i thought she loved me
i thought she cared
i thought she had my best interest at heart
i thought she meant what she said
i thought i was the only one
i thought we were more than just fun
i thought we were making it last
i thought the past was the past
i thought we were building a future
i thought we were more than just an adventure
i thought we were settling down
i thought my queen i had found
i thought no more single nights on the town
i thought my players card i could retire
i thought she had my heart, love on fire
i thought too long
i thought wrong
i thought...
addendum:
my thoughts were not our reality
im still single you see
yet, its still all good to me
Gods still got my destiny
that aint a thought, this i know!
Friday, July 16, 2010
i like
i like ur smile
i like ur style
i like the words u say 2 me
i like the pictures they paint 4 me
i like ur giggle
i like ur wiggle
i like it when u get excited and u start talking fast
i liked it when u told me u had an accident and fell flat on ur ....
i like when call me lovey dubby names
i like it when we play new love games
i laugh when i hear ur voice
i cry when i have 2 make a choice, between u and something else
i like that we like each other
i like that we miss each other
i like that sometimes u let me b ur older brother
i like that sometimes u act like my mother
sometimes ur little girly, sometimes ur big bossy
i dont have nothing 2 rhyme with that, just wanted 2 say it!
i like that we can b ourselves around each other and not judge
i like how sometimes u get stubborn and will not budge
of course u know i like the way u look
like a story i cannot resist reading, packed n2 a book
i anticipate hearing from u everyday
sometimes when i talk 2 u i dont know quite what 2 say
because u take my breath away
i like that u take my breath away
softly, slowly, sweetly u take my breath away, away
i breathe u
and i like it
i like ur style
i like the words u say 2 me
i like the pictures they paint 4 me
i like ur giggle
i like ur wiggle
i like it when u get excited and u start talking fast
i liked it when u told me u had an accident and fell flat on ur ....
i like when call me lovey dubby names
i like it when we play new love games
i laugh when i hear ur voice
i cry when i have 2 make a choice, between u and something else
i like that we like each other
i like that we miss each other
i like that sometimes u let me b ur older brother
i like that sometimes u act like my mother
sometimes ur little girly, sometimes ur big bossy
i dont have nothing 2 rhyme with that, just wanted 2 say it!
i like that we can b ourselves around each other and not judge
i like how sometimes u get stubborn and will not budge
of course u know i like the way u look
like a story i cannot resist reading, packed n2 a book
i anticipate hearing from u everyday
sometimes when i talk 2 u i dont know quite what 2 say
because u take my breath away
i like that u take my breath away
softly, slowly, sweetly u take my breath away, away
i breathe u
and i like it
no more
i cant be victimized no more
i wont take being criticized no more
cant let u walk out on me no more
my heart, i have closed the door
taken back ur key, and locked the door
its not for you to enter any more
ive laid out on the floor
asking God why cause i cant take no more
gave you my heart and everything that i had
you treated me like i was the one that was mad
crazy in the heart, i found out you were
coming in and out of my life, like a revolving door, it was a blur
great when you were there and we were together
in this life there was nothing better
you have a place in my hear forever
but now i must let it all go and walk away
cause when you come around, youre never there to stay
the inconsistency is debilitating, so frustrating
id rather love you now, than end up hating
i cant stand around waiting
for you to come around, confiscating my heart
no longer living in the dark
the light is on, the sun is bright
loved in the night but that does not make it right
no longer want to fight, this feeling i fee for you
will always be true and never blue
but ive got to do whats best for me too
even if it means not seeing you, no more
no more, smiling when you come but crying when you leave
no more, waiting for you to come back, this time believe
the door is shut, the key is on the shelf
from this forward on, lookin out for self
no more tears, no more worries, no more pain
but simple me, still want to see you again, and again, and again
but for now, no more
i wont take being criticized no more
cant let u walk out on me no more
my heart, i have closed the door
taken back ur key, and locked the door
its not for you to enter any more
ive laid out on the floor
asking God why cause i cant take no more
gave you my heart and everything that i had
you treated me like i was the one that was mad
crazy in the heart, i found out you were
coming in and out of my life, like a revolving door, it was a blur
great when you were there and we were together
in this life there was nothing better
you have a place in my hear forever
but now i must let it all go and walk away
cause when you come around, youre never there to stay
the inconsistency is debilitating, so frustrating
id rather love you now, than end up hating
i cant stand around waiting
for you to come around, confiscating my heart
no longer living in the dark
the light is on, the sun is bright
loved in the night but that does not make it right
no longer want to fight, this feeling i fee for you
will always be true and never blue
but ive got to do whats best for me too
even if it means not seeing you, no more
no more, smiling when you come but crying when you leave
no more, waiting for you to come back, this time believe
the door is shut, the key is on the shelf
from this forward on, lookin out for self
no more tears, no more worries, no more pain
but simple me, still want to see you again, and again, and again
but for now, no more
Thursday, August 6, 2009
after a week of extremes, bipolar situations so to speak, i was itching with anticipation about being in my pulpit. stepping from the plane to the towncar, as we whisked to the church, my thoughts ran over the sorrows of death and the joys and gift of life, all allowed and given by God and how each of these happens suddenly.
