The question both God and man is asking

The question that both God and man is asking.

When you’re losing your sense of control and everything in life is changing. Do you seek God or do you latch on to anyone who promises to right your world?

Donald Trump with all of his dishonesty and incompetence has laid naked for all the world to see, the total hypocrisy of America . 

God will use circumstances to force you to question your choices and to expose your truths. 

At this moment in time, both God and man are asking. Do you believe that God can be in control when you’re not?

When the authority of white society is thrown into question, it’s seen as an attack on God and christian values.

Yet black ,brown and non White Christians around the world put their faith in God to spite the fact that they’re not in authority in their societies.

 The pharisees faith was always based on them being in control. When Jesus called that into question, they crucified him. Because in truth they had no idea who he was. All they had was a belief in their own authority.

Jesus was a radical

Jesus was a radical who was pursued, harassed and crucified by the powers at be.  He was hated for his compassion and understanding for people that the religious establishment viewed as beneath them.  Jesus was always comfortable interacting with sinners and people who were outcast.

Jesus first revealed himself as the Son of God  to  “the woman at the well “ in John 4:7. A woman shunned by her own community. She had 5 ex-husbands and was  living with a man who she wasn’t married to. She was truly an outcast of her society.

God in his wisdom, knew that man would use the authority of his name against the people their religious establishments wanted to control and oppress.   Which is why Jesus was always at odds with the religious leaders of his day. So by the time he arrived in Jerusalem. The radical challenging their authority had to go. 

Jesus is our standard bearer, character and our moral compass. He has no interest in the oppression of one group of people for the comfort of another. This modern day politically connected christian doctrine of go along to get along with the rich and powerful . Is  the very religious establishment he fought.  

They thought they were better then sinners, better then the poor and better then the outcast.

“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Matthew 22:39 (B) KJV

Shouldn’t be a radical statement .

JONAH AND THE WHALE IS A CUTE BIBLICAL STORY, BUT ITS ACTUALLY NOT FUNNY. DON’T BE A JONAH

JONAH AND THE WHALE IS A CUTE BIBLICAL STORY, BUT ITS ACTUALLY NOT FUNNY. DON’T BE A JONAH

As children we heard the story of Jonah. We all know how he was thrown overboard and the whale swallowed him.But what’s lost in the drama is how he got there to begin with. The Lord spoke to Jonah and told him to go and preach to the wayward town of Nineveh.  God told Him to go tell the people,  that the devastation of the Lord was at hand and that they needed to repent and turn from their wicked ways.

But in truth he hated THEM and wasn’t interested in helping. Nineveh was a big city and the people there were Assyians and very different people and Jonah had no interest in saving any of them  from the wrath of God. So, he went and bought a ticket to the town of Tarshish instead . And that’s what puts him on the boat in the middle of the storm. 

It’s Jonah’s hatred for the Assyrian of Nineveh, not fate, not chance nor circumstance, that puts him in the middle of the storm. And Hate is what has put America in the middle of this storm once again .Not fate , not chance ,  America has had countless chances to turn her back on the hatred and racism that has been a part of the American fabric from the day the first slave stepped foot on it’s shores.

Getting back to the story, the frightened men on the boat found Jonah sleeping below deck totally unaware of the turmoil he was causing. Realizing he was the source of their troubles they questioned him thoroughly and concluded he was not serving the God he claims to follow. So in an effort to calm the Sea‘s and survive the storm, they tossed Jonah overboard and ridded themselves of the person who was causing their problem. 

When people have reached a realization that you don’t serve the God you claim.They will cast you aside as part of the problem and not part of the solution.

“Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17 NIV

Finding himself in the deepest depths of danger and despair. Lost at sea in the belly of a whale, He prayed. 

“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’”Jonah 2:1-4 NIV

And God in is graciousness did, and the whale spit him out and he washed up on the shore. Jonah was saved from the chaos and drama that he brought upon himself.

At times God will put you in a situation were calling out to him is the only answer. He can rescue us from the deepest depths of our despair. No matter how dire or the fact that it was our own shortcomings that caused our problems to begin with.  God is still the answer.

