No, For Real This TIme

As a child I was extremely competitive. I have matured to a certain degree, and this competitive nature has matured and evolved to unwrap a drive inside that motivates me to pursue purpose. However, gotta keep it real, sometimes my competitive nature can’t be suppressed and manifests itself through a monopoly game or during domino game where my south central LA can come out. Currently my competitive nature is manifested as an extreme Lakers fan. I was dismayed after the Lakers loss on Christmas Day to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. I went outside and began to play basketball (I guess I thought somehow, I was at Staples Center and could have avenged the Lakes loss by my performance in the backyard) and I began to shoot free throws. Free throws are an interesting component of the game of basketball in that there is no defender and no opposition. The competition is within myself, and success or failure is contingent on my ability. The first time I was shooting, I shot ten shots and only made five. This was quite frustrating, because I knew I was better than that. No one knew I shot poorly, but I did. At that moment I said within myself, “You are better than that,” the next statement was “No for real, this time.” This statement was like pressing reset on Nintendo after you lost in Mario Brothers. This statement was like David repenting in Psalm 51, and saying, "Create in me a clean heart and renew a right Spirit within me." I re-focused, and then proceeded to make 8 of 10 free throws. To make sure the improvement wasn’t attributed to luck, I shot 10 more and made 9 of 10.

Often we have an underlying spirit of competition that drives us. We compete for the attention and affirmation of those we love. We compete to prove others wrong who have placed limitations on who or what we can be. When man is the source of our motivation, we can win their affirmation and discover that it was a prize without purpose. However when God is the source of our drive our purpose is realized. I have found that the greatest competition isn’t from external opposition but from internal opposition. Much like Jesus’ greatest battle wasn’t with scribes, Pharisees, or even those who crucified Him, but His greatest battle occurred within himself between His flesh and Spirit, in the Garden of Gethsemane. He ultimately he arrived a the conclusion I desire, Nevertheless not my will but your will be done.

No for real this time, I can’t expect things to change with the same behaviors and disciplines. Change is not haphazard or random, but it deliberate and intentional, and doesn’t happen for us, but happens through us. Just as I declared in the backyard, I am declaring in my life, I am better than that. I am better than sporadic emotional swings that are connected to relationship status, financial status, and circumstances. I am better than bitterness and unforgiveness. I am better than complacency and average. It is so cliché to say “This is My Year” the only way it will be your year is if you make definitive decisions punctuated by action to make it your year, otherwise 365 days from now we will be in the same place, with the same unrealized desires.

Our pursuit of God, is what ultimately matters, other subsequent pursuits even if realized at best are temporal. It is incumbent of us to pursue God with a reckless abandon with the assurance that His will encompasses the best for us in every area of our lives. Discipline and consistency will yield optimal results next year. Closeness of God is not experienced exclusively through how our emotions feel towards God, but rather through consistency and a daily pursuit of His presence. Disciplines such as prayer, fasting and bible study can’t be minimized. To pursue purpose without God and his word is the equivalent of trying to reach a destination without fuel and direction. Many youth and young adults have expressed a desire to know more of God’s word, and this demand has been met with the expansion of our Christian Education class to include ages 19 to 35. We have issued assignments and I am so impressed by the response of so many who have taken advantage of these opportunities to grow in God, and not be satisfied with the preachers revelation of God, but a real desire to learn His word for themselves. Please take advantage of these resources. Much of what we question and desire can be found in the word of God, however procrastination and complacency delays our spiritual and personal growth. No For real, this time May God increase my faith and commitment towards Him and may my actions become evidence of this increase.

May Gods will for our lives in 2010 be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Dear Mind, We need to talk...

Dear Mind,

We need to talk. This is a conversation that has been a long time coming. Actually, I need to talk to you, because it seems as if you have a tendency to dominate the conversation. Our relationship is complex to say the least. Sometimes you are so in sync with reality, and other times you create your own reality that is non-existent to everyone else but me. You dictate my actions, and provide direction, and I rely on you, which sometimes leads me with clarity to my pathway of purpose and other times to dead ends filled with confusion. Whenever good is on the horizon, you always remind me of all of the negative possibilities. It is as if you are afraid to have faith and go 100% because if you brace yourself it seemingly won’t hurt as bad if it doesn’t work out, I attribute this to your pride and ego. Because you are so smart, you never like to be wrong or hurt at any cost. As you think the worst, subsequently my expectation is minimized and I attract the worst possible scenario and you say “I told you so.” You would rather be secure and right in a bad situation than risk being vulnerable and expecting positive outcomes. This pseudo security is a poor cover for your insecurities.

This strategy has gotten us nowhere, and you know as well as I do, that the definition of insanity is repeating the same behavior while expecting different results. So no more bracing for the worst and creating negative realities that don’t existent, no more playing out scenarios that are driven by fear, because ultimately we know you have power, and if you dwell on fear, which is spirit not given by God it will attract negativity. If only you would focus on faith, we would not talk about the next dimension, but would perpetually dwell there. My entire attitude, demeanor, behavior and disposition is contingent on what you think. You have the ability to conjure up the shadiest schemes, to the extent that when you sin, you can’t call it “backsliding”, or plead insanity, because it was premeditated. There is a problem if you are thinking of your plan of repentance prior to your sin.

