OFF THE DOME...

Forgiveness

2012-01-19T18:05:00.001-05:00

Earlier this week, someone came to me and said some things that made me HEATED. I mean, I was ready to disown a person I was so mad. Now, I know to expect persecution for righteousness sake, but when certain things are suggested subtly, and when innocent people are attacked, or I'm told I'm something ungodly by another Christian... I was hot! So, I had been fuming since that conversation.

Now don't get it wrong - I've never tried to present myself as perfect, as holier-than-thou, or Pharisaical before men. I'm striving toward perfection, but I also believe that there's a standard that a Christian ought to uphold, in word and in deed. Ok, sometimes people fall short, sometimes change is slow to occur; but the standard (holiness) is still the standard.

But for someone to try to say I'm hypocritical - another Christian at that - it hurt, it offended, it had me ready to come up out of the Spirit on a person.

But, as I was doing some cleaning around the house today, God reminded me to defeat the devil with forgiveness. By walking in forgiveness truly, the enemy can't try to bind me with offense, bitterness, hate, or any other form of ungodliness. Just as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ walked in forgiveness, even while on the cross ("Father forgive them for they know not what they do"), I too must walk in forgiveness.
God also brought to my remembrance II Corinthians 10:3-5 (The weapons of our warfare are not carnal...) - basically, I can't defeat carnality with more carnality. That would be like bringing a can a gasoline to a 3-alarm fire. So, I had to also remember Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. So, God reminded me that to overcome the attack from the devil through that person was to fight carnality with spirituality. So, I used forgiveness to defeat the devil.

Naturally, within our own selves, we want revenge. We want for others to know the pain that they've caused us. But, God is calling for me (and all Christians) to respond supernaturally (above what the natural response may be). So, I forgive. I hold no ought.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you

(Matthew 6:14)

Day 12 in '12 (Love God/Standing)

2012-01-12T16:06:00.000-05:00

I was just sitting here with my thoughts and Jai singing "Stand Alone" in the background when I had something of an epiphany. I thought about what the first commandment said; in Matthew 22:36-40 it is written

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments".

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Honestly, I've felt pressure implied/applied to me to accept certain things. People and situations that I care about in varying degrees have challenged me with the above-quoted verses. I love people, but I've had to wonder how far to go in my love for my people.
However, looking up the scripture was/is a relief for me. No matter what, I have to love God first. I have to love God before I love my neighbor. I have to love God before I love myself.
People love to talk about how we have to love our fellow man; of course this a true statement - the Bible says so! But, honestly, I believe that people overlook the first part of the passage - Love the Lord Your God... .

I'm wondering if God is requiring/calling me/forcing me to love him on another level; or maybe, to show my love for him on another level. If I say I love him, I know that I can't approve of certain situations. I know that I can't fellowship with people who approve of certain situations (or who are in certain situations). I know that many may say that I'm doing too much. I know that many may not want to be around me... .
Not just dealing with outsiders, but internally - If I say I love him, I have to even put him above me. In so many ways, I have put him above me (after all, I'm in ministry - which I didn't ask for, I'm in Cincinnati - even though I'd love to leave, and so on). But, is there anything about me that contradicts my love for God? Is there anything that I refuse to let go of that, in some way, would compromise my love for God? Do I truly love God first?

So yeah - this is what I'm thinking about today... .

I'll holla.

Day 12 in '12 (Disappointment)

2012-01-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

I'm very contemplative in 2012 so far. I'm thinking very hard about some things... .

You see, over the past few days, I've seen, read, and been told things that... on one hand, I knew, and on the other hand, it's still a bit jarring that I've seen/read/heard certain things.

Yes, jarring is the correct word. The conversations, the words, the sights have indeed had a harshly disagreeable and disconcerting effect on me. I had high hopes when it came to certain people and situations, and thus far, I'm 1-4 in 2012.

I'm not saying that I wanted people and situations to conform to my will, my desires, and/or my standards, but I thought that... .

Well, let me use an illustration to describe what I'm trying to say. It's as though someone I love has fallen and is barely hanging on to the edge of a cliff. I throw out a rope for them to them to grab hold on and climb to safety. Yet, they refuse the rope.
Or like telling someone not to drink iced tea laced with arsenic. Even though I've told them that "Hey, that iced tea is laced with arsenic - if you drink it, you're putting even your life in jeopardy"; they respond with "Un-uh - I can't see or taste any arsenic" or "You must mean some other glass" or "You're doing too much".

Basically, I expected to see more thought, more spiritual maturity, and more humility from people and situations. At the same time, I'm hurting over certain people and situations. I care about people, I want the best for people. It hurts to see people who are/have been hurt, and their responses to hurt. It hurts to see people who don't see unseen danger. It hurts that people don't even care about the danger, and don't want me to care, seemingly.

I know I probably sound vague, since I'm not identifying people and situations. But, I just had to express my feelings at the moment, and I decided to just share "off the dome"... .

I'll holla.

2011 (Reflection)

2011-12-30T18:37:00.001-05:00

So, I'm doing an end-of-the-year blog at the end of the year this year. I usually wait until the 1st of 2nd week of January to reflect on the previous year, but I'm bucking that trend this year, and I'm going to reflect in these last moments of 2011.

Events
It's been an eventful year. I've reached a few milestones this year that I didn't foresee coming. I didn't think I'd get my minister license/ordination this year, but I did. Not only that, I never imagined that I'd be named Assistant Pastor of Anointed Word Fellowship. Honestly, I was praying that God would send an minister from outside of Cincinnati to be Bishop Booker's Assistant Pastor; but, God had other plans.

I got to go to Gatlinburg this year. I loved the trip down there! It was one of the more serene weeks of the year (I can't say the most serene - when you travel with 60 other people, you usually don't get to do everything that you wanted; but I still had a blast). AWF went to Gatlinburg three years ago, but this year we had more time to do more things, such as going to Clingman's Dome and trying new restaurants (still didn't do any shopping, but that's all right).

My brother came home. I've missed my younger brother, and it was great to have him home again. He made some mistakes, but it's been awesome to see God redeem him and change his course. Now, he's in college, he's doing music again, and best of all, he's serving God!

Of course, I GOT MY DRIVER LICENSE!!! What a way to cap off the year! Operation: License was a success!

Spiritual Warfare was a big thing this year. I've never had to fight so hard in the spirit realm in all my life! The devil tried to get into a few people and cast doubt on me being Assistant Pastor. Then, the warfare in trying to get my driver license was intense (it took a week to finally get a rental car, my brother and I had to stand against division, and the examiner at the BMV must've took a sip of haterade before my exam). Mostly though, the enemy tried to discourage me and frustrate me in my thoughts. I spent more than one night crying and repeating II Corinthians 10:3-5. I've studied/reviewed Joshua 1 and II Corinthians 6:3-10 at least twice a month. I did what my Co-Pastor always tell me to do, and pressed my way on.

2011 was a great year for me. In so many ways, God did exceeding abundantly above all that I asked or thought. Spiritually, financially, emotionally, and mentally, it was perhaps the best year that I've had at this point in my life.

Looking Forward
I have to do more physical work. Honestly, I let my health/body go. After I came off a 33-day fast in 2010, I was eating healthier (no sugar, whole grains, less fat). But, I started back on caffeine, and it was downhill from there. I got better about eating fast food, but I gained about 80 pounds over the last two years. So, I'm going to do an extended fast sometime over the first weeks of 2012, and I'm going to HAVE to change my eating habits. I'm considering vegetarianism again. I was a vegetarian for about six months, and that was probably the healthiest six months of my adult life. I slept better, I had more energy, I felt lighter, I ate better, and I lost weight. At the very least, I'm definitely cutting back on meat.

