A Brotha's Perspective

Jeremiah

2012-01-18T14:51:00.002-05:00

The words of Jeremiah...to whom the word of the LORD came... Jeremiah 1:1-2 (NKJV)

Of all the books of prophecy in the Bible, Jeremiah's is the most personal. Large sections of Jeremiah are descriptive of what was happening in this prophet's heart as he follows through with the task that God had called him to...and it was one of the most difficult tasks the Lord had ever assigned to someone.

From the start, God told Jeremiah his audience wouldn't receive him, and his ministry wouldn't appear successful to outward eyes (Jeremiah 1:18). That didn't matter, however. Jeremiah was to speak for the Lord, no matter how unreceptive the people were. And he did. He faithfully carried out his duties as a prophet of the Lord for more than forty years.

But as hard as Jeremiah's ministry was, he had a secret weapon. He had something that always overcame the adversity he faced. He had an uninhibited connection with God. Over and over again, the Book of Jeremiah gives us snapshots of the back-and-forth between the prophet and the Lord. And what we see is a man who was real with God when he was truly suffering. Here's just a small sampling:

"Let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously...woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me...Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will You surely be to me like an unreliable stream, as waters that fail?" Jeremiah 12:1, 15:10, 18 (NKJV)

Do you see how real and raw Jeremiah is with the Lord? He doesn't approach God in a detached or cold way but speaks to Him like a real person...because He is.

Sadly, a lot of people don't have that kind of connection with the Lord. Even many Christians never feel the freedom to be this honest when they pray to Him.

Don't let that be true of you. Be respectful and reverent towards God, but at the same time be as real with Him as Jeremiah was.

Think About It…

Answai T. White, B.S., M.Div., C.P.E.

God Doesn't Bail

2011-12-18T21:33:00.002-05:00

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. 2 Timothy 4:17 (NKJV)

Chronologically, the Book of 2 Timothy is the last letter written by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. It's an interesting and invaluable letter because it gives us a snapshot of what things were like for him towards the tail end of his prolific ministry

.Now, here is what may come as a surprise to many of us: While Paul impacted countless lives over the course of his missionary journeys, and although he had a healthy following of helpers and supporters throughout most of his life, many (if not most) had turned against him as his ministry came to a close.

That's hard for us to fathom. But Paul is the one who tells us that aside from Luke, all of the closest companions who had been by his side had forsaken him (2 Timothy 4:10-16). Process that for a second. After all the blood, sweat, and tears, Paul found himself with several knives in his back, courtesy of those he had trusted and invested in most.

Undoubtedly, Paul shed more than his share of tears, but he didn't crumple under the weight of this heartbreak. He had something stronger that supported him through it. Man had done the unthinkable to him, but there was a greater reality at work in the Apostle's life. Despite being forsaken by his closest earthly companions, the Lord stood by his side and didn't go anywhere.

God doesn't bail on us even when everybody else does. Regardless of how many turn their backs on us, the Lord never will. Every friend may abandon and betray us. Yet even if that should happen, we'll still be able to say as Paul did, "But the Lord."

For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)

Think About It...

Answai White

The Message

2011-06-29T14:54:00.000-04:00

Has the church failed in teaching the saints true doctrine? Has the church migrated away from what has been taught to us down throughout the years? I ask this because one night as I was flipping through the religious programming channels, the message that was being preached was that of prosperity, sowing and reaping, tithing to receive the financial blessing of God, so on and so forth.

Now, do not mistake what I am saying. I am all for the teaching and educating the saints on how obedience leads to positive repercussions. However, have we now traded in holiness for membership? Have we come to the point that we will sacrifice living right for numbers on Sunday morning? Holiness is indeed a lifestyle that not only has rewards but consequences. How many churches still teach the fundamental heaven and hell are indeed real message, and I mean not just in New Membership class? We are living in an age where even the very elect of God are being deceived, thinking that they can live any kind of way and still go to heaven! The saints are clubbing throughout the week, singing and laying hands on Sunday morning. Any and everything just about is going on within the walls of the Temple, and no one wants to step up and speak against for fear of being out of place because of a lack of a title in front of their name.

Romans 3:23 declares it plainly, that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Galatians 3:22 declares that the Scripture has confined ALL under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. No single person is excluded from sin, as the above scriptures can confirm. But those of us who were once sinners have obtained the promise of Jesus Christ by having faith that He has forgiven us of our sin. This is the fundamental teaching that the church must never forsake, for before Jesus ever began to reveal the mysteries of heaven and taught that good measure pressed down and shaken together would men give into our bosom, he preached these words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17).

To Live is Christ .....

2011-06-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

There was a status on Facebook that I once read that said this: to know Christ is to know what life is about. To not know Christ is to wonder what life is all about. It brought to my attention the scripture that reads that “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain..” (Phil1:21)

In my opinion, one of the better benefits of living the life of a saint of God is that in dying, I actually am closer to living the life I was created to live. I know that was kind of heavy, but that is why it is written that Christ goes to prepare a place for us. Quite frankly, this is not our home. We simply are strangers passing through a barren land. But we have to understand that we are not to become INFECTED with the things of this world, but to AFFECT those people that are in the world. We quote Matthew 6:33 all of the time, have epiphanies, revelations and assumptions about it and STILL miss the fundamental point that it is the business of God to care for His people if they set their affections on the things that have nothing to do with this perishing planet.

Christ came for a people who would carry out the purpose of God, the will of God. He came for those who were lost in their way, and revealed that He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He extended to us the invitation to live the life that He lives with his father. It is funny how there are efforts to extend life, clone humans, and look younger. Here is a simple solution: accept Christ, and live forever! Ultimately, to live life as the world is to live unto death, but to live life unto Christ is to invest in a hope and a future that includes a mansion, rest, heavenly treasures, but most of all, basking in the presence of the almighty God!

Ask for the Rain

2011-05-23T09:28:00.001-04:00

Here is something that I am beginning to understand: anything that wants to grow is going to need two things: water and dirt. Dirt so that it could take in the nutrients from the ground, and water to provide moisture to the nutrients so that in due season, it will sprout into its intended shape. Here is what else I am beginning to understand: people do not want to go through anything. If a situation arises, we feel that it is because we have done something terribly wrong and we are being punished for it. Forget Hebrews 10:32-35 which talks about remembering that in the days of you struggling, you were illuminated.......and to not cast off your reward of confidence.

We know that with the economy the way it is now, that struggling is inevitable. Unless you were taught in the ways of finance, born into a wealthy family, or stumbled upon a prosperous idea, you are going to struggle at one point or another. Now it is one thing to be the victim of decision, but a totally different thing to ask to be put in a precarious situation. It takes having the mindset of a gardner to fully grasp the concept of taking a seed, planting it in good soil......then covering it in dirt and then watering it FREQUENTLY........knowing that the outcome of the seed will be good and that it will not only grow, but produce fruit after its own kind. Everything that has ever grown has gone through the process of being in dirt, water, and being assisted by the other elements that are not only essential for growth, but survival.

