turned out

I'm out

2006-08-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

I've moved over to wordpress. Check me out here and don't forget to subscribe. peace

movin

2006-08-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

making a move....stay tuned!!!

lead on

2006-08-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

My guy Chris Cree has a great post on his new blog. chek it out here. I don't know about you but I am ready to lead. peace

Hooters

2006-08-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Perry Noble has a great post about Hooters (the restaurant). I agree with him in that I don't go to Hooters either (for the food or the atmosphere). I also want my wife to know how much I adore and love her. Check out Perry's post here. peace

The ACT of PATIENCE

2006-08-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

THE ACT OF PATIENCE (PROV. 16:32) "...better a patient man than a warrior" We live in a world that is fast-paced. We can get almost anything we want at the blink of an eye. Coffee, food, and information are available to us at the push of a button. What’s really needed is a little patience. Habits, thoughts, and lifestyles built up over the course of years can’t always be changed in an instant. It takes time for understanding and mutual respect to take place. Take some time out. peace

The ACT of COURAGE

2006-08-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

THE ACT OF COURAGE Courage is defined as mental or moral strength. I believe that the courage that a follower of Christ has comes from faith in God and it is inspired by theHoly Spirit. It takes a certain strength and courage to make an impact. Nehemiah felt the burden to rebuild the walls. He had a determination and he had to endure much criticism to accomplish his task. It is going to take some daring and guts to make an IMPACT in our community. When you go against the flow, you have to have the nerve to believe that God can do anything. In Ezekiel 2, Ezekiel got sent to preach to the Israelites in Babylon. These people were stubborn and difficult, but he went anyway. For too long we have been comfortable sitting on the fence. It has been too easy for us to curl up in our easy chairs of tradition. When anything or anybody demands loyalty that doesn't honor God, stand your ground. Those who are courageous will take the lead in making an IMPACT for the Lord. Daniel, Esther, Ruth, Joshua, David, Paul.....Jesus these are great examples of courageous people. Where is your name?

soul vitamin

2006-08-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

What we see mainly depends on what we look for

The ACT of TRUTHFULNESS

2006-08-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

THE ACT OF TRUTHFULNESS Honesty is something that can be hard to find. We live in an era where people sometimes love to hide the truth. The truth is liberating (john 8:32) People are in bondage because they don't know the truth. Many don't know who they really are and what their destiny is. We should accept the truth of Gods word. He has spoken wonderful things about us all. By knowing this truth and accepting it (living by it) we can all be free to succeed Gods way. On a personal level, to be willing to share the truth concerning our feelings can be scary. We have to be willing to be vulnerable and straightforward about ourselves. By allowing others to share what is on their heart and by sharing whatÂs on ours, a real IMPACT can be made. Our word should be our bond. We should have relationships built on trust and pure motives. Let's be real

soul vitamin

2006-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sadness looks back Worry looks around Faith looks ahead

7 ACTS cont.

2006-08-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

THE ACT OF UNDERSTANDING We are not all the same. We are from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We are not all the same sex, color, or age. We need to take time to listen to each other. James 1:19 says that we should be slow to talk. We have 1 mouth and ears, so we should listen twice as much as we talk. We should make every effort to understand others opinions. We should seek to appreciate the diversity of our community because of the many etniticities repsented in our country. We also must be considerate of the fragile backgrounds that many people come from. Because of past pain people sometimes hae difficulty co-existing with others. We should always strive to create environments for people to share with one another. Have an open heart for others. peace

7 Acts to make an IMPACT

2006-08-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today I will deviate from my regular jumpstart posts to talk about something that has been heavy on my heart. I want to make an IMPACT on this world and my community. Not only TALK about it but BE about it. 7 ACTS to make an IMPACT Each day I will discuss one of these. The ACT of KINDNESS Ephesians 4:32 says to be kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. We should always be willing to show kindness and compassion to all people. We should take into consideration the kindness that God has shown us. God showed us mercy when all the evidence was against us. Show kindness to those who are your enemies (luke 6:27) There are many hurting people who need a touch from the hands of God’s people. We should be willing to serve others and not look for anything in return. Don’t let bitterness and hatred take root in your heart. Tommorrow.... THE ACT OF UNDERSTANDING peace

august book of the month

2006-08-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Margaret Feinberg’s book what the heck am I going to do with my life?, is a perfect book for those who are at the crossroads of their lives. She gives practical ways to aid you in finding direction for your life. Margaret is like the big sister that most of us wish we had. She gives calm reassurance to let us all know that it’s okay to not know what we want to do when we grow up. Sometimes before you find your calling, you have to search it out. Margaret also helps us identify our passions in life. By asking thought-provoking yet personal questions, it’s easy to find answers to what really makes us tick. By focusing on what we really love as opposed to what our parents or classmates think, pushes us to sometimes stand alone in front of the mirror. It’s good to know that even after many years of job hopping and career changing, we can still have an impact on the world we live in. Margaret makes it clear that it’s never too late. This book is great for those who need a little push or just need someone to hold their hand as they consider, for the first time or re-consider for the 1,000,000th time, what this life is all about. I highly recommend it.

what if

2006-08-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

What if there was a church where all people were welcome? What if the services were relevant and life-changing? What if there was a church that was filled with energetic praise and worship? What if children could be taught about God at their own level? What if there was a place where people could find peace, love, hope and direction? What if there was a church where spiritual needs would be addressed along with practical solutions for everyday issues? What if there was a church that would help in the development of Christians, bringing them to the maturity in God? What if there was a church that equipped and mobilized each follower of Christ for effective ministry? What if there was a church that reproduced itself through planting churches and assisting new churches? What if there was a church that would have a meaningful IMPACT on their community and the world? what if....