It’s not all your fault. I take responsibility. The truth is you are a product of what I feed you. Sometimes because I don’t want to be alone with you, I turn on the TV to anesthetize you, because I know when you and I are in the presence of God, we are always inspired and constantly challenged to be bigger than we are, to embrace greatness. You keep telling me “it’s only a little…” A little television, a little face book, a little conversation, a little secular music, When all of these “littles” are put together they become a lot. You are right these things aren’t sinful in and of themselves and often can help keep me grounded and balanced, but when not mingled with a little prayer, a little consecration, and a little bible reading (not the kind you do professionally to prepare to speak or to write a paper) you become a vacuum for negativity. So En Vogue, I hope you are right on this one, I am going to free my mind, with the expectation that the rest will follow. A new mind will produce a new me, that will house the capacity to embrace a new year filled with possibility.

I am frustrated with you at times to say the least; I am tired of the fluctuation that occurs in our relationship. At times I would love to severe our relationship, but the fact remains, I need you. I really need you, because when you are in sync with God, and His word, we are unstoppable. You are beautiful and creative. You never cease to amaze me. You find ways to express what my heart desires to convey to others. You entertain me; there are some flights when you simply amuse me for hours. At times you are brilliant. While I am often a prisoner of your analysis, you often liberate the sentiments of my heart to be conveyed to others. So God elevate my mind, my thoughts to your thoughts, and my ways to your ways. I choose faith over fear. I choose to think the best in every situation. I am loosing my mind, and I am realizing that sometimes you have to loose it, to renew it. Transform me by the renewing of my mind; this is my prayer in Jesus name.

Sincerely,
Christopher

Say What You Need to Say

Just arrived in Denver Colorado and during my time of reflection, I just want to share some of my thoughts…

Last week was tremendously difficult with the passing of Care Pastor Trenese Durham; I am so amazed with the resilience love, and strength of the Durham family. I sat late Saturday evening in the driveway across Deacon Durham, and sat across from one of the strongest, compassionate, committed, and loving men the world will ever know.

The day after her passing Tiana text me, and said, she just wanted to be close with the saints, this text turned into a evening I will never forget, thanks to the CWC Youth and Young Adult Ministries staff, we disseminated information via text, face book, and phone calls, and we gathered together for an evening that shifted our perspective for ever. One by one we shared our reflections of Pastor Durham, how she inspired each of us, and how we are going to accept the challenge of carrying her legacy in ministry. We wrote letters to God, loved ones, and then shared them with each other. The evening culminated with affirmations and validations. As we held hands in a circle we all began to realize the importance of our words, and we said things to each other that could no longer wait. That night we didn’t shout, we didn’t sing, and no one preached, but instead of having church we were church. With our tears, words, and hugs we were one.

Why do we wait? To express ourselves causes us to be vulnerable, and often there is an unspoken fear of what will happen if our expression isn’t reciprocated. The bible declares that there is no fear in love, and perfect love cast out all fear. If our expression is linked to response alone, love then can be reduced to a tool of manipulation. But real love performs regardless of the response, it is self-sacrificing.

My life, like everyone has had a myriad of trials, I have vacillated between mountaintops and valleys. 2 things that give me peace at night are 1.) Knowing that I am in the will of God, and operating in His purpose, knowing that I do what I was created to do. 2.) Knowing that I have expressed to my loved ones how much they mean to me. This second one took a little getting used to, but I discovered I would much rather live with knowing I said what I needed to say (Thanks John Mayer) as opposed to opportunities passing and me living the rest of my life with regret.

Ryan inspired me because in the passing of Care Pastor Durham she sent me an email letting me know how grateful she was for leadership and the role we play in her life. Then today, Ain, my dear Sister sent me an email, and said I sparked a new phenomenon of expression, and she proceeded to write me a letter telling me how I have impacted her life. I am not going to lie, (blogs are or should be transparent), it was so hard for me to read both Ryan and Ain’s correspondences, because it made me vulnerable, I have to learn that it is unfair to give love and deny it when it comes back. It would be silly to sew seeds of love and reject the harvest when it arrives. I must admit this is a covert defense mechanism that those in ministry or service must be aware of. Some of us often have no problem giving love, but when it comes to receiving love it makes us vulnerable, and because we perhaps have been hurt in the past we don’t want to receive something that can be taken away. My goal is to love like it is the first time, because Jesus does it every time after He forgives me.

So please, do not take life for granted. Our time on earth is temporal, and love will last forever, because God is love. Even death is a portal for new and deeper revelation of God. While you are here forgive quickly because God forgives you, love is activated when you release it, so love others, this is how people will know you are Christ’s disciple.