2 chronicles 29:36b... and God did it suddenly!
without warning, unexpectedly and immediately... suddenly!
unfortunately during this season of Christianity, many of what is being propagated is relegated to the immediacy of God verses the process of God.
yes, God can and does move suddenly, however, most times it is a process.
moreover, this text teaches us that God can and will move suddenly, after we have moved continually.
it is only after we have moved 'continually' that God will then move 'suddenly!'
here is a 'bare-bones' outline of last sundays sermon from the series 'suddenly!' . i pray that it moves you to become more committed in your walk with Christ.
the miracle of the passage is that 'suddenly had already been going on.' they were already blessed, enough so that to 'overflow' in the offering that there were not enough priests to count it all!
God, through Hezekiah in the text, is calling on us to...
1. continual consecration
a. praise vs 30a
b. worship vs 30b
2. continual communion
a. come to close to hear the Word; come near to the priest;
3. continual contribution
a. sacrifices vs 31a
b. offering vs 31b
our haphazard, sometimey, here and there participation and commitment is an embarrassment to God.
i encourage you to not just 'pop-up' on God but to be continual in your relationship with Him. not just every other sunday, not just when you feel it, not just when things are going bad or going good, but continual. He has been continual with you, our least should be to want to be continual with Him.
the good news is, when we are continual with Him, He will move on our behalf, suddenly!
watch out during this next season in your life, for God to move, suddenly!
greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved
pastor p
2 chronicles 29:36b... and God did it suddenly!
without warning, unexpectedly and immediately... suddenly!
unfortunately during this season of Christianity, many of what is being propagated is relegated to the immediacy of God verses the process of God.
yes, God can and does move suddenly, however, most times it is a process.
moreover, this text teaches us that God can and will move suddenly, after we have moved continually.
it is only after we have moved 'continually' that God will then move 'suddenly!'
here is a 'bare-bones' outline of last sundays sermon from the series 'suddenly!' . i pray that it moves you to become more committed in your walk with Christ.
the miracle of the passage is that 'suddenly had already been going on.' they were already blessed, enough so that to 'overflow' in the offering that there were not enough priests to count it all!
God, through Hezekiah in the text, is calling on us to...
1. continual consecration
a. praise vs 30a
b. worship vs 30b
2. continual communion
a. come to close to hear the Word; come near to the priest;
3. continual contribution
a. sacrifices vs 31a
b. offering vs 31b
our haphazard, sometimey, here and there participation and commitment is an embarrassment to God.
i encourage you to not just 'pop-up' on God but to be continual in your relationship with Him. not just every other sunday, not just when you feel it, not just when things are going bad or going good, but continual. He has been continual with you, our least should be to want to be continual with Him.
the good news is, when we are continual with Him, He will move on our behalf, suddenly!
watch out during this next season in your life, for God to move, suddenly!
greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved
pastor p
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
granny burns
God is so good in so many ways
some of the ways we experience, see, touch, hear and taste God is through people.
he allows relationships in our lives that leave 'indelible imprints' that cannot be erased. as my father would often say when i was young, things and people you never forget 'in this world or the world to come.
'i am grateful for the few people God has allowed me to know and interact with, even at a young age, that have made lasting impressions, indelible imprints, on my life.
as i grow older, it seems that those who were most influential, were such in my younger years. (there is a lesson in there somewhere)
the fondest memories i have are of when i was most young.
one the people who have made such an impact in my life and influenced my spirit was a long time member of my dads church, sis ruth burns, but my little brother and i knew her as 'granny burns!'
granny burns passed yesterday.
yes, she was a faithful member. yes, she was an involved and influential member. yes, she was a supporter of my father and the ministry but i remember granny burns for personal reasons above all else.
granny burns was the grandmother i never had. both of my maternal grandmothers passed away before i had the opportunity to know them.
we loved us some granny burns!
granny burns lived on the street over from us when we lived in fifth ward. we would play on her porch! we would run around her house! granny burns could burn! she was a master in the kitchen, old school style!
our family had a 'tradition' with granny burns growing up. every new years day, between dad preaching at the prayer bowl at pleasant grove missionary baptist church (which was an all day thing!) we would go over to granny burns house, to sit, talk, share, fellowship, cook and eat! alan and i would play till our hearts delight. watch cartoons in her back room. play checkers in the front room, play on her front porch, or just sit and listen to the adult conversations going on in the living room.