read all about it

2006-08-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love to read. I have books, magazines and newspapers all over my office at home. I have a habit of reading at least 3 newspapers a day. I read all types of magazines. From Vibe to Fast Company to Charisma to Black Enterprise. I read Time, NV, Money, Ministry Today and Relevant. I think for too long the body of Christ, especially pastors and preachers, has been heavenly bound but no earthly good. I want to know what is going on outside the church walls. There are a lot of things taking place that we need to know about. Don’t get me wrong, there is need of biblical training and theological know-how. But we also need to know how to apply things in a current and relevant way. If you know of anything I should be reading, let me know. peace

impact

2006-08-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

How can we really make a difference in our world? Does it really matter what the color a person’s skin is? I know some people can’t get past the fact that I am black. Ridiculous. I am not bitter. I’m just ready to make a move for God and I want people to join with me. Does it really matter what denomination they are? Or what gender they are? Everyone is valuable to God. If they are valuable to Him they should be just as important to us. Everyone. No one has a lock on God. No one has the best way of serving Him. No one has the best way of having church. I once worked in a Christian bookstore many years ago. One day an older lady (who just happened to be white) came in looking for a book. She told me the title and I proceeded to search for it. When I found it, she was extremely happy. At that moment I could tell from the look in her eyes that she had a tremendous relationship with the God. I realized that although God is big enough to be everywhere at the same time, He is not diluted in my life and at full strength in someone else’s. God was as real to me as He was to this elderly lady. What are we missing because we fail to let the draw bridges down around our lives? Don’t be afraid of me or someone who is of another race or ethniticity. In Christendom we always talk like there is no prejudice or hatred in the body. I think we’re like chewing gum...lots of action but no progress. If you want to make an IMPACT stand with me. peace

jumpstart 08/06

2006-08-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Words have power power of life and death are in the tongue We have the power to create and destroy by what we say. When we speak words of doubt and unbelief we create a negative, destructive atmosphere around us. When we worry we create something that is contrary to the word of God. Instead of peace, we create stress. Worry-a negative form of meditation Our society has made it easy for us to worry and speak negatively. We have become very cynical and pessimistic. We complain about everything and everybody. The internet (blogs?) has given us a venue to vent or disdain for things. Murmur-a grumbled complaint Murmuring and complaining will undo all that you have strived to achieve. Murmuring displeases God. Moses found out about this when the children of Israel complained (Num. 11) Plague of fire Swallowed up by the earth Killed by snakes Wandered in the desert until they died These are examples of how upset God was with those who complained Today take the opportunity to watch your mouth. Create a positive atmosphere by speaking words of encouragement, increase and life to everyone you meet. Say what? peace

lets do this

2006-08-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Next week I will talk about the thrust of my ministry..... 7 Acts to make an IMPACT Can you feel me? peace

let me hear ya

2006-08-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

“……daily people being saved.” Acts 2:47 What are we here for? We should IMPACT our world for Christ The great use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it James Truslow Adams Sometimes you just have to go for it. I don’t want to spend my entire life regretting that I didn’t take a chance on what God wants me to do. After all, someones life is dependent on me. There is a persons destiny that is tied to my obedience. So no matter what, I’ve got to go for it. Podcast Blog Devotional Website Radio TV Conferences Church I’ve been placed on this earth to minister the word of God. I’ve been called to pastor people and bring new ground for the Lord. He has anointed me to preach salvation, healing and deliverance to all people. It doesn’t matter what color a person, their age, sex, or anything else. I have a purpose and it’s time for me to walk in the fullness of it. I want all the walls of separation (including the internet) to come down. I need people to take a stand with me on this. There is power in unity. Let’s make a difference together. Anybody with me? peace

hook me up

2006-08-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Is it possible for me to get some link love in the blogosphere? I would love to connect more with other people, so if you are interested let me know. peace

man up

2006-08-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome post from Bob Franquiz for the fellas. Check it out here

for the love of money

2006-08-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Tim Stevens has a great post about money matters. Check it out here One of the main things that is plaguing the body of Christ is a lack of financial awareness. I'll get more into this at a later date. peace

top 10

2006-08-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation and concentration, I have compiled my top 10 websites that I enjoy. I hope you will also: 1. Evotional Pastor mark is the king of all blogging pastors in my humble opinion. May we all follow his lead. I want to make it to Buzz07. 2. LifeChurch.tv This is one of the most awesome, innovative churches I have ever come across. I hope to meet Pastor Craig one day and shake his hand. 3. Creeations My guy Chris Cree has some interesting thoughts. Funny how I thought that I was the only deep thinker out there in the blogosphere. 4. Ragumuffin Soul Carlos is a guy that is so cool he makes you want to hang out with him. I got to get a new pair of glasses. 5. Sphere of Hip Hop This is the best site for Holy Hip Hop. They have great reviews and articles. They also have what seems like an endless supply of downloads. Check out this article on how to be a success in the music industry. 6. NBA.com I am a basketball fanatic so this is my spot. They have all the current activities in the L, so you know I'm happy with that. And yes, I am excited about the Bulls chances this coming season. 7. Margaret Feinberg My cute Alaskan friend who always sparks great conversation. If I could help her stay away from the rasberries. 8. Charisma One of my favorite magazines. I've been reading it for over 10 years. It's always refreshing to see what God is doing around the world and here at home. 9. Salvador My all-time favorite Latin Christian band. The can also rock praise and worship. It's amazing how they can connect people to God through their music. 10. Rev. Run I can't help it. This is one of my old-school hero's. I simply love the show. I can hardly wait for new episodes.

it's so hot, hot....

2006-08-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

I's 95 degrees here today (heat index is 110). It's HOT. Funny how uncomfortable tempartures can bring out the complaining spirit in us. One bad thing leads to another and then next thing you know it everything sucks. Although I hate HOT weather, I am mindful of those who don't even own an air conditioner or even have a place to lay their heads at night. Sweating is no excuse to complain. There are many who would trade spots with us. peace

lights, camera, action

2006-08-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been afraid? I mean REALLY afraid. I mean wet your pants afraid. There are somethings I need to do in the near future, some conversations I must have, that I am not too excited about. Now I am about as spiritual as the next guy (I guess) but I am nervous about this. I have faith that things will work out fine because I have complete confidence in God. I'm not always so sure about myself. This is my "out of the boat" experience. I takes guts to get out the boat. I must do it because it is my part in the process. I must act. Never mistake motion for action. Ernest Hemingway peace

jumpstart 07/31

2006-07-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I woke up this morning feeling extremely thankful to God. I have many things to thank Him for like health, family, life, etc. The list could go on forever. The bible says in I Thessalonian 5:8 that we should "....give thanks in all circumstances". So as you go through your day and things don't go as well as you may have liked, thank God anyway. Maybe it wasn't God's will for things to be like you thought. Maybe it wasn't the right time. Maybe somebody just screwed up. Whatever the reason, know that if God is working in your life, you should be thankful. Being thankful should not be controlled by the circumstances you are in. No, not everything that happens to us will be good. The best part of it is that if we do Gods will, we will then be able to be thankful no matter what. peace

what it do

2006-07-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Tell me what you think of this. peace

4 the kids

2006-07-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

There is an article in my local paper today about 2 women who used a 6 year old to make a drug deal. read about it here..... I think that the body of Christ has fallen asleep at the wheel. Our society is in desperate need of direction and we are the ones with the road map. When will we wake up????!!!! Pray for me as I make an IMPACT on my city, the nation, and the world. Also don't forget peace

2006-07-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Jockey Headbutts Horse
there is just something wrong with this.