I want more spiritual growth. I grew this year, but I need more. I want to be even more of a help to my Bishop and Co-Pastor, and I want to be more of an example to not just the saints at AWF, but to those around me. I want to spend more time in prayer and fasting this year. I want to be more of a "light in the midst of darkness" in 2012. Additionally, I want to continue to work to see the vision of Anointed Word Fellowship manifest in the next year (empowered disciples, more outreach and soul winning, more healing and miracles, new edifice, daycare...)

Operation: Get-car will definitely go down in 2012. I have things to do and places to go, and I don't plan on just having my driver's license for show... .

I hope to do more traveling this year. AWF isn't going to Tennessee this year, but that doesn't mean that I can't travel. I'm definitely looking into going to two family reunions in Georgia this summer (my maternal grandmother's people and my maternal grandfather's people). I would either like to try to go to the ocean (I've never seen the ocean). I would like to visit Chicago again this year (Taste of Chicago?). I'm even considering a trip to my favorite place in Tennessee (there's some restaurants I'd like to try).

I also hope that something happens in the "relationship" area in 2012 as well (smile)... .

* * * * * * * * * *

Well, that's all I have to say about this year. It's been great, and I don't think I can even imagine what God has in store for 2012.

I'll holla.

Operation: License

2011-12-30T11:44:00.000-05:00

SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Co-habitation (#tired)

2011-12-20T00:22:00.000-05:00

Today, it just rose up in my spirit - an utter disgust for co-habitation and the need to talk about it.

At first, I just put a post on my Facebook page saying Boys and girls play house, men and women get married and make homes. Then I posted a few more comments. Finally, I decided to just write a blog and get it out of my system.

Cohabitation usually refers to an arrangement where two people decide to live together on a long-term or permanent basis in an emotionally and/or sexually intimate relationship. The term is most frequently applied to couples who are not married. (from Wikipedia). I am against cohabitation (or shacking, as I like to call it). Ultimately, people will do as they please, but I wouldn't be who God called me and designed me to be if I didn't speak on it from a Christ-centric view.

I just can't understand what's wrong with marriage. If two people are willing to live in the same space, sleep in the same bed, and even (in many cases), bring children into the world, then why not do the adult thing, the righteous thing, and get married?

I think of several scriptures off the top of my head, including the following:

The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 18:22, NLT)
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband (I Corinthians 7:2-3, KJV)
²²Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. ²³For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ²⁴Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. ²⁵Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. ²⁹For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church (Ephesians 5:22-29)

In light of these scriptures, it should be obvious that a male that won't marry a female, but will cohabit with her, really doesn't love her. He may love the sex, or the free room and board, or the other benefits that may exist, but if he really loved her, he'd marry her and love her as Christ loved the church. Christ sacrificed for the church. Christ is long suffering with the church. Christ is kind to the church. Christ took care of the church. And if a male isn't willing to suffer, be kind, love unconditionally and take care of a female, then he needs to be honest and stop wasting that woman's time.

And if a woman knows that she has issues with submission, then she needs to be honest with herself and not try to have a relationship with a man. It's sad that some women will cater to a boyfriend, or a "baby-daddy", but when it comes to marriage and a husband, they get brand-new. The thing is, according to Ephesians 5:22, it's unto the Lord!!! A woman's submission to her husband is a reflection of her submission to God. If a women refuses to submit to a husband, that lets me know that she isn't submitting to God; she needs to tighten up her walk with God before even thinking about a relationship. And, the thing is, if a woman isn't obeying and submitting to God when it comes to cohabitation, that shows a lack of submission. Submission isn't cooking, cleaning, running bath water, giving a man sex whenever he wants it, and/or giving a man control of "your" life. Submission is reflecting the believer's relationship with God in a marriage. Submission is seeing Christ in the man and trusting in him to love you (woman) as Christ loved (agape) the church. When a man is truly of God, he'll be willing to say, "I do". He'll be faithful to you (woman) and God. He'll uphold, protect, and cherish you.

The thing that really burns me about cohabitation, though, is when children are involved. It's shameful that males and females would be selfish enough to put curses upon their children. Yes - I said it. Cohabitation is cursed. Let's be honest - usually, when a couple shacks, they don't get married; usually, the relationship fizzles out after a few years. So then, the children coming out of cohabitation relationship will most likely grow up in a broken home after the parents split ways. Then, the children will grow up with perverted views of manhood, womanhood, marriage, and family. Then, when those children reach adulthood, they'll either repeat the life (which really even life) modeled by the parents, or display some other form of dysfunction in their relationships.

Ok... I'm tired of writing. But, I was soooo fired up about 90 minutes ago. I'm tired of males not doing right by the these females and these children. I'm tired of these women settling for less; yes, less - a real man will come with marriage. I'm tired of children in adult bodies who's got life all messed up and won't be honest with themselves and others about what they want out of a relationship.

I'm done. I'll holla!

Thankful

2011-12-04T01:59:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to share a piece of my evening on this blog...

Tonight, we had a dinner at church to celebrate Co-Pastor Booker's birthday. Usually we have Intercessory Prayer Service on Saturday evenings, but tonight we had a big seafood dinner (Co-Pastor LOVES seafood).

After eating all that lobster, shrimp, crab, tilapia, and other stuff, we took a few moments to sing praises unto God; it's always appropriate to lift him up in his house.

But Bishop Booker spoke something today that really connected with me. He spoke about being thankful and reminded us to be thankful for all that God has done for us. As he talked, I reflected upon 2011, and I started to cry as I reminded myself of just how good God has been to me.
I mean, he's provided my basic needs - shelter, food, employment (well, an unemployment check for the moment), clothes. I also have a cell and Internet at home. My brother is back home after four years, serving God and attending college. I'm walking in my call to ministry (as hard as it is at times, but that's #TheLifeOfAnAssistantPastor). My bills are paid and my refrigerator is full. I'm healthy. I'm on top of the dirt instead of the dirt being on top of me.

I write this because I was feeling a little frustrated and restless in life. Sometimes, we as people look so hard at what we don't have that we overlook all that we have before us. I was feeling like that earlier, but God reminded me again of just how good he's been to me.

I also want to encourage anyone that may be reading this blog. God's been good to you as well. The fact that you're reading this blog says a lot - you can read, you have access to a computer/Internet, you're alive... . God has been good to you and I!

Well, that's my "off the dome" thought for the moment. I'll holla!

Bits and Pieces (Paterno/Penn State, Kim Kardashian, Intra-racial issues)

2011-11-10T15:05:00.001-05:00

In reading about the local/state elections, I've also read quite a bit about various current events. I've also watched a few thought-provoking (I'm using that term loosely) videos on Youtube as well. So, I'm just going to give a few thoughts on a few issues. I was going to do a video, but since I'm writing...

Penn State/Joe Paterno
Wow... . On one hand, I'm wondering why these men (the coaches, university officials) didn't call the police. I know people who were molested as children. I have nieces and nephews. I an a minister, and we have a good number of impressionable children in our church. If someone was to touch one of those children, or any child, I would have to do something. Children are precious, and adults HAVE to protect them. The devil always tries to yoke people with various yokes of bondage during the childhood years, mainly through abuse (physically, emotional, mental, sexual), neglect, lack of affirmation, and so forth. Many adults are walking around in society hurt, bitter, lost, spiritually bound and/or confused because of molestation and other tragedies that occurred during childhood. And, I'm even thinking that if someone would have stood up and put a stop to this when it first happened, then several more boys could've been saved. But, their silence enabled these gross crimes against children.

