They do not know what they are doing!

Luke 23:34
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

In the early 2000s, I held resentment towards childhood authority figures. I had bad knees because of coaches who made me practice and play despite pain. I had bad credit because of no financial counsel. I had physically and verbally abused others because of witnessing and experiencing it. I had womanized because of rarely witnessing someone cherishing a woman. I had, I had, I had… Every problem that I was currently experiencing had a ‘paper trail’. It was not my fault, that I was so bitter, resentful, angry, and unforgiving. It was the fault of the parties who were to support and protect me. I was a child and a child should never endure some of the things that I did. There is truth in this statement; however, I was now a young man, who desperately needed some serious deliverance from all the current personal issues. ‘Pointing the finger’ at authority figures was not changing my outcome. It wasn’t until I started to let go of life letdowns that I began to change in a positive manner.

Choosing to do so was not easy, as there were constant reminders of pain and disappointments. The mistakes made as a child, teenager, and young adult had to be forgiven, as well. There had been many people that suffered the wrath of my selfishness. The selfishness was directly from self-pity from my own personal disappointments. The longer I thought ‘poor me, poor life, missed opportunities, etc.’… the more I self destructed and damaged the lives of others who cared about me or were involved in my life. This is what I learned most about unforgiveness, that is, it will (not may) adversely affect every relationship, including your personal relationship with children and spouse. It’s difficult for someone to understand unless they have similar life experiences; however, the reality is, we all have been not so forgiving at a time in our life.

A stereotypical product of unforgiveness is the common bully. In most cases, someone has teased the bully. The bully became insecure. Due to the bully's own insecurities, he/she responds in mistreating less fortunate individuals. The bully acts in a non-constructive way causing him to not reach his full potential. A constructive way would be to forgive his predator, no matter the offense, so that he may be released from the mental anguish and establish a positive mindset. You may say, ‘that is so elementary and easy to do’ or’ ‘I have tried it… it does not work’. You may even say, ‘I will never forgive the wrongdoing… That was just plain wicked, what was done to me.’ Maybe what you have not heard, no matter your current situation, is that Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit will grant you the power to forgive. Jesus Christ died that you may have eternal life in God’s presence along with giving you abilities through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will. His will is for you to be Christ-like and forgive! He understands.

In being a sacrifice, He was innocent of the accusations. While being crucified, He forgave his accusers and punishers of the wrongdoings. If we desire to be free to perform God’s will and receive His ultimate blessing, we must do the same. As Jesus provided the example to forgive and fulfill His calling, make a decision today to release the offender and walk in God’s completeness.

If you desire to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, click on the link below.

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx

The Right Source

The other day, my devotional emphasized the importance of specific prayer. To place certainty in your request by carefully evaluating your heart’s desire and needs. A reference was made to the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who recognized Jesus at Jericho (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus had been sitting by the ‘roadside begging’ when he heard that Jesus was in town. He began obnoxiously shouting to Jesus and begging for mercy. He was so loud, that the crowd attempted to quiet him. However, he did not stop, but continued ‘all the more’. Jesus called Bartimaeus over and asked him specifically, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Bartimaeus requested his eyesight. Due to his faith in Jesus Christ’s abilities to heal him, Bartimaeus sight was given. The author of the devotional expressed how Bartimaeus knew his root issue was being blind. With eyesight, he would not have to beg and could do for himself; therefore, he asked for his immediate need.

The interesting part of the passage is Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Could Jesus not see that Bartimaeus was blind? Is it possible that Jesus asked this question because the unaware Bartimaeus had a greater need? With the information, which is noted in the Bible, we will arguably never know. There is one point that we can be certain- Bartimaeus’ faith in Christ was the key to his answered prayer.

During Bartimaeus’ blind life, he was granted the opportunity to think of how his life could improve. More than likely, he lived his life receiving his needs as the ‘town beggar.’ Possibly, this was something he wasn’t proud of, as the passage demonstrates in his anticipation of being healed. His opportunityto be healed came and he made his request to the One who could restore his sight. There was a time in my life, which I played the role of Bartimaeus. Desperate for healing, begging for love and acceptance, only to realize that I was begging the wrong source. After recognizing my disappointments and heartaches, I placed my faith in the right source (Jesus). Even after doing this, my requests were immature and lacked wisdom; however, I had the right Source. Jesus Christ, in all his infinite wisdom, has tremendously blessed me and continues to do so; yet, I’m confident that I still make immature request. His grace and mercy combined with my willingness to humbly serve and trust Him grants life.