Reality Check

Dear God,

I love worship, because it provides a reality check. It is so easy to become consumed with the cares of this world. Healthcare, Kanye West's outburst on the Video Music Awards (so ironic how so many overt and covert messages of sin and anti-christ were presented in this program all under the auspices of entertainment. So grateful that while my flesh wanted to argue that I was being hyper-spiritual, my Spirit let me know there is no such thing and not to ignore when my Spirit speaks, because the same spiritual sensitivity will be needed to also hear You when you say “Come my people Come” in the rapture) and subsequent apology on the Jay Leno Show, working on the paper that is due this Friday, preparing a message for Sunday, new opportunities with my job and MTV, and speaking at a fundraiser this Saturday evening in the Bay Area. However in the midst of these concerns, I checked myself and was reminded by God that nothing is more important than God and the soon return of Jesus Christ. There is a feeling in the air and the world knows that we are on the edge of something great occurring. Forgive me for going days, weeks, and sometimes months without having a Godly perspective concerning life.

God my prayer is that you will connect me with you causing me to see reality and prioritize my life in a way that pleases you. Allow me to be examined thoroughly by the Holy Spirit so I can become more like you. Check my motives and make sure that I do the right things for the right reasons. The only way I can be an effective leader is if I am a diligent and dedicated follower and disciple of you. Prepare me for your imminent return. I don’t have time to be consumed or caught up with anything other than You. Let me see myself, others, and the world the way you see me. Let my heart mind and Spirit ascend through the power of worship, so I can be used by you to the fullest prior to your return. Intensify my consecration, and never allow me to confuse grace and liberties of Christ as pseudo-license to sin. God tonight I ask that your presence will envelope me in this room. Embrace me as I embrace you, for your word declared that if I draw nigh unto you, you will draw night unto me. I pray that all who read this note will be magnetically drawn to you in a way they have never felt before. Allow the warm embrace of Your Spirit to comfort and provide peace to all. Tonight, I don’t pray tonight for relationship stuff, career stuff, financial stuff, but my sole request is for more of you. Thank you for reminding me of what really matters and for providing a reality check. I love you and desire to be more like you. My desire is for You to see your reflection when You see me.

Love,
Christopher

The Potential Concerns and Benefits of Social Networking featuring Alicia Sheppard

Social networking is sweeping the world. Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc are all realities that have infiltrated our world and have been woven into the fabric of our culture. When one is immersed in various facets of social networking it is often difficult to see what is happening as opposed to stepping back and observing from a panoramic view to gain a better perspective.

Potential Concerns

Technology a vehicle that was used to bring us together is often something that causes separation. While in Pasadena I met my family for dinner after class at Maggiano’s in the Grove. I found it interesting that once we were all seated, we made sure that everyone’s phones were off to guarantee that we actually had a family dinner. In the 21st century I would submit that while the world is more interconnected than ever it is simultaneously more disconnected than ever. Many people miss the magnitude of the moment, because their attention is constantly shared and diverted towards the various devices that are included with their cell phones.

With facebook, it can become addicting. There are some people who are constantly online with facebook, and I wonder if in some ways have they logged off of life? Or is life in sleep mode? Perhaps behind consistent connection to facebook is a cry for real connection and a subtle acknowledgement of internal disconnect. The day I recognized I needed to check myself was when I woke up and reached to check my facebook on my phone before getting on my knees to pray. That let me know I had an issue that desperately needed to be addressed. My priorities needed realignment quickly! Another concern is life becoming entertainment. Since I know that people will check my page, the temptation could ensue to present a show of myself that is entertaining which may stem from an underlying desire for affirmation and validation.
So now life has the danger of becoming a reality show, a version of the truth that is edited to gain ratings and approval. People will go for the jugular in an attempt to re-present themselves in a fashion that will capture attention. Not only are we the stars of the show but also the consumers. Updates become news, and we run the risk of becoming “a busy body in other men’s matters I Peter 4:15.” Facebook places me in danger of becoming entertained and in other people’s business instantly. As a result we might only see our facebook friends as characters, instead of actual people with actual hearts and spirits.
Another potential danger is the pseudo anonymity that facebook provides. One can hide behind the keyboard and express themselves in ways that they would normally not do in real life. It is far easier to click on a “friend request” as opposed to actually approaching a person and establishing a genuine friendship.

So before I further put myself in a position as anti-facebook individual, I must acknowledge the reason for acknowledging the potential dangers is so they can be avoided and the benefits of social networking can fully be embraced. I can’t begin to talk about the potential power of unity and connection. I have reconnected with so many individuals from elementary, junior, senior high school, and college who have shared their spiritual journeys and where they are now. The testimonies and words of encouragement posted on facebook have often been the words of encouragement that I needed. Just to see how individuals have matured and have careers and families is a tremendous blessing and quite encouraging.