I can't excuse the poor lack of judgement that these men exercised, but I've tried to consider their mental/emotional state at the time. I tried to imagine how I would feel if I walked in on someone that I loved, respected, and trusted molesting a child; I know that I would be distraught. I also would like to believe that I would step up to defend the defenseless. Men are supposed to use our power, strength, and vigor to protect and uphold righteousness. I can understand that the grad assistant (now assistant coach), Paterno, and others may have agonized and been in turmoil over this situation, but they surely didn't respond in the right manner.

In short, my heart and prayers go out to all involved, especially those young boys. I hope and pray that the "accused" is able to get some help, because a person who would violate children is spiritually sick, and is in need of healing, deliverance, and a renewed mind. I pray that the Paterno, the Penn State coaching staff, and the Penn State administration will learn from this incident; I pray they learn to defend the defenseless, and that while loyalty is highly important, some issues/people/convictions are bigger than loyalty and friendship. I don't condemn Paterno and the others, but I would be remiss not to speak on the fact that they used VERY BAD JUDGEMENT in the situation and that their lack of wisdom has done more harm than good (the "accused" was unable to get help, additional boys were molested, reputations and legacies were tarnished).

Kim Kardashian
I saw a clip from ABC News about this, and I also saw a blog post about Ms. Kardashian on one of the blogs that I read regularly. According to ABC News, she's getting a divorce from Kris Humphries after a few months, she's starring in a reality show (her and her sister; I think this is the second season for the show), and she's starring in Tyler Perry's new movie, The Marriage Counselor.
The reason why I even mention Kardashian is because many Tyler Perry fans are having a sucka-attack over Kim Kardashian starring in this movie. They all say things like, she's not an example of morality and that Tyler Perry should've known better.
That's hogwash to me. There's been a load of actors/actresses that have starred in other Tyler Perry movies that haven't exactly been "poster children" for good morals. Even in nearly every Tyler Perry movie I've seen, there's been behavior portrayed that I've questioned (and ultimately led to my non-support of Mr. Perry).
Honestly, I think most Tyler Perry fans who are mad are mad because Kardashian is white. Yes, I said it. All the starring ladies in Tyler Perry's plays and movies up to this point have been African-American. Tyler Perry's fan base is primarily comprised of African-American women. So, now, all these "sistas" are feeling some type of way about Tyler Perry giving the lead role to a "white girl", but they won't keep it real and want to use "christian-nese" to cover their true feelings on the matter... this is my observation on the situation.

Intra-racial issues (Light skin/Dark skin, Good hair/Bad hair)
I was on Youtube earlier in the week, and I saw a few videos from a couple of women that I subscribed to, dealing with a fair-skinned, curly-haired woman who was griping about discrimination from the natural hair community. These two ladies, "Himay10nance" and "QueenNaturalBeauty" responded to the video, not defending the natural hair community, but addressing the irony of the situation (a "light-skinned", "good-haired" woman complaining about discrimination).
Apparently, there was an uproar over these two ladies' response videos, with folks leaving all types of unsavory comments and folks even going as far as to contact "QueenNaturalBeauty"'s Corporate Sponsors (she's an entrepreneur and media personality) and threatening to contact "Himay10nance"'s employer (according to videos that the ladies made).
Wow... .

But, the issue that I wanted to bring up dealing with this whole light-skinned/dark-skinned situation is that I've yet to hear anyone, especially women, address how MEN perpetuate this whole controversy. In just about every discourse I've participated in, no one has addressed that most of this issue surrounds one's perception of beauty based on what men think. They may mention that all the "video girls" are light-skinned, but they don't question why the singers/rappers usually pick light-skinned women to star in the videos. No one questions why men are STILL saying things like, "You're cute, for a dark-skinned girl", or "She's a cute little chocolate thing", or "Wow - you're the prettiest dark-skinned girl I've met"; I've never heard of a light-skinned women being subjected to such comments (example - "You're pretty, for a light-skinned girl"). No one deals with the role of men - instead, these women would rather fight each other, as always, and never bring change to the situation.

I may do a video speaking more on this issue and post it up. I did one, but my phone ran out of memory, and in frustration, I deleted the seven minutes of recorded video. I'll see how I feel tomorrow....

**************************************************************

Personally, I'm good. I'm in prayer for some people in my personal life (of course, there's always souls that need salvation, and some people in my life need encouragement and physical and/or spiritual healing).

I'm still praying for my city and pondering the things I wrote about in the previous blog (Haters: Cincinnati Edition).

I'm quietly working on some writing projects, and I'm always getting it in for the Kingdom (ministry, administration, prayer, counseling, prayer, et cetera).

Until next time - I'll holla.

Haters: Cincinnati Edition

2011-11-10T13:47:00.001-05:00

Hello, my name is Jonathan Daniels, and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was born here, raised here, educated here (well, I went to college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, but that's close enough), and I live here.

I write today regarding my reactions (and other people's reactions) to the results of the recent local/state elections, and a sense of negativity that I've perceived for years in this city.

Yesterday (November 8) was election day; yes, I did vote. Locally, the election was a big surprise to many as four incumbents (all Republicans) were unseated and replaced with three Democrats and an former councilman (Christopher Smitherman) who ran as an independent candidate (Here's a link to an article regarding the election results).

The thing that's bothering me most with the elections is people's reactions. In the article that I read (which I've provided a link for in the previous paragraph), there was an interview with Councilwoman Leslie Ghiz, who lost her bid for reelection. The article reported the following as her response:

Ghiz said she didn't feel particularly sad about the loss. She was relieved she wouldn't have to face a December of contentious budget battles. She did say she and her husband would put their North Avondale house up for sale Monday. They'd been waiting for the results to make a move.

Really??? That sounds like a really sore loser to me. More than that, it makes me believe that she wasn't really committed to her service to the city, but to the benefits of being on city council - $66K a year plus benefits, name recognition, and so forth. I'm compelled to put her in the category of being an opportunist; and now that the opportunity is passed, she will be moving on to different territory (the 'burbs).

Also, I read many of the comments that were left in response to the Enquirer's article; all I could do was put my head in my hands before logging off. The main gripes that were posted about the election were dealing with the fact that now that there were seven Democrats on council, that Cincinnati is going to become Detroit (I'm assuming those people are inferring that Cincinnati will be met with financial ruin). These commentators claimed that this new council will raise taxes, spend money that the city doesn't have, empower the "thugs" and other "have nots" of the city, and force the tax base out of the city.

Now, I was very disappointed in hearing that people would write such negative comments about their outlook on the future of our city, and that people were actually expressing a desire to just give up on the city and find a suburb to relocate to. We don't know for certain how these new council members will interact with each other, the mayor, and other city officials; in fact, the newly elected council persons won't even take office for another three weeks.
But, bigger than the election, bigger than local politics, is the issue of self-hatred in Cincinnati. Too often, I hear people be so negative about Cincinnati. Yes, there are many things that need improvement in Cincinnati - and the Number 1 area of improvement for Cincinnati is ATTITUDE.
People here have such an negative attitude in general, and don't even take time to appreciate the positive things about living in Cincinnati, and even living, in general. Cincinnati schools are continuously improving. Cincinnati has some of the most respectable schools in the nation (including my alma mater - Walnut Hills High School). Cincinnati has a unique cuisine (Cincinnati-style chili, Grippos, LaRosa's, etc). Cincinnati has some stunning river views and some awesome city and county parks. Downtown Cincinnati has one of the livest skylines one could ever drive up on. Cincinnati is one of the most centrally located cities in the country (you can reach most of America's major cities in less than 12 hours). Cincinnati is home to one of the livest churches in America - Anointed Word Fellowship (I know that was a shameless plug, but it's my blog - lol). I could continue, but I think I've made my point that there is much to celebrate in our city.
Yes, there are issues (financial issues, housing issues, employment issues, public safety issues). But, those are issues that can be improved and remedied. But, with the average Cincinnatian seeming to only desiring to expressing his/her sense of hopelessness and/or looking to escape to some suburb or other city, how can we really improve upon the issues and celebrate the great things going on?

