Strive for it!
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." Acts 24:16 If I were to take a pole on what is the foundation of christian conduct I would get many answers. However, Acts 24:16 pretty much sums it up. If we as followers of Christ strive to keep a clear conscience before God and man at all times our behaviors and attitudes would take care of themselves. Here we have Paul being falsely accused by some Jews and yet his goal is to have a clear conscience before God and the same men who are falsely accusing him. Many of us would be so busy defending ourselves and so caught up in what was being said we would have lost sight of the truth and what God requires of us. This is the attitude Christ requires of us as we profess to be one of His. This is what being a Christian model is all about. You see my having a bad day or difficult situation is no reason for me to behave any other way than that of a citizen of the most high Kingdom. What folk may do or say has no bearing on [...]
Where are the workers?
"He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2 This is arguably one of the most quoted scriptures in the bible. We learn this in vacation bible school and in every Sunday school throughout the world. We love to quote it because in my humble opinion it makes us sound deep. However, knowing you car needs gas and failing to do anything about it will not prevent your car from running out of gas. Why is it that we quote this scripture yet fail to act on it or do anything about it. Most of us sit under rich teaching every Sunday and do nothing with it. We talk a lot and some of us plan a lot but there is no action. Remember this, "faith without works is dead." We talk a lot about faith and the power of His might yet we live like we don't believe anything we are taught on Sunday's and His power is limited. I have been blessed to have a bunch of youth participate in the basketball league I am affiliated with. The families have been so supportive and very thankful. [...]
Role models for Christ!
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians I truly believe we as the body of Christ are in the midst of the perfect storm so to speak. There so many individuals looking for something. They do not know exactly what they are looking for but they are in need. The lost, the hurt, the wounded, the misunderstood are all looking and this presents a golden opportunity. However, if we are showing signs of being distraught, perplexed and distracted than we are not good role models for those who don't know Christ. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." We most certainly will go through trials and tribulations. We will definitely experience storms and rough waters. It's not about if we go through or when we go through but it is about how we go through. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." During times [...]
Abba, My Father!
"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, what you will." Mark 14:36 Are you in a difficult place right now? Are you at a place in life that you find challenging and trying? I know that some of us left 2016 with stuff and began 2017 with stuff. Here in Mark 14:36 Jesus gives us a blueprint on how to handle stuff or trying situations. Jesus is at the place where he knows the Crucifixion is forthcoming. The pain and anguish that He will endure are very much real and Jesus knows that this is His mission and purpose. What are you feeling right now as you go through whatever your situation or circumstance may be? Are you frustrated or irritated? Are you or have you been asking Jesus when will it end or why is this or has this happened to you? Just as Jesus began with Abba my Father we must do the same. There is a song that Leon Timbo sings "Abba My Father" that I just love. I listen to it daily and it has become my theme song during devotions. When I work [...]
Thinking About Christmas, His Birthday!
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2:11 “You thought I was worth saving, you came and changed my life, You thought I was worth keeping so you cleaned me up inside, You thought I was to die for so you sacrificed your life , so I could be free, so I could be whole, so I could tell everyone I know." (Anthony Brown: Worthy) For me Christmas is the greatest day of celebration. As a child I thought it was about the toys, the food, family and the baked goods my Grandmother and mother would make. I can close my eyes and see it like it was just yesterday that I was in our three story row house in North Philly. As an adult I still appreciate all of those things but now I understand that the greatest gift of Christmas is the gift of Jesus. Jesus was born, lived and died so I could be saved and set free. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for me so I could live a more abundant life and live eternally. He loves me so very much that before I [...]
Witness Through Living
"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited." 2 Corinthians 6:3 Does your everyday living provide an effective witness for Christ? Do individuals outside your church know what you stand for and what you truly believe in your heart? It's pretty easy to fool folk at Church on Sunday for however long you are in service. Once a week at bible study we can appear to be deep and pious. However, the question is what about the rest of the week? How do folk view you outside your inner-circle? Most of us have an outward appearance of being saved and living a Godly life. The issues arise when we are in our comfort zones. When we are at work are we laughing at dirty jokes? Are we participants in idle gossip? How is your work ethic? I have learned that more people watch what I do than listen to what I say. Your behaviors and attitudes are constantly on display. Your wife has a front row seat to who you truly are and what you truly believe. Your children get to see first hand if your life style mirrors your walk. Are [...]