these were days of extended family, not just blood family but spiritual family. no iphones, no sidekicks, no wii's, no xboxs or playstations. these were times of fun that required human interaction and presented family fellowship.
thats why i remember granny burns voice and smile. i remember her kind and gentle spirit. i do not remember her ever raising her voice, but she was firm when need be. she was even gentle when being strong.
i remember her cooking. i remember not being tall enough to look up and see what she was doing on the stove! i remember the big black cast iron skillet that she cooked the best ever hot water cornbread (which she took time out to teach me how to cook!). i remember the big silver pot that held the greens (and the 'potlicker' that came from them!). ii remember the sound of the grease crackling when she put in the chicken wings to fry. i can see her now standing there, with her apron on, smiling at me, as she cooked away on the hot stove.
i remember the smell of the house. i remember the plastic strips on the floor and on the chairs and couch in the living room. i remember the tv with the knob and antenna!...and out of all of this, i remember the feeling of love in the house and in everything that was done and said.
i remember how we would run around in the house. i remember how we would watch cartoons on the television with the knob and antennae in the back room. i remember we would play checkers in the front room. i remember we would sit and listen to the adults conversate in the living room (oh, did i say this already? lol! only because this means so much to me now)...i remember always being excited to go and spend time at granny burns house.
i remember her touch. she had a way of calming and soothing my spirit whenever i had asthma troubles, with just a back rub and a glass of water. granny burns had a nurturing spirit. she would talk to us. she would listen to us. she would interact with us. she would engage us. she would let us be children and push us to be men.
mount corinth and for sure vacation bible school is going to miss her. fifth ward is going to miss her. the patterson family is going to miss her. i am going to miss her. correction, i already miss her but her life is 'indelibly imprinted' in mine.
i wonder, as i reminisce about granny burns, who is the person, or the people, who have made an 'indelible imprint' in your life? how do you remember them? what kind of impact have they made in your life? who are you and what are you doing as a result?
whose life are you making an 'indelible imprint' in?
who will remember you like this, after you are gone on?
what kind of 'indelible imprint' are you making in someone elses life?
some of the ways we experience, see, touch, hear and taste God is through people.
he allows relationships in our lives that leave 'indelible imprints' that cannot be erased. as my father would often say when i was young, things and people you never forget 'in this world or the world to come.
'i am grateful for the few people God has allowed me to know and interact with, even at a young age, that have made lasting impressions, indelible imprints, on my life.
as i grow older, it seems that those who were most influential, were such in my younger years. (there is a lesson in there somewhere)
the fondest memories i have are of when i was most young.
one the people who have made such an impact in my life and influenced my spirit was a long time member of my dads church, sis ruth burns, but my little brother and i knew her as 'granny burns!'
granny burns passed yesterday.
yes, she was a faithful member. yes, she was an involved and influential member. yes, she was a supporter of my father and the ministry but i remember granny burns for personal reasons above all else.
granny burns was the grandmother i never had. both of my maternal grandmothers passed away before i had the opportunity to know them.
we loved us some granny burns!
granny burns lived on the street over from us when we lived in fifth ward. we would play on her porch! we would run around her house! granny burns could burn! she was a master in the kitchen, old school style!
our family had a 'tradition' with granny burns growing up. every new years day, between dad preaching at the prayer bowl at pleasant grove missionary baptist church (which was an all day thing!) we would go over to granny burns house, to sit, talk, share, fellowship, cook and eat! alan and i would play till our hearts delight. watch cartoons in her back room. play checkers in the front room, play on her front porch, or just sit and listen to the adult conversations going on in the living room.
these were days of extended family, not just blood family but spiritual family. no iphones, no sidekicks, no wii's, no xboxs or playstations. these were times of fun that required human interaction and presented family fellowship.
thats why i remember granny burns voice and smile. i remember her kind and gentle spirit. i do not remember her ever raising her voice, but she was firm when need be. she was even gentle when being strong.
i remember her cooking. i remember not being tall enough to look up and see what she was doing on the stove! i remember the big black cast iron skillet that she cooked the best ever hot water cornbread (which she took time out to teach me how to cook!). i remember the big silver pot that held the greens (and the 'potlicker' that came from them!). ii remember the sound of the grease crackling when she put in the chicken wings to fry. i can see her now standing there, with her apron on, smiling at me, as she cooked away on the hot stove.
i remember the smell of the house. i remember the plastic strips on the floor and on the chairs and couch in the living room. i remember the tv with the knob and antenna!...and out of all of this, i remember the feeling of love in the house and in everything that was done and said.
