Confidence

Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. ~Hebrews 10:35-36



 Thoughts on Today's Verse...
There are some tough times that go with living. They're inescapable. That's when our confidence in the Lord's salvation and our relationship with him get tested! It is one thing to sing "it is well with my soul" at the end of a peel the paint worship service, but it is quite another to be able to sing it when they auction your house off at the courthouse steps, you are told you have a long-term debilitating illness, or you lose a child to death. Faith can't take a holiday when we travel through the suburbs of hell or we'll never find our way out. So don't throw it away. Persevere! Keep putting one step in front of the other trusting that God will give you the strength for the next step. No matter how hard it is at the moment, don't give up to despair. Be like Job or Jeremiah who both argued and complained to God, but never let go of God. Don't quit. Christ is coming, for you with grace or in glory once and for all, is just around the bend. ~FW

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak / Speak to My Heart

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  ~James 1:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Have a brake on your tongue; hit the throttle on your ears. Let your angry email sit three days before responding and make sure you read it and edit it before you send it. Keep you mouth shut and your ears open. They all say the same thing. Now if we would just do it, wouldn't the Christian community so much more blessed! ~ FW

Are you ready for the shift?

We are in the first week of the “Surrender Fast: New Beginnings”, this fast coincides with my first 2 weeks on my new job.  In August 2013, I asked GOD for a change I had been in this position for 11 years and I was tired.  Working with middle school students is not easy it really takes its toll after a while.

In May 2014, I was told that I would be moved to the high school building for the 2014-2015 year.  Great, a new challenge and I accepted with great expectation and I thought I was ready for it – I WAS NOT.  Since I knew most of the students, I thought it would be an easy transition but instead it was a little bumpy.  Due to me being there for 11 years I was on auto pilot, I was comfortable. After the first day, I had to step up my game and be even more prepared, more engaged, and less reactionary and find a different rhythm.  Even physically, I had to focus even more on losing more weight so I can move easily between two buildings daily. So if naturally I have to step up my game for this shift (new job), what about the shift I want spiritually?  AM I READY FOR THE SHIFT? And the answer is NO. 

I realized that I need to step up my spiritual game.  I need to be more prepared, more engaged, and less reactionary and find a different rhythm.  Sometimes we find ourselves on autopilot, go to this service, sing this song, and read that scripture but we are not an active participant yet we want more from God. This week I have found these components critical for a swift. 1. Seeking God is essential in preparation for a shift. 2. Removing people, places, and things is next. 3. Fasting & Praying is necessary. 4. Reading his word is mandatory (you need a road to be a better you).     

So I will spend the next 35 day preparing even more for the shift.  I have a revised plan of action and this first step is the “Surrender Fast: New Beginnings” ….. Who’s with me?

Jason Nelson-Shifting The Atmosphere

Enourgement / I Will Trust

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
fact you are doing. ~1 Thessalonians 5:11

While Paul's exhortation here is excellent, it is the style
of the exhortation we should especially notice. We live in an age where we are
constantly pressured to emphasize the novel, new, or improved versions of
things. But in our lives as Christians, our knowledge always exceeds our
obedience. So more often than we like to think, we need to remind each other of
what we are doing right and just simply say, "Hey, you're doing well; just
keep doing what you're doing!" ~ FW

His Reach / Nothing Without You

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. ~Psalm 94:18-19

     We are amazed at the vastness of God's reach, the awesome breadth of his power, and the glorious sweep of his majesty. An additional truth, incredible as it may seem, is God's personal nearness to us. He chooses to know us and be actively involved in the trials and triumphs we face each day. How will today, or tomorrow, be different because you are aware of his presence and companionship? What difference does it make to know he supports you when your foot slips or that his consolation is nearby when anxiety rises? -FW

Thought of the Day | Marvin Winans - Draw me Close to You / Thy Will be Done

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
—Psalm 143:10

We want the Spirit to be at work in us to make us like Jesus. For this to happen, we must open our hearts to the will of God. There are no greater words God wants to hear than "teach me to do your will." That is what it means for him to be God, to have control over our lives and our wills. This is a key part of loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. As we open ourselves to the Father in this way, the Holy Spirit puts us on God's level ground! ~FW