I strongly encourage you to call on the name of Jesus. The Bible states that Jesus Christ’… is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8). No matter what the situation you face today, He can rescue you as He did me and Bartimaeus. Being that He was tempted in every way without sinning (Hebrews 4:15), He has the ability to sympathize and understand you. The time is now for you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. His ability to change your life is unlimited. Allow the power of God through Christ to transform you. Do not be ashamed or concerned with friends or family’s thoughts of your choice. As Bartimaeus unapologetically exclaimed the name of Jesus, you do the same and receive the gift of salvation and abundant life!

Numbers 23:19-20
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.



If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please click on this hyperlink.

Thankful

Psalm 105:1
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

In November 1975 through 1992, I spent Thanksgiving with (what seemed like at the time), 1000 family members. With uncles and aunts numbering into double digits, there were plenty of cousins to play, jokes to ‘crack’, hugs to give, and pies and cakes to eat.

In November 1996, I celebrated a college basketball tournament championship with some boys from Texas. One of my teammates’ mom cooked us food similar to my family’s traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

In November 1999, I was invited to eat Thanksgiving dinner with my bosses’ family. His mom was a very loving woman who loved the Lord and lived a Christian lifestyle. It showed through her children’s actions and love for her/their family. I credit her son (my boss) as my first male Christian role model, who played an integral role in me committing my life to Christ.

In November 2003, my friendly neighbor invited me to spend Thanksgiving with her family. I choose to stay home, due to feeling that I wouldn’t ‘fit in’ and make her family uncomfortable on a day, which they should be comfortable. Two years later, I started dating my neighbor, married her, and spent Thanksgiving with the new family. I was loved and accepted.

In November 2009, I will spend Thanksgiving with my wife and my two sons. For the first time, we will cook (smoke) a turkey, side dishes, and desserts without any physical assistance from parents or grandparents. There will be no extended relatives to provide a source of entertainment or an ‘extra hand’. We will be alone, together.

The hardest emotional time in my life, by far, was when I was a single college student 12 hours away from my immediate and extended family. Holidays intensified the emotions of loneliness. It encouraged me to think about my future, family traditions I would create, my future wife and children, and my life. That season of my life has now passed and what I thought about yesterday is today. I’m living it! Instead of looking ahead, I’m reflecting. I’m thankful!

I’m thankful that when I was ‘little’, my family demonstrated love through cooking dishes that I now crave on turkey day. I’m thankful that my ‘Big Momma’ didn’t allow me to depart the dinner table until I was completely filled with food. I’m thankful that my mom provided an example by serving her community, family, and friends during Thanksgiving holiday. I’m thankful that my father delivered firewood with the possibility of not being paid during Thanksgiving season to the needy. I’m thankful that my grandfather would openly pray to Jesus Christ before Thanksgiving dinner. I’m thankful that my grandmother would have the most leftover sweets at her house, days following Thanksgiving. I’m thankful to realize that their spirits will continue living in me.

Today, I’m thankful for my beautiful wife. From the day we were introduced, she has been a loyal, great friend. I’m thankful for the choices she makes for the betterment of our family. I’m thankful for our future together. I’m thankful for my oldest son’s quirkiness, which is a reflection of his time spent with odd parents. I’m thankful for my baby son’s ability to get everyone’s attention with his loud powerful voice. I’m thankful that I see a future in Christian ministry for my entire family.

I’m thankful that I allowed Jesus Christ to rescue me from my madness in my early adulthood. I’m thankful that I recognized His ability to change my life. I’m thankful that He’s made me ‘cool’ to my kids and wife in an unworldly way. I’m thankful that He’s given me something to ‘look forward’. I’m thankful that I finally have the courage to openly confess Him to the world without a care or concern of judgment.