So don't be afraid to ask for the rain, and when you ask for it, leave the umbrella at home. It is the rain......not necessarily the sunshine........that is the most important element of growth.

A Mind to Work

2011-05-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

As I sit and ponder about life’s dealings, I am reminded for one reason or another about the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall. One particular scripture sticks in my mind, and it is the one that declares that the people “had a mind to work”. Now we speak of the state of the mind all the time. We are quick to declare that one must not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Now the question becomes what will the state of the mind be after it is renewed? One of the tricks of the enemy is to remind us that though we may have a new mind, we are still in the same world, that our location has not changed, and he tries to convince us that it is a mere feeling and not an actual event. Paul’s encounter AND conversion happened in one place, at the same time.

The state of the mind is critical to the salvation of the saint. If the saint does not develop the attitude of a worker, then the life that they profess to live will be vain. Remember that salvation is not just the act of baptism, but the decision in the mind that this life is not the life that the price was paid for. Remember what we said in the beginning of this blog, that the people had a mind to work. What that says is that the decision was made that no matter what the cost, the sacrifice, there was work to be done and only a COLLECTIVE effort would ensure success. The mind wills the body to do so many things, to endure challenges, to defy the odds. Why? Because it was in the mind that the limitations were set, so what better place to destroy that which was established than the source of its existence? Once the mind is convinced that it can accomplish the task, the body has no choice but to follow the commands and instincts of the mind. The state of your mind depends on how bad you want to survive, and having the mind to work can only increase your chances of doing just that.

Passion for Christ

2011-04-18T12:19:00.000-04:00

You shouldn’t have to look far to see where I picked the name of this particular blog from. With this being the Passion Week, I thought it only fitting that a blog of this nature be included. We understand that the movie title depicted exactly the feeling of the Master for us: the Passion of the Christ. Understanding what exactly the word ‘passion’ means is very instrumental in the revelation of this blog, if you will. The word passion means any powerful or compelling emotion of feeling; the object of such fondness or desire. God has such a fondness, a love, a PASSION for us that he endured first the betrayal of an apostle, and then the suffering at the hands of man, and then finally the death. He did all this knowing what kind of individual we would become, our acts, our thoughts, our decisions, our relationships, and everything else that the world has decided defines us with. He did all this knowing that at some point in our Christian walk, we would do as Peter did, though not necessarily verbally word for word, but with our actions and our dialogue that does not reflect our relationship and our knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He did this knowing that the passion He has for us is greater than any punishment He would have to endure on our behalf. Now, let us examine the passion that we have FOR Christ. Can we actually say that we have an actual passion for Jesus the Christ, or do we just say that we do to ‘pacify’ ourselves and others that we know love God, and are called according to His purpose? Are we willing to endure what is necessary when we ask to be closer to Him, when we ask to know Him in the power of His resurrection, and in the FELLOWSHIP of His suffering? How long will we tire out in the midst of our trial and declare that there is no way that He could possibly have a passion for us simply because we feel He hasn’t delivered us according to our timetable? Where is our passion for patience having her perfect work? Recall what Jesus said, that at any moment he could call for a legion of angels to come to His aid, but because there was a purpose behind the suffering, the mockery, the betrayal, He endured all things to display that His passion was real. Let us take this into consideration not only during this particular week, but for the rest of our lives. Let us develop the passion for our Christ, for it was during this week that the passion of the Christ was on full display.

Relationship Status

2011-04-13T15:54:00.002-04:00

I know that we have tackled this in a few articles already, but I haven’t been able to just express how I feel concerning this. Relationships are indeed very valuable, fragile, but very necessary to make through this life. I like to look at the word within the word, which in this case is the word ‘ship’. If you really think about it without going too far into the deep of it, relationships are indeed like ships. The conditions have to be right for a safe journey to your destination…..depending on what the boating forecast is, you may not even take your boat out on the water there is the possibility that an unexpected storm may rise, and you have to rely on what you have learned and been trained in to survive. Even on Facebook, and most dating sites, you have the option to put your “relationship status”. When filing taxes, filling out important paperwork, you are required to give your relationship status. Even in general conversation, some sentence will elude to whether you are single, married, have a lot of friends, or if you prefer to keep to yourself. The point that I am trying to make is that your relationships can help shape or destroy your future. They can be an important commodity to you, or you can disregard them at your leisure. Jesus had many disciples, but also had 12 that He allowed to become intimately close to Him. Business relationships, personal relationships and all other relationships hinge on whether or not you decide to show yourself friendly and worthy of establishing a relationship. No one can make it through this life, especially the life of holiness, alone. It is impossible. Even the most secluded and dedicated saint needs someone to be accountable to. Though there are many experts, those who hold doctorates and have been dressed with accolades galore, not one of them can prescribe or even formulate a perfect relationship. However, I believe that the best relationships are the ones that have been through the test of time, have battled the raging wind and sea, has been drug through the muck, mire and clay and yet not only did it survive, but it is willing to share its testimony, for the word of God declares that we overcome by the words of our testimony, not the re-enactment of our situation. Abraham was given a two-fold status with God, the father of many nations AND the friend of God, simply because he chose to have a relationship with the Almighty. Relationships matter and they pay dividends when it’s all said and done.

There Is Nothing Like It

2011-04-04T10:54:00.001-04:00

A good friend of mine received an e-mail the other day from a friend of theirs, and in it was enclosed one of the age-old questions that continues to baffle the saints today………depending on their tradition and beliefs. The question was: Is once saved always saved? While I will not try to give an answer as this is not the point of this blog, I will say this: there is nothing sweeter than knowing that I am safe in the Masters’ arms. Now I am not saying that everyday is a breeze, not at all! Trust me……..there are days where I am thinking to myself, ‘OK now…..what is REALLY going on here!?’ If you haven’t had one of those days, as the elder saints would say: “keep living baby!” But needless to say, at the end of the day, God will show Himself strong, faithful, and ever so true to His word. After all, it does say that His word will not come back to Him void; meaning empty of fulfillment, but it will accomplish that which He has sent it forth to do. Every day that I live is just a testimony to the fact that God lives, for it is in Him that we live, move, and have our being. It also allows my faith to grow, because I can live IN the expectation that God will blow my mind on today by manifesting His word in the most magnificent way, but if He doesn’t do it today, He is still God, and God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent. He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever more. Just as the saying goes, if He did it back then……in the days of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, Joshua, Moses, and the rest that are listed in the “hall of faith”, He can and will do it again!