New Beginnings - Surrender Fast Fall 2014

I am excited that you have joined me for Surrender Fast.  This 40-day spiritual journey will change your life!  Are you ready?  This will be my third fast and I will tell you your life will change if you put in the work.  In my experience the main ingredient for change is the mindset. During the Pre-fast, I want you to see yourself in the future.  In 40 days where do you see yourself?  What is your goal for this fast?  Then, how do we get there?    

In partnership with Dr. Celeste Owens, you will be part of my Connector Group for the BROTHA’S. 

The theme for Cycle 8 is NEW BEGINNINGS.  

Through-out Cycle 8, I will share everything from  blogs, scriptures, music,& some articles from Brothaonline.com  that I hope will empower and inspire you as we take the fast together.

As part of this group, I am making myself available to help you through your 40 Day Surrender Fast with accountability, answer questions you may have that arise during this 40 day cycle, and to partner in prayer with you on behalf of the things that God will lead you to surrender.

Please leave comments, prayers, scriptures, etc on the blog or email me at info@brothaonline.com.

1.  The Pre-Fast begins on Monday, September 8th and Day 1 will begin on September 15th.

What’s Expected of You: It’s pretty simple – you do your part and expect God to REVEAL – RESTORE – HEAL and any other SURPRISES He may have!

2.  Register for Cycle 8 Surrender Fast – at www.surrenderfast.com and order a copy of the book “The 40-Day Surrender Fast” as soon as possible.

3.  Read the Pre-Fast Section starting on Monday, September 8th.

4.   Ask the Father what things He will have you to SURRENDER (for some it was sweets, impatience, fear, relationships, finances, etc.) He will show you!

5.  Each morning WORSHIP – PRAY – SURRENDER the area(s) DAILY in PRAYER.

6.  Read that Days Devotion – Journal in a separate book the answers to the questions that follow. BE STILL & LISTEN for HIS VOICE.   Prayer Call at 7:00am (If you miss the call, it is RECORDED). If you miss the call I can’t STRESS the importance of your listening to it later in the DAY. Those calls are absolutely POWERFUL. They are only 15 – 20 minutes. Dr. Celeste does a brief but powerful teaching and every day someone from her prayer team says a prayer on behalf of the community of Surrender Fasters & their family.

7.  Feel free to submit prayers to the prayer line via email given on website.

8.  Prayer Calls are at 7:00am daily except for Friday’s. Friday there is a weekly Wrap Up Call at 12:00 noon  Phone number will be listed on website.

9. Each day you can go to the website and share how the FAST is impacting your life by leaving a comment.

10.  I will send you emails throughout the week – to check on you – encourage you!

11. If you have any questions throughout the FAST, don’t hesitate to email me.

I am praying and believing God for miracles in our lives.  

Sincerely, 

Charles Clark

CECE WINANS LIVE - EVERLASTING LOVE

Masturbation: Is It a Sin?

This question was raised by a reader of Brother Magazine regarding masturbation.  Other people were asked to address this issue, however, for reasons unbeknownst to me, they chose not to.  So when I was asked, I figured to myself, “why not?”  This topic has been known to be one of the taboo topics in the body of Christ, however, as many of you know, I have a reputation for being combative and confrontational, so before you have a heart attack, I ask you to remain calm and just continue to read as I argue to my stance on whether or not masturbation is a sin.   This subject has evoked great emotion in the church and my commentary could invoke enormous controversy because there are so many people within Christendom who partake in this subject physically as it has become a hobby to a great many people. 

Simply put, I am compelled to be truthful by saying that my stance is “Yes” masturbation is very much a sin.  I say this because masturbation, while physical, is more mental than it is physical.  For those who would disagree I simply would ask that the next time you attempt to participate in this act, think on the Holiness of God and being in His divine presence.  While this may sound funny, you will have to admit that you won’t get far in the act of masturbation.  You have to understand that in order to participate in this act, not only is it physical but your mind MUST go to a place where you visualize the act of sex.  Your mind is provoked into going to a realm where lust permeates and your psyche has you lusting for a particular something. 