Be Thankful & Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Your Physical Health and Marriage

1 Corinthians 7:4
The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.

Taking the words of many preachers, ‘That (sermon) will preach!’ I’m a part-time personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Being physically fit is my lifestyle! Being passionate and capable of helping others reach their fitness goals is a joy and blessing. There’s reward in hearing a client’s testimony of their spouse’s praise of their new outlook on life and body transformation. It’s dual rewarding. The client feels, looks, and reacts better; in return, there spouse is positively effected in many ways. There’s purpose in pushing a person to reach their physical fitness potential.

2 Timothy 3:16 states that all scripture is God inspired and profitable for correcting and instructing towards righteousness. 1 Corinthians 7:4 demonstrates God inspiring Paul to inform husbands and wives that there bodies belong not only to them, but their spouse. In the ‘do what feel goods and what’s best for me’ post-modern society which we reside, a few words regarding this matter can be greeted with a mental embrace or ‘slap’. Our western society is full of overweight people with bad diets and exercise habits to follow. A subject that is lightly covered in the Christian community. In my opinion, it’s a major obstacle in marital happiness. I did not say ‘joy’, which is something that can not be taken away, but the emotions connected to being happy. Excited to see your spouse naked, truly proud of yourself/your spouse when walking into a room and admiring yourself/them in a new outfit or swimsuit is questionably non-existent in our Christian culture. When we marry regardless of how our spouse looks, hopefully, we have decided to love our significant other through ‘thick and thin’. How nice is it when the latter part (thin) of this saying applies? As we age, many different changes happen to our bodies. However, we are responsible to diet and exercise in preventing diseases and stress which plays an integral role in prematurely ending many believers’ lives.

This is not about your weight or looking sexier, but developing a healthier lifestyle that is pleasing to you, your spouse, and the Lord. A lifestyle that promotes togetherness through the act of serving your spouse and the Lord in taking a walk, reducing your fat intake, experiencing Yoga, or eating oatmeal for breakfast. By doing this, you will provide a healthy example for your areas of influence (children, co-workers, and peers). Your confidence will soar; due to obedience of not conforming to the worldly eating and physical health patterns (Romans 12:1-2). The benefits of healthy eating and consistent exercising are unlimited in impacting your marriage.

There’s a reason for every scripture. Carefully meditating on 1 Corinthians 7:4 should inspire the most selfish spouse to begin and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Regardless of your feelings, you owe it to the Lord, your wife/husband, and yourself. Trust me the journey is rewarding and beneficial.

Get off the roof!

2 Samuel 11:1-5
In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army... But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."

I heard an older lady speaking on the radio, while I was driving back from work, one day. Her voice was crackling and oozing with words of wisdom. She told many different stories throughout her speech. One that stuck with me most was about a young man (let’s call him, Tim). When the story took place, Tim was in college. It was Valentine’s Day and he was in pursuit for a gift for his girlfriend. The story led Tim and a friend pulling up to a hotel to meet their girlfriends. The night was going well with board games, laughter, etc. Later in the night, Tim excused himself to the bathroom. After returning, he entered a dim-lighted room with only his girlfriend present. As he looked closer, he also noticed all his girlfriend’s clothes on the floor. Tim stated at this moment, he had three thoughts: 1-Run! 2-His parent’s faces of disappointment, if he choose to have sex, and 3-A scripture (1 Corinthians 10:13) that his youth pastor made him remember. So what did Tim do? He fretfully ran, went to his door room, and called his father, while crying. My immediate thoughts were ‘Did this really happen? Did he really run, while crying and being afraid?’ David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) and he did not run. He chose to take advantage of the situation. He used his resources to inquire, gathered information, and made a decision. My purpose is not to bash David, but to point out the significance of Tim’s decision to not have sex.

There are many things to gather from this unbelievable, yet strongly Christian witnessed story; however, I will only mention a few. First, Tim’s discernment has to be questioned. It is very difficult to believe that he was surprised that his girlfriend would become naked and provoke sex. Proverbs 1:20 (a book written by David) states that ‘wisdom calls aloud in the street…’ Apparently, it was calling Tim and this was the time that he chose to listen. Whether Tim recognized it or not, he took advice from a man (David) who had lost this battle, but learned valuably. The Holy Spirit will direct and guide you in these manners and keep you from being caught in such a situation, if you listen sooner than later. Kudos to Tim for running; although, I’m a firm believer that if we initially ‘count the cost’, God will reveal where you are headed.

