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.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thankful
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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!’
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!’
Monday, November 2, 2009
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.
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.
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