify our faithlessness with weak excuses. We do fall short and that is a part of being human; however, when we are faithful to God he gives us a way to overcome the barriers that keep us from being faithful to our financial, family, work, and ministial responsibilities.
S
I've also been thinking about the damage that can occur to us. Being a human being defines our lack of perfection, but there are things that happen to us as well, very discouraging things. These traumatic life events can also impact our faithfulness in a negative way. Thank God for the staement you made concerning His ability to provide what we need to overcome barriers. The ways we become scarred is another one of those barriers. At least I know it has been for me.
Life Concept 2/26-That is a real situation in trying to accomodate without compromsing the Gospel. That is the wonderful thing about the Word of God and the Holy Spirit if we cling closely and desperately seek God, He will give us the guidance that is needed to acommodate without compromising the Gospel. He will also give us what we need to stand against the temptations that use to entrap us. God is so awesome that if reaching the lost requires us to face certain temptations where we are still weak (i.e., an alcoholic may not need to be at a celebration where alcohol is being served trying to reach someone lost), there are others who may be able to minister to that person if neccessary. We are equipped with what we need, we have to stay connected to Jesus and as we constantly remember his great love towards us that while we were yet sinners that He died for us. We have to live lives transformed by Jesus and not just using church as a social club.
Life Concept 2-27-It's hard to give up the swine, but when you know better you should do better:-)
S
Jesus is so real with presenting the challenges just as they are. It's funny how we, in the church, have pretended over the years that everything is so easy. Being in the world but not of the world is a tricky proposition. It's tough to be the one influencing others instead of being influenced by others.
As far as for the pig, some of us have just got to live without it or pay the price. Along with some other adjustments, for me that's just how it has to be. I'm not going to be sick if I can do some things to stop it.
By no means am I saying that this is easy keeping yourself from the influence of the world. I know that I fail at this miserably sometimes. Maybe we fail to engage in real talk about what keeps us from being the influence vs the influenced like our weaknesses, wanting to fit in, folks getting on your last good nerve. As God works with us, we can be the influence by being real about the difficulty in doing so, but we overcome only because of God. We have what we need to overcome, in spite of ourselves.
Like with weight loss-most of us have what we need to lose weight (information on exercise and diet, gym memberships, places to exercise, low fat foods on the market), but the road between what you know and what you do can be a long one.
If ever there was a time that we as the church need to get our acts together is now. You have folks claiming to have found the remains of Jesus and that he had a child and wife. May the blinders of deception be removed.
Take Care,
S
AMEN!!!!!
What a great reminder that our sin is always known by God, even if others don't know. Thanks for the reminder that we need to get it right because the consequences of our sin will find us. In spite of God knowing us and our sin, He still gives us a chance to come back to ourselves and repent. What a mighty, loving, compassionate God we serve!
Have a great week!!
S
Thanks for taking the time to drop an occasional note of response. It's encouraging just to know folk are out there. The fact that a few people are paying attention to what's written and / or spoken helps me to stay on my spiritual toes.
God bless you and have a great week also!
I just watched a show on ABC called the Outsiders which did a segment on Hose de Jesus who claims to be Jesus. He tells his followers that there is no sin, no devil etc., has the number 666 on his clothing. He does this with a straight face. If ever believers need to be focused on the work of Kingdom building is now! In the words of a lady that we used to take to church when I was a child...."It's a time."
We do seem to be living in what the Bible describes as perilous times. There is so much deception about. There is such a cold hearted atmosphere around us. All kinds of schemes are popping up, and that doesn't even speak to everyday troubles that are on the rise. You're right! The Kingdom of God is the only hope for these times we're in. May we get busy or stay busy.To quote Malcolm X, "by any means necessary."
i'm ready to get busy, lol. no but seriously, there are more people out there than you think ready to really put the all into something they believe in. you can see it by the influence and following that a dude like this "666" cat has. I bet these people who follow him aren't evil, just mislead. they probably believe they are working for the greater good. That's why we have to eliminate this gap between religion, church, and the community and get it in, or like my pops would say, put in the work. holla!
I guess that is very true. We have people who are misled like many of us were before Christ just trying to find an anchor to cling to. What ideas do you have on how to close the gap between church and the community?
S
Life Concept 3-13-07 is a great reminder of the love we should show to others. We are to love when we are loved back and when we are persecuted. Loving in persecuation glorifies God and may make a nonbeliever want to know more about what makes you love in spite of. After all, it is our job as Christians to share/show God's love as much as it is within our power to do so. Persecutors oftentimes are deeply hurting people themselves. Those who are hardest to love you just might have to love them the hardest so that maybe, just maybe we can love the Hell out of them by leading them to Christ and showing them a more excellent way.
