THEY SAY we can’t bring gospel this way

When I was a teenager, Rap City and Yo! MTV Raps were music television shows that made a huge impact on my social culture. These after-school shows played an integral role towards how I perceived the world. During my pre-teen and teenage years, I recall my ‘coolness’ being higher based on my ability to quote the hottest MCs lyrics. Although, that was over 20 years ago, I imagine an adolescent’s social status is still measured by their understanding and awareness of popular music. Looking back, I don’t’ necessarily believe that I was listening to popular hip hop to be cool, but more because I could relate to the music. Also, I believe that my nature and nurture drew me to a preferred music style making me no different from most of my peers within my race.

As I grew up, my music grew up. I catered to artist that rhymed about issues that I found interesting. Like most kids, I was impressionable and my greatest influence was hip hop and sports. I wanted to be a part of and accepted by this culture. Quite honestly, to the core of my being, these desires still makeup a part of who I am. However, since childhood, I have had a major makeover -- I gave my life to Christ. My way of thinking and doing is very different. So now, no matter how captivated I am by the music, the lyrics have to be pointed to a greater good.

For most of my converted life, this has caused some problems. When it came to music, I pretty much ‘threw out the baby with the bath water’. I did make an unsuccessful attempt to embrace gospel and contemporary Christian music for casual listening. However, no matter, how hard I tried; it was unnatural for me. I appreciated the purpose, passion, and worship, but it didn’t move me the way hip hop music did in my youth.

A little more than four years ago at a community block party, my neighbor’s teenage son made an impression. In addition to his genuine authentic relationship with Christ, he was a hip hop artist. His ministry introduced me and my family to a whole new genre of music. My oldest son took a liking to the music faster than anyone in our household. I was elated that he had a positive source to draw inspiration towards a life consistent with the way he is being raised.

It took longer to impress me. Over the last few years during workouts, I’ve resorted to listening to Christian sermons. This really didn’t prove as the most enthusiastic source for high intensity workouts. I definitely needed additional inspiration on my unmotivated days. After missing the energy boost that music provided, I decided to listen to a few mainstream hip hop artists. I was impressed with the music, but was greatly disturbed by the content. To put it simple, most popular music contradicts me... making it difficult to thoroughly enjoy. Thankfully, I had an alternative.

After listening to a wide variety of Christian hip-hop artists on Pandora, I can honestly say that the quality of music is equal to most current popular artists. There is no doubt, that the lyrics are better (for me). For this, I’m grateful. In regards to Christian rap, I went from not understanding how Jesus could be glorified to totally embracing the culture. This experience has further shown me how all of man’s unique talents can bring glory to God.

The purpose of this post is to encourage you not to settle and to seek alternatives in hobbies and entertainment that point towards God. I encourage you to be a spiritual and financial supporter of unconventional biblically-centered ministries. These ministries are designed to meet a need in your, your love ones, or someone you never met life. Last but not least, ask yourself how you are using your talents to glorify and honor God. Don’t write off your gifts and its ability to positively affect others. What you have may be exactly what your neighbor needs to see and hear God more clearly.

We are all being brainwashed

As my wife cried and honestly expressed, I thought to myself ‘Geez …but I do ask you how you are doing (everyday)?’ I pleaded my case, but I knew that winning this conversation wasn’t going to fix the problem. Ultimately, I needed to humble myself to serve and love a little more in areas, which cause me discomfort. The worse about all this is that ‘I’m tired of adapting!’ We’ve been married for more than seven years and she should know the deal by now, right? Maybe… but since I married a woman with certain needs that I’m obviously not fulfilling; I ‘gotta step my game up’.

Our marriage had hit another ‘fork in the road’ and a decision needed to be made. Luckily, when it comes to my marital relationship, I’m a purpose-driven servant refusing to offer my wife a legitimate reason to mentally or physically detach from me. Hopefully, this will keep me married for a lifetime. I know my wife’s worth. I’ll do what I need to do within the will of God to keep her heart and earthly attention.