“Next, GOD spoke to Jonah a second time: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.”” Jonah 3:1-2 MSG

Jonah preaches a powerful word from God. That reaches the king of Nineveh and the whole city calls out to God and repents. And the lord did not bring the wrath of destruction that he used Jonah to warn them of.

I wish that was were the story ended but, of course it’s not. 

“He prayed to the Lord, “Jonah was furious. He lost his temper. He yelled at GOD, “ GOD! I knew it—when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That’s why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!

“So, GOD, if you won’t kill them, kill me! I’m better off dead!” GOD said, “What do you have to be angry about?” But Jonah just left. He went out of the city to the east and sat down in a sulk. He put together a makeshift shelter of leafy branches and sat there in the shade to see what would happen to the city.”

Jonah 4:1-5 MSG

Jonah the same guy who was thrown into the sea , facing certain death in the belly of a whale. Crying out in need of a miracle, who then washed up on the sea shore repenting to God. Would now rather die, then see the God he loves show his generous and compassionate love towards those people he hates. And that in a nutshell is America, a country that has been blessed beyond measure and still refuses to let go of it’s hatred and racism.

Don’t be a Jonah, 

WHEN I WAS LOST, I WASN'T ALONE

In 1989 I moved to Southern California to make it in music or move on.  To pay my bills I was wholesaling use Levi’s 501’s.Something I had been doing for years in Boston working for Bobby Garnett,  a highly respected man in the vintage clothing business.  

I attended Berklee  college of music and had done some good things  musically. So I felt good about the move. Once in Los Angeles I quickly realized it was going to be hard to reestablish my network of musicians. Back then everybody wasn’t on Facebook or instagram. 

I was adrift ,  and found myself in a tight spot ,depending  on this one shipment of jeans to a guy  in New York City .Having done business with this guy before when I worked for  Bobby. I trusted him and didn’t send it COD cash on delivery and  he never paid me. 

So now I’m out the money I paid for the jeans and the profit I needed to keep going. I’m broke.My bank at the time Security Pacific called . I was seriously overdrawn  and  they demanded an action plan for repayment. They meant business.I called home looking for help . My dad told me quote : I love you son, but you need to get yourself out of this one.

 I hit the ground running . Going to malls in my area of Long Beach with my resume in hand . That’s were I met  and was hire by a man named  of Jason . A real man of God , who changed my whole understanding of Christianity.By the grace of God everything changed . I became a top salesperson with the company and  never looked back.  

When I was lost , I wasn’t alone. The walls may have closed in on me , but the ceiling didn’t. In your most difficult times. God will make a way, he’ll always give you a path forward. 

Sinner aren't the enemy

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, Romans 5:10 KJV  

The reason we’re losing the Culture wars is because we’re losing the war for the hearts and minds of America. And the reason we’re losing that war is because, we become more defined by who we hate more then who and what we love.

The reason I’m so passionate about this is because, while I always loved and respected God . As  a young man I really resented Christians and their politics . 

At thirty I had just moved to Southern California and was trying to get a foothold on a new life. Things were very touch and go and I was really needing to find work. So one afternoon I was walking through the Cerritos mall . 

When I saw a men’s store that looked nice . I went in and introduce myself and ask for the manager . He wasn’t there and they told me to come back.

I left with a good feeling and returned an hour later. The manager Jason came out looked me in the eye, shook my hand and gave me an interview on the spot.

I when through the process and was hired . Jason turned out to be Truly a man of integrity and a man of God. Working with him changed my life and my whole understanding of Christianity .

In my early days as a Christian I did a lot  of street ministry. Mainly in Los Angeles but also in San Francisco.  I was always struck by how many people in general, and homeless people in particular hate Christians. People would often walk away saying christians are hypocrites and racist. 

Something we need to understand. A lot of times when someone calls us hypocrites or fake Christians. What They are actually saying is they’re angry and disappointed that we’re not living up to the standards of christianity .

