The Patriot Act

This past Sunday, my son Marshall and I watched the Men's Finals at Wimbeldon. To the amazement of most tennis experts and fans, Andy Roddick waged an unexpected and highly contested match against the favored, Roger Federer. The sports world had already crowned Federer the winner long before this match, the longest in Wimbeldon history, had begun. Although, Roddick eventually lost, making Federer the champion of all times with 15 major victories, he informed the world that he was not to be counted out. As we cheered Roddick on, my son, compared this match to the 2008 Superbowl match between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The Patriots had come into the Superbowl proudly boasting a flawless season and with the Superbowl trophy all but in their hands. You see, the world had counted the Giants out, like Roddick. Surely, the game itself was just a mere formality to what was an already inevitable outcome. Low and behold, the Giants, who had apparently not gotten the same memo as the rest of the world, beat the Patriots and won the Superbowl. As we continued to watch the almost 4 hour match, my son said that this was the real Patriot Act-overcoming seemingly insurrmountable odds to beat an unbeatable foe. As I thought about our everyday life, I realized that we often find ourselves in life situations in which everyone has already labeled us the loser because we may be too old, or too young, to dark or too light or we may not have the qualifications that the world thinks we need in order to succeed. As children of God we can take our little and place it in the hands of God and watch Him bless us far beyond our imagination. The Patriots and the rest of those who thought they knew the outcome of a game that hadn't been played learned that the game isn't over until it's over. Federer and the tennis world learned too that life does not guarantee you anything. Even though Roddick eventually lost, he almost won, because it came down to a final volley that could have easily gone his way. In those four hours he learned that the matched still had to be played until the end and his defeat was not certain. That's just like life, we cannot give up just because we've been told that we can't win. Yes, there will be times that we will lose but that doesn't mean we don't keep trying. Our victory lies in the hands of the Master and no "expert" or statitician can predict our failure with 100 percent accuracy. I am so glad to know that the God we serve is the only one who has our victory in His hands and no one and nothing can block what God has already ordained.

Be encouraged, don't give up, God has not sounded the final trumpet yet. Be blessed an know that God loves you and He has already designed your victory in His plan for you!

Be Blessed...

It's Hot!

I guess I'm spoiled when it comes to good weather. You see, I'm a resident and native of San Diego, California and our weather is second to none. We indeed have no complaints when it comes to sunshine and perfect weather conditions. Today, I'm in Las Vegas, it's 103 degrees and I cannot even imagine living in such heat! Each time I step out of my air conditioned room, I wonder how long it will take before I burst into flames. I'm amazed, watching the locals walking around unphased by this obvious misery! I know I sound like a drama queen and as I step back into my room and off of my neurotic high horse, I re-focus and begin to realize how blessed I am to be alive to feel the heat against my skin. I know things could be a lot worse and so I'm thankful because I could be breathing another fire, that fire of eternal damnation for living a life of unrequited love to God and an arrogant refusal to turn from my wicked ways to repentance. So, I say, thank you God for another chance.

I am so thankful, that I have a relationship with the one and only true and living God! His mercy sustains me and keeps me cool in the midst of the firestorms of life. As Christians, we should always be hot and not lukewarm as we live uncompromising lives for Christ. We should be uncomfortable in a world of sin and evil and long for a life eternally with the Him who made us. We must be on fire for the Lord, totally consumed in earthly work that will win souls to the Kingdom. Let us begin to stoke the fires again, as we burn and yearn for a closer walk with God. So, as I prepare to step out into the Las Vegas heat, I pray for an internal heat wave that will energize me to service to God and motivate me to live my life that will bring honor and glory to God!

Be Blessed...

Honor Thy Father

I had the privilege of traveling to Pasadena, Ca on Sunday to celebrate Father's Day with my dad. My father is the pastor of First A.M.E. Church in Pasadena and every year my brothers and I and our children and some close friends travel to spend the day with him. Each year I consider myself blessed to have such a man as my father. Many people can say that they were brought up in a "Christian Home" but often times, that Christian lifestyle has left a bitter taste of inconsistent behavior and disappointment which carries into adulthood and leads many away from Christ instead of towards Him. Not so in our family. My brothers and I were blessed with two parents who lived what they taught us daily. My father, a career navy man was sometimes away for extended periods of time but his love, support and compassion never left home. He was and still is the head of our family even though we are all grown with families of our own. We still call upon him for advice, encouragement and inspiration. He never is without and honest word for his children. He's never too busy to talk and to listen without judging us. Looking at my two brothers as fathers now, I am so proud of them and I'm filled with joy as I watch them raise their sons with the same patience, love and caring that our father raised us. The two of them, Ken and Craig have benefitted from our father's upbringing and now are blessing their sons with the wisdom of true Godly fatherhood. No doubt the pattern will continue as I watch my nephews grow into wonderful little boys and young men. My son, who grew up without a father in the home has also benefitted from his grandfather's love and affection and is now a man who stands firm and strong in the Lord and too will become a fantastic father in the future.