There’s daily moments in life where opportunities to decide are present. Whether you recognized life asked you a question or not, you made a choice. As days pass, your answers to life’s questions play out. Typically in hindsight, we can pinpoint when and what decisions were made. From your circle of influence to your sources of entertainment, what you accept in your life molds the way you think and process information. Whether we admit it or not, we are all being brainwashed.

One of the best gifts that God gave man is free will. We are allowed to program ourselves to operate the way we desire. Our words and actions are a direct reflection of our sources of inspiration and what we sincerely value. Before any positive changes are made, we all have to take ownership. Sometimes what we do with our time, energy, effort, and expenses doesn’t match what our mouth says we value. This is a major conflict of interest, which will cause you serious heartache.

When there are discrepancies with what I say I value most, I evaluate the direction of my time, energy, effort, and expenses. Typically, the root cause of my issues are that those four identities are not aligned with the course I desire my life. From my experience, this is the case with most people. We say we want one thing, but practice behaviors which lead to a different spiritual, mental, relational, physical, and financial lifestyle.

Be honest with yourself and others about your values. If you don’t like what your lifestyle reflects as worthwhile, make some changes like surrounding yourself with reminders and encouragers of your morals. For me, my Christian faith is an endless, unchanging, and sustaining-proven source for a productive and fulfilling life. For example, regarding my relational issue with my wife; God has provided me many models of grace, sacrificial service, and understanding, while commanding and encouraging me to do the same.

You are being influenced. Who and what is influencing you? Is your source worthy of following and consistently reflecting your values? Where is your source leading you?

Commit for the 1st time –
http://www.intouch.org/you/all-things-are-new/content?topic=how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

Commit to SERVE –
http://www.intouch.org/you/all-things-are-new/content?topic=does_god_really_want_me_to_serve_all_things

“Hey dad, there’s beer in the fridge!”

If you are a follower of my blog, you are aware that I have occasionally exalted my parent’s; however, they were not perfect. In the most honorable and respectable way that I can say this, my dad was an alcoholic. I place much emphasis on ‘WAS’, because while I was in college, he completely discontinued drinking. Unfortunately during my childhood, he did not provide the best example of ‘what is considered’ healthy alcohol consumption. Due to this, I believe, an unhealthy view of drinking was developed.  I have always been ‘wishy-washy’ towards social drinking.  

When our oldest son was younger, my wife and I chose to call any type of alcoholic drink - grown folk’s juice. He would ask, ‘Hey, what are you drinking? May I have some?’ Our consistent reply… ‘No, you can’t. This is grown folk’s juice’. As he has become older, we didn’t hide the occasional wine bottle or mixed drink. However, he has never seen beer in the fridge. The other day while grabbing a few items at a local Wal-Mart, I came across the beer cooler. A desire quickly crossed my mind and I followed my thought to purchase a six-pack of 8 ounce Coors Light (I’m a lightweight!). After drinking two, I pulled the other four from the freezer and placed them in the fridge. The very next day, while I was outside tending our flower bed, my oldest son opened the garage’s entry door and yelled “Hey dad, there’s beer in the fridge!” Immediately, I was embarrassed and thought, “Great, son... Thanks for sharing… Would you like to mention how I backed up the toilet, too?” However, instead of yelling at my kid, my wife and I decided to use this as an opportunity to visit with him about alcohol. 

We discovered that my son judged me based on his discovery of beer. He felt that I (we) shouldn’t drink at all. We were surprised by his judgment. Mostly, our amazement centered around his views on alcohol. We’ve never taught condemnation of drinking; as a matter of fact, we did the exact opposite. We drank wine and margaritas in his presence; however, he has never witnessed us drunk or hosting parties including drinking.  

I did my best explanation of how ‘a drink’ was not considered a sin and closed the dispute acknowledging his entitlement to his own views. My only saving grace was reflecting on his love for soft drinks. One day, after witnessing his onslaught of ‘suicides’, his mom and I limited him to a one cup (filled with ice) soft drink per outing. Even after explaining soda’s lack of nutritional value, he continues. At an early age, he was taught that soft drinks are liquid candy to simply be enjoyed as a treat. I informed him that alcohol was the same, but for adults over the age of 21. Thankfully, he didn’t bring up its mind altering affects because my argument possibly would have been highly ineffective.