Progress in the Process

2011-03-28T11:14:00.001-04:00

One of the biggest misconceptions in the beginning stages of exercise and diet is that there are no noticeable differences between the start of the regime and the current moment of existence. This is where most people stop the program that they are currently in, and possibly stop going to the local gym where there membership is because they believe, with their natural eye, that no progress has been made and they return to the life they lived before deciding to make a change. If this applies to you, do not feel bad, because it applies to me as I am writing this. Far too many times I have begun a task, not necessarily exercising, but because I haven’t noticed the progress that I believe should have been made, I quickly become frustrated and stop it altogether. Christians experience this in the spiritual realm as well. We begin to pray, seek the Lord like never before, but we feel as if nothing has changed and our life, instead of improving, has actually gotten worse! We feel as if what we are doing isn’t helping us reach our destiny like WE think it should, and convince ourselves that we were better off doing what we were doing previously. What we need to realize is that with any project or endeavor, results do not happen overnight. Even the disciples had to wait for the coming of the Holy Ghost after the ascension of Christ. It was not until they were fully prepared on the day of Pentecost that they received the promise. But they had to endure the process of WAITING. We must understand that it is what goes on behind the scenes that make the outside look good! There is progress in this process, just do not become so discouraged that you cannot see it!

Can You Believe It ?

2011-03-23T09:46:00.001-04:00

If you are anything like me, when something happens it may take you a while before you actually believe it. When President Obama took the oath of the presidency, I am sure that there were many, many people that just took a moment to say to them that “this is really happening” and “I am witnessing history in the making”.

But now I want to put a twist on the phrase that is the title of this blog. I believe that most of today’s Christians do not experience the fullness of the power of God because that cannot believe that it really exists. Too often we find that a saint will be seemingly be in a constant state of depression………they always are saying ‘please pray for me’ or ‘why am I going through this’. The Bible declares that if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we are able to move mountains. However, it also declares that to fully exercise this so great a faith, we must become like little children. Children believe that any and everything is possible, simply because they nothing else. We as mature Christians have become accustomed to stipulations and boundaries because in the natural realm we have heard the word ‘No’ so many times. But what we must return to is the basic doctrine of faith: God is above the natural way of doing things!

Deitrick Haddon said it best: God is supernatural, meaning that there is nothing that God cannot do. However, we cannot move past the natural because it is so easy to see. However, if we could see God naturally and how He operates, then faith would be unnecessary. But because God moves by His spirit and by His time, we have a hard time believing that God has heard our prayer and are willing to save us. But the old saints put it best when they said this: ‘He may not come when you want Him, but He is always right on time!’ Can you believe that!

Confident vs. Conceited

2011-02-19T10:10:00.001-05:00

Here is something that I have thought of on a consistent basis: what is the difference between being confident and being convinced? Is there a line between the two, or do they walk hand in hand? Another word that can be substituted here is convinced. When does know when they have crossed the line, if there is one to be crossed? Well, here is what I believe: it takes some sort of confidence to walk this thing we call Christianity. With the world in the shape that it is in today, you have to be sure that you know God, and that He knows you. Now just because you know God (or whatever you may call it) does not give you the right to look down on others. In all of the being convinced, confident, or whatever, remember that if you cannot be convicted, then you are indeed a counterfeit. Here is what real saints are confident in: the fact that God is holy, righteous, and the judge of all deeds. He chastens those whom He loves. If you feel you haven’t been chastened in a while, you may want to check your relationship.

Renewed Passion

2010-11-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

Here is something I have come to understand: in this day and age, you need not to wait until your birthday, New Year’s Day, or any other day to renew a passion or a resolution that you may have started, thought that you wanted to start, or maybe even just thought of. I believe that the word of God declares that “NOW is the acceptable time”. In other words, there is no time like the present. Charles Buxton once said, “You will never find time. If you want time, you must make it.”

That quote is truest in this era. We have become so busy that people often say they need more than 24 hours to accomplish all that they need in a day. Technology has become so advanced that we are able to program DVR’s from our phones……we can keep up with the latest news, gossip, etc. via Facebook, Twitter, and other applications. However, we somehow have lost touch with the outside world. Vacations are used to catch up on business, the Xbox, Playstation, and the Wii has taken the place of going to the beach and local amusement parks. Family time consists of instant messaging and playing games on cell phones at the dinner table.

Where has the time gone? I challenge you to make the time to do what you have set out to do. If you want to lose weight, commit at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Doctors conclude that devoting at least that much time a day, 3-4 days a week will steer you in the right path. So many other things have taken a back seat due to the excuse that there is not enough time. Stop complaining about you not having time. If you want to do something you set out to do, and I mean really set your heart and mind to it, you will do like Charles Buxton said and “make time”.

It's Alright ... It's OK

2010-11-14T17:59:00.001-05:00

Mistakes happen……point blank. Name me one person who has never made a mistake!? There is only one man, and his name is Jesus. I will never understand for the life of me how one can justly “cast stones” at someone when they themselves have their own closets that are full of only God knows what!

What gets me most is that these people are the so called “people of God”. They are quick to throw the line of, “I am not judging, but I am just saying…..”. If I am not mistaken, as soon as you utter the word “but”, do you not erase everything that you previously stated? So not only are you passing judgment, but you are assuming a position that is only designed for God himself. Then wonder why no one can notice the change in your walk, your talk, your relationship with Christ. You wonder why you are seemingly going around and around in circles…..you yourself are walking around in judgment because best believe that the same measure that you are judging with is the same measure that you are being judged with.

When will we fully learn to live what we preach…..forgiveness. There is a quote that declares, “To err is human, but to forgive is divine”. We say we want to be like Christ, but we don’t want to do what He has instructed. Can we really tell our brother…..our sister that it is alright…..it’s ok? You messed up, but the grace of God is sufficient unto thee?

Where Is Your Head?

2010-11-03T09:57:00.001-04:00

Looking at the present world as it is today, I cannot help but to ask this question to some people today……where exactly is your head? In other words, can you tell me exactly what it is that you are thinking? For those who may not understand what I am talking about, let me explain.

There isn’t one day that goes by, and I am sure that you witness the same thing, that I do not see a young man with his pants below the allotted waist line, a young lady with clothes so tight that you can see every organ and vein in her body performing its function through her outfit. I see tricked-out and “pimped out” rides, but if I go ask the brother where he lives; he says his mom’s house. I see young mothers whose hair is “popped”, but her children are still in their pajamas. Or a young man bragging about how many women he has slept with, but has no idea how many kids he may have.