As a matter of fact, I made the acquaintance of a young lady at a wedding (What’s up Lal and Tiana?!) in the past, and reconnected with her via facebook and discovered that she is an author http://www.thesheppardstouch.net/Alicias_Page.html (I am aspiring to be one myself) and has an undeniable passion and love for God. as a matter I asked her to write the 2nd half of this blog and address the potential benefits of Social networking, and she so graciously obliged! So here is Ms. Alicia Sheppard:

Potential Benefits

I have to admit, I find it almost difficult to continue because at times I find myself falling into the same potentially unhealthy habits listed above that “facebook culture” can encourage. And my blackberry doesn’t help with that flashing red light that lets me know whenever I have a new notification! Certainly we need to remember that various forms of entertainment and technology, online communities included, can become distractions or even addictions if we let them, and can actually reduce the quality of our time with God and others. But, if used correctly, social networking can be a positive addition to our lives. Like many things, it’s a terrible foundation, but a very useful accessory.

For me during college, friends and social events were not only plentiful, but they were highly accessible. Class, dorms, the quad, the library, the cafeteria, and the gym were all places where you ran into people you knew all the time. Life after college, however, is a little different—work, bills, and an apartment are the more common fixtures of daily life and have much less built-in fun and socializing (thank God for our church communities!). Many young adults feel isolated outside of the school environment because friends are farther away and social gatherings require a lot more work and planning to put together. Social networking is a way to recreate some of that accessibility to friends and loved ones again. After all, it’s not God’s plan for us to sulk alone in our isolated corners. God’s word says “it is not good for man to be alone,” (Gen 2:18). I believe that principle not only applies to God’s design for marriage, but also to God’s plan for human life in general—a life that is to be characterized by fellowship and relationships. Online communities are used for good when they aid us in maintaining those relationships, especially with people whom we might not interact with regularly otherwise. “We’ll keep in touch” is no longer an empty cliché thrown out there just to be polite. In some cases facebook was the only way I was able to keep up with out-of-state friends’ marriages, graduations, new babies, or other major milestones!

In the New Testament, we see how the apostles really prioritized maintaining connections with the early churches. They sent requests for help, words of encouragement, prayer requests, and even testimonies to one other. But because of the lack of technology, communication usually involved sending hand-written letters or undertaking long journeys by foot or boat. Thank goodness we don’t have to do all of that anymore. Imagine that now, the body of Christ is able to continue to make interconnection a priority, but we can do so with the click of a button! Just last week one of my facebook friends posted a prayer request in her status for a friend who had been hospitalized. She asked for the prayer warriors to rally together and intercede, and within minutes, many had posted words of encouragement, reassuring her they had already begun praying! Matthew 18:20 says, “Where are two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them,” and in this instance many more than that had responded in just moments! How awesome that on a random weeknight we have the ability to instantly connect with other believers this way.

But not only can we reach out to our spiritual family, we can also reach out to those who don’t know God. We have the ability to spread truth rapidly. I’ve been surprised at the ways a little facebook thread about a particular scripture or a posted video clip of an inspiring message has opened up a dialog with people who don’t have a relationship with Christ. There have been times when I thought to myself, “This person is not going to care about this post!” But every time I have decided to share part of my faith with people the Lord put on my heart, it’s always led to at least one conversation. That should encourage us to really use these communities as opportunities to be a light for God to those in darkness. Now the REAL challenge is to do that more often.

Lastly, don’t forget the value of good old-fashioned clean fun! After all, “a merry heart does good like medicine!” (Proverbs 17:22). Every now and then we just need a good laugh—a release from the stresses and burdens of the day. How many times have you logged on to a social networking site and seen a post from someone that just gave you the biggest laugh you’d had all day? Laughter is a ministry, and a much needed one! In fact, the entertainment value and levity of sites like facebook can even be the light that attracts unbelievers to your page, because they realize you are human like them, and can have fun without compromising your integrity! Then you can sprinkle in some salt (the Word) to also edify.
Beware of the potential dangers and then maximize the benefits—who knows who you’ll be able to connect (or in my case today, RE-connect) with!

Thank you so much Alicia! Ultimately, like impact of social networking is determined based on one’s motivation, balance and prioritization. God, in all things teach us investigate and purify our motives, teach us balance, and allow our priorities to begin with you as primary in our lives. As a result when people connect with us through any medium allow them to connect with You, and Your love, and Your power, this in my prayer, in Jesus Name, Amen.

An Inside Look at the Process

In our culture we often reveal the product of our success while keeping the process a secret. Others are then unable to duplicate our success because we have hidden what it takes to get there. One of my favorite shows on MTV was “Making the Video.” It allowed the viewer to see the behind the scenes raw footage that went into making the polished finish product. This week I am preparing for a message that will equip, and empower individuals in the areas of sexuality and relationships. I am certain that by Sunday, God will give me the finished product, but I just want to share the behind the scenes footage and my personal process.

This process mimics that of the High Priest in the Hold Testament served as a liaison or mediator between God and mankind. 2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; We all are given the responsibility of representing God to mankind causing the world to become connected with Him though us.