I could write more on this issue, and there surely will be part 2 sometime in the future, but I just needed to get this out there. People in Cincinnati really need to seek God for hope and optimism. If we don't believe in Cincinnati, neither will others.

October 2011 (The Month from Hell/ #TheLifeOfAnAssistantPastor)

2011-11-02T19:00:00.000-04:00

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sooooo glad that it's November!

October 2011 was off-the-chain for me, spiritually speaking. The spiritual warfare was on a level that I hadn't experienced before! I stayed fighting thoughts in my mind, discouragement, heaviness, and the desire to walk away from all that God is doing in my life. All I wanted to do was stay in the bed with the blankets over my head and play Angry Birds (lol).

But God's word and God's promises gave me just enough strength to persevere. I had to recall Galatians 6:9 (And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not), II Corinthians 10:4-5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong heolds;) Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;), II Timothy 2:3 (Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ), and other passages of Scripture.

God is good.

I even did a quick video talking about October; here it is -

Update - October 18, 2011

2011-10-18T07:01:00.000-04:00

What's goin' down??!!!

I just posted a new blog - Part Three of Worldly Artists Fronting As Gospel Artists, and I thought it apropriate to provide a quick update of my life.

I've been getting adjusted to my brother. He just returned back to Cincinnati from a four-year, state-funded vacation (just a cute way of saying that he was incarcerated for four years). He's staying with me until he can get back on his feet. So far, it's been cool. Me and my brother have always been close. And, he rededicated his life to Christ and got filled with the Holy Ghost , and he joined Anointed Word a week after getting home, so at least we've been on the same page spiritually. And, he's doing most of the housework now, so that's a beautiful thing. The only thing that I really could complain about is that he is VERY inquisitive and like to ask questions A LOT. Oh well - I guess that's #TheLifeOfAnAssistantPastor and #TheLifeOfABigBrother.

Church is well. We're getting closer to accomplishing some of our goals, about to see the fruits of our laboring. I could say more, but I hold faithful to this saying - Tell somebody something, but don't tell everybody everything. I'm still growing in ministry, and God is constantly taking me out of my "comfort zone" (as Marvin Sapp would say), and provoking me to raise my expectations of myself, my life, and ministry.

Well, it's 7:00am, and I haven't been to bed. I'll holla!

[Christian] Enablers: Worldly Artists fronting as Gospel Artists, Part 3

2011-10-18T06:45:00.001-04:00

Enabler (n) - one that enables another to achieve an end; especially :one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behavior.

This has been an issue that's been on my mind for a long time, but two things that happened over the past four days have compelled me to speak on it finally... .

As a Christian, I recognize that I'm engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, againstspiritual wickedness in high places). I know that I have to stand on God's word, and that I have to pray, be watchful, and so forth.

I'm also aware that I am not to give space for the devil to work; Ephesians 4:27 even says to "neither give place to the devil." But oftentimes saints, in our pursuit to do something "big" for God, end up being enablers for the devil. We enable him to achieve an end, which is to [try to] undermine God and the church (ekklesia).

For example, the other day, I learned, via EX Ministries, that Christian rapper Lecrae was on the BET Hip-Hop Awards. I don't own a TV, and if I did have one I wouldn't dare watch BET (but I'm not here to talk about BET - that's another blog). But, on the show, they had various rappers do cyphers on the show. I watched what EX Ministries said about it on their blog, and I decided to pull up a clip on Youtube and see it for myself

I had several problems with this performance, but the main thing that kept ringing through my mind is this thought - how many Christians who normally wouldn't have watched BET/The Hip-Hop Awards tuned in just to see Lecrae. They saw Lecrae, but they also saw and were exposed to artists who were mocking God, using profanity, and spewing forth lyrics that weren't godly at all.

I'm just gonna keep it 100% - these artists (Christian rappers, gospel singers, preachers, and/or any Christian who is somewhat-to-well known) who go on shows like the Hip-Hop Awards, the BET Awards, 106 & Park, Oprah Winfrey, The Mo'Nique Show, Larry King, et al., deceive themselves to believe, and [try to] deceive the body of Christ into believing that God has blessed them to get on such a platform to preach/share the gospel with unbelievers. But in reality, all they're doing is getting church folk to watch worldly entertainment. Honestly, I wouldn't have even gave the Hip-Hop Awards a second thought if I hadn't learned that Lecrae was on the show.
And truthfully, I really can't see how God was glorified in the situation. All I saw on Twitter after the fact (yes, I got on twitter to see the reacters) were tweets along the lines of "You ripped it" or "My man @Lecrae beasted the BET cypher" (not exact quotes, I've paraphrased). Most of the commentary I've seen regarding Lecrae's appearance was along the lines of how talented he was and how secular artists and unbelievers had to give Lecrae his due... where's God in all this shoulder patting?
Don't get me wrong - Lecrae is a very talented artist. I personally own three of his albums - After The Music Stops, Rebel, and Rehab (I wasn't really feeling Rehab - may have to mention why in another blog post). And, I sincerely believe that he thinks he did something big for God. But for real, all he did was get a bunch of church folk to watch worldly programming. He basically got "pimped" by BET and the Hip-Hop community to get additional viewers for their programming.

The second thing that happened that "provoked" me to write about this is learning that Mali Music is now going to be mananged by [secular] artist/producer Akon.
No, that sentence is not a typo or an April Fools joke (it's October). I was on Facebook last night, and a saint mentioned that J Moss said that he wanted to work with Chris Brown (not surprised at all) and that Mali Music signed with Akon (yeah, I was totally caught off guard). So, I went on Google to do some research, and found an article on The Gospel Guru that broke it down for me. Not only is Akon teaming up to manage Mali Music along with Releve Entertainment and Soundwalk Music Group, but Mali Music has been in the studio with Akon, and has co-wrote, produced, and performed on Akon's upcoming [secular] album. Now, maybe Akon converted from Islam to Christianity since I've last heard [anything] about Akon, but really, it isn't likely.

I just took a break from typing to look up Releve Entertainment. I couldn't access their website, but I found the following description on The Merge Summit website:

RELEVÉ ENTERTAINMENT

Relevé Entertainment, founded by Dr. Holly Carter, is an LA-based firm representing urban crossover talent, with a focus towards packaging and managing family and faith-based products for mainstream success. Relevé also specializes in artist management, where intersecting involvement in the genres of film, television, and music is the focal point. The company helps guide and develop the careers of Deitrick Haddon, Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Mali Music, Bishop Greg Davis, Dr. Debra Morton, Myesha Chaney, Johnny B. Williams, Kierra Sheard and Usher.