So again I ask, and allow me to rephrase the question: What is most important to you? Can it be the famed money, power, and respect? To earn the three, you must give them as well. You must spend money to make money, and I am not just talking about investment. It takes money to get gas in the car to go fill out the application of the job you want to get. It takes money to buy the groceries to cook the food that people eat, and then say you need to start your own catering business. To earn power, you must learn to be subjected to it…..in other words, if someone has authority over you, you must learn to give away your pride, your selfishness, your own personal views and submit until you are put in a position that power can be entrusted to you. I am reminded of a line from a movie that declared that “with great power comes great responsibility”. Power doesn’t make you great……WIELDING that power is what makes you great. Lastly, to get respect you MUST give it. There is no way you can take respect. It must be given, and it must be earned. If you cannot respect one of the most important people in life, that person being YOU, you will never receive the respect that you seek.

Yon Can't Be Serious

2010-11-01T05:59:00.000-04:00

You cannot be serious…..

There was a recent event that I heard of that has left me speechless, hence the title of this particular blog. I have a very good friend of mine who was a member of a great church for 3 years. The pastor is a very good friend of his that has proven to be an outstanding preacher and a sort of big brother/father figure since the passing of his birth father 6 years ago. My friend was an associate minister for the church and was also the church musician. They have long history together and share a wonderful friendship.

Just recently, my friend decided that, along with his wife, it was time for them to leave the ministry as they felt they were being led of God. My friend drafted a letter and sent it to the pastor of the church expressing his feelings about various issues, none demeaning or destructive in any way. He expressed how much he loves and appreciates the pastor and his wife, and that they have taught them so much throughout their time there. He reiterated the order of life as taught by the pastor: God, then family, then the church. He wrote that he must do what is in the best interest of his family, meaning his wife. This was done not to appease his wife, but was done out of agreement between the two of them that this move was not only led of God, but best for the both of them.

Not even a few hours after he sent the letter to the Pastor, he was on Facebook and found that one of his the people on his friends’ list drafted a mock letter and put it on the Pastor’s wall. In the letter, he accused my friend of stabbing the pastor in the back, wanting to be “babied”, and a few other disturbing sentences. What made it even sadder was that he included direct phrases contained in the letter that was sent to the pastor, using them as if importance was not an issue. The icing on the cake!? The individual who drafted the mock letter is also an associate minister of the same congregation, and a spiritual son of the pastor. Is this how we really respond to saints trying to fulfill the will of God? Is this how we support the elect in finishing the race? Why was this letter even in the presence of this individual!!!! And we wonder why some churches have “revolving” doors and “join this week and leave the next” saints!

Is It Possible

2010-10-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

The famous Clark Sisters, in the song titled “I’m looking for a Miracle, wrote the song lyric, “The sky is the limit to what I can have”. Now do not mistake this for artistic criticism, because it is not. The Clark sisters are masters of their gift, and they have rendered a countless number of gospel hits throughout the course of their collective and individual careers. I just believe that the sky is not the limit to what I or you can have, but is merely another ceiling for us to bust through. For so long we have limited ourselves to what I like to call basic faith. Basic faith is the faith that says, ‘I believe that God hears prayer and maybe He heard mine. If He answers, fine. If He doesn’t, then obviously it wasn’t my place to pray for that”.

We now must transition from basic to what I call “beyond” faith. What I mean by that is we must begin to believe beyond what the limits may have placed, because God is not bound by time, space, or power. He is called the great “I AM”, not the once great I was. What you think is impossible, God has already made possible. You must simply declare to yourself that it is possible.

Let's Get It Together ..... PLEASE !

2010-07-16T07:58:00.000-04:00

With all the hype surrounding LeBron James' exodus to Miami, it was easy to lose focus on what is seemingly most important. People are out of work, struggling to make ends meet, wondering where their next meal is going to come from, and we are wondering where one man is going to play basketball for the next couple of years. Can we seriously refocus our energy and attention PLEASE ! LeBron doesn't know 99.9 percent of the people who are burning jerseys, memorabilia, etc. How about we get that hyped up about GOD ….. Let's get it together.

Fight

2010-05-14T06:12:00.000-04:00

Most people throw in the towel even before they step foot in the ring, because the appearance of the opposition has caused their mind to convince them that there is no way that they can possibly win. So that even before they begin to battle their enemy, they have defeated themselves outside the place of battle. Their mind has placed in their heart a sense of defeat, and my brother this cannot be. We have not been given a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind. Defeat is not an option to the believer, but a weapon of the enemy that he uses subtly, yet effectively. We have been given the authority to tread upon the serpent, so let us use it, openly and effectively.

Faith Without Work Is .......

2010-05-05T17:00:00.001-04:00

There are a lot of people who fear the future simply because the present for them does not look promising. The economy is failing, bills are piling faster than the bank account, and it seems like everything has gone up in pricing, from the gas pump to the grocery store. However, we as the saints have to understand that this is the time where our faith is our strongest. God said that He would never leave us nor forsake us. In other words, God will provide. We merely have to exercise our faith, for faith without works is dead.

Release It

2010-04-17T23:35:00.000-04:00

There was an article recently released that a professional football team released one its star players. The player in turn said that he had anticipated his release from the team, but has no hard feelings for them. He then said that he feels that he still has a few years left that he can play all-star type football. There are many of us who have been let go because it was perceived that our best has been given, and that we have no more to offer. I declare that not to be true. The best is yet to come, for God has not given up on you. Go ahead and release that hurt, that anger, that resentment that has kept you in bondage. Remember the Word of God declares that He whom the Son has set free, is truly free indeed.

Go Hard

2010-03-24T06:58:00.001-04:00

I once heard a great preacher deliver a message entitled "Go Hard". In the message, he encouraged the saints to continue to press through everything, for those things which are behind you should no longer concern you. So allow me to do the same thing, in that no matter what is going on, keep going. Jesus continued to the end, and so should we.

Let's Move

2010-03-10T16:57:00.001-05:00

This is now March. February has come and is now gone. It was full of its trials and tribulations, and yes even its heartaches. Nevertheless we must move. Time indeed waits for no man, so just as it moves so must we. Moving allows us to remain mobile, loose. We remain open to opportunities to better ourselves, our situations, our lives.

Let's Move

2010-03-10T16:57:00.000-05:00

Let It Flow

2010-02-23T11:46:00.001-05:00

One thing that I have come to understand concerning water: it is much more effective when it is free flowing. When water is interrupted, it splashes and makes a huge mess that eventually will need cleaning up. I believe this is part of the reason why Jesus said that “out of our bellies would FLOW rivers of living water”. An uninterrupted flow proves to be much more dangerous to the enemy because it doesn’t allow him any chance to taint the water. So, my brothers (and sisters), be not afraid to let God flow in whatever direction He deems. It is meant for you to flow in the grace of God, and not make a mess that will need cleaning up.