Second, Tim had another Christian (his dad) to confide. The importance of a good friend who practices Christian principles in such a time is critical. Let’s say Tim ran away went home and didn’t have anyone to call to confirm his wise, Christian decision. There’s a strong chance that he would be in the situation again or allow his manhood to be questioned by a worldly society. Support is supreme in our growth as Christians. Do not take for granted your Christian brothers and sisters. The moral of the second point is simple, ‘you need a solid, trustworthy, reliable, Bible believing Christian friend and church (Hebrews 10:25)!’ If you don’t have one (church and friend), pray for and diligently seek one.

Third, David, the great king who committed adultery, was credited for writing ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalms 119:11)' more than likely after his incident. Tim practiced the same principle. He was encouraged to remember a scripture, which the Holy Spirit helped recall. I believe it’s safe to say, that his faith in God’s promise helped him escape. Parents: it’s important that we see the importance of our children having mentors. You will reap what you sow! (Galatians 6:7). Invest in your child’s relationships through active participation and foster Christian relationships by modeling the behavior. Monkey see, monkey do!

So how do we avoid being in the situation, that David and Tim found themselves? We do what we are called to do. David was not doing his kingly duty, which was the start of the problem. We consistently pray for wisdom and discernment in the small decisions. Once God provides peace and reveals the outcome with clarity (1 Corinthians 14:33), Run or in other words, ‘Get off the roof!’

Bad Company corrupts Good Character

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

When I first rededicated my life to Jesus Christ, practicing 1 Corinthians 15:33 was extremely difficult. At this time in my life, I was sleeping with someone (who was not my wife), trying to make a relationship not founded on Christian principles work, sharing an apartment with friends who didn’t make a habit of practicing Christianity, and pursuing things that were not spiritually or emotionally fulfilling. After becoming completely frustrated and overwhelmed by the aforementioned, I self-reflected. My discoveries pointed to my way of thinking (thoughts and perceptions). I had allowed different things in my life to adversely affect the way I saw marriage, money, women, authority, career, etc. It was not only my association with people, but with the media (television, movies, music, magazines, etc.) that caused such an unfulfilling outlook on my future. The world’s system of thinking and believing was becoming a major part of my thought process.

Whether you are to agree with this or not, what we are ‘around’ influences our life. Have you ever did something you did or did not like and think ‘dang it, I’m just like my dad (or mom)!’ I would be willing to bet my paycheck (if you are over 30 years of age with a child) that you have. This is totally natural and it basically ‘boils down’ to basic math. You have spent more than half of your life with your parents. Parental influence plays a significant role in our development as an adult and more so, a Christian. The relevancy of mentioning the influence of a parent is that the same principle applies in our selection of close friends and media outlets. If you are reading this blog, you are capable of choosing what you will watch, hear, and read, as well as, who you will be allowing in your ‘circle’. You have some control of your future! The best way to begin is reading the Bible to understand who you are as a child of God. Entertainment and friendships are great; however, if it is contrary to your growth as a believer, it is simply a sin. The beginning step to a more peaceful and prosperous life is your obedience to the Word of God. I do understand the difficulty of ending a relationship; I have experienced this on several occasions. It’s typically never easy whether you are the ‘breaker’ or the ‘broken’. However, if you desire the life that God has promised you, this must be done. Hopefully, as you get older in years, letting the unfruitful go will become easier than harder. Life will motivate you! Getting married, raising children, and becoming a leader in your God-given calling are ways in which you can demonstrate your Christ likeness. If you are demonstrating your character in any other way, your lifestyle will hurt those you love and lead. In return, their life will be affected and the cycle will continue. You play a role in ending the negative cycle, today!