Whats up bro!

2006-07-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was able to hitchhike onto Scott Hodges blog and go with him to Ragamuffin Soul which is the blog of Carlos Whittaker, the worship and arts pastor of Sandals Church in Cali. I dig bald guys with cool glasses (I have to work on the facial hair thing). peace

jumpstart 07/24

2006-07-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone feels stress at some point in their life. Mondays are usually the most stressful day of the week. We have to go back to work, go back to school, or even start a vacation. Just living day by day can be stressful. Instead of stress, we need to create rest in our lives. Here's 3 ways: REJECT THE NEGATIVE (words, people, thinking) We need to control what enters our minds. You can see if what you're thinking is wrong just by comparing it to the word of God. If you don't control your thoughts, the enemy can use them to have you SPEAK negative words in the atmosphere. We should also stay away from negative words and people. They will just poison you in every way. Amos 3:3 says that how can 2 walk together unless they agree. Who are you agreeing with? HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE PROTECTION OF GOD You really have no reason to fear or be stressed out as long as you trust in Gods promises to shield you from danger. Take a look at these scriptures. Proverbs 3:25-26 Psalm 56:11 Psalm 91:5-7 We have a right to divine protection and safety when we are firmly established in our righteousness (our right standing with God) USE PRAISE TO ALTER THE ATMOSPHERE Praise will change your surroundings. It's almost impossible to doubt and praise God at the same time. Praise puts things in perspective. It forces you to recognize who God is. Praise puts you in Gods presence. In His presence there is fullness of joy. and peace. and security. and answers. Thats how you create rest instead of being stressed. peace

lead on

2006-07-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Tim Stevens has a great post about Marc Ecko. Check it out here. peace

let's pray

2006-07-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Today I joined up with Children's Cup for 40 days of Prayer for the Children. This will be a time to pray for the AIDS orphans of Africa along with children who are victims of child slavery, child prostitution, war and starvation. Please join me in this effort as we pray also for the missionaries that travel to minister to these children. We also will be praying that the governments will show favor to the ministry efforts and that they countries visited will be blessed by God. Click this link let's make an impact together peace

quote of the month

2006-07-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

"to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world"

jumpstart 07/17

2006-07-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

We all have a purpose in life. God did not create anything or anyone that doesn’t have a reason for existing. Many of us have been through tough times in life that may have convinced you that you don’t have a purpose anymore. I want you to know that in spite of what you have been through, you have a purpose. God has designed something especially for you. Seek out His will for your life and then go for it!! “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” Helen Keller Don’t just settle for an average, mediocre life. Chose to live the life that God has planned for you. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone and stretch the boundaries. Don’t let your past or your surroundings keep you from experiencing new things. Don’t worry if it’s never been done before. If it is God’s will for your life, you can do it. “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist, that is all.” Oscar Wilde When you find your purpose it should make you feel good. You should go around smiling and have a skip in your step. Most people don’t look happy because they don’t have much to feel happy about. God wants us all to have the joy of walking in our destiny. He wants us all to know how it feels be in our purpose. “A man without a smiling face must not open a shop” Chinese proverb A lot of us have “analysis paralysis” which means we love to look at information but we don’t want to make any moves toward our goals. Even when it comes to the things of God, we are slow to move. I want to encourage you today to make a move toward your God-given purpose. Trust Him. Totally. “We have a strategic plan. It’s called doing things” Herb Kelleher peace

cd of the month

2006-07-14T04:48:00.000-07:00

The cd of the month is Worshipper by Darwin Hobbs. This cd is full of praise and worship songs that will definitely put you in the presence of God. My favorite tracks are Better than one day and The Lord is here. If you are looking for some awesome praise and worship tracks, this cd is a must for our collection. I recommend it for everyone. peace

july book of the month

2006-07-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

The book of the month for July is The Hip Hop Church by Phil Jackson and Efrem Smith. This book is a blueprint on how to incorporate hip-hop into the church setting. It gives a brief history of hip-hop and it also gives information on how Christian rap got started. It then goes into how all the elements of hip-hop (graffiti, break dancing, rap, deejaying) can be used to glorify God. Being an old school rap guy myself, I can appreciate the insight that this book brings. I believe that God can redeem hip-hop and it can be used to win souls for the kingdom. If the church can just get out of its own way we probably could see a tidal wave of youth coming to know Christ. Phil Jackson has gone as far as starting a hip-hop church called The House. Urban D in Tampa at Crossover Church is another great example of this movement. This book is a great playbook on using the culture to compel people to Christ. We must be willing to move in the midst of people in order touch them. If we aren’t relevant, what are we? peace

what is relevant?

2006-07-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

What is relevant? Relevant means to be pertinent, appropriate and significant. It seems like the established church is afraid of this word. Religious people seem to think that if you have a relevant ministry you must be disposing some type of water-downed gospel to people. Frankly, I believe that to be relevant in ministry means to be able to deliver the un-changeable word of God to an ever-changing world. We must use all available mediums (internet, video, podcasts, and print) to reach an unbelieving world. We must continue to remove ourselves from our cushioned pews and go into all the world. We must be willing to engage our communities and not wait for them to come to us for some special service at our church. We need to be able to embrace, encourage, and empower the world around us. Jesus was probably the most relevant man to ever live. He spoke often in parables so that his listeners could relate to him. He didn’t speak using churchese. The church should take a cue from our leader. Be relevant to relate. Relate to release. The gospel is timely no matter what your watch says. peace

poverty of the soul

2006-07-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

I read a post from Dave Ferguson’s blog from Rwanda. He mentioned in his post the quote from Mother Theresa about poverty of the soul. That quote really struck a nerve in me. It makes me question whether I am content where God has me or am I looking for more. Dave wrote about seeing someone in poverty who loved God so much that being content was not a problem. I think that this is amazing because in our consumer-oriented society we aren’t happy until we get more. We need to keep the knowledge of God being our source first and foremost in our minds. Even when it seems like we don’t have a lot, He still loves us and will never abandon us. May we always find rest and peace in Him peace