i remember how we would run around in the house. i remember how we would watch cartoons on the television with the knob and antennae in the back room. i remember we would play checkers in the front room. i remember we would sit and listen to the adults conversate in the living room (oh, did i say this already? lol! only because this means so much to me now)...i remember always being excited to go and spend time at granny burns house.
i remember her touch. she had a way of calming and soothing my spirit whenever i had asthma troubles, with just a back rub and a glass of water. granny burns had a nurturing spirit. she would talk to us. she would listen to us. she would interact with us. she would engage us. she would let us be children and push us to be men.
mount corinth and for sure vacation bible school is going to miss her. fifth ward is going to miss her. the patterson family is going to miss her. i am going to miss her. correction, i already miss her but her life is 'indelibly imprinted' in mine.
i wonder, as i reminisce about granny burns, who is the person, or the people, who have made an 'indelible imprint' in your life? how do you remember them? what kind of impact have they made in your life? who are you and what are you doing as a result?
whose life are you making an 'indelible imprint' in?
who will remember you like this, after you are gone on?
what kind of 'indelible imprint' are you making in someone elses life?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
her eyes
she has eyes like an egyptian goddess, they always draw u n
she has eyes
that see right thru me
she has eyes
that talk silently 2 me
she has eyes that pray 4 me
she has eyes like a ride or die chick u see
she has eyes that pierce my soul
she has eyes like the starlets of old, so powerful, so bold
like sophia lauren, big and bright, wanting 2 b my friend
like lauren bacall, medium n tight, ready 2 brawl
like jackie o, eyes of class n style, eyes that always make me smile
she has eyes, like I want n my child
she has eyes that I want 2 wake up 2
she has eyes that I want 2 make up 2
she has eyes that turn me on
she has eyes that tell me I am the one
her eyes r sometime sad, but most times full of fun
her eyes always lift me up n tell me I can
her eyes make me feel like I am the man
her eyes, r a prize
2 b treasured
2 b loved
her eyes r a gift of God, not of man
I've seen her eyes and can't settle 4 less
so ill just b patient n wait 4 God 2 bless...
me with, her eyes
she has eyes
that see right thru me
she has eyes
that talk silently 2 me
she has eyes that pray 4 me
she has eyes like a ride or die chick u see
she has eyes that pierce my soul
she has eyes like the starlets of old, so powerful, so bold
like sophia lauren, big and bright, wanting 2 b my friend
like lauren bacall, medium n tight, ready 2 brawl
like jackie o, eyes of class n style, eyes that always make me smile
she has eyes, like I want n my child
she has eyes that I want 2 wake up 2
she has eyes that I want 2 make up 2
she has eyes that turn me on
she has eyes that tell me I am the one
her eyes r sometime sad, but most times full of fun
her eyes always lift me up n tell me I can
her eyes make me feel like I am the man
her eyes, r a prize
2 b treasured
2 b loved
her eyes r a gift of God, not of man
I've seen her eyes and can't settle 4 less
so ill just b patient n wait 4 God 2 bless...
me with, her eyes
Sunday, May 24, 2009
next time
note: inspired by and written 2 the rhythm of 'next time' by john legend ...cop that cd evolver!
next time
i fall in love
next time
i see your face
i will embrace
the grace gift you are too me
the wind beneath my wings
the sunshine, throughout my day
the laughter, like kids at play
the smile you put on my face
next time
i will adore
the way you walk thru the door
the way you keep me wanting for more
the power of your allure
next time
i will say
its you who made my every day
its you who for whom i would pay
anything for you too stay
for now
i wish you the best
you are better than the rest
congratulations on your baby
i wanted her to look like me
wanted us to be a family
now i wont because of me
but
next time
i want it all
next time
ill take a chance
step out on love and romance
next time
will be my last dance
next time
ill make it last
next time
i wont go so fast
next time
we'll take it slow
next time
i want you to know
wherever you are, i want to go
next time
i won't let you leave
it's just you and me
underneath the trees
living in the breeze
next time
will be the last time
there will be you without me
next time
i fall in love
next time
i see your face
i will embrace
the grace gift you are too me
the wind beneath my wings
the sunshine, throughout my day
the laughter, like kids at play
the smile you put on my face
next time
i will adore
the way you walk thru the door
the way you keep me wanting for more
the power of your allure
next time
i will say
its you who made my every day
its you who for whom i would pay
anything for you too stay
for now
i wish you the best
you are better than the rest
congratulations on your baby
i wanted her to look like me
wanted us to be a family
now i wont because of me
but
next time
i want it all
next time
ill take a chance
step out on love and romance
next time
will be my last dance
next time
ill make it last
next time
i wont go so fast
next time
we'll take it slow
next time
i want you to know
wherever you are, i want to go
next time
i won't let you leave
it's just you and me
underneath the trees
living in the breeze
next time
will be the last time
there will be you without me
Monday, April 13, 2009
2009 Easter Weekend Of LOVE!
Preamble!...