Begin practicing Proverbs 27:17 and select company which will help you become God’s vision for your life. Remember, that no one is perfect, but Jesus Christ. We are made perfect in Him (1 Colossians 1:28). Seek close relationships with those who desire to grow in their walk with the Lord. Commonalities are important. Do not neglect the natural in being overly spiritual. Being equal yoked is the goal (2 Corinthians 6:14)! There’s a chance that you may be stronger in your faith than some of your Christian friends. My encouragement to you is simple. Romans 14:1 states that we should accept those who faith is weak without passing judgment. Just make sure their ‘faith’ is in Jesus and that there is substance of being a Christian (Galatians 5:22). If you allow, the Holy Spirit will guide you in these important matters. Think ‘outside the box’ in regards to your growth as a Christian. Pray and ask God to make you aware of your association with ‘stumbling blocks’. More than likely as you read this blog, you are aware of what they may be. I encourage you to do your part in drawing near to God for direction. He promises to help (James 4:8). Become an overall healthy person according to the Word of God and watch the blessings of God overtake you.

Share your life!

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

When I re-dedicated my life to the Lord, I can remember this scripture 'jumping out' at me. It instantly became my favorite scripture. The scripture placed many things into perspective for me in defining Christianity. I thought if I could be a 'good enough' friend that I could place my friendships second to my relationship to Christ, then most (probably all) of my friendships would be in great shape. I can honestly say, that from the point, I have not had any major rifts in my friendships. Each person that I called a friend, lives became more important to me. I invested in hearing their thoughts, worries, concerns, and hopes; helping them in ways that build them up; and encouraged them to trust in God, etc. I have always prided myself in being a better than average friend. I have had the honor of being the best man in three weddings. My point in saying all this is that, it has carried over into who I am, today. Before my wife and I were married, we were friends. She was there for me and I for her. Being friends before dating allowed us to be transparent in expressing our beliefs, likes/dislikes, family values, weaknesses/strengths, desires, etc. Without knowing it at the time, it allow us to develop a foundation which has been critical to our marital success, today. The scripture mentioned above illustrates how we are to be towards friends. My purpose in acknowledging is that we are to especially be this way for our spouse. If you are not best friends, take the time and become best friends. I encourage you to share your dreams, hopes, ideas, and real life every day experiences with one another. It helps bond you for a lifetime. To not share with your spouse is unChristian in the sense that Christ wants you to share your thoughts with Him. Sharing creates intimacy. You are one connected by the blood of Christ. The more you share your life, the more you practice the principle outlined in the scripture above. The devil desires to kill, steal, and destroy your marital relationship. Begin laying down your life today by being present and active (physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially) and verbally share with your most precious gift of God, your spouse. This is why this gift was given to you!

You are the farmer!

You are the farmer! from The Seminary DropOut on Vimeo.

Foundation Scripture

Mark 4:14 The farmer sows the word.

How do we sow? With words and actions

A smart farmer will ensure that his soil is adequate ground for the type of seed he plans to plant. There are conditions, in which a seed will grow, stagnate, reach optimal growth, and/or surpass expectations. It is our job to foster the environment for an expected return.

Examples of the four (4) relationships and the ground they create (Mark 4:13-20):

Pathway Relationship Hear the Word and immediately, it’s gone! Mark 4:15

• You may or may not desire to have a relationship with child and/or spouse, but lack the discipline to sustain a solid relationship. No true commitment has been made. Your emotional connection and follow-through regarding your child and/or spouse is non-existent. Therefore, your child doesn’t trust what you say, because of your actions.

Rocky Relationship Accept, welcome, and rejoice! Endure for awhile, but not long because of no root. Mark 4:16-17

• You desire to have a relationship with child and/or spouse, but lack the discipline to sustain a solid relationship. No commitment has been made. You have an emotional connection, but your follow-through regarding your child and/or spouse is non-existent. Therefore, your child doesn’t trust what you say, because of your actions.

Inconsistent Relationship Hear the Word, but cares, anxieties, and distractions of the world suffocate the Word and it produces no result. Mark 4:18-19

• You have a relationship with child and/or spouse, but lack the discipline to sustain a solid relationship. No commitment has been made. You have an emotional connection, but your follow-through regarding your child and/or spouse is inconsistent. Therefore, your child doesn’t trust what you say, because of your actions.

Good Relationship Hear and receive the Word and produce fruit. Mark 4:20

• You have established and maintained a solid relationship with child and/or spouse. A commitment has been made. You have an emotional connection and your follow-through regarding your child and/or spouse is consistent. Therefore, your child trusts what you say, because of your actions.