Wow, and SMH (shaking my head). I'm shaking my head because I'm wondering about the implications of "...with a focus towards packaging and managing family and faith-based products for mainstream success." My thing is this - all the gospel artists listed in the description above, especially Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Mali Music, and even Kiki, all talk about how they're ministering when they perform and how they're in it to glorify God and exalt him and all that good Christian talk. Yet, this company is outright saying that they're focused on ensuring the mainstream (read: secular) success of these artists. Yet, they're all being managed by the same people who manage Usher.
I'm feeling some kind of way because I actually enjoy these artists. I've been listening to Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, and Donnie McClurkin since I got saved back in 1997. I was feelin' Kierra Sheard even since she sang on "The Will Of God" on her mother Karen Clark-Sheard's debut solo album Finally Karen. And, when I discovered Mali Music two years ago, his music was like a breath of fresh air from all the worldliness that I was sensing in gospel (that I'm YET seeing in gospel music).
I guess I'll wait and see what's going on (even though I see what's going on)... I'm seeing that, as time progresses, the amount of music that I purchase decreases. I don't buy secular music (R&B, rap, pock, rock, et cetera), because I want to hear Christ-centered music when I turn on my mp3 player. But, now, it's like I have to group most of this gospel music in that same category. When secular artists, secular producers, secular samples, and secular promotion is all up in this so-called "gospel" music, then why buy the gospel when I'm being exposed to the same carnal mindset and the same demonic spirits as the secular music?

Lord, where are your set-apart musicians???

Shei Atkins

2011-08-27T00:11:00.000-04:00

So, I was on charismamag.com, and I came across an article where gospel artist Shei Atkins announced that she was leaving the gospel music arena and would be soon releasing an R&B debut. Atkins gave as the reason for her departure from gospel music as being that the church is too judgemental.

Personally, I enjoyed Shei's music. The article stated that while some of her songs got airplay, gospel radio wouldn't play certain songs because they felt that they were too "controversial". For example, the song below, "Temptations", many stations thought it was too controversial to play on the radio.

I like "Temptations". Would I play it during a worship service? No. Why? Because I don't feel that it's the place to play "Temptations". I would play this song in my house, or while I was riding down the street. I feel that the song is a reminder to stay pure and to please God.

With that being said, it's one thing to be discouraged by naysayers. I can't speak to whether it's a situation where some people were being Pharisaical in their approach, or if Shei couldn't receive correction/counsel. Either way, to go sing R&B music is not the solution to the situation.

The main thing that bothered me, though, was the following quote from Shei:

Now, three years since her last album debuted, Atkins is releasing a secular album—her fourth—titled Emotional. Her new album allows her to freely minister the way she feels God is leading her, without limitations, she says.

I can't, for the life of me, figure out how she's going to be freer to "minister" in the R&B arena. The Bible says that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; the Spirit of the Lord is not in R&B arena, so how would she be freer to "minister"??? No conprendo...

I just pray that Shei Atkins would find a way to withstand naysayers and/or receive sound counsel, and that she'll return to gospel.

Mr. Ambassador (deep breath)

2011-08-25T16:45:00.001-04:00

I've posted the following on my Facebook page today:

I have 809 friends, I mean 808 friends. People from many different walks of life, people of many opinions, thoughts, lifestyles, and so forth. But, it may be about time to dwindle my circle of Facebook friends to a more... "set apart" group. Praying about this (and quietly deleting some).
Ephesians 6:19-20 - "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bongs; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
I'm learning (well I knew, but it's becoming more real to me), that all of us who are called to preach are ambassadors...
An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization... The word is also often used more liberally for persons who are known, without national appointment, to represent certain professions, activities and fields of endeavor.
One reason why I'm going on about "Ambassador" is that I can't understand why some people get upset at ambassadors of the Kingdom of God for truly representing. An ambassador represents the interests, governance, values, and culture of his/her native land...
And me being a Christian, I'm supposed to be that ambassador, representing the interests, governance, values, and culture of the Kingdom of God. I can't make people agree with what I represent, but I can't be/stand for anything else...
Ok, I think I'm done for now...

This is just what's been on my mind today. On my Facebook, I do know most of the people on my Friends list personally (in varying degrees, though) - there's family, friends from church, high school, Miami U., CCU, work; people that know people I know, fellow alumni from college, people who I connected with via different sites (Youtube, MySpace, etc). Out of that 808, I've had a conversation (in person, by phone, or via e-mail/IM) with at least 700 of them.
And this group of people are wide in backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, and thought. Of course, there's plently of Christians, but even those Christians are diverse (and even divergent) in their different theologies. I also have friends that are Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, Jewish, and other belief sets. I have friends that are Democrat, Republican, Socialist, and "middle of the road". I have friends that are heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual. I have friends that believe as I do, and some that stand against what I believe.
The point is that, despite the fact that there is some area of disagreement with most of these friends, I have love for each of them, and I have enough respect for each of them to see them as a unique person. However, I'm starting to wonder about this. Not so much about my approach, but I'm wondering if/how I will be able to really be me (a Christian minister/ambassador), and maintain many of my interactions on Facebook....

I wonder this, particularly surrounding the issue of homosexuality. I've studied scripture, I've read the scripture in English, Greek and Hebrew, I've read the Septuagint (in English and in Greek), I've read writings from the early church historians, as well as contemporary writers (inside and outside of Christianity), I've prayed on the issue, and try as I may, it's sin/immoral/not-of-God. I don't get on my Facebook and say it everyday, but that's where I stand. And, it seems that some people are down-right hostile to anyone that isn't pro-gay. I find it unnerving that a lot of people are fine with everything and everyone except for a Christian that truly takes God's word at face value; I don't understand that (but then again, thinking about "what is written", it all makes perfect sense).

I really don't know what else to write. All I know is that I have to stand on what I know. And, I'll be in prayer about certain people/situations/etc.

Stand Alone

2011-08-23T01:20:00.001-04:00

Right now, the above song (Jai "Stand Alone") is one of my favorite songs (and her "Culture Shock" album is the "Flavor of the Month", so to speak). Not just the slow groove or the catchy chorus, but the relevance of the lyrics is probably what is catching my attention.

I was also touched by what Jai said in her interview with ugospel when asked what was her favorite song on the Culture Shock album and why-

"Stand Alone", because it was that pivotal moment in my life when I realized that everyone that started with me won't necessarily finish with me. It also reminded me of my purpose and that the one that gave it to me will NEVER leave me!

Of course, this made me think of the blog I did several weeks ago called "Lost Soldiers, Fallen Soldiers".

Also, the song, as well as that part of Jail's interview, gives me some solace in knowing that sometimes, we just have to stand alone, particularly dealing in the area of ministry. Sometimes, it's hard being an assistant pastor to such a charismatic and spiritually bold leader, which is my situation. I'm laid-back, easy going, and comical, and it's hard to be bold and confrontational sometimes. But, to uphold God's standard and to stay faithful to the work in which he has put in my hand to do, I have to just do it... even if, even for a moment, I have to stand alone.

I haven't really talked a lot about being Assistant Pastor or me in ministry - it all seems new still. I've only been Assistant Pastor for 5 1/2 months (although I've been minister/elder since January 2009). It's most definitely been a learning experience. For one, I can't say the first thing that comes to mind. I can't always crack jokes. And, if anything goes wrong or if somebody cuts up when Bishop is absent, I'm the one that gets rebuked behind the scenes (and having Bishop David J. Booker "go in" on you is NOT fun). Before, I was in the background. Now, I'm up front and seen (and accountable) - no hiding.
I know that God has called me to this though. I was content to just being "Elder Daniels", and working in the church (with some occassional preaching and teaching thrown into the mix). All in all, it's amazing to see what God is doing with me and through me, despite the growing pains, despite the moments of loneliness (like now). God is being glorified by my life and by the situation - and that's what it's about anyway.