It is 3:30 a.m. and prior to being used by God in any fashion there is a spiritual detox that happens. A spiritual, emotional, and mental emptying must occur. The degree to which we are empty determines the capacity to which God can fill us.

The Old Testament High Priest went through a similar process (stopping at the laver, lamp stand, altar of incense, the table of Showbread the veil, and ultimately arriving in the Most Holy Place, where the presence of God resided) where gradually He became more like God, as He prepared to see God face to face. True Worship of God is when we stand face to face in His presence and God sees Himself in us and us in Him. The High Priest stopped at the brazen altar, a place of repentance. It is here where I acknowledge everything that is not like God, and relinquish and turn away from it. This process is not always easy. Sometimes hurt that we experience can produce bitterness and resentment. We then can feel entitled to hold on to it, however when God looks at us, it is our desire for Him to see His reflection in us, and He doesn’t have bitterness and resentment, but unconditional love.

The Old Testament High Priest alluded to Jesus the ultimate High Priest, who was 100%man and 100% God. He represents man to God, meaning He takes on all of our sins, inadequacies, and deficiencies, goes beyond the veil on our behalf to atone and cover what is not like God. After coming from the most Holy Place, the High Priest then represents God to man. Jesus, this morning as I aspire to be an effective mediator like you, I attempt to place myself in your position and now I have nothing but gratitude.

Jesus it effects and hurts you personally when I sin. Often I find it hard to imagine how Judas could betray you, and Peter deny you and I forget the times when I have embodied both of them through my behavior. Yet you don’t allow your personal hurt to stop your assignment of going to God on my behalf. To be effective in ministry you have to be exposed and vulnerable enough to be touched by people. This exposure can lead to hurt however being a victim can’t take precedence over the assignment of connecting people with God. What has happened personally that is coming between the profession or calling and responsibility that God has given you? Give these hurts to the Ultimate High priest, so you can effectively be used by God to bless His people. What you have gone through is a vehicle to take you to what God wants for you. Embrace the process and God will reveal a new you in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Now the World Premiere of he New You…

Prepare a Fish: God's Sovereignty vs. Man's Freewill

During my random musings (I have far too many of them), I have been contemplating God’s Sovereignty vs. Man’s Freewill. God has all power; yet His power doesn’t interfere with our free-will. Sometimes, in my limited thinking I have wished that God would make the right choices for me, and cause others that affect me to make the “right” choices that were in my best interest, thus eliminating any stress and heart ache creating the perfect life. This formula to a perfect life is flawed because it eliminates the expression of love through choice. It is so powerful and such a gift when one individual chooses to love another. Not coerced, mandated, but simply chooses.

The reason why my desire for God to make the right decisions was present is because I feel like ultimately His will is best for me. Often, in my willful ignorance or unintentionally I miss God’s will and feel like I subject myself to less than the best. Now my prayer is that God will synchronize His will with mine; That I will be wise enough to surrender my will to His, and that I will be patient as His will unfolds and is made manifest in my life. I wouldn’t consider myself a perfectionist, but I don’t like to settle. I would have a difficult time looking myself in the mirror knowing that I aborted the will of God because of impatience, discomfort, or limited capacity to perceive and receive His will. It would be equally disappointing if I designed a counterfeit will of God and plagiarized God’s signature as if it was really His. I can’t do it, and I won’t do it.

God you chose to send your only Son because you loved me. I respond by surrendering and saying yes to you. Yes when I can’t understand. (I am hearing in my Spirit Men of Standard Feels like Rain cd “I’m Staying in Your Will” classic) Thank you for providing space for choice because choice allows space for authentic genuine love to be expressed. It is hard to choose with only one option, but I choose you God in the midst of a plethora of options. In those moments when I am hesitant to say yes, or when I say no like Jonah did, please prepare a fish for me. Prepare an incubator that will swallow me up until I mature and come to my senses and the realization that You know what’s best. Just don’t let me stay too long; allow the fish to spit me back up so I can do what I should have been doing in the 1st place. God I love you, not because you make me, but because I choose to. Thank you for choosing and loving me.

other random thoughts (go Lakers winning game 1 of the Western Conference Finals and I like the song "Trust" with Keyshia Cole and Monica, and off to Canada for a couple of days, Spiritual Fitness Sunday was great, and Bishop House "Energized" us that evening!)

Dress Rehearsal

If you really knew me, I love arts and creativity. I love music and my favorite moment is when I hear a song and I feel like the lyrics were stolen from my heart. I also love culinary arts (What’s up Ryan & Bro. Christian?!) One day if the Lord should tarry, I would love to have an upscale restaurant and a contemporary internet café, similar to Panera Bread and The Corner Bakery Café with a Christian theme. I also would have loved to be an actor. The ability to personify a character is indescribable. I have had a few acting stints in my career, through Illustrated Sermons at Covenant Worship Center. (The Tree (still can’t believe I allowed myself to be Adam in that costume!) and The Hell Zone (Pastor Woods was James Bond and escaped the gates of Hell!) What I remember the most are dress rehearsals. Dress rehearsals would take the play to another level. The words on the script came alive. The stage was set. The characters were in position. The intent of a dress rehearsal is to perform the play just as if it were the actual performance. Often the cast would not realize the importance of the dress rehearsal and would crack jokes while in costume, ignore the director’s sense of urgency believing that things would just come together.