jumpstart 07/10

2006-07-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

Most of us are familiar with the saying “guilt by association”. Although it may be a cliché, there is some truth to it. We are influenced by who we hang around. We have a circle of people around us and who they are and what they stand for can say a lot about us. If most of your friends are negative, you probably will be also. I’ve had people that I was friends with when I was younger. As time went on we grew further and further apart. Although this sounds negative, it wasn’t. The more I thought about it the more I realized that neither of us was improving the life of the other. That’s what I think friendship is all about—improving the life of someone else. You can’t be in a positive, productive relationship with someone who is selfish, mean, condescending or rude. As a matter of fact, if you do hang around people like that, I guarantee that you’ll become just like them. It doesn’t matter how good your intentions are. If your friends don’t take on some of your characteristics, you’ll take on theirs. My prayer is that we all consider the company that we keep. Make sure your friends are like-minded people. Surround yourself with people that will strengthen you and build you up. Think deeply about how you affect those who are around you. Birds of feather flock together. I believe I can fly. peace

ride the wave

2006-07-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a watersports fan but I do think that it is amazing to watch professional surfers do their thing. I think life is like surfing sometimes. Just the mere fact that you are in the water heightens the chance that you will catch a wave. The key thing is to ride the wave and not getting caught under it. Life can bring about many challenges. How will you respond? Will you be swept under or will you rise up and conquer? Romans 8:37 says that we are more than conquerors. We can be this way because of Gods love for us through His son Jesus Christ. If we follow god's instructions and run the race that He has set before us, we will be the victorious ones. Don't let your emotions overtake you. They can often lead you away from the way God wants us to handle things. Sure life is painful. Sometimes its downright nasty. The enemy comes along with some medication to make you feel better. This stuff just numbs the pain for a while but it never does take it away. Sooner than later, you become addicted to this medication because you can't handle life's ups-and-downs without it. My purpose here today is to let you know that if you bring all your cares, fears, and worries to God, He will help you deal with them. It might not be instantaneous, but you will have success. He will never let you down. I guarantee it. Search His word. Allow His Spirit to search your heart. Be honest before Him. His loves goes beyond the worst thing you can ever do. Don't let what other people say affect you. Remember what God has said about you. you are delivered (psalm 34:4). you are protected (psalm 32:7). You are victorious (1 john 5:4). Don't run from the challenges of life. Ride the wave with your Holy Spirit surfing board. peace

whom the son has set free...

2006-07-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Lately I’ve been thinking about my purpose in life. I want everyone to be free from the things that are keeping them from what God has planed for their lives. People are not only bound by drugs, alcohol, and pornography. They are bound by religious regulations, family traditions and societal constraints. I believe that the body of Christ should be active in helping people to get free and stay free. Stay tuned for more from me on this subject. peace

jumpstart 07/03

2006-07-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

We are one day away from celebrating our independence as a country. The Fourth of July is commemorates the start of freedom as the United States of America. Today I want to declare freedom for all you. God has made it possible for you to be free for anything that holds you back. T.D. Jakes once said that anything that keeps you from your destiny is a bondage. There is nothing that can keep you away from what God gas promised you. No matter what it is, there is a way out. Don’t let the shackles of your past or the lusts of your flesh keep you from seeing your promised land. Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed” Part of my life’s mission is to preach and teach deliverance to all people. I don’t believe that there is anyone who can’t be completely free. I’m not saying that we won’t be tempted or that we won’t stumble on occasion. I am saying that there is no reason to be bound by the chains of the enemy. Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” So as we celebrate our countries freedom don’t forget about your own. Christ died so that you might enjoy this life. Declare your independence peace

men for a change 3

2006-06-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

Who is God? Who is God to you? God is the creator of the heavens and the earth. He is the one who sustains life itself. One of the best things about God is that He is in control of everything. Our true identity, our reason for living, can not be discovered without first involving God in the process. This means you must have a personal relationship with Him. Please use this moment to let Him into your heart. He loves you and He has a place for you in the kingdom. He also wants to bless your life right now. I guarantee you’ll never be the same again. God never intended to be disconnected from you. Because sin came into the world, God could no longer hang out with man. Fortunately, God loves us so much that He didn’t want to be apart from us. He sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin and to reconnect with us. This is the most important reconnection of all because it is the foundation for all of us to make a change. Men, we can’t do it on our own strength or our intellect. We can only make a change with the power of God on our side. We can’t fight battles in our communities if we don’t have the proper weapons and armor. We can’t win against our flesh if we are not aware of the strategies of the enemy. Guys, will you join with me in making a change? We can do it. peace

Holy Hip Hop

2006-06-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

If any of you out there are interested in Christian rap here is a link to one of my favorite sites. Sphere of hip hop is a great resource for Holy Hip Hop. I am a former rapper (a long long long time ago) and I still love hip hop. Its cool to see how God is using available servants in this genre. A lot of these artists a really deep theologically and they can spit a rhyme too. I hope to one day bring a holy hip hop event to the Chicagoland area. I believe this will bring together youth and young adults from every nationality and race. pray for me about this. Here's a few other HHH links. Cross Movement Bobby Bishop Crossover Church peace

men for a change 2

2006-06-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I talked about men for a change . I talked about how men need to step up to the plate and get things in order. we need some intense re-connections to take place. Yesterday I talked about men reconnecting with themselves. Today we'll discuss men reconnecting with their families and communities. Just like Nehemiah wanted to rebuild the walls of protection for his people, so should we desire to rebuild and protect our families and communities. 1. humble yourself Sometimes we as men have a hard time admitting that we were wrong or that we don't know everything (yikes!!). When we admit that we are human and we make mistakes, it allows those around us to not be afraid of screwing up. It also lets them see how to overcome shortcomings with a spirit of humility. 2. take responsibility nothing is worse than someone who likes to pas the buck. They have an excuse for everything. Nothing is ever their fault. The truth of the matter is that there are plenty of crashes with our fingerprints on them. The sooner you take ownership of your stuff the sooner the problems we face will be solved. 3. recognize God's power We should never forget who is in control. We have limited abilities. This lack is even more noticeable when we try to do God's work for Him. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, men were told to move the stone. That was their job. 4. take action Too often we hear great sermons and leave church saying "boy, pastor really preached this morning". Unfortunately, for most of us this is as far as we go. We sit and ponder overthings for too long. God has given us a mandate to be men for a change. Now we must go to work. Men, let's take back our families and communities. Let's sanctifiy them for God's purposes. It is our duty and our privilege. My wife and children are way too valuable to me to let anything harm them. There are women and children in my city who don't have a man to act as the spiritual head of their families. I pray that a man would stand in the gap for them. Tomorrow I'll discuss reconnecting with God. peace