Now, I’m processing our conversation.  What comes to mind is 1 Corinthians 14:33, which refers to God not being associated with confusion. The bible passage includes this scripture within God’s instruction for orderly worship. Here are more scriptures that come to mind: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33. These three verses encouraged the following: 1. whatever you eat, drink, or do – do all to the glory of God, 2. cause no one to stumble in their faith by your actions, and 3. allow what you do to lead others to Christ. This group of scriptures was under ‘Do all to the Glory of God’ section. Combining the subtitle of these two passages, Orderly Worship + Do all to the Glory of God, I’m wrestling with a different conclusion.

My wife and kids are well aware of my passions towards allowing the bible to govern our life. I would have to admit that it would be quite hypocritical to not allow my spirit to be transformed by these scriptures. Also, I believe that I would be doing my son a huge disservice by not revisiting this issue. Although, I still do not believe that ‘a drink’ will send you to hell. I now have a different point of view. My consistent goal is to align my spirit with God’s view. To accomplish a level of worship and actions that is pleasing to Him. Based on what I read and my son’s drinking perception, I have some serious praying and decision making to do.

The first step to aligning your will with God’s will is accepting His way of salvation.
http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

The Walking Dead

The other night, I searched through Netflix looking for a new series to watch. I love suspense-filled dramas and action, so typically I look in these genres first. I stumbled across a 4.5 star rated television series, The Walking Dead. The show description seemed interesting and worthy of my ‘lying in the bed’ downtime; so I gave it ‘a shot’. Wow! It provided quite the entertainment. By the second episode, I was intensely grabbing my phone with sweaty hands, while kicking my feet and loudly calling the victims ‘fools’ for not doing what I told them.


After my wife had completed her nightly ritual, she jumped in bed, leaned over for a goodnight kiss, and quietly asked if I wanted to pray. Absolutely, it’s the norm. We always start with thanksgiving, and then move to specific requests of needs for us and others. Occasionally, we will pray for a good night’s sleep; as I did this particular night. Well, guess what, I didn’t sleep well at all. For some strange reason, I dreamt of zombies all night. “Come on God, I prayed for rest. Why didn’t you deliver ‘God of Peace’? I had to work all day on 6 hours of interrupted sleep.”

Rhetorical question alert: Why was my prayer for rest not fulfilled?

I was delusional to thought that sleep would be peaceful. My mental state was affected by a bad decision. There’s no way of reaping long-term benefits from polluting your mind, body, spirit, soul, and relationships. Prayer isn’t a guaranteed solution to override bad choices. However, godly living can prevent most, if not all, miserable results.

If you desire health in any area of your life, start with foundational principles which lead to success. Verbally professing a conditional promise of God (scripture) with contradicting actions is pointless. Yes, faith is the substance of things hope for; however, praying for (something) when your lifestyle reflects (nothing) is absurd. For example, overindulging in areas, which God has given us freedom through Jesus Christ to enjoy, can lead to death/disaster. There are so many examples which I could provide from my own past mistakes to current ones. We daily face crossroads were the decision to place God’s foundation first is optional. Not knowing what the bible says about life is a personal problem. In life, ignorance is not bliss. What you don’t know – can hurt you. You may be praying for something, that the bible has already informed is the opposite will of God. Yet, your lack of discipline to get the information you need is holding you back from acting on and receiving God’s promise.

According to Genesis, God breathe his life into man and he became a living creature. God is still breathing through his word (the Bible). If you are not allowing it to change your lifestyle, you could become ‘The Walking Dead’.

Start here for foundation regarding your spiritual health.
http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

The Whistleblower

For 4 years now, our street has hosted an annual spring block party. Neighboring streets join us to celebrate a day of community fellowship from bounce houses, grilling, to adult and children interactive games. It’s a great way to become familiar with your neighbors, while enjoying awesome weather and eating an array of food.


Each year (mid-party), I’m allowed the opportunity to flex my inner game show host by leading the children and adults into prize-winning competitive, fun games. Contending against bounce houses is tough. Sustaining kid’s attention, while water is gushing out of a 32 feet tall by 25 feet long slide/bounce house is challenging but cool. Typically, I lose my voice; so this year, I decided to use a whistle as a signal for starting and stopping. It worked extremely well until we played musical chairs.