I am concerned that we are in the greatest dress rehearsal of our life and many may not recognize it. The script of the bible concerning the end times (Matthew 24) is unfolding right before our eyes, and many still think there is time before the actual performance while the Director of Heaven and Earth is preparing us with a desperate since of urgency.

The Stage is Set.
The swine flu gives us insight to how the world could possibly be when plagues and pestilences are released during times of the tribulation. The interdependence of our world through culture and economy is already present. Natural disasters including hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes are all indications for the world to prepare for the coming of the Lord. (Romans 8:19-23) Trouble in American Economy impacts the world’s economy. CNN and the World Wide Web allow information to be disseminated globally with the click of a button. The stage is set for a ruler who is Charismatic to come with all of the alleged solutions to the worlds problems. Headlines from the bible are literally on our television screens. This is without question the dress rehearsal. As Noah prepared the ark, the world ignored the preparation of the ark until it was too late, and they were on the outside looking in. Just like Sodom and Gomorra ignored warning until it was too late.

What is the cast doing?
Are we as the church the bride and body of Christ preparing like we should? Have I lost sight of the director? Have I become so familiar with the directors words that I no longer hear His voice? Do I go through this rehearsal non-chalant because I think there are many rehearsals to come? Wake up, snap out of it! Nothing matters more than seeing my God’s face in peace. Often the church lives in the future perpetually and looses sight of the importance and impact of the present. Time is of the essence. Every day I must make decisions that mold and make me into the image of Christ. I must make a conscious effort to prepare myself for the return of Christ. Matthew 24:44 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Don’t spend your time majoring in minors. Money is important, but it is not the primary thing. Relationships are important, but they aren’t the primary thing. Promotion and progression are important but aren’t the main things. Matthew 16:24-26 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? I now understand what the older saints meant when they declared, “I am living to live again!”

We are called to be salt of the earth and the light of the world. The greater the darkness, the greater the light should shine. The world is counting on the church to shine in this hour. It is time to be about our father’s business. John 9:4-5 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

All right it’s getting late in New Jersey, so back to studying and watching the Lakers game! (Don’t hate on my multi-tasking)

The Truth about Contradiction

Senator Arlen Specter has decided to switch his allegiance from Republican to Democrat which could dramatically impact the Senate. Typically many of the conservative views of Republicans and their undeniable allegiance to Israel; God’s chosen people, aligns with many biblical views. With that said much contradiction remains when it appears as if many of the policy issues that impact the middle class are overlooked and as many Democrats attempt to reconcile these economic issues the Republicans respond with the ideology government should not intervene. Non intervention led to Lehman brothers and lies, deceit and mortgage crisis. Non intervention has led us to the worst predicament since The Great Depression, which was remedied through government intervention.

Historically in the church arena contradiction and consternation have existed. Calvinist believed in church government and meetings, while Lutherans readily subscribe to the notion that the bible is the ultimate authority, not popes, or councils. While this is true theoretically in actuality the bible is often interpreted differently which is what led to the need for councils and discussions. Today those who present the truth often do it without love in an abrasive fashion which ostracizes the world. Those who are “seeker sensitive” often are accused of minimizing the truth to reach the masses.

Personally this same contradiction resides within each of us between the flesh and the spirit. The reason why we are so perturbed and annoyed by contradiction and hypocrisy in others is because if calls out the hypocrisy that resides within ourselves. How can one be so anointed and gifted and still struggle with issues regarding character and the flesh? Romans 7:21-25 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Thank you Paul for unveiling this contradiction)

Ambiguity dominates our world. It sets the stage for the Anti-Christ (read 2 Thessalonians 2) as the mystery of iniquity is already at work. Satan has a Masters of Arts in Perversion. He takes what is inherently good created by God and attempts to distort it for evil. The world is so filled with hypocrisy that the Anti-Christ can easily emerge with a message of peace and safety, which will be followed by sudden destruction.

So the question is how do I separate the original good from the perverted evil? The Anabaptist removed themselves from society and the culture of the world all together; however this isolation prevents us from impacting the world for Christ. The answer to hypocrisy and ambiguity is truth. John 17:17 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. What lies have I inherited? What lies have I told to myself? What fiction have I convinced myself to believe that are facts? From this day forward I choose to define myself based on the word of God exclusively. Jesus is the only one who can tackle the internal ambiguity inside of me and the external ambiguity of the world. I have always desired the truth, but I couldn’t handle the truth, but if I am going to become the reflection of God that I was created to be, I must embrace truth.