men for a change

2006-06-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

It’s time for men to make a change and make a difference in our society. For too long we have sat by idly while women and children are suffering. We have gotten caught up in the ways of the world and we have gotten of the path that God designed for us. Many of us have been deceived by thinking that our traditions will keep us in the game. Just because it worked then doesn’t mean it will work now. We have lost our connection with the creator of the heavens and the earth. We need to reconnect with ourselves our families and communities, and most of all our God. Reconnect with ourselves: a. God has a great plan for our lives, but most of us have no idea what it is. b. We only have a certain number of days on this earth, what are we doing with our time? c. We should not let our past keep us from the future God has for us. No matter what you’ve been through, God still has a destiny for you. d. Many of us have minds that have been distorted by our flesh and the devils plots. We need to be delivered and have our minds renewed with the word of God. e. We should be living a selfless life just like Christ f. We should be planting positive seeds wherever we go…seeds of forgiveness, love, patience, and peace…we have many opportunities Tomorrow I will get into reconnecting with our families and communities. Fellas, we can do it. Let’s make a change peace

jumpstart 06/26

2006-06-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

We all have had situations in our life that weren’t very pleasant. We’ve all made mistakes. Sometimes our past ills stick to us like glue. We can find ourselves thinking that there is no way out. I want to challenge you today. Just because things have always been this way, it is possible for it to change. The enemy wants you to think that it’s impossible for things to be different. He wants you to think this way to keep you away from the promises of God. If he can keep you from finding out what the word of God says concerning your situation, he can keep you from the victory that is yours. What was meant for evil, God will use for good. It doesn’t matter who left you or what you did wrong, God will use it for His glory and you will be blessed in return. Don’t let your mistakes or someone else’s evil intentions block your path to God’s best. Don’t let bitterness and unforgiveness have root in your heart. Cultivate love, compassion, and forgiveness. Pain is just a process to prosperity. Not prosperity as far as money is concerned, but prosperity in the areas of love, peace of mind and strength. What you have been experiencing although meant to do you harm, will instead become a tool to bring glory to God and will benefit others lives that you will impact. Don’t curse your trials. Allow God to show you how He will use them. Flip it. peace

lean on me

2006-06-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

In today’s USA Today there was an article about a study that discovered that 25% of Americans have no one to confide in. the American Sociological Review also stated that the average American has just 2 confidants, this is down from 3 in 1985. People are confiding in their family more than ever, not their co-workers or neighbors. This article was a little disturbing to me. If someone’s spouse or other family member passes away, they would have no one to turn to. I realize that most of us have friends. I guess the point is that we depend less on each other as time goes on. I also wonder why people depend less on each other but also depend less on God. The old saying says that no man is an island. Why can’t we just get along? Are we just living in a me first society? Are we afraid of being vulnerable and hurt? Are we not sensitive to the needs of others? Where is the church in this? Are we not showing the love and compassion of God? I think that if we spend as much time helping the hurting as we do criticizing we could put a dent in the numbers of this study. Let’s come from behind our pulpits and choir robes to embrace our fellow man. People need a touch from a real God. peace

coming to a corner near you

2006-06-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Scott Hodge has a great post about a new church starting up near his. check it out here I think that if a church is going after the unchurched and lost in this world, the more the merrier. peace

check me out

2006-06-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

After 6 months of blogging I realized that there are many people from around the world who have viewed my blog. I also realized that most of these people have not subscribed to turned out. if you would like to get this blog sent to you via email click here

JumpStart 06/19

2006-06-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Often when we look at successful people, we get so caught up in their accomplishments and achievements that we can’t see the scars of their experiences. It’s easy to let the limelight and the accolades blind us to the sacrifices that were made. In the middle of a golf tournament, a fan yelled to the top player “hey, I want to be just like you”. The golfer responded “no you don’t”. The golfer wasn’t being cruel or mean. He just knew that the average fan could never play like him. Not because he was more talented or gifted. It was because he knew that not too many people would wake up at 4 am to hit balls or practice so long that your hands would bleed and ache. Before we start desiring to be like the top athletes, best selling authors, or even well known preachers, we should try to find out what it took for them to get where they are. Most of them made it a goal to be the best in their chosen field. That goal was foremost in their minds. As a follower of Christ, what is your main goal? Philippians 3:14 says “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Living this life we have for Christ takes everything we’ve got. We need do this because he is everything to us. When we put our hope in Christ we can look forward to a more meaningful and prosperous life. Our goal should be to live each day for Him. Don’t worry about your past. Make it your goal to move forward and concentrate on your relationship with God. We can all score. peace

40

2006-06-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

it's my birthday!! it's my birthday!! Praise the Lord Look out devil, I'm still here!!!! peace

almost here

2006-06-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day. God has blessed me to be alive for 40 years (sort of a children of Israel thing here). I am looking forward to 40 more wonderful years. Am I old now? peace

watch out

2006-06-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

J. Lee Grady has a great article in Charisma. check it out here He talks about churches and ministries using bizarre tactics to raise money. It's amazing how some people will manipulate people and twist the word of God for their own benefit. I pray that we all have discernment when it comes to giving. peace

JumpStart 06/12

2006-06-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

When we were children, a lot of us had dreams of being an astronaut, a fireman, a ballerina, or some sort of superhero. We spent most of or waking hours pretending to be what we dreamed of. As we got older these dreams faded behind the realities of life. God has created a passion inside of us. This passion is what fulfills our lives and brings Him glory. If you have a God-given dream don't be afraid to pursue it. As sure as God has given it to you, He will provide you with the tools and resources to be successful. It was God that gave you the inspiration. Dreams need to be followed up with action. A dream without a plan is just a good nights sleep. He would not have given it to you and not expect anything in return. In the parable of the talents there were 2 people who put their talents to work and 1 who did not. God has given you a dream and a passion. Don't just hide it or bury underneath doubt and fears (does God really want me to do that?). Put everything you have behind your God-given dreams. Make a plan. Take some action. Give God the glory. Don't ever lose your ability to dream. I dream of being able to touch the world with the love of Jesus Christ. I dream of seeing people, broken by lifes storms, mended and restored. I dream of women walking in the light of Gods grace not feeling worthless or unimportant. I dream of men rising to the level God has placed them at, protecting and serving their families and communities. I dream of children grabbing hold to their destinies, knowing that they are on a path of greatness. peace

book of the month

2006-06-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

I chose The Immortality of Influence as my book of the month mainly because it has inspired me to continue to make a difference in the lives of people that I come across and especially those I have the privilege of ministering to. The author, Salome Thomas-El, provides an inspirational and thought-provoking guide to how we can encourage and stimulate young people to achieve their dreams. It is particularly interesting to see how the influence we have on a child is not just for today, it is for a lifetime. This influence can then flow through that child into someone else who needs uplifting. Mr. Thomas-El has been a teacher and administrator in the Philadelphia school system since 1987. He has inspired countless children to succeed in spite of many obstacles. This is his second book. His first, I Choose to Stay, is also a tremendous read. I think that this book is great for anyone interested in making a difference in a child’s life. Whether you are a teacher, preacher, or a parent, this book will give you some insight into the power we have to influence. May God give us the wisdom to use it. peace

time

2006-06-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Dan Ohlerking has a great post from his daughters blog about time. Check it out here. peace