If you know anything about or ever played musical chairs, you know that this game is enjoyable for the audience and participants. However, it can easily become aggressive promoting children and adults to become emotionally upset. Since I didn’t properly plan, there was no stereo involved. The children moved to the tunes of my lovely whistled-out symphony.

Before we began the game, there were several practice rounds to assure every kid understood the rules. Realizing that I could be biased by supporting my two sons, I informed the audience that I would be turning my back to the ‘musical chair-ers’. Also, the audience was told that they would have to hold the children accountable to the rules of the game. If they were out, let them know. Adding my own special touch, they were also informed, ‘if they started to cry to promptly find their mom…’ Tacky I know, but it was quite hilarious because some kids actually did, including my oldest. Geez!

We began the game. Of course, the youngest children were out first. As I turned around to remove each chair, you could sense the intensity thickening and anxiety increasing. With only 5 kids remaining, parents became more verbally demonstrative. They exclaimed to me, ‘They are sitting down before you blow the whistle! They are holding on to a chair!’ So after getting down to three children, I re-did the games and reinforced the rules. Finally, I asked the crowd, ‘why do you keep telling me – tell them – hold them responsible...’ After all, they were seeing what was happening. My back was intentionally facing them. Immediately, I received inspiration for this blog.

The message is simple. If you see someone doing something that would harm them, verbally hold them accountable (in love). Please - do not wait for someone else to intervene, when you are capable. Do not back down from ‘reinforcing the rules’. If you do not have a relationship with them, but are concern about their well-being; find a way to first demonstrate love (Hebrews 12:6). After doing so, let them know that they are harming themselves. Don’t wait for ‘the whistleblower’ to expose. He will not be as nice.

Be ready when the whistle blows!
http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

Charge It 2 da Game

Ever had a time, were you simply didn’t want to get out of bed; when you just wanted to turn off the alarm instead of hitting snooze multiple times? Have you ever wanted to punch (in the face) someone who tailgated you, while obnoxiously honking their horn eventually cutting you to arrive at their destination 15 seconds earlier? You may not have experienced these scenarios, but I’m confident that there have been times throughout your life when your emotions almost got or did get the best of you.

If ‘old me’ could go back in time and talk with ‘young me’, one of the main topics addressed would be not to base my decisions by my emotions. Some of the biggest mistakes in life, I’ve made, were created by how I felt at the moment. Without using discernment and looking at the obvious end results, I began a many failed pursuit. Some people believe that experience is a good teacher; however, looking at the world’s current affairs and society’s repeated offenses; I would strongly argue with this school of thought.In most cases, deciding not to act on your initial emotions leads to a better outcome. Unfortunately, this is slowly becoming a lost art. The discipline and will power needed to forgo an immediate response is becoming extinct. This principle is needed to attain a sustainable quality of life.

One of my biggest struggles as a young adult was spending money (that I didn’t have). In 1998, there was a rap artist by the name of Silkk The Shocker. He released an album entitled ‘Charge It 2 da Game’. This became my slogan when I used my credit card to purchase something that I needed to maintain an image, ‘Charge it to the game!’ Without going into great detail of this end result, anyone who owns a credit card knows how this story can and will conclude. Luckily for me, I had an epiphany and became really good friends with a Dave Ramsey fanatic, who encouraged me to pay off and stay out of debt. Is this emotionally, mentally, or socially easy to do? Absolutely not, but all people in high amounts of debt know, that living debt free truly gives one peace of mind and freedom to thoroughly enjoy life. So why aren’t more people making a decision to stay clear from relationship destroying debt? Consider their emotions.

Bad financial decisions are only one example of the ‘shoot from the hip’ emotional response. Proverbs 29:11 states ‘A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them’ (God’s Word Translation). This is such a valuable amount of wisdom wrapped up in one sentence. Take heed. Think about the consequences of your emotional decisions. Even when you thoroughly process and ‘marinate’ on deciding; allow yourself to be challenged. What are the qualifications of your advisers? Do they have a track record of on-going success in the areas that you ponder?  Remember this, God covers it all. Challenge him in your decision making to give you an answer. Instead of picking up the phone, ‘drop to your knees’. Connect with Him through Jesus Christ, so you can petition with boldness as a righteous child of God. 