Ok, now that I have told you some personal stuff (you probably didn't want to hear - TMI!... but, if you would like the 'detox liquid diet' recipe, hit me up) let me share some tidbits about The Love Church's Easter Weekend!
Friday...
livng in the love,
pastor p
- like my Morehouse brother and lead Pastor of Courageous Church in atlanta, georgia, i've had 'the runs' too, except all weekend! it's part consequence of the end of a 40-day fast, with the last 7 days doing nothing but water and a detox 'juice cocktail!' ...gotta love the prune juice! lol! :-)
- this lent season fast has brought me closer to God than i have ever been, more sensitive to the leading, urging and even conviction of the Holy Spirit and less tolerable of things that are not of God, including negative attitudes and destructive behaviors!
- i have also lost some weight! HA-LE-LU-JAH! LOL! during the last year or so, i have gained considerable weight due to the side effects of medication i 'was' taking but do not take anymore! decided to go 'cold turkey' and trust God for healing! ...SIDEBAR: you never know what a person is going thru or dealing with, privately. it is insensitve to speak before you know!
- the physical goal? FINE IN '09! ...watch out summertime!
Ok, now that I have told you some personal stuff (you probably didn't want to hear - TMI!... but, if you would like the 'detox liquid diet' recipe, hit me up) let me share some tidbits about The Love Church's Easter Weekend!
Friday...
- friday noon, i had the privilege of speaking at the St John Church in grand prairie, texas where denny d. davis is the senior pastor. what a church! it was the traditional baptist 'seven last sayings' of Christ on the cross service. i had the 'third word.' - John 19:26-27 paraphrased 'when Jesus saw His mother and the disciple standing there at the cross, He said 26 'Woman, behold your son' and to the disciple whom He loved, 'Son, behold your mother.' 27 And from that moment forward that disciple took her to his own home.'
- i continue 2 b n awe @ how God uses me, when i know i do not deserve it. it brings me 2 tears everytime.
- friday nite kicked off Easter Weekend Of LOVE for the church with a showing of the record breaking 'The Passion Of The Christ!' producer mel gibson, hit this one out of the park! you cannot watch this movie with an open heart and mind and not be moved in some way!
- people were emotionally moved @ the graphic portrayal of the brutal treatment directed of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- a number of people shared their minds had been opened and their spirits had been touched by the pictoral demonstration of the suffering of Jesus, on the way 2 and on the cross!
- the attendance was not what i would have liked, but the results 4 people there was all i could ever ask 4! ...we r looking @ better promoting the movie showing 4the month of april 2 coincide with the preaching series... Fireproof! ...u know i have 2 say this... it's gonna b FIYAH! (no pun intended! ok, yes it was! lol!)
- men's breakfast @ furr's! shout out 2 furr's on 635N and centerville! discount time!
- good attendance, great Bible lesson and said good food! ...i was on the last day of my 40-day fast! could only watch the men eat! ...the jackson 5 had a song out once, 'it's torture!' lol!
- it is good when men, real men, can get 2gether, eat, fellowship, learn and share. it was a great time early n the morning!
- i have been anticipating easter sunday morning all week! my spirit has been on FIYAH and ready 2 burn some stuff up!
- the worship experience led by sister danetta turner and sis creshunda moore, 2 krazy anointed voices and spirits with krazy fire! they both sang as if their lives depended on it! the spirit was in the place!
- sis yolandra johnson ministered 2 us through interpretive dance! her spirit of worship and anointing n dance is contagious! God moved the crowd thru her movements!
- the children and youth presented a 'skit' that was disciplined and Bible based! no one 'messed up' their lines! they all spoke with clarity and authority! everyone represented! i am so proud of our children & youth and their continued growth n the Lord! great job sis lemmons!
- i preached a sermon entitled 'I'm A Witness!' from John 19:26-27 when Jesus gave His mother 2 John and gave John 2 His mother... there are times n preaching when u feel it and when u don't. well, i felt it! lol! ...if one more person had 'bum-rushed' the pulpit, i would have gone running myself! ...it was so good, they kept telling 2 go on and don't stop! :-)
- i thank God 4 all who help tireless and unpaid 2 make each Sunday a success... the LOVE ambassadors, the source media team, the musicians (the LOVE pound!), the voices of judah praise team, the ministers and everyone who chips n when and wherever needed, with a smile and lots of LOVE!
- we took time out 2 celebrate and remember the sacrifice of Jesus by taking communion. communion is always a sobering and cleansing experience. i thank God for a church full of hearts that seek Him, sincerely.
- i love my church! there is non other like the LOVE church! it aint nothing but LOVE!