It's All Good

2010-02-16T12:02:00.001-05:00

One thing that has perplexed the saints of God is the process of going through a test. We tend to think that we have entered into a trial because we have done something deserving of punishment. The first thing that we do is try to justify our every decision with logic, and on top of that we surmount it with scripture after Holy Scripture. Did it ever occur that God may just be testing the level of faith that we proclaim to have? Romans 8:28 declares that everything is working for our good, so we really have no need to worry. Test and trials will come, but we have the power to send them on their way by declaring what thus saith the Lord. So in the end, it’s all good anyways.

The Saints WIn

2010-02-12T06:54:00.001-05:00

For those of us who watched the NFL Super Bowl on Sunday evening, we are well aware that the New Orleans Saints came out victorious. This team plays for a city that has gone through the storm, literally Hurricane Katrina, and has survived. Amongst other things, they have witnessed and lived through events that some people would have given up hope. So even though you do not play for the NFL professional team, the Saints, remember that you still are a Saint of the most High, and there is no obstacle that you cannot overcome. Every person in the Bible had to overcome something, but the key is that they did overcome, and so will you.

This is only the Beginning

2010-02-05T08:56:00.001-05:00

Some people believe that where we are right now is most likely the place where we will be. We have been told that there is nothing out there better than what is right now. Nothing defeats that line than moving past the expected. If it is expected to happen and to then supercede it confuses the hater beyond recognition. So where you are NOW is not to determine where you will BE. This is only the beginning.

Can You Hear Me Now ?

2010-01-23T10:58:00.002-05:00

I remember once being told that “closed mouths do not get fed”. That could not be any truer today than it was when it was first told to me. One of the biggest problems Christians face today, in my opinion, is that for fear of being labeled we do not speak what is truly in our hearts. We want change in the church, but we don’t want to address what is wrong. We merely “dress” the issue, wanting to cover it up and convince ourselves and others that there really isn’t anything wrong. We have been given Holy Ghost boldness concerning the things of God. If we are allowed to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy, how much more boldness do we need to speak concerning the oracles of God? Speak people of God. That is how it was done in the Bible days, and that is how it should be done today.

Just a Thought .......

2010-01-18T18:58:00.001-05:00

A good friend of mine went to see the highly speculated movie titled “The Book of Eli” and found it to be most compelling to him. He declared that though the movie did not have as much action as he had anticipated, the message delivered in the end was exactly what Christians need to hear. The message was that no matter what trials, tests and tribulations you face along the way, the fulfillment of God’s will is all that matters and that you never know who you may affect or possibly infect (positively) along the way. To others, your lifestyle may be the only version of the Bible some people may see. Though many people can quote the Holy Scriptures, how many of those same people are actually living by them? I am praying that we as a people who proclaim that we love God show exactly that in our everyday living.

The Return

2010-01-15T12:19:00.001-05:00

With this being the first blog of 2010, I wanted to talk about the resolutions that we have made, some being made at the end of 2009. Some of us have resolved to diet and exercise more. Some of us have resolved to cut a few people loose that somehow found their way into our lives. Some of us have even resolved to be better with our finances. We will attempt to save more, spend less, and maybe even invest in some things. But how many of us have resolved to return to He who has never moved? The Bible declares that we should “be still, and know that He is God”. Some of us cannot feel God because while He yet remains the same, we have moved away from His presence. So as I end this blog, allow me to encourage you to return to your first love. Yes we have all made mistakes, but God is the one person that will never leave nor forsake you. He awaits your return. God bless you all, and may heaven smile upon you in your new year.

No "I" In Fear

2009-12-29T19:09:00.000-05:00

I once read a Facebook status that said, “There is no “I” in fear, so take the fear out of your eyes. There is an “I” in faith, so walk in it”. I found that to be very interesting, and yet profound. When you think about it, the only time there is fear is when we place it in our own midst. When an unknown circumstance arises, the first thing that we do is fear instead of pray. We immediately try to figure out how we can maneuver ourselves out of the situation with fear as a false guide instead of activating our faith and relying totally on God. It is only when we activate our faith that our fear dissipates. So remember that there is no “I” in fear but there is one in FAITH. Use the faith given by the Holy Ghost, and let Him lead you from the dark times into the Promised Land.

On This Day

2009-12-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

Those of us who have families filled with young ones running throughout the house have heard about this day since maybe early July, and possibly sooner. Every other commercial on television contained an item that was added to the ever-growing Christmas list, while other items were eliminated. Nevertheless, while we are opening presents and enjoying the company we have with others, let us not forget that also on this day, the greatest present from the Giver of all was born in a manger in the city of David, in a little town called Bethlehem. God Himself came in the form of Jesus, to become one of us just so that He can give Himself to us and bring us back to the Father. He is the reason for this season, and every other season in our lives. Merry Christmas everyone, and remember that the greatest gift that you can give to God is the gift of yourself.

A Way of Escape

2009-12-22T09:34:00.001-05:00

There is a church in Cleveland , OH that is aptly named Way of Escape Ministries. When I learned of this local assembly, I immediately felt the need to dedicate this blog to the concept of their name. The Bible declares in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven”. I believe that one of the most difficult things in life, is understanding why certain things happen in our life. Here is the answer: it has an allotted time to complete its purpose. I once heard someone say that it may not be good for me while it is working, but it is working out for my good. No matter what the situation is, believe that its purpose is divinely orchestrated, and that a way of escape has also been divinely appointed, especially for those difficult times. Those times where temptation comes along and you find yourself yielding towards its gravitational pull, there is a way of escape. So don’t worry about how you will come out of the valley, but believe that your valley experience is on a time limit.

Process is Inevitable

2009-12-17T21:43:00.000-05:00

No matter what the situation, the theme of process is inevitable. When arriving at a decision, a process is used. When choosing which course to travel to make manifest a decision, again process is used. Nothing is overnight, but through process is success achieved. Don't run when process is present, but embrace it for it is inevitable.

Imagine Me

2009-12-14T20:06:00.000-05:00

There are times when we as individuals begin to wonder what life would be like if we would have played our cards just a little differently. We begin to ask ourselves questions such as, “what if I had chosen this school?” or “should I have really taken this job?”, and then there is, “is this really the person I am supposed to spend the rest of my life with?” Now, allow me to throw this at you: ask yourself if you can imagine yourself NOT having made the decisions that you have made. I mean, depending on where you are in life, you may think that life could be a little bit better. However, Ecc 3:1 declares that there is a time AND a purpose for everything under the heaven, meaning that your current position was ordained by God before the earth began. There is a reason that you are in the place that you are. What we are to do is ask God what the purpose is for our current place, and then ask Him for divine direction in heading in the right direction from here. Remember that where you are right now is not necessarily where God wants you to stay!