Great sermon this week as well. I gots to stop the sleeping and as Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes once said "Wake up Everybody". I am up and trying to put in the work.
How is the weight loss and blood pressure coming along? I hope well.
Hang in there and have a great week!
S
Thanks!
On the health issues, I'm down 8 lbs. I need to lose 12 more and then maintain it. I'm not there but working on it almost everyday. Salt and caffine have not been eliminated, but have been cut way back.
Life Concept 3-15-07-Great reminder for focusing on today. To dwell in the past and worry about tommorrow all at the same time can be overwhelming. The same God that takes care of our daily bread will certainly provide for our tommorrow as well. Yes we need to plan, but to spend too much time worrying will stress you to the point where the tommorrow that you have planned for you miss because you have worried yourself to death-literally.
Congrats. on your weight loss! Keep up the good work. I to am still working and trying to put in the work with the weight loss. Nature's Seasoning is a good seasoning. I used that in my transition from a lot of the salt that I once used.
S
Life Concept-3-20-07 on personal wholeness is a great message...We have to first know that God loves us and we are special in His eyes. If we can ever grasp just how much God loves us then public opinion would not be such a driving force for us. Great sermon on Sunday! Thanks for the daily words of encouragement.
S
I think hip hop is having a tremendous impact on Christianity. It is allowing Christians, especially younger ones to realize that it is ok to have different forms of praise to God other than the traditional. It is allowing older christians to see that hip hop is not all bad and that the important thing is the not the genre of the music but the artist and their purpose for performance. i love hip hop..,DJ Maj, Ill Harmonics, Procussions, KJ 52, The Cross Movement, Pettidee etc. the list goes on, once i found out that christian hip hop existed i wanted to find all there was to find out about the artists and venues where it could and would be performed. i believe God is pleased the people are using these things to praise him and i think we as a people need to incorporate out culture in every aspect of our christian walk because God never says we have to praise him a certain way. He just says "We Must Praise..."
T.J. McCullough
Age 25
Brownsville Community Church of God
Hey Truth Advocate, how you doing? Thanks for taking the time to jot down a few thoughts on the blog. There is a lot of insight in your comments. There is also good balance in the things that you mentioned.There tends to be generational tension even in the church. Being able to discuss these things is good. I appreciate you taking the initiative to express your views.
God bless you as you give Him praise!
I will have to check out some of the music that you mentioned. We have a hard time with change because it forces us out of our comfort zones. Even if it is a genre that does not neccesarily minister to you, as long as it ministers to someone then we should not be so quick to want to shut it down so to speak. As long as the artists and the music are glorifying and praising God and all segments of our population are being reached for God then I think that God is pleased.
Let's keep praisin' God not only in the music, but in our life living!
S
truth advocate said it. very officially!
Thanks for your daily words of encouragement and the definite need for continual connection with God through prayer. Great pic. of the week!
S
just wanted to share something with the puttin in work family. put all your trust in one thing, God. Anything that is formed or ran by man is bound to have flaws. Don't let the flaws of the flesh discourage you from the ONe and only truth, That Jesus is Lord.
One!
That's a good word! All of us provide at least a slight measure of contamination even with our very best efforts. Jesus Christ is perfect Lord. Everything He does is altogether flawless. I'm glad I got to know Him for myself. He makes the abundant life a reality. He did that for me.
Thanks for the reminder that our trust should lie in God because everything else is subject to fail U. The flesh nature can lead us off the mark of the high calling in Jesus. I'm so glad that Jesus does not change in his great love/compassion 4 us in spite us. When we have Jesus we truly have what we need, but it's too bad that is not realized until placed in situations where Jesus is all you got!
S
Life Concept 4-14-07-Thanks for that word. Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. We want the benefits and blessings of walking with God, but don't want to die to our flesh nature. Trust me I understand that is not easy to walk by the spirit all the time (particurally this week for me), but it has to be our desire to walk to please God even when it does not feel good to us.
Thanks for taking the time to give us encouraging daily devotionals and sermons. May God continue to richly bless you!
S
Thanks for being out there S., I really appreciate the fact that you take the time to offer feedback now and then. It's more than a little encouraging to know that some of you really care about what goes on with this website. By the way, you really hit it with the comment walking by the spirit is not an easy thing at times. I get kind of nervous when some folk seem to give the impression that the godly life is always a cakewalk.
God bless you and all you're doing for his glory!