- i salute all proclaimers who stood tall on easter to tell a dying world about a living Savior!
- the church rolls on and Christ still lives! God is!...
- ...at THE LOVE CHURCH, there may b some bigger, but there ain't none better, because @ THE LOVE CHURCH we ain't got nothing but LOVE 4 u! ;-)
livng in the love,
pastor p
Saturday, December 6, 2008
i believe
mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, "if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." 24 immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, i believe; help my unbelief!"
have u ever wanted 2 believe somebody but just couldnt? u tried n ur mind but couldnt. the thoughts just didnt add up. u tried n ur emotions but couldnt. just didnt 'feel' them. u even tried n ur spirit but never experienced any peace about it.
have u ever believe and not believed at the same time? have you ever wanted to but couldnt? have you ever believed but doubted?
ive consistently heard my dad say, im just 'raising intelligent questions of the text.' may i raise an intelligent question of the text and our lives as well? is it really belief if we doubt? must we believe 100% for it 2 b belief? can we believe and doubt at the same time?
this text clearly shows us a man whom 'believed and doubted!' but what makes this text so interesting and inspiring is that this man is talking to Jesus! the man was saying in essence, ive gone as far as i can go in my human belief efforts, so Lord do what i cannot do, in the area of my belief struggle.
i honestly believe this man was saying to Jesus, if you find any area where my belief is weak and needs propping up, needs support, help me in that area! what if we genuinely asked the Lord to take us 2 higher levels n areas that we experience weakness and unbelief?
our human nature wants 2 doubt, but our spirit man wants 2 believe! the fight is on! who will win n ur life? nature or spirit? doubt or belief?
do u really believe God can heal? do you really believe God can mend ur marriage? Do u really believe God can restore ur ruptured relationship? do u really believe God can complete a makeover of ur mind, emotions and spirit? do u really believe u can change with the help of the Holy Spirit or r u destined 2 stay the same because of ur unbelief?
from the mind and mouth of the Master, we are encouraged 2 know that not just some things, or the things we are comfortable with or the things we like at any given moment and time, but all things are possible to those who believe! all things! do u believe that? all things!
the person u just walked out on, all things! the job u feel like giving up on, all things! the family member for whom u feel there is no hope, all things! look at urself n the mirror, thats right even u, all things!
whatever area it is of ur life that came 2 mind as u read this, by the power of the Holy Spirits leading, know with assurance and excitement that God can change it, if u only believe!
i dont know about u 2day, but i want 2 believe it can happen! i want 2 believe it can change! i want 2 believe i can change! i want 2 believe all things r possible! i want 2 believe!
can u imagine what kind of life u could live, and what kind of blessing u could b, if u only believed!... well, the next verse, verse 25 says that a miracle happened because somebody believed!
ur miracle is awaiting u 2day, if u just believe!
as we close out this year of '08 and the disappointments that u experienced, i am believing with u n '09 that ur miracle is going 2 happen! i believe with u and 4 u that what did not happen 4 u this year, will happen n a greater way next year! ur best is yet 2 come n u aint seen nothin' yet, just believe!
repeat this after me and then plant it n ur heart! Lord, i believe! Lord, i receive! amen! so let it b!
agape,
pastor p
oh yeah, and by the way, I BELIEVE!
have u ever wanted 2 believe somebody but just couldnt? u tried n ur mind but couldnt. the thoughts just didnt add up. u tried n ur emotions but couldnt. just didnt 'feel' them. u even tried n ur spirit but never experienced any peace about it.
have u ever believe and not believed at the same time? have you ever wanted to but couldnt? have you ever believed but doubted?
ive consistently heard my dad say, im just 'raising intelligent questions of the text.' may i raise an intelligent question of the text and our lives as well? is it really belief if we doubt? must we believe 100% for it 2 b belief? can we believe and doubt at the same time?
this text clearly shows us a man whom 'believed and doubted!' but what makes this text so interesting and inspiring is that this man is talking to Jesus! the man was saying in essence, ive gone as far as i can go in my human belief efforts, so Lord do what i cannot do, in the area of my belief struggle.
i honestly believe this man was saying to Jesus, if you find any area where my belief is weak and needs propping up, needs support, help me in that area! what if we genuinely asked the Lord to take us 2 higher levels n areas that we experience weakness and unbelief?
our human nature wants 2 doubt, but our spirit man wants 2 believe! the fight is on! who will win n ur life? nature or spirit? doubt or belief?
do u really believe God can heal? do you really believe God can mend ur marriage? Do u really believe God can restore ur ruptured relationship? do u really believe God can complete a makeover of ur mind, emotions and spirit? do u really believe u can change with the help of the Holy Spirit or r u destined 2 stay the same because of ur unbelief?