JumpStart 06/05

2006-06-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

Being a leader means that sometimes you have to lead when it is uncomfortable for you. Sometimes you have to risk being looked at like you’re nuts. Sometimes you have to do things in a way that have never been done before. Moses is a great example of this. When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt there was no manual to follow. Moses had to listen to every word that God said, have faith in that word, and then act. There were some people that didn’t like Moses decisions. In fact, in spite of all God did for them, people grumbled and complained for the whole journey. Despite all the distractions, Moses stayed with God. He knew that if the people were going to make it, he would have be the leader of something that seemed impossible. We are all leaders in some capacity. Whether it’s being a parent or heading a multi-million dollar corporation, we all lead. Sometimes it’s hard for those around us to see where God is directing us. If we lead with integrity we will have an easier time guiding those that follow us. We must stand on the principles of the word of God and lead people to new levels. Trust God in your area of leadership. He is the ultimate leader. peace

it's possible

2006-06-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

When facing a difficult situation you must face it head on. No matter if your back is against the wall and you can’t figure out the solution, you must deal with it. Don’t be distracted by those people who say that you can’t make it. Don’t be distracted by your past failures and mistakes. God loves you too much to let you be defeated. He has provided a way of escape for you. It’s up to you to take it. Even though it may seem impossible, all things are possible with God.Get rid of any negativity or unbelief. This will only hinder you. Continue to build your faith by reading God’s word.Let go of any bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness. These things will stop your blessings. End any sinful practices and wrong associations. Proverbs 13:20 says that a companion of fools will be a fool. Connect with people of integrity and strength. You have to want to get out. Seek direction from the word of God. When the time comes, act. Don’t be afraid to make a move in the direction you want to go. It may be tough but the reward is worth it. peace

take a step

2006-05-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step. Martin Luther King Sometimes we have dreams and ambitions that God has given us that lay dormant in our hearts. Does God really want me to do that? It seems like it’s not the right time or season to do anything at all. Our faith in God is what can propel us over the wall of doubt that can surround us. Our past reminds us of all our failures. Of course, these are impossible to deny because they really did happen. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal… Philippians 3:13-14 As you take a step of faith, realize that God knows all about you past mistakes. All of us have screwed something up (some of us more than once). It’s awesome to know that in spite of our shortcomings, God still wants to use us to do something in his name. So learn from your mistakes. Learn how not to repeat them and move on. Believe God for His provision to do what He wants you to do. It may seem impossible, but that’s just the level that god loves to work in. I think He actually enjoys proving skeptics and doubters wrong. Let’s face it; many of us would to have not believed if it wasn’t for God working a miracle right before our eyes. Don’t be afraid to take that next step, even if you can’t see it. peace

JumpStart 05/29

2006-05-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today is your day. Sometimes we get caught up in planning for the future so much that we forget about today. There are some moments that will happen today that will never happen again. Some people you will meet today you will never see again. Don't think that moments are insignificant. This could be a life-or-death moment for someone. This day could be the most life-altering day in your life. I think that this is your day to be blessed and to be a blessing to someone else. peace

thunderstorms

2006-05-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here in the Midwest it is thunderstorm season. It seems like whenever the weather gets warmer, there are more storms. I’m not a meteorologist but I think it has something to do with the atmosphere. Sometimes when there are storms, there is quite a bit of lightning. It flashes through the night sky randomly. You can’t tell where it comes from. Fortunately, I’ve never come real close to lightning. I wouldn’t want it fry my hair. A lightning rod is something that attracts lightning and carries it away from places where it could do harm It’s amazing to have something that could attract thousands of volts without doing damage to it. I wonder if we are lightning rods of some sort. Do we attract people to us or do we repel them? I know of many Christians who are bible scholars (nothing wrong with that). Unfortunately, they are more concerned with learning Hebrew and Greek than they are with learning how to love people and be a good husband or wife. I wonder if it is possible to be so deep in the Lord that you can’t see that your children need you. We seem to major in the minors way too often. We want people to come to our churches so we can impress them with our hermeneutic acrobats. Don’t get me wrong, it is great to be able to interpret and understand the scriptures. I just think that it is equally important to be able to apply the word of God to our daily lives. I think that it is our job to compel people to come to know Christ. Let’s be lightning rods for the Lord. peace

some thoughts

2006-05-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I started this blog was because I believe God has given me a voice for this present generation. Now that may sound pretty deep to some of you but it simply means that He has given me some things to say and I'm going to say them. I want to give people something to think about when I speak and write. I want them to go away thinking to themselves..."I never thought about it like that before". Not that I'm the greatest orator out there, but I am blessed to do what I do. I pray that God continues to give me the grace to deliver His word in a relevant, timely fashion. I want to also continue to push the envelope concerning ministry. If we had any food in our homes that was stale we would toss it out. May we always bring God to people in fresh and flavorful ways. Big props out to LifeChurch.tv, Mark Batterson, Eddie Velez and Holy Hip Hop for bringing it. These guys continue to inspire me to do more for the Lord. I am looking forward to doing a full-fledged website, some podcasting and writing some books to inspire and encourage people to make a turn for Christ. Maybe a DTurn. peace

it's okay to be salty

2006-05-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:" 1Peter 2:9 Why are Christians so different from everybody else? God has called us out of the darkness and He has chosen us to be His people. By being peculiar we should not bring attention to ourselves, but bring glory to God. We are chosen to be salt. Deut. 14:2 says that out of all of the people on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession. Salt is not always visible but it is always noticed ItÂs not about how we dress or what we look like. ItÂs about whatÂs in our heart. I Sam. 16:7 says that man looks at the outside but God looks at the heart. our behavior should be different from the unbelievers we shouldnÂt have situational ethics. We should do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. We should make sure our motives are pure (James 4:3) Salt is released when its container is upside down and shaken Sometimes your life can be turned on its head. It doesnÂt matter who you are, bad things can happen to you. Whatever we have deposited into our hearts will eventually come out. Salt should bring about a thirst After eating a bag of potato chips or popcorn, our throat becomes desperate for water. Our lives should be such that people yearn for the living water (Jesus). it's okay to be a little salty. peace