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

http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

Video Games + Mythical Creatures that 'battle'

Yesterday, I asked my oldest son was there anyone he looked up to? He shrugged his shoulders and said ‘no’. As a dad, I’m not quite sure how to handle that. I try pretty hard to be a good influence and role model for my sons.

My oldest is an early teen. His hobbies are video gaming, ‘battling’ spinning tops, and collecting Japanese action adventure inspired cards. To quickly sum it up, I have no interest in his passions. They are totally foreign and unexciting to me. Although, I do financially support his fix.

Recently, I signed him up for a basketball league. His mom and I were patiently waiting on him to express some interest in sports; however, this never really happened. Our fear of issues attached with not having structured extracurricular activities promoted us to ‘get the ball rolling’.

Luckily, he was placed on the most talented team in this novice league. They ended the season undefeated champions. At the completion of the championship game and award ceremonies, we had a light conversation about the season. I asked several questions to filter his opinion and true emotions. His response fed to one common subject, ‘I’m not sure if I want to continue because it’s hard’.  Although, he verbally and genuinely expressed having fun; the complex game of basketball took its toll. He often looked panicky. The occasional glance for confirmation was demonstrated in every game. His body language consistently shouted ‘am I’m doing the right thing?’ This culture was foreign to him.

What a dilemma?

Most people make decisions based on life experiences. Hopefully, we (all) learn from our mistakes and make better choices. When I was a child, there was a distinct time that my father unknowingly taught a principle.

One cold, snowy winter day in the Midwest, my dad decided that he was going to cut and gather a few truckloads of wood. As usual, I was forced to tag along. After my fingers went numb and my father was content with his work, we headed home. This same day, the varsity basketball team was having mandatory basketball practice. I was tired, and could care less, if I attended practice. As a freshman, my playing time was extremely limited and I was mostly considered a practice dummy. However, my father could sincerely careless of my fatigue and lackluster intents. He did not ask me if I wanted to go or how I felt about going, but instead drove me to practice and sat in the stands as I fumbled my way through the 90 minutes of torture.  I distinctly remember hating every minute of practice and my father, this day. However, by the end of the basketball season, I played a role in helping our team win a major post-season tournament.  Without the discipline my father instilled, this possibly could not have been. Although, I truly never developed a passion for basketball, the requirements towards rising in this sport were rewarding and integral in my adult development.

Am I’m saying that my son will have to play the same sport as I to learn the same lessons? I’m not. I’m conveying that children need direction, discipline, and consistent reinforcement to develop. Although, my son didn’t acknowledge a role model; (I believe) his current role models are electronically manipulating images and mythical creatures. Unfortunately for him, these examples do not have the ability to instill work ethic. You do.

In the Old Testament, there are plenty examples of father’s blessing their children. God set the model by his calling of Israel. He spoke their legacy before it took place. Although, they fought the new way of thinking and living; the willingness to be obedient and submissive to His authority eventually paid off. God, in his fatherly role, knew what was best for his children. He had a vision and purpose in mind and remained consistent until it was fulfilled. His concern for their overall, long term well-being superseded their immediate comfort. The Israelites’ blatant defiance during the process demonstrates their lack of vision and purpose. Unfortunately, they were former slaves lacking a positive role model of how things could be. Their minds were limited to ‘small thinking’.  Taking what was given, instead of taking what they could have (in God’s will).  Our children need visionaries, who have a plan, purpose, and goal for their life and parents/guardians who identify their talents and play an active role in their development.

As I did, you may need to refocus. Ask God for wisdom to help encourage and motivate your child. It may financially, mentally, and emotionally cost you, but in the long run; it will pay off. Whether your child will see the good in your efforts and choose to apply the principles they learned, while with you, is their decision. The peace of God, that you have done your part will be yours.

Be encouraged.

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

http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things