If Jason hadn’t taken a few minutes to find out who I was,  if he didn’t live out his faith daily.  Would I still be wondering through life respecting God , but resenting Christians? Sinners aren’t the enemy, however we were all enemies of God before we came to Christ. That’s Just simply biblical truth. 

WHEN A WICKED MAN RULES

When a wicked man rules, the people groan. Part1

 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. PROV 29:2 The people are groaning. Our president is truly a wicked man, his supporters may fine that funny. But it’s not, nothing I say or anyone else says will change their minds. They know he’s wicked and they don’t care. They don’t care if he’s a liar, they don’t care if he’s a cheat. All they care about is what they can get from him . They enjoy him putting his foot on the throats of all the people they want held back and put in their place. 

Everything they get from him is ill gotten gains. You are trying to build a kingdom on fake integrity . All the people who called our former presidents greedy liars, womanizer and communist. Are now quietly enjoying everything this greedy lying womanizer gives them.

Do you actually think the author of space and time, is going to turn back the clock to make you feel better about your place in society?This is going to end badly. God’s heart is with the wounded, not the oppressor.

Don't Get Me Wrong

Don't get me wrong

First and foremost I'm a Christian saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. When I write about the hypocrisy of the religious people of the bible. What you hear in my words is frustration and heartbreak. 

God has done many great things in my life. So It's always been disappointing for me to read of the misuse of authority and hypocrisy that are recurring themes in the history of Christianity. 

Coming to faith later in life, I'm well versed in how the world views Christians . I understand how people want something and someone to believe in. I know the disappointment that comes, when someone you put your hopes in, doesn't live up to what a christian should be. 

The bible is full of people searching to find faith, trying to make their life's right in the sight of God. The truth is , all the great people of the bible are deeply flawed. Their stories give us hope that we may overcome our own short comings and become the person God called us to be. 

There are also stories of false prophets and wrong doers. That tell us how people will take advantage of peoples faith and mislead them for their own personal gain, disgracing the name of God in the process.

These stories weren't written for non believers who never come to church . They are warnings to believers , calling for us to be wise and thoughtful . To move pass our own fears and worries . 

When Reverend Martin Luther King spoke of the fierce urgency of now. He was right, Now is the time. 

Quote: We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”

THE FULL KINGDOM OF GOD ESSAY

The kingdom of God is a place where God reigns and is king. It's certainly heaven, a place all Christians hope to spend eternity, Its the second coming of Christ, Its something biblical scholar will debate endlessly, and as I head into work today its the mindset I'm called to live. God is my king my lord and my savior and l'm his ambassador. I know the only bible some people will ever see is me. If the love of God isn't shining thought the chaos of my day it can have lasting effects on people around me. The  kingdom of God is the peace people should feel in your presents. The unspoken joy in your smile and the Stability of your words. Maintaining this on a daily basic can seem  like  a monumental challenge that can never be achieved. A Testimony so great It can never be truly lived out . And in our own strength and intellect it can not be done. People who try to do it on their own will always  fail.

We have to rely on a emotion stronger then intellect and stronger then pride. Love, the strongest emotion that  we're born with .The conbination of, our love of God and Gods love for us. Is the only thing strong enough to get us to that mindset where kingdom of God shines though all.  You have to go all in, Which requires a lot of trust and faith. That trust is build over time. Having God stand by you thought all of your trails, and always giving you the victory.

We all have the tendency to cling to what we know. No matter how painful that may be. That's the challenge, Letting go of the past. letting the light, which is the love of God go into the deepest darkest places.Opening the doors we're scared to open. Light is the only thing that drives darkness out. With every door that opens comes that much more light to full the house.  Then one day all the lights in the house are on, and people want to live where you live. The kingdom of God.

But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ASV)

THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING

That's what you get for trying to do the right thing

We have all had those moments, when you make the effort to do the right thing, only to have it blowup in your face.  Leaving you with the feeling of :  That's what you get for trying to do the right thing.

Unfortunately, that was the story of Peter’s life. He was a very passionate man of faith, who always tried to go above and beyond to prove his faithfulness. 