JumpStart 05/22

2006-05-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite T.V. shows growing up was The Lone Ranger. It was always exciting to watch him and his sidekick Tonto take care of the bad guys. Whenever someone started trouble, the Lone Ranger and Tonto would be there to stop them and run them out of town.Every episode ended in victory. Sometimes as human beings, we attempt to take up the mantle of the Lone Ranger. We want to take on every challenge we see, kill all the bad guys, and conqueror new territory all by ourselves. Many men have a superman complex where we insist that we are tough and strong all the while hiding our innermost fears and insecurities. Women also try to be a type of superwoman. They work 40+ hours a week, take care of their homes, children, and husbands. The burden is heavy but they feel that they must carry it because “somebody has to do it”. God did not design us to go through this life alone. It is an old cliché but it is true; “no man is an island”. We all need family, friends, coaches, and pastors to help us navigate this life. But even if all those people fail us we have one that never will. God said that He will never leave us or forsake us (Det. 31:6). So when life is hard and the burden you carry seems too much even for the Lone Ranger, turn all your cares and worries over to Jesus. He won’t let you ride alone. peace

i believe i can fly

2006-05-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

I got this from my guy Chris Cree. Superman

Superman		70%
Spider-Man		70%
The Flash		55%
Robin		37%
Hulk		35%
Batman		30%
Supergirl		30%
Iron Man		30%
Green Lantern		25%
Wonder Woman		20%
Catwoman		10%

You are mild-mannered, good,
strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

cracks in the concrete

2006-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I was going for a walk and noticed how many cracks were in the concrete on the sidewalk. Concrete cracks because it has no flexibility to it. The weather changes and the concrete can't take the movement so it breaks. It is my prayer that the church begins to realize that seasons have changed and many of us are still trying to hold our place in yesteryear. If we take the unchangeable message of Christ and deliver it in a form that is culturally relevant we can be much more effective. If we are rigid and immovable in our delivery, we will see the cracks develop. peace

no excuses

2006-05-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

I just saw an article on Yahoo about a double-amputee who climbed Mount Everest. Read it here. I wonder if we know how much God wants to accomplish through us in spite of our limitations. Even with our frailties we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. peace

practice what you preach

2006-05-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

We live in a country that was founded on Christian principles, yet somehow Christianity is just tolerated in our society. Some of our citizens only acknowledge God when there is some type of national crisis. We, as a church, need to get beyond words and into action. We live in a country where 10.2 churches close everyday. 195 million people are unchurched (they don’t go to church regularly). We need to renew our passion for God and increase our compassion for souls. There is a cry out in our land for a people who will act according to their words. We must have the integrity to practice what we preach by following these guidelines: 1. see the invisible We can sometimes limit ourselves by what we can see with our physical eyes. By relying on our own abilities, we fall short of God’s plan for us. What is impossible with man is possible with God. Luke 18:27 Our ability so see can sometimes be hindered by what we believe (faith). If you don’t have the faith there is no way to see certain things. Allow God to speak to you through His word and by His Spirit. Then allow your faith the opportunity to give you the vision to see His plan. 2. walk on your tongue Our tongues can be used for good and evil. It can be used to build up or tear down. James 3:5-6 says that “…the tongue is like a fire…” There have been words that have destroyed many long-standing friendships. Wars that have led to thousands of lost lives, have started because of damaging words. We should let the Holy Spirit guide us in controlling our tongues. We can create a positive atmosphere just by what we say. We have power in our tongues. 3. live out of your heart There is no better way for an unbelieving so see God at work than having His church love people. Our hearts can hold many things in it like anger, pain, jealousy and strife.It can also hold peace, joy, compassion and love. You don’t have to look very far to see an opportunity to share the love of God. God Himself has chosen us to be vessels of His love. We have not been given this role to sit ourselves on a shelf and look pretty (gathering dust). It is our duty to spread His love wherever we go. True community rehabilitation occurs when people’s lives are changed, not when new homes are built. This can only happen by the power of God’s love. If we can practice what we preach, we can change our world. peace

just do it

2006-05-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

“The greater danger for most of us s not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it” Michelangelo Today is your day to step to the front of the pack. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and being comfortable and “average”. God has never made an average person. God is not an average God. There definitely wasn’t anything average about Jesus. I spent most of my life thinking that being in the “middle of the pack” was okay. As a matter of fact, I just wanted to be “on the team”. Forget being a starter or even the star, I just wanted to wear the uniform. So many of us Christians want to wear the uniform but we don’t want to step out and start something revolutionary. We are more satisfied being in our comfort zones and blending into the scenery. I just recently got a revelation that we are not to accept being neutral and mediocre. No matter who you are, where you live, what you drive or where you work, you can do something for God. “If you think you’re too small to make an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room” Anita Roddick I am determined for the rest of my life to get people to see that they have a purpose and that they can live successful lives through the power of God. You have the rest of your life in front of you. I often wonder what would be worse, to know you have just a little time left to make an impact or not knowing that you have a lot of time to do it ? “What we think or what we know or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do.” John Ruskin peace

quote of the week

2006-05-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. Albert Einstein

JumpStart 05/15

2006-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Unforgiveness is one of the most crippling things a person can experience. God has given us the ability and the mandate to forgive those who have wronged us. It doesn’t matter who they are or what it is that they have done to you, forgiveness is required of you. I understand that some things that may have be done or said have hurt you deeply. Sometimes the offending party meant to hurt you purposely. Sometimes they have no idea what they have done. Sometimes time has passed for so long since the incident that they may have forgotten it entirely. It may have even happen that the person has died before you have forgiven them. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is necessary for growth to happen. The longer you walk around in unforgiveness, the longer it will take for you to get to the next level in your life. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15 that we must forgive. We must act out of obedience and faith. When you forgive it’s like letting go of baggage that doesn’t belong to you. When you’re weighed own you can’t move very fast. You can’t walk through certain doorways because you are carrying of stuff with you. When you let it go by forgiving, you become empowered to go places that you’ve never been before. You can be more effective for the Kingdom. “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies” Nelson Mandela Don’t hold on to resentment and unforgiveness. Forgive and watch God do a miracle in your life and someone else’s. peace

how do you rate?