Up from the Grave...a powerful, needed word for times such as these! It is hard to grasp Jesus' great power and great love 4 us. The sermon was truely a word from God 4 me on how to keep moving in spite of the obstacles! Our walk with God is about glorifying him in spite of the obstacles not in the absence of obstacles. In this life we are going to have some trouble (particulary when you are trying to closely follow Christ), but it good to know that we can take heart because we are overcomers by the power of Christ because He lives!
S
Good point!
The troubles of this life are often sent by Satan to distract us from our goal of glorifying God. The wonderful thing about that is, even when the devil tries to discourage or distract us, his tactics must be permited by the God who said He would never put more upon us than we can bear. We must keep moving for the design of our Father is right. We must keep moving for the power of our Christ is more than enough. We must keep moving for the strength of the Holy Spirit is always available. We can if we will, so we must!
Life Concept (4-24-07)So true the vision that we are given does not start in the neat little package we would like. During those times you are tempted to give up, but when you know God called you to do it you can't yeild to the temptation to give up. Even when it seems darkest you have put the energy into it like you were at the top of moutain. You may have to adjust, but you have to hang in there. Even if only one is blessed that person may go on to bless a multitude. Oftentimes the person blessed in the process is you because you learn somethings about yourself that you may need to go to God about or you get stronger.
When you find the fast faith formula, how 'bout let a sista know:-)The formula I know is the wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. It gets kinda hard sometimes to hang in there.
S
Thanks S,
It's good to know I'm not talking to myself and that others can relate to the concepts. I think we all can gain from tips our brothers and sisters may share. You have any tips on hangin tough, and pluggin away when things are a little rough? I'm sure you've probably been there a time or two. How do you keep moving forward?
GOOD LIFE CONCEPT. i need to work on gettin that quiet time. in the hustle and bustle of life sometimes its easy to forget where to recharge our batteries. when i feel like "lo-cell" is the reading on my battery, i have to remind myself that i haven't plugged into the source of our strength and serenity.
No doubt! A Jedi is nothing without the force and a Christian is nothing without the active influence of the Holy Spirit. Time and experience relating to Him is the only thing that brings His influence from potential to kinetic.
Hi all...Great life concept of getting quiet. Preacher's Sun..I certainly understand the "lo-cell" feeling, but the only way I recharge or stay charged is to stay connected to the Holy Spirit. It is so hard in the hustle and bustle of things particurally when yours days begin to seem like a blur and distractions are coming at you 10 fold.
Work it out asked about different ways people keep on moving forward. For me it is only the power of the Holy Spirit that keeps me focused, grounded and actin' right. The times when I find myself most effective in ministry is when I am spending that quiet time with the Lord. Whenever I can really connect, I get tunnel vision and the thing that keeps me driven is knowing that in spite of the obstacles to keep my eyes on the prize (God's plan) and knowing that no matter how it looks that my labor for God is not in vain. Also, knowing that we should count it joy when we face trials because in those discouragements, trials, tribulations and set backs because as our faith is tested we learn perservance. I stay encouraged (most times...kinda tough now)because I know that distractors are there to move me out of God's will, but I have decided to remain steadfast. If you can ever get to that point of decision-you keep moving forward. There are times times when you move faster than at other times, but even in the slow moving times you keep moving forward. Don't get me wrong it's hard..real hard, but as Work it out said in an earlier response God's plan is good, Jesus' power is more than enough and the Holy Spirit is always available so we can keep on if we will so we must. I know that I probably am rambling, but just some things that work for me.
Work It Out-It looks like the weight fitness program is working for you. Pray for a sista:-)
S
Thanks for the Life Concept (5-10-07). Even being involved in ministry we can find ourselves at times doing it on a surface level or out of a routine yet not wanting to deny ourselves of those habits or private things that are not pleasing to God. Thanks for letting us know that self denial is a lifestyle and will conflict with what seems logical. Self denial may even conflict with what feels good to us. Thanks be to God that he gives us the power to throw off those things that keep us out of his will-Will we use the power?
S
Thanks S,
Always appreciate your comments. I hope there are others out there in the puttin' in work family that will answer the question, will we use the power? I know I intend to. Even with the dificulties that go along with that choice, I want God's will to be done. The benefits that go along with His plan far out weigh the things we must deny. Benefits that may not always be materially measurable, but benefits I would never want to be without. Love, joy, peace, spiritual power, harmony within, a deep settled sense of well being, it's funny; self denial is really self fulfilment.
The past few life concepts have really helped me to have a better understanding of the parable of the different types of ground. Your explanation has really been helpful for me. I see myself at different points in life having been one of the types of ground. If I am not watchful it is easy to fall from the having been to the currently being into one of the traps (particuarly the thorny bush).