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Got a few changes on the horizon - my youngest brother (maternally) will be here within 40 hours. That's gonna be a real-live adjustment. I've been in my apartment alone for two years, and now I have to adjust for a season. But, I praise God for his provision, and enabling me to be a blessing and a help to others.
My Deacon (dfiggures) gave me a camera so that I wouldn't have to continue to make bootleg videos (using my phone). But, I can't figure this thing out, and I don't think it has a microphone in it. So, I may have to resort back to the bootleg setup, until I get a cam.
There's a few things that I'm thinking about blogging about soon - the volume of poetry that I'm working on, my musical endeavors, a couple of Bible studies I'm working on (and may post here)... we'll see.
I'm also playing with the idea of doing a blog entry once a month entitled "The Life of an Assistant Pastor", which will serve to 1) give whomever is reading a glimpse of what it's like (ministry/assistant pastor's role/position), and 2) to "vent".

Well, I'm done. Until next time... laton.

Tennessee Trip (August 8-13, 2011)

2011-08-17T12:49:00.000-04:00

Last week I was in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on a retreat/vacation with the AWF. I had a straight-up blast!!! I got to see a lot of sights that I didn't get to see when we went in 2008, and there were so many laughs.

I went down there with the expectation of relaxing, eating, and having fun, and I most definitely got to do all three. I'll give a quick rundown of what I did ...

Monday - we drove down to our cabins in Pigeon Forge. Bishop Booker led a caravan of seven vans down to Pigeon Forge in just over four hours (he was moving out)! After we got settled in (including a test run of that hot tub), we went out to eat at Ryan's Buffet. Even though we have Ryan's in Cincinnati, I hadn't been in a few years, and it was on-point (except for that so-called macaroni and cheese they had the nerve to sit out on their buffett). Then, we went to Wal-Mart and Kroger to get food to keep in the cabins (I bought chicken to throw on the grill, some Doritos, and other stuff for sandwiches). After we got back to the cabins, I got into the jacuzzi bath that was in my room, and soaked before bed.

Tuesday - we went into the Great Smokey Mountains. It was just an awesome thing to see God's creativity, artistry, greatness, and complexity in the mountains. I spent much of my time in the mountains reflecting on how the God that placed each mountain, each stream, each creek, each tree, each cloud, is the same God that created me and thinks enough of me to give Jesus Christ for the salvation of my soul; and not just that, but that same God took my life and made beauty from a hot mess.
I also visited the gift shop at Clingman's Dome. I bought a keychain, a postcard, and a jar of Blackberry Preserves. I didn't climb up to the dome (maybe next time), but my postcard has a picture of it.
After coming from the mountains, we went to Huck Finn's Catfish, where they had all-you-can-eat catfish dinner - trust and believe that I ate all that I could (and almost had to repent from gluttony).

Wednesday - we spent the afternoon strolling around Gatlinburg. Several of us ate lunch at Corky's, which is a barbeque spot based out of Memphis. I ordered 10 wings (it was Fifty-Cent Wing Wednesday) - I got Jerk Wings with fries and macaron & cheese. The chicken was on-point; they smoke all their meat, and the wings were big and meaty. I just wish they could've put more sauce on the wings.
After Corky's, we strolled up and down the Parkway. I bought some candy from an Amish store, and I got a hot caramel sundae from Ben and Jerry's (we don't have a Ben and Jerry's shop in Cincinnati. There was one here a few years ago, by the University of Cincinnati, but they didn't last - Graeter's and UDF shut 'em down). I was glad to get my sundae, and I ate it as I rode the trolley back down the Parkway to our vans.
After getting back to the cabins, I spent the evening with the Pastoral Aide committee, who cooked a feast of Turkey Breast, dressing, greens, fried chicken, and cornbread for Bishop, Co-Pastor, and myself.

Thursday - I was WORE OUT. I spent the whole day in the bed. I missed the trip to the petting zoo and to Mama's Kitchen for dinner. Maybe it's a good thing I missed Mama's Kitchen, because they said the service was horrible.

Friday - we went to the Tanger Outlet Mall. I had a ball. I didn't buy anything other than some food. I ate a personal pizza at the Mountain Edge Grill - it was just something to eat. But the real treat was the CookieCookie Sundae I got at Ben & Jerry's - it was thebomb.com! Then, I ate my sundae while riding the kiddie merry-go-round.
After the mall, I skipped the racetrack/arcade to go back to the cabin to make my macaroni & cheese (it was off-the-chain). We had a "Family Fun Night" on Friday night. The entire church met up at one of the cabins, and we ate ribs, chicken (barbequed and fried), macaroni & cheese, fruit salad, banana pudding, birthday cake (it was Sister Smith's birthday), spaghetti, and so much more other food. I ate so much I couldn't see straight!

Saturday - we came back home :-(

It was a wonderful time! I can't wait for us to go back next year!

Four-Year-Old Preacher

2011-08-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Now, I initially posted this video on my Facebook page, after watching it on The Christian Post. I actually posted the following two comments about this video:

"As for me, I don't have a problem in "training up a child", as Proverbs 22:6 says; if the parents recognize the call to ministry in this child, then by all means they should nurture that and do their part to prepare him for God's work."

" The only thing that I didn't like about this clip, though, was when he said "He [God] wants the money what you give him" - what is that about? In training him, I pray that his parents & leaders train him to be a true minister of the gospel, and not a pulpit pimp."

In regards to my first comment above, I truly don't have a problem with the parents nurturing the child. Besides Proverbs 22:6 (Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it), I think of Jeremiah 1:5 (Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations), Jeremiah 1:7 (But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee shou shalt speak), and I Samuel 3 (When God first spoke to Samuel as a child) specifically come to mind. Unlike men, God will prepare/establish/use a child. So, I can respect the parents recognizing and seeing ministry in that child.

However, in regards to the second comment I had made, I hope that the parents train up the child correctly when it comes to ministry. That line "He [God] wants the money what you give him" bothered me. In this age when so many "preachers" use the pulpit as a means to advance their own financial ambitions, I would hope and pray that the parents would buck that trend and train up their son to fulfill Isaiah 61:1 (The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, andt he opening of the prison to them that are bound), to fulfill Romans 10:15 (...how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!), and to be a shepherd after God's heart (as Ezekiel 34 says). We need more true gospel preachers, and my hope is that more true preachers will duplicate themselves so that we can preach the gospel of peace to unbelievers, and so that we can stand against all unfruitful works of darkness [in the church].

Fallen soldiers, Lost soldiers

2011-07-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

Today, I felt the need to write about something that's been on my mind for a while now.

I've been a Christian for about 14 years now, since April 1997. I was a freshman at Miami University, and I felt directionless. I had worked towards it, and hoped for it since I was young, but once I reached "college", I was clueless as to what to look forward to once I got that bachelor's degree. So, in my search for direction and peace of mind, I ended up stumbling upon a Bible and some Christians, believing everything I read in that Bible, and giving my life to Christ, as they say.

In many ways, it was easy to be a sold-out Christian on my college campus, because there were LOTS of resources on hand - Campus Crusade for Christ, Intervarsity, Christian Student Fellowship, Abundant Life Campus Ministries, M.I.N.I.S.T.R.Y. (Men In Need of Individual Spirituality - Teaching and Reviving Youth), Step Team, and a plethora of local churches (at different points, I belonged to the local Apostolic, A.M.E, Non-denominational, and Church of God (TN) assemblies).

I have found memories of all the fun and fellowship I experienced with Christians during my college years - those times have left a lasting impression upon my life and my ongoing spiritual journey. I was inspired by my peers, and craved to follow their examples... until now.