Be Faithful

2009-12-12T09:06:00.001-05:00

Along the lines of the Tiger Woods controversy comes this thought: Is it really that hard to remain faithful? Can we stay faithful to something else than the way we make our money? Think of it in this manner: If we can be faithful to a job and hold that down for years upon end, can we not remain faithful in other areas as well? Can we be faithful tithers? Can we be faithful members? Can we faithful pastors, preachers, teachers? Do we really need incentives now for us to remain faithful? I pray that day never comes. Brethren, let us remain faithful in the things we commit to. The work may be arduous, but the reward shall be great.

No Time Like the Present

2009-12-07T17:03:00.000-05:00

Many of us can attest to saying something along the lines of "I have got to get it together", indicating that are waiting for something extraodinary to happen that will cause immediate change. While in some instances this can be true, other times change comes through work, perserverance and committment. It also awaits the one who will embrace it without delay. There is no time like the present, so why wait any longer? Change is inevitable, but timing is of the essence.

Free Your Mind

2009-11-17T06:47:00.001-05:00

There was a song sung years ago by en vogue that said “free your mind and the rest will follow”. This couldn’t be truer of the world. The world is filled with so many religions, inventions, ways of thinking and so forth. And it is all because someone thought of a way to do something someone is doing but just a little bit different. If you keep doing the same thing but expect different results, you have adopted the mentality of an insane person. However, if you allow your mind to be free and clear of all distractions and malice, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. Then once your mind is free, the rest of you will have no choice but to follow. Go ahead. Free your mind, and indeed the rest will follow you.

Pray

2009-11-11T21:10:00.002-05:00

I feel the need to encourage everyone, especially the men, to pray. Pray for one another. We don't know what each other is going through, but know that someone somewhere is going through something. Prayer can make the difference. Pray for the families at Fort Hood and the office park in Orlando. Pray for their comfort in this time of bereavement. Men are to always pray and not faint.

Keep You Word

2009-11-09T06:58:00.001-05:00

“If I said it, then I will do it” is a phrase often heard but rarely followed. I believe this is part of the reason why things are the way they are. So many people have promised things, said they would do such and such, but in the end the only thing left behind is a cloud of dust symbolizing the trail they left because they have abandoned ship before completing the work. This practice has got to stop. Please do what it is you say you will do. We are quick to quote the scripture that declares “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13), but where is that boldness when it comes down to the work? Keep your word, and make good on your promises.

Watch what you say ....

2009-11-06T06:48:00.000-05:00

Remember the old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”? I have found that this saying cannot be more wrong. In this era, I would rather have stones thrown at me than words. Stones leave scars that can heal. Words, if not carefully said, can leave wounds and scars that could possibly never heal. I encourage you my brethren to watch what you say and of whom you speak about. Words can become twisted and turned to such a degree that you wouldn’t even recognize your own dialogue if it returned to you. Watch what you say, or what you say could definitely come back not only to haunt you, but eventually hurt you.

Keep Going

2009-11-04T12:37:00.001-05:00

Sometimes in life there will be times and situations that will test the very strength that we possess. They will sometimes force us to embark onto journeys unknown, lead us down paths that are seemingly endless, and make us come to conclusions and endings that we never thought we would find ourselves at. Also along those times, we will undoubtedly encounter periods where we feel like giving up. We will want to throw in the towel because we feel like we have given everything that we can and we have done all that we can do. We must understand that this race isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. We are reminded that the race isn’t given to the swift, neither to the strong, but to the one that shall endure to the end. There isn’t much endurance needed to sprint to the finish line, but as marathons last the body calls on the endurance training it has gone through before the race to carry it to the finish line. So keep going, for you are almost there. You can make it. You will finish strong.

Good Job

2009-11-02T18:43:00.000-05:00

With all of the phrases surrounding the black man, one phrase that you probably do not here too often is “good job”. Some common phrases that are synonymous with the black man is “jail time”, “dead beat”, “no good…….” What about the ones who are fulfilling their destiny and their names aren’t LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Terrell Owens or Tiger Woods? What about the man who works 9-5, double shifts every other weekend and still finds the time to take his kids to the movies or to a local sporting event? What about the man who may be unemployed, but isn’t looking to make a quick buck standing on the corner with his hands in his pockets? When was the last time someone told him he is doing a good job? We are quick to acknowledge those in the armed forces, and rightfully so. However, there are some men who haven’t fought in one military battle but still fight wars on a daily basis. Is he any less of a man because he has less than what someone else may have? God forbid. Let me be the first to tell you my brother, my friend, my fellow soldier, Good job and keep up the good work. Know that your labor isn’t in vain, but you will reap exactly what you have sown.

Why Me ?

2009-10-31T10:10:00.002-04:00

There are times where situations and circumstances will prompt this very question. Sometimes we know the answers, while at other times the answers elude our most intellectual of thinking. Well, allow me to answer that question by posing another: why not you? You say that there aren’t too many things that you fear. You say that you are a man, and all that it entails. Well, step up to the plate and swing. Sometimes the simple things confound the wise, but in the end answers are provided and problems are solved. Don’t worry about the reason why it happens, but know that you are able to handle it, or it wouldn’t have happened at all.

Not About You .......

2009-10-26T18:31:00.001-04:00

Let's get one thing straight: This isn't about you. So often you here someone say, "I did what I thought was best". Best for who? Did you consider long-term effects, or were you looking at just short term? Don't get me wrong.......sometimes desperate times cause for desperate measures, but if we can avoid those desperate times it would make for the better. So what am I saying? Simply remember that being selfish isn't always a good thing. There are others who need what you have every once in a while.

LIFT HIM UP

2009-10-23T20:58:00.001-04:00

The last thing that we as men need to do is to put one another down. There is enough of that being done by everyone else. What isn't happening enough is the good man being appreciated for what he is doing or trying to do. Or better yet, assisting the man who is trying to get his life back together after being detoured. We lurk in the shadows waiting for him to fall, or we become jealous of his progress and try to cause him to regress by recalling his past. Stop this! Encourage your brother! Lift him if he slips! It may be you needing a lift the next time.

Stop Talking

2009-10-20T07:05:00.001-04:00

I have seen this too often. It is growing out of control, and nothing is being done about it. We are quick to talk about a problem, but slow to solve the same problem. We will say how this should happen and that should happen, but then we are the same people who will offer up every excuse we can think of when we are asked to help. Like the saying goes: If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Actions speak louder than words.

Go Ahead ........ It's OK

2009-10-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

When was the last time that you told your fellow man that you loved him? For those of us who have either younger or older siblings, when did you last tell him how much he meant to you? This has become sort of taboo in today’s society, given the nature of man today. Can you tell him that you love him without adding “man” at the end? We say that we are comfortable enough to do it, so go ahead. It’s ok. Tell him that you love him. He will appreciate it.