As our family dealt with the illness and death of our mother seven years ago, we watched, leaned and learned from our father as he worked his faith in an unfailing God. As he advocated and fought so that no stone was unturned in providing the best healthcare for our mother, my father proved that 50 years of love does not diminish with time but instead it grows and conquers all obstacles. And so, as I watch my father grow older, I pray that he continues to teach his children and grandchildren the value of loving relationships, a faith in and service to God and I also pray that we as his children will be wise enough to continue to listen and follow the example he so consistently and unselfishly sets before us.

Thank you Dad for all that you are and all that you have done for your family! We love you!

Be Blessed...

Faith Without Action is Dead!

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."- James 2:14-17.

We've all heard the portion of scripture from James, "Faith without works is dead." This type of faith I like to call lip service. It's easy to say I have faith, or I believe, but if we do not follow up this faith with action then we are simply talking to hear ourselves speak. Action or work is our proof of our faith. If I believe that I can do all things, and I desire a new job then my "work" is looking for and applying for new jobs. If I believe that God will bless me with a new home, then I need to actively begin cleaning up my credit, saving money, preparing myself with information about the current housing market and readying myself for home ownership. Saying that we have faith is not the E ticket to all of our hopes and dreams. Faith alone does not get us on the A list of prosperity, fame or fortune. Faith must be accompanied by work. Also, we cannot preach faith to others unless they can see us working our faith, living lives that actively pursue the will of God. When we introduce the concept of faith to non-believers we must have a right relationship with God that shines beyond our words. We must act, talk and live differently than those who do not profess to be a member of the body of Christ. The best way for me to show you my faith is by my work. Doing because we believe, even though we aren't sure of the outcome, is faith in action.

Yes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The operative word here is, "do." I must move toward those things that God has promised me. Sitting on the couch wearing my faith t-shirt will not improve my life, will not enrich my relationship with the Father and will not wins souls through my witnessing to others. Now is the time for us as Christians to set our faith into action as we begin feeding the hungry instead of walking past them, by clothing the naked instead of ushering them out the door when they come to church and we must begin to share the Good News not with words but in how we live daily.

Be Blessed,

A State of Contentment

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity" Philippians 4:11

These words were written by the apostle Paul, out of his own experience many years ago and can aid us as Christians today. In coping in these difficult economic times we are being forced to reevaluate our lives and lifestyle as we adjust to shrinking finances and opportunities. I have learned that it is indeed possible to find happiness in these uncertain and every changing times. I look around me and I can always find someone in a tougher situation, dealing with problems that I cannot imagine myself having to tackle. While I do not gain strength in the suffering of others, I do gain strength in their determination to survive and succeed in spite of their conditions. We are only defeated if we give up and surrender to our challenges and believe what satan so desperately wants us to believe that we are doomed to lives of hardship and struggle and unhappiness and that the only way to be happy and successful is to consume our minds and spirits with attaining the "things" of this world.

Well, I'm here to tell you that happiness is not tied to wealth, fame, power and worldly recognition. Happiness and success is directly and without question tied to our relationship with a Father who made us in His image, who loves us unconditionally and only wants the best for us. Nothing happens by mistake God knows exactly what He is doing. We must trust that God has something better for us on the other side of our current situation. If we are homeless, He has a home; if we are unemployed He has a job or a business waitiing for us when this season of unemployemnt or financial difficulty is over. If we are struggling with health issues or relationship issues God has a healing for us. Storms are times when God has our full attention and can speak to us and show His face more clearly in our lives.

Embrace your storm as a time to find contentment as you pursue a greater relationship with God. Focus on your faith and concentrate not on the situation but on preparing yourself for a victorious outcome. Create your own definition of success. It's not what the world tells you but it's what God has for you if you seek His kingdom and its righteousness first. If you do, then watch God do the rest!

Be Blessed...