If I am wrong, please correct me however, in Matthew, the fifth chapter, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees who were quite legalistic and carried out the Ten Commandments to a “tee!”  However, Jesus, during His Sermon on the Mount, was led to discuss and share the “game change” and how the people had to operate hereafter because up until now they lived their lives by the commandments and were quick to make sure they did not literally kill anyone.  Conversely, Jesus shared a new concept or a new paradigm or way of thinking which took things to another level which dealt not only with their actions but delved into their thought processes.  He dealt with the issue of murder and not only dealt with the literal meaning of taking a life but shared with them that if they were angry with their brother or sister, it was the same thing as being guilty of murder.  Likewise, for the adulterer, the Pharisees were quick to stand in judgment about their religious living because there were some who hadn’t crossed the line literally nonetheless Jesus leveled the playing field by sharing with them that the heart can be corrupted with lust quicker than the body can. 

Do you understand the basis for my argument in why masturbation is a sin?  Again, show me someone who can become aroused singing a hymn and keeping their mind on whatever is honest, pure, and of good report and if they can do that and still manipulate their body to have an orgasm then maybe I can take a different approach as to how to argue the text.  But until then, I must stay true to the conviction of my heart and aim to make sure my mind stays pure from lustful thoughts that could lead me down a path of no return.  My goal is to do and say those things which are pleasing to my Heavenly Father and the same should be your goal as well. So remember, it’s not about legalistically staying out of the bedroom but rather the thought processes of your mind that resonates   in the mind of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

I know this may seem harsh but I have to keep it real otherwise I wouldn’t be who I am.  The act of masturbation can only be completed by the lustful thoughts that cause stimulation that is needed in order to produce the intended orgasmic reaction!  It is the thought of sexual relations coupled with the manipulation of your body that leads to the purposed combustion.  Without the mind igniting the passion of thought then masturbation is null and void.   I will close by referring to the book of James, chapter 1 verses 14 & 15.  I will use the Message Bible just because it brings the entire point home better than the King James Version does.  (The Message Bible) “The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.  Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.”  So basically, James is saying you need to check yo’self before you wreck yo’self!   

Written by Luther McKinstry for  Brotha Magazine for the  Oct/Nov 2010 Issue.   

More ......

I wanna give my best to you
I wanna do what you asked me to do
I wanna go wherever you say
just say the word and I'll obey
I wanna live a life that's real
I wanna serve you lord for real
for you deserve all this and more
so I give you more

Sometimes I can't find the words I want to say to God in prayer.  So I find a song that reveals the sentiments of my heart.  This song simply entitled "More" does just that this morning. 

Through this surrender journey I want to be MORE.  

More open

More loving

More giving

More understanding

More forgiving 

JUST MORE ..... 

Most importantly more of the man God wants me to be. 

What lyrics are speaking to you?

What did I learn .....

Part II 

So what did I learn? 

I learned one of the most difficult lessons of LIFE ...... I learned (still) how to be BE GRATEFUL ! 

You know the lyrics: God has not promised me sunshine.  That's not the way it's going to be. But a little a rain ..... A little rain? 

At that point of my and subsequent othesr I was, have, and will experience DOWN POURS. Yet every down pour had made me stronger and has equipped me for the next.  I can take more now than  I did at 20; better yet 35; not as quick to throw in the towel like I have been. Just imagine if I had, there would be no Brotha, no music, no anything just a family mourning my death.  

So here is the question of the week.  What do you want to learn during the Surrender Fast? 

Again, comment or email me at info@brothaonline.com.  I will respond.  God Bless You.  

YES I WAS BORN FOR EVEN THIS !

