What happened is….

I was watching the History International Channel the other day and stumbled upon a special of Martin Luther letter to the Catholic Church (95 These or Treatise). Martin wrote this to begin a dialogue within the church; it was never the intent to create a new faith, religion or separation but it did and the foundation for reason we most faiths now. His decision to question the practices of selling ‘indulgences’, celibacy requirement for priest, wanting to print the word for the common people to have access to, and much more. His decision open a Pandora’s Box that he never intended to see occur. He just wanted to get it right, and have the Catholic religion embrace the diversity of God’s character, the expansiveness of his love, and the redeeming power of his grace. The 95 These started a revolution of ideas, domino effect of positions taken, and the myriad voices of outlook; resulting death because everyone wanted to be right. When only all was desired is a conversation, a dialogue, the ability to participate in a healthy discourse for an exchange of idea. Yet, his act has left a legacy, a continual strain in our church today where people would rather separate, than listen one another in love to get a glimpse of God infinite reach of love that goes beyond our understanding…And just like Martin Luther, we carry the desire to conversate, engage one another in discourse, not discontinue or disconnect, but it happens because it is easier, we believe….In each of our lives, we carry a legacy, generational curse and blessing flowing through us. It is not genetically or scientifically validated but we see it, and we don’t. It depends upon the mood and if we are earnestly seeking authenticity of being, immutable truth preface by grace, mercy, and thanksgiving. No one sets out to create chaos, we find it because we cannot encompass the improbability or impossibility of a certain reality standing before us – God redemptive mysterious love for us and his preparation for the next chapter of life for you. What do we do? We defer to our expectations, follow the listening circle created by self, not God, and take the easy but tumultuous way to living life on earth. Then, we wonder - why God so much pain? And he is wondering back at us, it does not have to be, you just have to let me free you and see…Yeah, this was my weekend and the thoughts that plague my mind. I know the Holiday season is upon us…Some are seeking forgiveness, restoration, and love true, but most of us are looking for the external glossy, see your face mirror, tangibles to make each other smiles. Do not get it twisted, there is nothing wrong with giving to another; this is not what I am saying. But what about the internal part that matters most, and is twisted, worn, hurting, and weak…What happened is we forgot, to meet people where they are so a connection can be made, and God will do the rest…It is not going to be easy, but blessed!

Love not judgment...makes the difference

Matt 7:1-2 Do not judge so that you will not be judged."For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. (NASB)
Now, before anyone gets there feathers in a ruffle about me speaking about judging. I have made an assessment of us, Christians. We, Christian, are all commissioned to disciple others but how are we doing this. What is our method of delivery to attract, to retain, and to sustain or provide for those people. First of all, it is very difficult to accomplish this when we are still using man’s way, or using the world attracting tools, the way the world uses them. I am all for not being restrictive, and being fluid for our method of delivery, except when it comes to the word of God; no negotiation with word of God’s truth. However, to do so we must embrace these verses first… Rom. 12:1-2 - Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.(NASB)…and then become more intentional and strategic in our application in order to draw, sustain, and keep the babes in Christ. In these times so that they may grow to disciple others through their focus on God, because when we do not, we create the mess, we will claim but created. We teach them to judge others, when they come in to worship and praise. We forget these people are coming to learn and see what is going on in the church. Before they commit to walk this Christian journey with us; to see if the love we teach, preach, and explain is the one we live by because they have seen hypocrites outside the church.

The people coming in with their hot mess outfits, street attire and swagger are looking for the love, not the judgment we offer at the door. We avoid, we do not reach out to them, if we asked them to not wear something or do something, and they refuse, we must understand from whence come. Judgment would not get you anything, and if we are honest with ourselves, we do not like it much either. Think about, you walk into an environment you are not sure of, and people expect you to know what is, what? That is how the world does it. Christian should follow a different example, remember Christ; he met people where they were. He explained things in terms they understood, and could relate to anyone when he spoke. He even came via an unwed mother, and born in not so desirable conditions. The parables were not just good stories, He was imparting information, explaining the love of God, the grace and mercy we should give, without judgment to draw others with love…See, when we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, no more judgment..Then, we are to have our hearts changed and let God order and direct our steps… Proverbs 16:9 - In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you. (NIRV)…No, judging, just living the loving example set by Christ in his living….

Mary's obedience teaches!

Luke 1:26-38…emphasis verses 29-30;38 - Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God…"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (NIV)…How different would our life be if we were more like Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary did not worry about what others would think, what would be said, whether or not her espoused would be there for her, or how her she would answer her family…There is a old saying, what people think of you is none of your business – that is what they think, it does not make it truth except for them…Mary honored the called upon her life, she obeyed and submitted. She did enter into the games of show-and-tell, or deal-or-no deal; she said I will. Her only worry really was why, how, she was chosen out of all the people. God said, me?... See, favor ain’t favor why struggle over its existence in your life…She knew, she was not worthy and did not think she was ready but knew, if He said it, then he would provide. How different would our world be if we each had the mind of Mary that befits our time? That we would not get caught up with other people opinions of our past, or our present; we just keep our eyes focus on the Father. How few our fears and heartaches would we have to contend with, if we just trusted in the Father without reservation, and not worry who would be with us on the journey He taking us. We would reduce our disappointment, hurt, stress levels and find blessing untold heap upon us for generations, upon generation. See, our obedience, submission, and trust in the Father today, grants legacy in our life for tomorrow. This only happens when we release our expectations when they come in conflict with God ordained reality. It changes our world. It allows anger, selfishness, and conceit to concede to amazing grace and love unconditional distributed by us, as we model the Sovereign One! We will begin to see the diversity of his character, God…We are privy to the majestic ability to create multifaceted people to worship, praise, and seek him in methods varied but focus on Him! Then no weapons form against us shall prosper for He that is in me is greater than those externally to me, as the Law of Confession cleanse us and keeps me in His will!