On the night Jesus was betrayed. After making great claims of devotion, Jesus asked Peter, James and John to stay up with him and pray.  When Jesus returned, he found them all asleep. Later that night, Roman soldiers came and seized Jesus, and everyone deserted him and fled. (Mark 14:50). 

Still, in an attempt to rise above and do the right thing. Peter followed Jesus from a distance to the courtyard where he was being held. There Peter sat and warmed himself by a fire.  (Mark 14:54)  When Peter was repeatedly asked if he was with Jesus, (i.e., weren't you with the guy they're going to interrogate, torture and crucify?) . This question justifiably struck fear in his heart. So Peter denied knowing Jesus and cursed them for asking.

You may find yourself in a place where you justifiably feel disappointment, fear and/or loneliness. After a lifetime of trying to rise above and do the right thing. If life has you warming yourself by the fires of what might have been. know that God is the author of your story.  

You're not defined by your past, by your ex-spouse, by your co-workers or your failings. The Bible is filled with stories of people who fell flat on their faces. People who came from the wrong place or the wrong family, but God used them anyway to do great things. 

When Peter found himself in a horrible place, denying Jesus. But that wasn't the end. God knew his heart and knew there was greatness there.  Peter went on to be a mighty man of God. If you open your heart there is no limit to what God can do in your life.

Be the person God called you to be.

MY DEEPEST SECRET

There's a saying" you're as sick as your deepest secret. People spend their whole life's running from their deepest secrets and fears. My deepest secret is the fact that as a child i was so dyslexic i couldn't talk. I was in speech therapy for many years and learned how to talk through a long process of pronouncing letters and syllables. when I entered highschool and it took a lot of work for me to catch up. Music is base in math so learning to play guitar really helped me in many ways. I graduated in the middle of my highschool class and went on to study music at Berklee college of music. If Life has taught me anything, it's taught me that both kids and adults can be cruel. When you're different people will single you out. I've been loved, valued and respected, and I've been singled out mocked and ridiculed, both as a child and as a adult. The sad reality is some people derive pleasure, value and selfworth by talking about people with as little dignity as possible. I always hid my learning disability and worked very hard to keep it hidden . Running from your secrets is a burden that can crush your spirit, and lead you to rage and depression . The power of a secret is that fact that it's a secret. The fear of what people will think, can emotionally paralyze you and destroy your life. When you share your secret there may be people who shun you, but those who share the same past will feel a sense of freedom and validation. Most people will respect your honesty. I reached a realization that i can't encourage other people to walk in the truth of God, without sharing my truth and my testimony. Move past your fears and secrets and be the person that God called you to be.

The Kingdom of God

The kingdom of God is a place where God reigns and is king. It's certainly heaven, a place all Christians hope to spend eternity, Its the second coming of Christ, Its something biblical scholar will debate endlessly, and as I head into work today its the mindset I'm called to live.

God is my King, my Lord, and my Savior, and l'm his ambassador. I know the only bible some people will ever see is me. If the love of God isn't shining through the chaos of my day, it can have lasting effects on people around me. The kingdom of God is the peace people should feel in your presence, the unspoken joy in your smile, and the stability of your words. Maintaining this on a daily basis can seem like a monumental challenge, a testimony so great it can never be truly lived out, and in our own strength and intellect it can't be done. 

We have to rely on an emotion stronger than intellect and stronger than pride. LOVE is the strongest emotion that we are born with. And the combination of our love for God, and God's love for us is the only thing strong enough to get us to that mindset, the mindset where the kingdom of God shines through us all. You have to go all in. This requires a lot of trust and faith, and that trust and faith is built over time; having God stand by you through all of your trials.

We all have the tendency to cling to what we know, no matter how painful that may be. Yet that's the challenge, letting go of the past. To let the light, which is God's love, reach into the deepest darkest places. To open the doors that we're scared to open. Light is the only thing that drives darkness out. With every door that is opened comes that much more light to fill the house. Then one day, all the lights in the house are on, and people want to live where you call home; the kingdom of God.

But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ASV)