Lessons In the Midst of a Storm

Master, the tempest is raging. The billows are tossing high. The sky is o'er shadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh. Carest Thou not that we perish? How canst Thou lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threatning, a grave in the angry deep? "(Peace be Still by Rev. James Cleveland)

For the last six months I have been unemployed. Like millions of my fellow americans I have been thrust into the midst of a raging tempest of uncertainty, self-doubt, fear, and depression, as I struggle to keep my head above water. Each day brings new hope and new disappointments as well; My job search continues while I try new and inventive ways to occupy my time.

During these months I learned some important lessons. I've learned that nothing happens in my life without God signing off on it. Satan cannot test me without God's permission and God does not give His permission without first equipping me with everything I need to withstand the test. During the storm, while the billows are tossing high, God has my attention and has a firm grip on me so that I will not drown. During the times when the skies seem their blackest, I can hear God's voice whispering to me that He is still with me. I also know that if God gave His permission to send the storm, then He also has my victory in His hands. Yes, the storm will cease and I will not drown and most importantly, I will make it to shore, to dry land.

Another lesson I have learned is that I can make it on a lot less than I thought I could and I am reminded of what is truly important in life. I'm a survivor and no employer has the power to defeat me. On the contrary, the fact that I'm still hear, alive and well, still making it is a tangible message to satan and all those who allow him dominion in their lives that I am victorious because God said so. No job, no position, no office, defines me. God made me and I wear his name badge.

I also learned that God does not dismiss us when we've served our purpose. He doesn't hand us a pink slip when the economy goes bad. I never have to worry about my retirement plan, my benefit package or my health insurance. God loves us and He's provided a place for each of us in His plan even before we were born. His love is unconditional and that indeed is a lesson I'll never forget.

Our storms are merely opportunities for God to show up and show His love for us. It's so amazing what we can get done in situations that seem impossible. Just when we think things are hopeless He sends a rainbow of hope. I know God cares for me and I know he is in the storm with me making sure that I am not overtaken by the waves and while I ride out the storm, I can thank him in advance for I can see land just up ahead.

"The winds and the waves shall obey my will, peace be still. Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea or demons, or men, or whatever it be. No water can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean and earth and skies; they shall sweetly obey my will, peace be still, peace be still. They all shall sweetly obey my will; peace, peace be still.

Now Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 NIV

I recently joined the ranks of the unemployed, joining the thousands of American citizens looking for work in a failing economy. When I was told a month before my job ended that my position was being eliminated, I smiled inside, resolving not to be defeated by the news. You see, I had faith. Faith that everything was going to work out to my advantage. I was determined that this was not a proclamation of doom and defeat, but instead a fortelling of blessings on the way. Since I had been looking for a new job for sometime, I stepped up my pace, certain that some other opportunity would come just in the nick of time. I had faith, see. I ferverently testified, with righteous indignation, perched upon my imaginary soap box, that I would be just fine; that God had my back, that the closing of one door meant the opening of another, yada, yada, yada... You see, I had faith!

So, as the days passed and I defiantly crossed off the days on my calendar mounted on the wall for all to see, I made plans for what I would do once I was free from my dead end job. I applied for jobs on the internet and quickly received calls for two interviews which I nailed if I must say so myself! As the month end neared I still hadn't heard back from either interview and none of my other resumes and applications seemed to spark any interests. Still undaunted, I kept the faith. Then the test came; my computer at home crashed which meant I would have to replace it. Then while on my way home from work one evening I had a blow out on the freeway which required me to buy 4 new tires. None of this was in my non-existent budget. I did all the right things, even applying for my unemployment on my last day of work. So, because I had faith, I wasn't going to let these minor glitches bother me, why, because I had faith.

Now, with a little over a month of being unemployed, I am beginning to question the faith that I so boldly claimed just a month ago. I must admit, it's been a tough go over the last few weeks but I'm still holding on to the belief that God still has my back and that everything happens for a reason. Sure, I have nervous moments, sad and frutstated moments, but I must admit that God has kept me and provided for my every need. Just when I need him most he provides! I've learned a valuable lesson through this ordeal, however, and that is, that it's easy to talk about faith but it's a lot harder to walk by faith. I've also learned that it's a moment by moment walk in the dark because you don't know what's up ahead. You have to trust that whatever is up ahead God will meet you there and give you what you need to sucessfully meet the challenge. I still have no idea what this next chapter in my life will bring, but I'm confident, and encouraged that whatever it is, I will not have to deal with it alone. So in faith, I say thanks to God for victory over lifes obstacles.

Be Blessed...