After graduating from college in 2001, I experienced much hardship - long periods of unemployment, depression, loss by death (I had to bury my mother, father, and grandmother), loss by the judicial system (my two brothers that I grew up with both were sent away, as well as two of my other brothers), betrayal (by some family and even some friends), homelessness (even with this, God provided so that I didn't have to go to a shelter or sleep outside), disappointment, heartbreak, and even moments of despair. I even backslid three times (summer/fall 2002, summer 2004, spring 2007), thinking that it was useless to even try anymore. I got rebuked on a somewhat regular basis from my "crew" about not doing what I knew to do. I spent many Sundays just going through the "motions".
Despite all these things, I still pressed on. Ultimately, I knew that God would fulfill his word in my life if I only continued to be faithful. And ultimately, I began to move forward in some things. Once I decided to truly walk out Matthew 6:33 ("Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you"), and started to press forward toward the mark of the high calling (as Philippians 3:14 says), I saw my outlook, behavior, attitude, and circumstances change.
Now, I'm not saying that I've "arrived", or that I have no problems, but I continued to press on over the years, and God has proven to me that all the suffering wasn't in vain.

Now, I say all of this to say this - I feel like many of those valiant soldiers that I came up with in the faith haven't "pressed forward" in their respective walks. I don't speak this in judgment of others, but it's saddens me to see brothers and sisters in Christ who were so zealous and strong in the faith walk in complacency, or even in carnality. These same people who motivated (and even convicted) me to step my game up, spiritually speaking, seem to be standing still to me.
It really hurts; I'm literally crying tears from my eyes as I write this. People that I thought I'd be in ministry with, aren't even interested in ministry. People that I thought would be in ministry before me, never made it into ministry or, worse yet, they left ministry. People who would exhort and rebuke me about certain behavior, are engaged in those behaviors (such as listening to secular music, watching too much TV, not reading the Bible enough, and so forth). WHAT HAPPENED????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been praying for some time for my brothers and sisters. I know that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. But it still hurts to see saints who I came up with not walking in all that God has for them. It hurts to see saints that I looked up to wear their faith so loosely, as though Jesus Christ is an accessory to wear (like a bracelet or a ring). I guess I'll continue to pray.

I have to stop writing now - this is getting too heavy for me, and God is too good for me (or anyone else), to be in heaviness. Maybe I'll write more on this matter later, or not. At any rate, I'll just pray for my brothers and sisters, that they will rekindle a stronger relationship with the Lord. I'll pray that they get reacquainted with the idea of holiness. And I'll pray that I'll have more holiness and a deeper relationship with God as well.

Reading

2011-05-14T13:54:00.000-04:00

For most of my life, I have been a voracious reader. When I was in high school (7-12), I would read most of my schoolbooks cover to cover weeks in advance. I would read all of my mother's magazines and novels (yes, even those Harlequin novels that came in the mail every month). I would visit the library faithfully to check out books at least twice monthly (sometimes twice weekly); and not just the public library, but also the high school library and university library (back when I was in high school and in college, respectively).

I've also bought lots of books over the years. In addition to keeping 90% of my college textbooks, I regularly peruse Family Christian Stores, Berean, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Barnes & Noble, and amazon.com for books. Most of my books are in storage in the basement, but I have everything that I've bought over the last year sitting here in my apartment (mostly school books, though).

   But really, I've been "slack", as far as recreational reading goes, over the last couple of years. Of course, I read the Holy Bible just about everyday, and I've done reading in relation to school and church. But, I haven't really just "curled" up with a good book since 2007.

   I'm seeking to change that though. I recently bought two books - Touching A Dead Man (by DL Foster), and Think And Grow Rich: A Black Choice (by Dennis Kimbrough).
   I've finished Touching A Dead Man, and I've enjoyed the book. It's not a literary classic, but Pastor Foster's testimony/story shows the power of God at work in a way that society (and much of the "Christian" world) would question or even flat-out reject).
   I'm only 1 1/2 chapters into Think And Grow Rich: A Black Choice - so far, so good. I may say more about this book once I finish - we'll see. One thing I can really appreciate about this book thus far is that the author highlights the success stories of African-Americans who may not be widely known. I'm glad that Dr. Kimbrough is letting his readers know that there are successful African-Americans in other fields aside from entertainment and athletics.

   So... I'm trying to get back into a consistent pattern of reading. There's so much to learn and experiece through books, and I want to get back to those experiences.

The job (part II)/ resolution

2011-05-14T13:38:00.000-04:00

Another video about my job:

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As I mentioned in the video, I put in a request to switch from 3rd shift to 1st shift, and the request was APPROVED!!! I just finished my 3rd week on 1st shift, and it's been much, much, MUCH better. I don't have to rush after church, I get to rest after Sunday service now, and I'm getting more done outside of work (since I don't spend the entire day asleep).

The only thing about day shift is that I miss that night shift differential pay (it's noticeable); also, I'm finding that I get less sleep working day shift. I've had to resort to taking naps to get extra sleep (well, I only take naps on Tuesdays and Thursdays before church services). I have to learn when to stop doing stuff and lay down in the bed at a decent hour.... .

But, I needed to make this switch. I'm very contented (despite less sleep and missing that differential). Being able to sleep at night, and being able to not rush after church, and having my Sunday evenings free is worth that $160 that I would've gotten on nights.

I just thank God for letting day shift come through, and the benefits that I'm experiencing as a result of this switch.

Update

2011-04-12T14:41:00.000-04:00

So...

I haven't been doing much blogging (or much or any writing, for that matter).

For real, I've just been busy. As I made mention of in the last blog, I was preparing for my ordination, I preached last month (same day as my ordination), I've been working on some projects for the ministry, I've been to two training sessions for the ministry's fundraising efforts, and I work a full-time, third shift job.

Honestly, I've been kinda WORE OUT - I can't wait for a vacation (hopefully, I'll get to do something before my August trip to Gatlinburg). I know that things are going to change soon, but I have to be ever mindful to be faithful with what God has put in my hand to do.

I put a vlog up about it, but honestly, this job is testing me. They want to call me in the office every I come in a few minutes late from church (granted, it IS just about every Tuesday and Thursday, but they know why I'm late), but when I suggust switching to days as a resolution for being tardy, they get brand-new on me. I've already tried switching my schedule to try to work around church, to no avail. There are no other options. So, hopefully, God will open up another opportunity before they try to get rid of me. Don't get me wrong - I like my job (the money, the people, et cetera). But, ministry is first, and since there's a conflict between the job and ministry, the job has to go.
Plus, I've missed about four Sundays in a row because I just couldn't function. I usually get up to pray/study/run errands before church. Then, I don't get home from church until 6:30-7:00pm. Then, I have to run out the door to go work eight hours.... Again, day shift would resolve the fact that I'd have to be up for 24-30 hours on Sundays, but since that option isn't available....

Well, it's 2:39, and I'm going to go lay it down for a few; I have Intercessory Prayer Service, then work (groan) tonight.

The Job

2011-04-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

I did a vlog about how I feel about my job...

...busy

2011-03-12T12:46:00.000-05:00

Hello!

I haven't written a blog in almost two months - my bad! But, I've been busy with school (long story), work (3rd shift... for now), and training & preparation for the next level of ministry - Assistant Pastor.

For the past 1 1/2 months, me and the deacons of our church were diligent in learning various facets of ministry and Christianity (salvation, communion, water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, and so forth). Much of the training was a refresher for me, as I had served as a deacon for 2 1/2 years prior to starting ministry in January 2009, but it was much needed for me.
The deacons will soon be ordained, but I got ordained (and licensed, and appointed) on March 6, 2011 - the first Sunday of Anointed Word Fellowship's 8-year anniversary. It was an awesome and anointed event. I first received licenses for Deacon and for Minister (I had never received licenses for these offices - I kept getting "bumped up" before my ordinations). I also shared my salvation testimony, as well as my "call to ministry" testimony. Then, ordination as elder and assistant pastor. I was anointed with oil by Bishop and Co-Pastor Booker, and I felt the presence of God all over me.
I was also, to my surprise, named the "successor" of AWF if something happens to where Bishop and Co-Pastor are no longer able to serve.