Why Wait

2009-10-07T18:43:00.000-04:00

Men have often used the phrase, "I will wait until I get myself together" before making a decision to settle down. We want to make sure we are "together". Allow me to submit to you that we will miss out on the greatest relationship if we keep waiting before we say yes to Jesus Christ. He will accept us just as we are, and not only that, He will help us "get it together". So why wait? Try Christ. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

P.U.S.H.

2009-10-05T12:34:00.001-04:00

I don’t think that there are too many people who have not heard this phrase before. If they have not heard it, they may have seen it on several occasions. This phrase normally means Pray Until Something Happens. However, I want to put a new version of it out there: Pursue Until Something Happens. Too often we as Christian men, and men in general, tend to back off if nothing happens in the timeframe that we have so graciously “allotted” for something to manifest. We will usually say that it wasn’t meant to be if it doesn’t happen. But I believe that we have forgotten to pursue, literally go after, that which we know should happen. For those who are married or in a committed relationship, this concept was most prevalent in chasing our mate. Pursue my friend, pursue. A piece of advice: do not mistake God’s delay for denial.

Think on this .........

2009-09-24T06:23:00.000-04:00

If you have the resources to help someone turn their life around for the better, would you not use them? If the gift of deliverance was granted unto you, should you not give it as it was given to you? I have seen too many situations where someone remained lost because someone simply turned the other way. Where has the help gone? Where did the desire to be a blessing to someone else's life disappear to? Hezekiah Walker sang it so clearly: "I need you to survive". Please don't leave me out here wounded. Help me.

Make Time

2009-09-21T18:35:00.000-04:00

I believe one of the problems of the world today is that we do not take the time to appreciate the finer things in life. In a world where the “finer” things in life consist of jewelry, money, fast cars, and beautiful women, the under-appreciated things that encompassed what could be easily defined as “finer” have simply gone under the radar. One very important thing is spending time. We have found other things to do with our time, but it seems that family only gets together on one of three occasions: a death, a marriage, or a national holiday that requires cooking. I believe that we need to embrace the art of spending time again, not just with family, but with God also. He is not a genie in a lamp, nor is He a quick fix when you find yourself in a bind. The latter part of Hebrews 11:6 declares that “He is a reward of them who diligently seek Him”. Webster defines “diligent” as: showing persistent and hard working effort in doing something. Persistence meaning on more than one occasion, not just when it is convenient for us. Spend time my friends with family, with friends, and most importantly, with God.

Under Control

2009-09-11T06:32:00.000-04:00

The Bible declares in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”. We have to understand the concept here is that of self-control. In a movie I once watched, one line that forever stuck with me was that anger clouds the mind. I have yet to meet someone who made a sound judgment when they are controlled by anger. I just wanted to encourage anyone who is reading this to maintain a level of self-control. No, we won’t always been in the greatest of moods, nor will we always be around the most positive people. However, possessing a great amount of self control will prove its worth in the long run of life. So try to keep yourself under control, so that you do not spiral out of control and find yourself in place where you have no control.

The Return

2009-09-07T09:46:00.001-04:00

Often times we as men have been labeled as a species that tends to not speak when it matters the most. Especially in these times, the man has, in a sense, forgotten his rightful place in life. Once we were the unquestioned leaders of generations. Our mouth piece determined the course of action for an unprecedented number of people. We ruled with an iron fist, while providing for our families with an uncompromised hand. Now we have taken a back seat for fear of not fitting in. Alternative discipline has now taken the place of what we were raised on while growing up. We have allowed women to raise our young men, while we as the “leader” have stepped further and further into their shadow. It is time for us as the “head” of the household to make our return to prominence. We must step up as this generation is in desperate need of guidance, leadership, motivation and discipline. When we do, it will mark the beginning of our reclaiming our homes and communites

When you fall ..... RISE

2009-08-27T09:52:00.000-04:00

The Bible declares in Proverbs 24:16, "A righteous man falleth seven times, but rises again......." Many times as African American men, we find ourselves in a place we seldomly like to be in: the past. We did not journey there ourselves. We more than likely have been placed there against our will by words that have been said that transported somewhere we tried long to forget. We then dwell there, sometimes unknowingly, reminiscing and replaying the event all while thinking how things could have gone differently.

My brother, take heed to the opening scripture. We WILL fall.....even the most assured and careful and just man will. It isnt done purposely, for human nature dictates it. But the one who exhibits wisdom will rise again, dust himself off, and resume on with his life. Live my brother. Live your life.

Salute .......

2009-08-22T06:41:00.001-04:00

Too many times we hear about the negative side of our brothers and not enough of the positive.We often talk about the prison population, but not enough of the percentage of black men enrolling into college, no matter the figure. We often talk about those that stand on the corner all day, but hardly mention those who are at work all day and then go home to their families. We talk about the ones who don't want to make a difference with their lives, but hardly talk about those whose life made a difference and continues to make a difference. So to my brethren, I say keep your head up.....keep fighting the good fight. If no one else applauds you, I, your brother, salute you.

QUOTE from Lavelle Eagle

2009-08-16T08:56:00.001-04:00

Be careful of whose hands you place your desire of elevation....to be elevated by man is to be exposed to downnfall. But to be elevated by the hand of the Lord is to watch humility in its finest hour.

To Be Used for God's Glory ..........

2009-08-03T15:34:00.001-04:00

When we say that we want to be used for the glory of God, do we really understand what we are really asking? I was once told that we as the saints of God carry His glory. That simply means that we carry Him and His power everywhere we go. But what happens when we enter into a place that does not resemble who we are? Now this doesn't necessarily mean a physical building. How about when we enter into a trial or a tribulation; a situation or a circumstance that we have no clue on how to get out of? Remember two things: the Word declares that, "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way" and " The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished". God knows exactly what he is doing, for remember that a piece of Him is deposited in you. When God has received a total commitment from you, He shall indeed test you. If we can test Him at His word concerning our finances, does he not reserve the right to test us concerning life? After all, he is the "author and finisher of our faith". But be not discouraged, for "all things work together for GOOD for them that love the Lord and are the called according to his purpose".

What does it mean to be Free?

2009-07-08T08:24:00.001-04:00

What does it mean to be free? We live in a nation whose principles for equality includes the phrase, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", so can one really say that they have freedom of choice, speech, and all of the other "freedoms" that comes along with citizenship?

We as a people spend so much time complaining about the things we do not have, we forget where our true freedom lies. The Word of God declares us to "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Understand what this means. Despite what limitations this nation places on its people, the people of God must realize that Christ has freed us from the laws of this world. This does not give us a free pass to live a sinful life. It does, however, grant us access to a place once forbidden to us, but because of the Resurrection we may come bodly before the Throne. Let us live the way we were created to live: freely.