Have a great week!
S
Brothers and sisters don't learn everything the hard way. There is a whole lot that can be gained through the experiences of others. Bumps and bruises are not the only teachers. We are not to limit ourselves by others, but we can sure learn from what others have been through. At least take notice of what you see down the road. Look at the stages of life you've not reached and pay attention to the good and bad. There are many things about our lives that are repeatable and transferable. Patterns occur for a reason. We reap what we sow is in the Bible to get us to think in terms of planting healthy things. When we do good it doesn't always come back on us instantly, but it will return. "Whatcha know about that???
I'm back..just logged on as usual. I guess the malfunction was me.
In the words of my mother..."Do you have to eat the whole cow to know you eatin' beef?" You should not have to keep doing the same unproductive thing to know that it does not work.
S
Great sermon/teaching on Word of Knowledge and Life Concept (6-12-07). As much as we sometimes don't like to think...God has our number and knows us better than we know ourselves and is all powerful and will get a message to us in a way that we will never expect...like a Word of knowledge. Yes it may feel like somebody has been "telling" your business, but again that is how God works at times and He can get your attention like nobody else can.
May God keep blessing and keeping you in your role as Pastor. I don't know if I would be as kind as yourself if someone called my house because they thought somebody was in their business, particulary when its hard enough trying to get/keep your own business straight. I guess that is why when God calls you He equips (resources/temperment, etc.) you with what you need for the race that He has set before you. As you said with the Life Concept, we are sometimes under the impression that the race set before us is easy, but that was not the promise. The promise was that Jesus would be with us always, even until the end. Now if we look at Jesus' course and cross he had to bear, now why would we think that we would have a bed of roses.
Thanks for all of our words of encouragement and convicting sermons. Keep on giving us a Word of Knowledge! If the Word of Knowledge is 4 me...I will just try to take it in and do better, I won't call U and fuss :-) Have a Blessed Week!
S
Thanks,
If there is one lesson that I've learned very well it's that walking with God is not always easy. It really kind of makes me mad when I hear that kind of stuff so heavily promoted over the airways. That sort of thinking really has many people unprepared for the down seasons when they come. I'm glad that I grew up old school. At least when my little boat gets rocked I'm not surpised by it. Also I don't really know how much more equipt I am. I get pretty mad at some of the silly stuff that happens with people who should know better. God's grace keeps me from blowin my stack, but a brutha be feelin like it.
Take care
Great Life concept on the art of listening. Unfortunately how not to listen is the example that is set by some of the craziness that we see on TV. U R right,some of the debates are not even discussion worthy (or at least in my opinion). It is amazing how the start to resolving conflicts or stopping a situation from going from somewhat shaky to a full blown mess can be done by simply listening and acknowledging what someone has to say whether you agree or not.
S
How is it going? Life Concept-6-27-07 about financial responsibility is so true. I have seen and heard the stories of how many of my older relatives have done more than what many of us do today with much less. We make things a lot more difficult than need be-granted incidentals come up (i.e., replacing a central air/heating unit like I had to do today), but if we use the simple concept of spend what you have then many of us would be so much better off and not in the bondage of deep debt.
Is there a sermon for this week? Take care.
S
winning conduct can bring change to a losing scenario...
that is classic, i'm going to have to steal that one
winning conduct can bring change to a losing scenario...
that is classic, i'm going to have to steal that one
congrats on the book! from what i hear its a MUST HAVE!
congrats on the book! from what i hear its a MUST HAVE!
I was really blessed by "A Teenager's Look at Psalm 23!" Our youth need to know that they can begin serving God early in life. I thank God that He saved me at a young age. I was able to avoid so many pitfalls. It seems now however that it is harder for young people to hear the Word and get a firm grip or understanding of salvation. When I was younger, it seem people understood what salvation was, even if they weren't yet saved. It's disheartening to see people tearfully respond to an altar call, but come away without making a decision for Christ. Don't get me wrong before I saved, I remember spending at the altar simple saying "Lord I know I'm not saved, but I know I need to be saved." Shortly thereafter, I did get saved. My concern is when that emotional person never comes to the point where they actually repent and get saved.
Does this make sense to anyone else?
Hi 1ofFaith,
Thanks for taking the time to leave your comment. I understand what you are saying and it is a concern for me too. It seems that people want help for their problems, but really do not always want a commitment to Jesus. Also there is so much communicated from the Word that has little to do with the primary thing (the salvation of the soul.) The point you bring certainly has me thinking about being clearer with altar calls.
Be blessed, and I hope to read more from you.
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