2006-05-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

What is your CQ? CQ stands for Community Quotient. How would you rate yourself when it comes to serving your community? Often times as Christians, we are more “inward” focused than “outward” focused. We tend to think about ourselves. We often don’t think about what goes on in anyone else’s lives or families. A real biblical community would be one that follows the New Testament example: “Encourage one another daily” Heb. 3:13 “Build each other up” 1 Thess. 5:11 “Serve one another with love” Gal. 5:13 We should always look for ways to improve our CQ. Remember that we’re all in this together. peace

breaking down the walls

2006-05-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

F. Lee Grady wrote a great column for Charisma. He talked about breaking racial barriers. Check it out here. The way he did this was by accidentally walking into a black-owned hair salon looking to get a haircut. After the initial awkwardness, he was able to settle in, get a great haircut, and meet some new friends. As I begin my journey in the blog world I see myself breaking some color barriers of my own. By doing a little investigation I have discovered that I may be the only African-American minister on the blogosphere. As incredible as that may sound, I’m sure there are some valid reasons for this. Maybe it’s because traditionally African-Americans are a step or two behind when it comes to technology. Maybe we consider technology to be too impersonal and it imposes on our sense of community. Whatever the reasons, I am here to break down the walls. I want African-Americans to see that we also can use this method to reach people. We should not limit ourselves to just traditional methods. Also, I want my brothers and sisters of other ethniticities to see that just beyond the color of my skin; we have a lot in common. We can benefit from the exchange of thoughts, ideas, and a few good jokes here and there. I want to thank Bob Franquiz, Chris Cree, Chris Jarrell, Margaret Feinberg and Tadd Grandstaff for helping me out with my questions. Thanks for helping to destroy the enemies lies. If anyone else has any tips or insights for me, please email me Peace

run as a team

2006-05-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

When I was in junior high school I was part of the track team. I was pretty good at the long jump and I ran the 100 and 200 meter races. I was also part of the 400 meter relay team. This was pretty cool for me because I was chosen to run the anchor or final leg of the race. Running in a relay race is interesting because track and field is generally made up of individuals performing to get points for their teams. Relay races are the only event that requires interaction between participants. Each runner must hand off the baton to the next runner within a certain zone, usually marked by triangles on the track. In sprint relays, runners typically use a "blind handoff", where the second runner stands on a spot predetermined in practice and starts running when the first runner hits a visual mark on the track (usually a smaller triangle). The second runner opens her hand behind her after a few strides, by which time the first runner should be caught up and able to hand off the baton. In middle-distance relays or longer, runners begin by jogging while looking back at the incoming runner and holding out a hand for the baton. A team may be disqualified from a relay for: *Losing the baton *Making an improper baton exchange *Making two false starts (or in some cases only one) *Improperly overtaking another competitor *Preventing another competitor from passing *Willfully impeding, improperly crossing the course, or in any other way interfering with another competitor Today I want us to consider the part we play in the relay race of life. Are you handing the baton off correctly? Are you ready to hand off at all? Are you selfishly pushing yourself on front of someone else who is doing a great job? Are you allowing envy and jealousy a clear path on the race track? A successful relay team requires that every member do his or her part to the best of their ability. No matter if you are the anchor runner or the one that starts off, we each have a responsibility to help our team when. I want to be able to run my part of this race with theconfidence that God is with me and His will is being done. I don’t want to try to work my agenda or try to impose my will on other people. It is only by His grace and mercy that I am able to do what I do anyway. I want to be able to finish (2 Tim. 4:7). When my time here is done I want to have someone to hand off to. As a matter of fact, in a relay race when you hand off to the next person they are already running. They don’t wait to get started when you hand them the baton. They have already built up momentum before you hand off to them. Encourage those around you to get moving. No one gets anything passed to them when they are not doing anything. Elisha was about something before Elijah blessed him with a double portion. Even the disciples were busy in their professions before Jesus came along. Let’s run our race and win. As individual runners maybe we don’t do as well. As a team, we’re unstoppable. Peace

ceo pastors

2006-05-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

In the latest edition of Black Enterprise magazine, the cover story features mega-church pastors Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, and Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell. The article talks about how these successful pastors direct much of their ministry like a business. Through having memberships that reach into the tens of thousands, these churches bring in millions of dollars to fund the vast number of ministries they perform. The article goes on to talk about how these pastors have to take on the role of CEO in operating their churches. With such large amounts of money coming in to the church, there are a lot of responsibilities that these men have to undertake. IRS guidelines must be followed without exception. Just having a large church and millions of dollars flowing in and out of it can lead to unnecessary scrutiny from the press. Personally, I find it amazing how many people criticize pastors such as these. Sure, there have been many ministers who have taken advantage of their flocks. These people will be judged, trust me. The men mentioned in this article, and many others, have rebuilt communities, started businesses, and changed the lives of millions of people around the world. Their work should be commended. peace

success

2006-05-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

Success is your destiny. You and I were created to be successful in every area of our lives. God, who is the creator and master designer, made us in His own image and likeness. He has provided a life for us to live that is second to none. He has given us the tools to live and therefore give Him glory. The success I’m speaking of is not what the world would define as success. Success is fulfilling God’s plan for your life. It is not conditioned on monetary gain or level of status. It is knowing your purpose, having a Chazown, and taking the steps to fulfill it. Don’t settle for less than what God has for you. Don’t allow yourself to get comfortable in the land of just enough. Search yourself, seek God, and stretch your vision to meet His heavenly plan for your life. You can succeed. Our God can do exceedingly above all we can ask or think but we have to do our part in this process. Believe that you are destined for success. Put your faith behind that belief and push. Don’t let anyone stop your forward progress. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. peace

challenges

2006-05-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

In spite of challenges that come my way, I know that God is still good. He is still in control of my life. Those of you that were viewers of my old blog, thanks for making the trip over here with me. I'm not sure why my other site disappeared, but I do know that nothing and no one is going to keep me from my destiny. peace

book of the month

2006-05-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Craig Groeschel hits the bullseye with his new book Chazwon. It is an outstanding guidebook on vision. He gives informative instructions, revealing insights, and a healthy dose of humor to help guide your God-given vision. Craig is the senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, one of America's fastest growing churches. They are amongst the leaders in the multi-site church revolution. Check out their internet campus here. I would recommend this book to people everywhere from those in leadership to those who don't have a clue. Maybe this is my Chazown. Don't know what I mean? Check out the book and you'll find out. peace