Purpose

2009-07-05T12:28:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been at a place in life where massive potential has been deposited in you? You seek to unleash its awesome power, but feel that you have no purpose upon which to release it? If you have ever been in this place or you find yourself there at this very moment, may I request a room on the same floor as you?

I know that I am not the only one who has heard the phrase, "so much potential lies within you", so I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. If you do not feel this way, keep living. You will, sooner or later. I remember some years ago, I was at my old junior high school, and my former basketball coach asked me if I was playing basketball anywhere. By this time I was a freshman in high school. When I told him that I wasn't, his reply was, and I quote, "what a waste of talent". Those words still ring loud and clear almost 15 years later. In other words, I had the potential to do something with the skills given to me; however I have not embraced the purpose to which they were given.

Romans 1:20 says that we as the saints of God know and understand the power of God, therefore we have no excuses. The Word of God also declares in Ecc. 3:1 that there is a time and a SEASON for everything. Before He created, He knew the PURPOSE for the creation, and therefore instilled deep within the creation the POTENTIAL for the creation to embrace its DESTINY. So count it all joy when your potential has been realized, because that means that your destiny awaits you. Remember that the race is not given to the swift, neither to the strong, but to he that ENDURES to the end. Your time will come. The question is will you be ready to unleash the potential, and walk in your PURPOSE!!!

What does it means to be Young & Black today?

2009-07-02T07:47:00.002-04:00

Can a young man in today's society completely and, most importantly accurately, define who he is? In an era where the idea of having both mother and father figure present in the same household is no longer prevalent or, according to some, necessary, today's young man has been given the daunting task of sculpting an image that he deems worthy of an ever so critical and diverse society. While the possibilities of being WHAT you want to be are seemingly endless, WHO you want to be is becoming an increasingly coveted topic.

Even as this is being written, a young man is mapping out what direction he wants his adolescent life to take. However, chances are he has no idea what challenges, courses, and ultimately consequences lie in wait for him. Has it been instilled into him the basic formula that "for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction"? Or the more popular saying "what goes around comes around"? Can one really say that adequate time has been invested into the cultivating and molding processes that helped shape a countless number of generations before him? Looking at the general young male population, the answer may not agree with what today's young man wants to believe.

Even now more than ever, young men, especially young Black men, are being introduced to and becoming acquainted with alternate lifestyles that, as of late, are becoming commonplace in today's society. If you are reading this, it is because you have witnessed the same things that I have, or you have seen something that prompts a response and you are looking for help. I encourage you to continue to "fight the good fight of faith". This generation is not lost, but simply misguided.

What A MONTH!

2009-05-17T00:02:00.001-04:00

This has been the craziest month and a half of my life. The launch of the magazine, my first concert, sales meeting, writer conferences, hiring staff, church, work, and school. The list could really continue, but I wouldn’t change a thing. For those who are following the blog, forgive me for not writing I'm trying to find an equilibrium, where I can fit everything in one day and still get at least 5 hours of sleep a night. I was thinking on yesterday on yesterday, “What if I had children?” Since Father’s Day is coming up I don’t think I would want to have started this adventure while being a parent. All I think about is this magazine and how can I make it better. How do I best serve you the reader? Many of you have sent wonderful words of encouragement through Face book, please continue and most importantly leave comment s on face book, write us, tell me what you’re thinking. It’s late and I have Sunday School n the morning. Until next time, God Bless!

Did I write that ? .........

2009-03-22T18:05:00.001-04:00

I am about to talk about a topic that NO BLACK MAN will touch. Friday was one of the biggest days of my life. I got my official business certificate for Nebo Publishing, the company that will bring you this online magazine. And I had no to share it with; yes I have friends’, really good friends. But they weren’t the person you want to grow old with. So even though I am so excited, there is a tad feeling of being lonely. No friend is going to rub head and no family member is going share that kind of joyous and exuberating feeling the way a mate would have(I hope). So what I am I trying to say? I truly believe I have found the purpose or reason for me to be on this earth. Now I want someone to share this and other life experiences with.

Already Alright

2009-03-14T23:03:00.000-04:00

Early this morning after not sleeping much, I awoke singing (ad-libbing of course):

“God has not promised me sunshine, that’s not the way it’s going to be. “ (WHY) Cause sometimes we have to get a little rain, then it gets mixed with a little of God’s sunshine, you know some grace, mercy, with a sprinkle of love and dash of meekness, a cup of temperance. You know to remind you that you can’t have everything your way and you are still evolving. In school I give little self-checks to measure what the students know and to remind them what areas they’re still struggling with or gage how well they can solve a specific type of problem. Well same with us, these little bumps are just a reminder that we still have some growing to do but, shows where growth has occurred. I don’t handle a problem or a stumbling block the way I handled it in 2008, hopefully I have matured. Also, things could be worse and here I am belly aching over something that could and can be fixed if I would just remember whose child I really am. Even the last line of the Hawkins’ song gives you hope:”For it will be ALIRGHT”. And it’s that we all are looking for, just a reminder that yes before, during and after the storm that EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT.

Introducing ...

2009-03-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

This has been the most exciting and exhausting time in my life. The juggling act of working, school, church and starting a business has been mind blowing. But I wouldn’t change the last few weeks for anything. This is the most free I have felt in my adult life. My pastor (Pastor Andre Clark, New Direction Christian Fellowship) a couple of years ago, spoke a message entitled “Dream Big”. I wanted to but I was scared, scared of failure, of rejection that I put off doing what I was meant to do for 2 whole years. Since I as a kid, I wanted to have my own magazine. I would get a magazine and first look for the editor, publisher, photographer, and writers. Always wishing and hoping that someday when someone opened a magazine that they would see my name. Well now I have thrown away fear and picked up purpose. As many of you know I am a singer and I love to sing, but I have been blessed to have people placed in my path that I have picked up nuggets of information and knowledge. And through my pastor’s message, was reminded to dream and not fear.

The purpose of this magazine is to inspire, educate, and inform. Topics from dating to destiny, sorrow to glory, monogamy to infidelity, from sex to abstinence, from politics to prayer, from hip hop to literature, from devotion to how to better study God’s word. These and many other topics will be discussed inside this magazine. I have already been advised on topics I shouldn’t touch, which in turn will be the very topics that will be written about in this publication. My prayer is to minister to the whole man both young and not so young. To have an outlet where we as men can pose a question and get a response that is meaningful and based on the word of God. I want to help us take better care of ourselves, how to make money work for us, how to make ourselves marketable in this shrinking economy, overall to have a positive impact in the lives of Black Christian Men.

So please join me on this new journey and let’s grow in grace together.

Charles Clark, Jr., Publisher/Editor
www.brothaonline.com

*This first blog is dedicated to my father, the late Rev. Charles Clark, Sr. 1946-2002