Practice What You Preach

I was afforded the distinct honor and privilege of presenting the word of God on this past Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of what is commonly referred to as Passion Week; the most significant week in the Christtian faith, beginning with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and culminating with Resurrection Sunday. My message was entitled “A Lot Can Change in a Week”. I was so elated when I discovered that a woman sat on a bench outside of the church during the message of the 9am service and felt compelled to come in and received the Holy Ghost during the 11:30 service. That afternoon I spent time with the Russell’s (another young couple who inspires me shout out Robinson's, Meje’s and Jones-Bey’s in no particular order lol) attended the Master builders Men’s Ministry Fellowship, and celebrated Ain’s 35th birthday. I enjoyed being around people, and I felt like this afternoon simply prolonged the inevitable.

After ministering there usually is a deep place of reflection and introspection. It is impossible to minister effectively and not become vulnerable and exposed, therefore causing you to become susceptible to the enemy. It is a blessing to those who have relationships and divine connections with individuals who can cover you during these times of extreme post ministry spiritual exposure. As I drove home silence became loud and my consternation became intense. God responded and reminded me to “Practice what you preach”

The points of the message concerning Passion Week were:
Seize the Moment- Every moment counts. If Jesus disdained earlier moments of His earthly ministry He would have been disqualified for the moment that would altar the course of the world and humanity for ever. Passion Week was possible because of what He did prior to Passion Week.

If you Don’t Define Yourself, People will do it for you- As Jesus entered Jerusalem on Sunday people waved Palm branches and hailed “Hosanna, Blessed is the King of Israel, that comes in the name of the Lord!” On Friday the same people were saying, “Give us Barabas, and crucify him!” He didn’t change but there definition of Him changed. He remained constant in the midst of fluctuation.

You Can’t Conceal What God wants to Reveal- When Jesus was at the marriage of Cana of Galilee and they ran out of wine, His mother asked him to come and perform the miracle of replenishing the supply. Jesus responded and asked his mother, “Why would you involve me with this miracle? My hour is not come yet, (NIV my time is not yet)” However during this Passion Week, Jesus couldn’t be concealed anymore, all of Him was about to be revealed.

Passion + Purpose = Destiny
Passion may get you there, but when passion begins to flee it is purpose that will keep you there. While in the Garden of Gethsemane, His passion said if it be possible, let this cup pass, but His purpose said nevertheless not my will but thy will be done.

The Lord reminded me, that I can’t focus on my past or future, but must use my present to ameliorate the pain of my past, and use my present as a catalyst to change my future. The Lord stressed to me the importance of remaining consistent in the midst of inconsistent circumstances. While the revealing process might be painful, the suffering of the present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us! (That was tight, should have said that Sunday!) And finally, I can’t allow anything to cause me to forfeit my purpose.

If Jesus could change the world in a week, why can’t I through the power of God, change my world this week? The world went from being a slave to the curse of sin to being liberated through Jesus in a week. Jesus went from being beneath the ground to above the ground in a week. He rode in on a donkey and rode off on clouds. Jesus teaches us a valuable lesson: the way you go in is the way you are coming out. He entered triumphantly into Jerusalem to face the trial of His life, and had a triumphant exit from the grave! It’s my turn!

(All right, that's a wrap, I had dinner at my favorite restaurant in Chicago, Texas De Brazil and a piece of chocolate cake is calling my name! I love my job, I was in New York last week and spent time in Chicago this week, it is so crazy to have restaurant spots in multiple cities (In New York Little Vinnies Italian food on 1st and 1st is bomb also!, finally get Israel's new CD!!!!)

Selah: Pause, Reflect, and Praise

I love being hit by the word of God. Some go to church and play dodge ball; believing the objective is not to be hit by the word. The word has revealed to me that in my efforts to progress in every area of my life, I rarely if ever, take a moment to pause and acknowledge what God has done. I thank Him frequently, but it is on the way to accomplishing the next feat. There is significance to the pause. After some Psalms you will find the word Selah, which means to pause reflect and lift up and exalt.

The pause gives time for reflection, assessment, and helps determine the next course of action. It is so unfortunate I am getting this lesson during the latter stage of my 20’s which is a time period filled with pursuit and positioning. I received a picture (thanks Kaycee) from my High school prom, as I looked back at the picture; I recognized how special that time was. I thought about the relationships that were formed and those that have persisted. I took for granted walking through the halls, spending time with friends during lunch, and extra curricular activities. At the time, my only thoughts were about graduation. I never paused to think that later in life, I am going to reminisce on these days, so instead of complaining I am should enjoy them.

I took some UC Berkeley students to lunch on Friday, and I didn’t recognize how much I enjoyed my undergraduate experience until years latter while visiting the campus. I was again so anxious to graduate I didn’t recognize how beneficial that time period was to my life. Prophetess Janet Jackson was right, “You don’t know what you’ve got till its gone” It is amazing how I long for what was right in front of me, and it isn’t until what was in front of me is gone that I appreciate what I had. This trend must stop. How tragic would it be to miss life, because you were too busy living it?