from the mind and mouth of the Master, we are encouraged 2 know that not just some things, or the things we are comfortable with or the things we like at any given moment and time, but all things are possible to those who believe! all things! do u believe that? all things!
the person u just walked out on, all things! the job u feel like giving up on, all things! the family member for whom u feel there is no hope, all things! look at urself n the mirror, thats right even u, all things!
whatever area it is of ur life that came 2 mind as u read this, by the power of the Holy Spirits leading, know with assurance and excitement that God can change it, if u only believe!
i dont know about u 2day, but i want 2 believe it can happen! i want 2 believe it can change! i want 2 believe i can change! i want 2 believe all things r possible! i want 2 believe!
can u imagine what kind of life u could live, and what kind of blessing u could b, if u only believed!... well, the next verse, verse 25 says that a miracle happened because somebody believed!
ur miracle is awaiting u 2day, if u just believe!
as we close out this year of '08 and the disappointments that u experienced, i am believing with u n '09 that ur miracle is going 2 happen! i believe with u and 4 u that what did not happen 4 u this year, will happen n a greater way next year! ur best is yet 2 come n u aint seen nothin' yet, just believe!
repeat this after me and then plant it n ur heart! Lord, i believe! Lord, i receive! amen! so let it b!
agape,
pastor p
oh yeah, and by the way, I BELIEVE!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
How 2 Handle Ur Heart During The Holidays
this is a season that is bipolar for many. yes, bipolar. we see signs of jolly everywhere we look but inward we have no joy. we hear jingles of happiness everywhere we go but inward we are sad and depressed.
this season is propagated as one big party, yet for many it is the darkest time of the year. 80% of all suicides occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. 75% of all heart attacks occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. The divorce rate rises and the incarceration rate rises between Thanksgiving and New Years because people do not understand how to handle their hearts during the holidays.
its not about another party, another drink or another romantic tryst. its not about what gifts you get or where you go, for you will still be the same person on the inside no matter what you receive or where you end up.
the problem with most of us is trilogistic (ha! i made up my own word! lol!) in nature. according to A. Louis Patterson, Jr., we wrestle with life. the noise of life, the hurry of life and the crowds of life. we are afraid to be quiet (silent), to be still and to be alone (single). we are afraid of this because of what we see in the mirror and know in our heart. simply put, we cant stand ourselves and like the verse says, we will 'condemn' ourselves in the heart. so then we try and fill the void with noise, hurry and crowds.
we cant stand and dont like ourselves because of who we are, where we are and what we do. in other words, we dont like our 'self', our situation or our sin.
we always find something about ourselves not to like. even those of us with God complexes have to admit, there is that thing about us we do not like.
we always find something about our situation about ourselves that we do not like. cant you hear yourself saying, i should have been farther along in life than this. or, i don't deserve this. or, i'm better than this. all because we do not like our situation.
we always find something about our sin that we do not like. have you ever knelt or sat down to pray and the enemy brings to your memory something you did that was displeasing to God? have you ever had flashbacks of past actions or thoughts. deeds that you have asked for forgiveness and have moved on from, sin.
stop condemning yourself and begin to cultivate confidence in your heart vs 21.
now, i can hear you thinking.... well, pastor p, how is this done? glad you asked...
the text gives us a number of ways to handle our hearts during the holidays...
1. replace lies with truth ...vs 19
the mind was made for truth.
unfortunately we live lives of fantasy over and beyond truth. we give more time to games shows, soap operas, dramas, comedies and cartoons than we do the Word and worship.
Jesus says "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life..." John 14:6
"and you shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall set you free" John 8:32... if you want to be 'free' in your life, in your mind, in your emotions... know the truth!
give most of your hearts time this season to the Savior not Santa! God not gifts! the Master not money! the Prince of Peace not parties! .... so many of us are 'passing life by looking for life!'
as a matter of fact, if you've got somebody in your life who is constantly playing the lie role... replace them with the truth!
2. rest in His presence ...vs 19
the spirit was made for God
resting (communicating) with God is the power source to our lives. it goes beyond talking to Him, but allowing Him to talk to us... "be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10
the spirit was not made for another party! the spirit was not made for another dose of fantasy! the spirit was not made for another 'roll in the hay!'... the spirit was made for relationship with God!
i know some people who just cannot be still in His presence! just last week someone came knocking on my door, wanting to 'hit the town' because, and i quote, they were 'bored!'
that might be a sign that you need to sit still and rest in His presence!
3. recognize that God is greater ...vs 20
in mathematics there are many symbols... plus, minus, equal... but my favorite is GREATER THAN!
guess what, God is GREATER THAN anything or anyone in your life! He always 'tips the scales' in your favor!