I remember the day I tried to kill myself in at 19 or 20 (now 40).  I sat in the upstairs bathroom of my childhood home. I was lost, didn't like myself, no self-esteem, thought I was ugly and that no one would love me. Now I had loving parents and seven brothers/sisters yet I still felt so alone.  So I took a bottle of my dads pills and said good-bye to myself.  Took the pills, sat there and threw every last pill up. 

GOD IS AMAZING ! Because I'm Still Here ! 

I was born for this. Every mistake, failure, broken heart, almost dying twice  ~ YES I WAS BORN FOR THIS.  This is the life God gave me and even through my jack ups, hang ups, low points, high points I was was born for this.   Each one of those experiences made me who I am a this moment.  I am better singer, editor, publisher, BELIEVER because of them.  Don't knock down these experiences; just ask yourself one question ~ What did I learn?  

Part II on Monday ...... 

What do you want to Change?

You know my other side
I can no longer hide
Let You down so many times
Sin freshly crucifies

Thought that I had a plan
I had it all figured out
But the more that You tried
To be by my side
The more I push You out

Lord make me over
Lord make me over
Lord make me over

As a publisher I am always looking at words.  As a singer I am always looking for words to help express what I'm feeling and want to minister at the same time (hence me posting the lyrics above.)   During this cycle of the surrender fast I am asking God to make me over.  I want to mature or grow in Christ. SO I began to think this morning in prayer ~  Growth signifies change and during this cycle I want to grow or mature meaning I want and have to change.  When you want to stay the same spiritually you don't read, study (there's a difference) fast, pray, mediate etc. all of these bring change or growth. When you don't want "Grow"or Mature you stop doing those things the bring about growth , change, or maturity.  

So, What do you want to Change? and Where do you want to see Growth? 

Please leave comments or send me an email to info@brothaonline.com 

Good Afternoon, I am so excited about this cycle of the Surrender Fast.  I wanted to post something yesterday but everything was hectic and not going the way I planned for them to go.  Last night as I looked back over the day, I noticed that I didn't become frustrated about how things weren't going "My Way".  I also notice how full of joy and peace as the day began to unfold and became clear that Monday, March 10th  wasn't going to go "My Way" ~ This is MAJOR for me!    I get easily annoyed and frustrated when things don't go "My Way" to the point where it takes me hours to get back to a place of calm.  Lately, I have been staying in that place of calm and began just letting the Lord handle it.  Trust me it's a better place to be and  realizing at 40 years old I can't fix it no matter how hard I try and that letting go (of relationships, bitterness, etc) it better for me mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

Lastly, "My Way" is not always "God's Way" even if you have planned it to the last detail.  Instead ask yourself ~ What does God say? 

Song of the Day: For My Good by Daniel Johnson

Daniel Johnson - For My Good (+playlist)

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Broken Pieces by Charles Clark

What happens to a spirit that has been broken?

On the floor, on their hands and knees trying to put those tear stained pieces of that spirit back together.

Wishing and Praying for a “savior” to come along and help make them whole once more.

Yet it begs the question, are those pieces suppose to be put back together?

Are those the pieces of depression or oppression?

Are those the pieces of a scared childhood?

Are those the pieces of a man who no longer exists? 

So before you pick up those pieces

Ask yourself one last question …….

Am I on the journey to wholeness without them …… 

Inspiration to write came after I read something my brother Jason wrote, my friend Detrick Hughes and by a FB message someone sent to me about the current issue of Brothaonline.com. 

Dear Brotha's 

I am really excited to be a Group Leader for the SURRENDER FAST CYCLE 7!  I will try my best to post something everyday.  I am a little different (just ask Dr. Owens); I'll post thoughts, scriptures, music videos, songs, etc and I want your feedback on it all.  Please feel free to email me (brothamag@outlook.com), leave messages on the blog, or even call. Cycle 6 changed the way I saw myself,  my relationship with God, and how I wanted to be a better me.  Trust me everyone will have a different experience during Cycle 7 and my advice is just to be open to the possibilities.  God Bless You and hope to hear from you soon! 

Your in Christ, 
Charles Clark