During the creation process, God would pause and say, “It was good.” Upon the culmination of the creation process on the 7th day He paused and rested. In the Old Testament the Sabbath was established, it was a day of rest where no work was to be done. Jesus brought rest and became the Lord of the Sabbath, however while the day is fulfilled through Jesus, the principal of rest yet remains. When David was bringing the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obededom to the City of David, after 6 paces, he stopped offered sacrifice, praised, and danced before the Lord.

It has been longer than 6 paces, but it is time for me to stop and praise. Lord, I often pause and complain, but forgive me for not pausing and praising. Thank you for where I am right now. Thank you for spiritual growth that I didn’t know was possible. Thank you for giving me a job where this week I witnessed, reclusive young people transform to being able to share about being beaten with extension cords, generational anger issues, addictions to cocaine and heroin, miscarriages during teenage pregnancy, victims of gang violence, and come to me after and say, “You changed my life.” Some people go their entire life and never hear those words. Thank you for revealing my purpose and allowing me to be immersed in my purpose for being here. Thank you for the opportunities to be used by you and to share your word. I refuse to look back years later on today, and miss how great the life is that I have currently because I was focusing on problems or exclusively looking to the future.

Psalms of Lament and Thanksgiving

A Psalm of Lament

My spirit is broken, on life support. My faith breathes for me because I can no longer breathe for myself. As I lay still on my bed, lifeless, I can no longer distinguish the night from the day. The seasons change, but every day I feel the winter cold. When will my season change? How long will I feel this way? I cry out to God desperately in anguish and instead of a response I hear the echoes of an empty room. I know you are real; you have manifested your power before for me and for others. I have read about how you delivered Joseph, how you made a woman whole after 12 years, how you have spoken to a man with an infirmity and he began to walk. But I yet remain in the pit, I still deal with my issue, and I am still on my bed of affliction. My faith for the deliverance of others is abundant, as I proclaim your power, I see you working on their behalf, but personal disappointment has left my personal faith account depleted. I have gripped the life of my dreams only to have it dropped and broken. Now I wonder if you will give me blessings that are exceedingly abundantly above all I can ask or think, or if I will compromise my dreams and settle for mediocrity. I consider death as an option and my lifeless spirit responds with a faint pulse, a stubborn resolve that refuses to die. Your word reminds me so gently that faith the size of mustard scene can move mountains. My purpose reminds me that you can’t die until I am revealed. My vision begins to emanate from the dark clouds. God deliver me for your names’ sake. When I am delivered I will not forget that it was your hand that has made me to rejoice. I will boldly declare your majesty and power to all.

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

I long for and remember the days when life simple, when innocence and purity were present in every area of life. I remember when my connection with you was so natural and uninhibited. I was an empty vessel, ready to be filled with your word, power and glory. But I didn't know that experience produces power and glory. What was once pure and organic has become contaminated. I wish I remembered the day when things started to change, when the erosion occurred, when the slow fade began. Like the calm before the storm, my life has undergone destruction, and devastation, what I once known is no more. Now I wonder displaced, dejected, and with questions. My prayers have become questions, often questions without answers. Day by day I began to feel distant. Distant from you, distant from myself, because without you there is no me. There were times when I know I walked away from you, and also times when I felt like you weren’t close to me. As I currently pray, you remind me of my original prayer, to be used by you totally, I made a vow to you on the night I received your Spirit that if you fill me with your power, I will never walk away from you. I thought I desired purpose and power, but was unaware of the process that yields those results. You have birthed and commitment and resilience in my Spirit that can’t be broken, and part of me hates to admit, that the process you allowed was the process necessary. What I have believed has changed, but who I believe will never change.

I am taking an Old Testament course this semester, and here was a brief assignment, and these were the instructions given by the Professor. So I am passing them to you, write a Psalm of your own, either a Psalm of Lament or Thanksgiving and then post in on the blog, and lets be blessed by each others Psalms!

Lament Instructions:
Decide who are the people in need that you are praying for: your church, your city, your people, another person our yourself. Remind yourself and God of key facts about who God is or things God has done in the past. Tell God straight about the need (about the facts, the feelings, the fears) Tell God you still trust - or tell him you can no longer trust. Tell God what you want, in one line. Listen for God’s answer, and/or imagine you have heard God’s answer. Respond to the answer.

Thanksgiving Instructions:
Decide who are the people you are testifying for.
Tell the story of how things were: (when you were doing fine, how things collapsed, how you prayed, the way God answered, the difference God’s answer made. Express how you now feel. Say what your attitude towards God will be in the future. Tell other people what difference this should make to them. Talk more about God than about you.

For any kind of Psalm, remember:
You don’t have to include all the above aspects or keep to that order.
Decide what needs to be said in the light of these possibilities. Express yourself in images. Don’t blame yourself unless you’ve got special reason. Reflect your own experiences but do so indirectly, so other people can identify with them. Say things more than once, in different words.