Likes and dislikes

Likes and dislikes we all have them. Some are funny, some are interesting, and others are like 'What?!...But at the end of the day, it helps you remember God is amazing how he created this diversity and it does work; once we get over ourselves...So, here goes

Likes:
Honesty
Love
Deep conversations
Smell of fresh linen out of the dryer
Real Hugs
Water
Diversity of religion
The smile of a child
Being in the moment
Being with good friends being me
Fried Catfish
God
Diversity
A thoughtful gesture
Random acts of kindness
Trying out new stuff...at my own pace

Dislikes:
Mean people
Liars
Selfishness
Eating outside
Down-low
Unforgiving
Scary Movies
Fake people
uncompromising
Twitting


It is not a complete list but it gives you some insight on who is writing this blog...try writing your own list and see how freeing it feels...smiling...2 Sam. 22:33 -  It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. (NIV)

Do not fear

In the bible we are told not to fear at least 365 times. If it is included that many times in the bible, then it was said at least that many times to us mere human, then it would it stand to reason, He wants us not to fear. To believe the impossible and the improbable, and let our faith in Him reign with the soundness of our faith we have, when we sit in a chair. Letting this faith and trust flow freely, unhindered by what we see, what we hear, or what another believes because what God ordains, He will always sustain. We have to not fear, and this is hard to do in today’s times. In the instant this, I believe-it-when-I-see-it attitudes, and nothing is accepted without the tangible facts. Spiritual enlightenment is sold on every television channel, bookstore, and corner store palm-reader; it makes it hard to speak of God’s radical revolution. However, true spiritual enlightenment cannot be bought or sold, and it is not being peddled anywhere. When God whispers your name, nothing is the same, just like the old adage says…So, as we seek to remain strong, and hold on to the fact God knows best; no matter the outcome or what is happening. We should not fear.

Not fearing is scary. However, do not fear reminds us that when we honor God, He puts us on the path for our ‘best life’ and miraculous things happen…The question we must ask ourselves at every crossroads – if we believe like we say, we do, then, why don’t we act on it, instead of walking in fear…Matt 14:26-29…When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. (NIV)

Giving Thanks

Giving thanks, yes, it is that time of year again. This is the time of year, when we become more conscious of the plight of those around us. It is not that the people were not there before, because they were, it is just that during this season, we become more intentional about giving; universally. We become more conscientious about how we have been blessed, and how fortunate we really are; inspite of what we do not have. Although, I do not begrudge this altruistic outpour by so many, including myself, I wonder during this season do ever stop to say – Thanks to the Father!...the bible does says this Psalm 136:1-3 (read the entire chapter and see) Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love is eternal. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love is eternal. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love is eternal (HCSB). Do we ever think about giving thanks to the Father for the confusing day, because without it, you nor I would learn to appreciate melodic embrace brought about on the balance blessed days …Do we stop to thank the Father for those growing years, seasons, where we are stretch beyond belief and we tell others, more than on one occasion, I about to lose it and forget I Christian. Instead, asking God what is it, whatever you are doing, don’t do it without me; I desire to be a part of your magnificent plan…Or maybe taking the time to thank him for inspiring each of us to change, when we would have not chosen to do so without the prompting, and remain in the rut and complain. God chose for us the better way that challenged and blessed us; hallelujah every time!…Giving thanks is not just for the good things we enjoy, it for all things we endure; God uses all things for our good. However, when we are so focus and consumed with the negative, we miss the message, the blessing, and the gift provided. For every problems contains the solutions in it, and it begins with us being thankful; we can focus on the problem or the purpose, our choice. The latter enriches you, and the former is self-destructive. Giving thanks that is not limited to season or month but part of a daily occurrences in our life. See, God knows what is happening to you, He wants us to know, if you and I know he able, and would not let anything happen in your life for naught. The way we can show him, tell, is giving thanks to him; always.

My Blood shall speak

Christ’s blood will speak through eternity and on our behalf. It provide and grant what our sacrificial offering could never bring. One cannot clean with what is unclean, and only a perfect pure sacrifice is needed. So, the choice was made to let the blood run on the ground so all living thing would be given grace and mercy, and have them reign over us, and overrule justice. As the animals were bleed outside the temple before coming into the temple to be use as a sacrifice, so did our Saviour as He became the sacrifice, and His body the temple…The perfect offering that granted healing for the hurt, transformation for our transgressions, and spiritual enlightenment for our souls. The touch of infallible silence the angels, the quiet whispers of his words brought the message, and the ridiculous improbability became the intentional act that changed us all for the better. Hearts were awaken with a renew sense as the earth spoke and the heavens cried. The French Philosopher Blaise Pascal said it best – The heart has its reason which reason knows nothing of….So is God loves for us, a puzzle we will never figure out…this is what happens to us when the collision between pure true and those who seek; we see…Christ blood shall speak to silence our fears, direct our focus, and guide both conscious and unconscious into a seamless line toward a brighter and unspeakable joy days…