If you desire to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, click on the link below.

www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_To_Peace_With_God.aspx

Renewing your Mind to the Word of God

Renewing Your Mind to the Word of God from The Seminary Dropout on Vimeo.

Romans 12 (NIV)
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.


How do you conform to this world? Complaining about your current situation to people… This is not Biblically compliant. The Bible informs us tells us to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 The Bible speaks of approaching the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Transformation takes place by meditating on God’s commandments and promises.


How to renew your mind? I believe you first begin with an honest prayer of submission to the Lord. Believe in faith that God will help you change your current viewpoints that are contrary to the Word of God. What does God say about your current situation?


How do you know what the will of God is? Have you ever prayed for something, not having complete confidence that God would answer your prayer? Studying the Bible will help in these areas of confusion and frustration. God is very clear in his will for humanity. Our salvation is His will through Jesus Christ. How do I know this? It’s in the Bible. John 3:16

Raising children… Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 Finances Malachi 3:6-12, selecting friends 1 Corinthians 15:33, what I say Matthew 12:35-37, and future Jeremiah 29:11.


If you desire to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, click on the link below.

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_with_God.aspx
Keep it Righteous!

Wife submit to your husband!

Wife submit to your husband! from The Seminary Dropout on Vimeo.

Foundation Scriptures
Ephesians 5
22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.


Genesis 2
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."


We (husbands) need your emotional support, encouragement, unconditional love, and undying love in our abilities to fulfill our destiny.


Points/Questions
Why do you think the Bible addresses husbands to love their wives and for wives to respect their husbands? Ephesians 5:33 Could it be that men generally need to feel respected in order to feel loved? Men, feel loved and appreciated through respect.


The Bible doesn’t state wives, if your husband is a Christian or lives a Christian lifestyle, submit to him. You are commanded to submit to your husband regardless of any matter. This is possible by taking yourself out the equation.


Would you openly disrespect a police officer? Definitely not, due to his authority. According to the Bible, your husband authority over you is directly correlated to Christ’s authority over the Church. If you are not respecting your husband in this manner and truly revere the Lord, you will openly repent and apologize to your husband.


What things are you to submit to your husband? Everything!


What does the ‘head’ mean? The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. The Message (Ephesians 5:23)


Ephesians 5:22-24 (The Message)
22-24Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.


Men, God is calling us to lead. Nothing has changed from Old Testament times to this present day. You are the key agent to your family. Encouragement: Stop passing responsibilities to your wife, that God has commanded you to perform.


Benefits
• Learning to lead
• Obedience to Scripture
• Husbands, learn how to love wife as Christ love Church
• Remove unnecessary burdens that women were not made to carry



If you desire to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, click on the link below.



http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx

What are you seeking?

Welcome to my blog! I'm very excited about following God's calling. For the last four years, I have stated that there was no way for me to begin. Well, the Internet has provided an outlet. Praise the Lord! This is my third posting to this blog. I did not want to inform anyone of my endeavors until I actually had a video or audio sermon. This sermon has taken time, prayer, and patience. I finally finished a message without completely fumbling over my words. As you watch the video, you will see that I clearly struggled. With all this said, I am stepping out in faith. I pray and hope that my journey will encourage you to follow God's will for your life. This is my true intention. Please pray for my family and I as we become more radical towards serving the Lord. We will do the same for you- simply request it.


Alright, I pray for mercy and grace. Remember, this is my first message.


May God bless you and Keep it righteous!


If you are not a Christian and desire Jesus Christ to become your Lord and Savior, please follow the posted website below.

www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx

Husband love your wife!

Husband love your wife! from The Seminary Dropout on Vimeo.

This is my actual first message on this blog. The posting was ready on August 15th, but I had to find a place to upload a 14 minute video. YouTube and Google would not allow. Therefore, this is why the posting was delayed. Believe it or not, it took me approximately 30 attempts before I was able to 'not mess' up (completely) before its entirety.