I could say much more, but there's a few more things to work on. I'll holla later.

What Will You Do With Jesus’ Tattoo?

2011-01-24T14:40:00.000-05:00

So, I read a article by J. Lee Grady, Contributing Editor of Charisma magazine (a link is at the end of this blog). I enjoy Grady's articles - he's quite insightful and spiritually sound in his writings. I often find myself pondering his words and viewing them in light of my own thoughts and perceptions.
The article I read today "What Will You Do With Jesus' Tatoo?" was a pretty good one (as usual). The title was misleading, as Grady spent about 2/3 of the article dealing with the various misunderstandings that most Christians have about our Lord and Savior. Most people want Jesus to be a "Genie in a Bottle" or a "Kum-by-yah guru" or a democrat or a republic, when he's none of those things and he really doesn't even fit into our small-minded categories.
But, in the first 1/3 of the article, he did deal with tattoo. He cited Revelation 19:16, which says, And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (KJV). Many in the church understand this to be a marking (or tattoo) on Jesus' thigh; many in the church also use this Scripture to justify getting a tattoo or tattoos. However, many in the church are against tattoos, citing Leviticus 19:28, which says Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print an marks upon you; I am the Lord.

I spent time in prayer over this issue in 2009, after someone pointed out to me Revelation 19:16 - that person wasn't interested in a tattoo, but wasn't sure how to reconcile Revelation 19-16 with Leviticus 19:28. I had my personal opinion on the subject of tattoos, but I wanted to provide a biblically-sound answer to anyone who may have any questions or uncertainties. Many Christians will immediately cite Leviticus 19:28; while others claim Christian Liberty to justify tattoos (since we're not under the Old Testament covenant, but under a new covenant, I'm not bound to the OT law or that scripture - Leviticus 19;28).
I personally have never been a fan of tattoos - I think they're tacky. Plus, how good will they look on a person in 30-40 years, after that skin has started to thin out, sag, and the other physical affects of aging take root? Additionally, most people know by how that it's near impossible to get a job in most settings here in America with visible tattoos. For example, Lil' Wayne isn't worried about his tattoos because Lil' Wayne knows that he'll never work on Wall Street, in a law firm, or a bank; the average American doesn't have to celebrity or finances that Lil' Wayne has to provide for his future.
And, I agree with the Leviticus 19:28. Even though we're under a new covenant through Christ Jesus, and not yoked with the obligation of living by the Mosaic law, it's still in the Bible that Christians study; it's been included for a reason. The law gave the Israelites guidelines to follow to keep them distinct from their culture, as well as guidelines to perform the ceremonial duties (care for the tabernacle/temple, priestly duties, and whatnot); the law, of course, also gave moral guidelines (such as the Ten Commandments) - the moral guidelines are applicable, regardless of which covenant we subscribe to (meaning that the moral guidelines are for Christians today as well, even if they first appeared in the Old Testament).
Let's be honest - the reason why most people want a tattoo is because they're popular. Nobody, especially in the African-American community had a tattoo prior to the 1990s unless they were a gang member or had spent time in prison (or was a Satanist). Then, when Tupac Shakur and the other rappers and rock stars started getting inked up, everbody was running to the tattoo parlors to get crosses, hearts, their mother's name, Japanese symbols, and the like all over their bodies.
Many Christians are included and are caught up in the tattoo craze. Many younger Christians even use this lame excuse "I'm using my tattoo as a ministry tool." Well, if a person doesn't have power from on high, I guess they need gimmicks such as tattoos to try to reach souls for Christ. As for me, I pray and ask God that I lead a life that will stand out and make men want to know Christ; that I'll preach and teach with such conviction, authority, and power that men will be compelled. The apostles didn't need tattoos, or slang, or Holy Hip Hop to win the lost souls to Christ - they just had the truth and power, and that was enough.

As I said earlier, I spent time in prayer over this issues. Then, God took me to Genesis 4:15 - Therefore whoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. God had me "zero in" on the part where it is written "And the Lord set a mark upon Cain". Then I thought back to Revelation 19:16, and asked this question "Where did Jesus get his tattoo from?".
Jesus and Cain get their tattoos from the same source - GOD (THE FATHER). These were the only two instances of tattooing (or marking, as the KJV calls it) (The word "tattoo" is from the polynesian word tatau, which is associated with the rites of passage of men in some polynesian cultures, which involves a navel-to-knee tattoo). My rationale is that, since the only two Biblical personalities with tattoos received them from God, and they both served a purpose (for Cain - to let the rest of mankind know that he was not to be killed; for Jesus - as part of him returning in all glory), then God is the only one who can give tattoos.

What Will You Do With Jesus’ Tattoo?

Go Metro?

2011-01-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

So, I was catching up on local news on Cincinnati.com, and I came across an opinion piece dealing with Metro service written by Krista Ramsey (for my non-Cincinnatians, Metro is the local public transportation service). (Here's a link to the article)

I felt that she makes some good points in advertising some of the good that Metro does in the community (the relationships with local colleges/universities, the fact that more than 20 major employers subsidize employees' bus passes or allow them to pay for the passes pre-tax, and being available to persons with disabilities).

However, I generally felt that her perspective was a little twisted. She holds the idea that if more people would ride Metro, then it would resolve the economic problems facing the bus system. I disagree with this perspective, for a few reasons-
1. Leadership in this area aren't overly concerned with transportation. This is evidenced in the fact that most of the board members of SORTA (the governing body of Metro) live in areas that aren't accessible by public transportation. As these people are drivers, they have no regard for the average Metro rider (working class, poor, students).
2. Metro routes are often inconvenient. In most cities, the buses travel to all the malls - not in Cincinnati. In most cities, there's plenty of east-west bus routes - not in Cincinnati (only 3, at best). In most cities, buses travel to the heavy employment areas - NOT IN CINCINNATI.
3. Metro continues to cut the length of routes while increasing fares. A year ago, they raised bus far $0.25, and raised transfers $0.25, while cutting routes by 20%. What does that look like? Well, I live on a main thorougfare here in Cincinnati, yet the bus only runs every 1/2 half on my street. Then, the bus used to go past a main shopping center on my side of town, but after this fare increase, they cut direct service to that shopping center. So, now I have to pay an extra 25-50 cents to walk up a hill a block to go to that shopping center.
4. I don't like the fact that my school is ten minutes from my home, yet I have to spend 45 minutes and catch two buses to get there. I don't like that I have to spend an hour and catch two buses to my job (which is 15 minutes away). I don't like that my church is 10 minutes away, and it takes two buses and an hour to get there. I don't like that the bus drivers allow these disrespectful, nasty teenagers get on the bus and eat, drink, blast that rap music, use all kinds of profanity, and roll up joints on the bus. I don't like these chicks that get on the bus with these supersized strollers and expect the bus driver (or someone else) to grab the stroller for them - girl, you need to at least ask somebody!!! I ain't the nigga that got you out here riding the bus with a baby!

Basically, I'm not feeling Ms. Ramsey. Maybe if I lived Downtown, or OTR, or Clifton, maybe even Northside or Hyde Park, or even if I worked Downtown, my perspective on Metro would be better. However I'm not within two miles of Downtown, and I'm thinking that the 8-10 hours a week I'd save from driving is worth more than the 2-3 dollars I would save from riding Metro.. That's why I plan on leaving Metro alone as soon as this income tax check comes through.

These are just some thoughts... off the dome.