These are small steps of faith and obedience. I'm excited and anticipate a continuous flow of God's anointing in my steps of obedience. I asked for your prayers for my wife, children, and myself. As a family, our hearts are to please God. In order to do this, there will be some things that we will have to give up. I believe God will patiently deal with us regarding these matters. He desires for us (all) to be blessed significantly. In all the ways that I have been greatly blessed; it came with a cost (sacrifice). Although, cost is not a good way to communicate, due to its negative connotation. The initial step of obedience is typically tough, but after breaking through 'the door... walking in line' became/becomes easier each day. I'm aware this act may be the same.

I hope and pray that you are encouraged by the message; that it will be a blessing to your marriage. If you are not married, I believe you still will be blessed.

If you desire to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, click on the link below.


http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx

May God Bless You & Keep it Righteous!

Spoken Word

the video (above) is an exhortation from my old pastor. this was a very unusual day. my wife and i were sitting in the far left back row as usual. we are infamous for arriving church 10 minutes later than the start time. therefore, we always sat close to the back, due to seat availability and tardiness. also, we enjoyed our 'spot'. most church attenders will relate to this quoted phrase of 'spot'.

as you listen to the video, you will notice that the pastor is speaking to two couples that he knows before he gets to the man with a black shirt and black head (me). as he is speaking to the couples, i literally was joking with my wife that he may possibly call on her this day. so we were in a humorous mode and extremely lax at this time. to say, that we were (both) surprised is an understatement. we are totally comfortable with a prophetic word. church members were rarely exhorted and encouraged publicly in church services, so when it happens 'all eyes are on the person' in this church of 10,000 members or more. after he spoke to me, i was extremely overwhelmed. i made an effort to speak with our head pastor to no avail. i was directed to his assistant. i did take this as a sign of my insignificance. therefore, i didn't make contact with anyone at the church after this failure to meet. i have since matured. i understand the demands of a senior pastor realizing i should have met with his assistant. life has a way of humbling you and i assure you life (along with my wife) has humbled me. i look forward in God's timing of fulfilling my destiny. this is the beginning...

p.s. the photos have been scanned, so the quality is bad. most of the photos are old and not well maintained.

keep it righteous!

my story

in order for you to understand my journey, you must understand my past and present (the future is my focus!). thus, bullet points will represent significants of my latter and present day to quickly 'catch you up'.

• born out of wedlock to a fatherless teenaged male and a female methodist college student


• raised in a quitely racially segregated town with less than a thousand in population


• parental influence and family heritage- work hard and get an education


• accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior at 11 years of age


• Christianity was the minority faith of same race peers


• discovered basketball as my venue to fulfilling some dreams


• began dating out of my race at 15


• lost my virginity at 16


• moved from a midwestern state to a southern state at 19 years of age to complete college education


• engaged to marry at 21 to opposite race female


• experienced my first true intended encounter of racism at 21


• physically abused fiancee causing a break in engagement and breakup of relationship


• accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord at 22 years of age


• enrolled in seminary at 24 years of age & dropped out at 25 years of age


• married opposite race female at 29 years of age


• adopted a 3 year old multi-racial boy at 29 years age


• witnessed the birth of my second son at 32 years of age


• moved to the 4th largest metroplex in the nation with hopes of providing real life experiences and better opportunities for my sons, wife, and self

some may read the above and ask why did he mention this or that. the truth of the matter, is this is, what came to mind as i typed. as you follow this blog, you will witness raw, sincere vulnerability and transparency. there will be times when my postings may seem a bit harsh or politically incorrect. my apology to this... i am to be a man of God-Jesus Christ. i have clearly discovered in the last two weeks that my faith is limited in certain areas of my Christian walk. i desire to overcome these obstacles by attacking my fears with relentless pursuit to conquer. because i'm a Christian, regardless of an official calling, i have been commanded to '...go and make disciples of all nations... Matthew 28:19 NIV.' at this time in my life, i am not intentionally doing that. this blog is '...me intentionally doing that'. i hope to be bold, courageous, considerate, and loving in my pursuits. i hope to inspire you and draw you closer to God through Jesus Christ. i hope to have accountability through the relationship of others (Chrisitans and non-believers) to fulfill my Godly specific calling. Okay, let's begin...

keep it righteous!