God is GREATER THAN... your bills! your ailment! your worries! your job! your child! your husband! your wife! your problems! your broken dreams! your busted desires! .... you've heard it before, if your problem is not bigger (greater than) God raising a dead Jesus from the grave, He has already proven He can handle it! HE IS GREATER THAN!
do not let any-one or any-thing handle you heart in contrast to the Word! when you let God handle your heart, He's also got your back!
during this holiday season, and every other season of your life, you don't have to have another drink or find another party or lay down with another person to find peace and joy. it is in how you handle your heart. handle your heart with confidence and watch God do the rest!
agape
pastor p
this season is propagated as one big party, yet for many it is the darkest time of the year. 80% of all suicides occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. 75% of all heart attacks occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. The divorce rate rises and the incarceration rate rises between Thanksgiving and New Years because people do not understand how to handle their hearts during the holidays.
its not about another party, another drink or another romantic tryst. its not about what gifts you get or where you go, for you will still be the same person on the inside no matter what you receive or where you end up.
the problem with most of us is trilogistic (ha! i made up my own word! lol!) in nature. according to A. Louis Patterson, Jr., we wrestle with life. the noise of life, the hurry of life and the crowds of life. we are afraid to be quiet (silent), to be still and to be alone (single). we are afraid of this because of what we see in the mirror and know in our heart. simply put, we cant stand ourselves and like the verse says, we will 'condemn' ourselves in the heart. so then we try and fill the void with noise, hurry and crowds.
we cant stand and dont like ourselves because of who we are, where we are and what we do. in other words, we dont like our 'self', our situation or our sin.
we always find something about ourselves not to like. even those of us with God complexes have to admit, there is that thing about us we do not like.
we always find something about our situation about ourselves that we do not like. cant you hear yourself saying, i should have been farther along in life than this. or, i don't deserve this. or, i'm better than this. all because we do not like our situation.
we always find something about our sin that we do not like. have you ever knelt or sat down to pray and the enemy brings to your memory something you did that was displeasing to God? have you ever had flashbacks of past actions or thoughts. deeds that you have asked for forgiveness and have moved on from, sin.
stop condemning yourself and begin to cultivate confidence in your heart vs 21.
now, i can hear you thinking.... well, pastor p, how is this done? glad you asked...
the text gives us a number of ways to handle our hearts during the holidays...
1. replace lies with truth ...vs 19
the mind was made for truth.
unfortunately we live lives of fantasy over and beyond truth. we give more time to games shows, soap operas, dramas, comedies and cartoons than we do the Word and worship.
Jesus says "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life..." John 14:6
"and you shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall set you free" John 8:32... if you want to be 'free' in your life, in your mind, in your emotions... know the truth!
give most of your hearts time this season to the Savior not Santa! God not gifts! the Master not money! the Prince of Peace not parties! .... so many of us are 'passing life by looking for life!'
as a matter of fact, if you've got somebody in your life who is constantly playing the lie role... replace them with the truth!
2. rest in His presence ...vs 19
the spirit was made for God
resting (communicating) with God is the power source to our lives. it goes beyond talking to Him, but allowing Him to talk to us... "be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10
the spirit was not made for another party! the spirit was not made for another dose of fantasy! the spirit was not made for another 'roll in the hay!'... the spirit was made for relationship with God!
i know some people who just cannot be still in His presence! just last week someone came knocking on my door, wanting to 'hit the town' because, and i quote, they were 'bored!'
that might be a sign that you need to sit still and rest in His presence!
3. recognize that God is greater ...vs 20
in mathematics there are many symbols... plus, minus, equal... but my favorite is GREATER THAN!
guess what, God is GREATER THAN anything or anyone in your life! He always 'tips the scales' in your favor!
God is GREATER THAN... your bills! your ailment! your worries! your job! your child! your husband! your wife! your problems! your broken dreams! your busted desires! .... you've heard it before, if your problem is not bigger (greater than) God raising a dead Jesus from the grave, He has already proven He can handle it! HE IS GREATER THAN!
do not let any-one or any-thing handle you heart in contrast to the Word! when you let God handle your heart, He's also got your back!
during this holiday season, and every other season of your life, you don't have to have another drink or find another party or lay down with another person to find peace and joy. it is in how you handle your heart. handle your heart with confidence and watch God do the rest!
agape
pastor p
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
everything
2 corinthians 1:2 our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you are to be - the message bible
i know, i know... to all you 'backseat' doctors and nurses, i should be in the bed and asleep if not just resting after being released from the hospital today BUT i was awakened and summoned to let this one flow... i tried to turn back over but... i tried to take a bathroom break and shrug it off but... i tried to raid the fridge (tony and those frosted flakes were callin my name... al! ....al!) and go back 2 bed but...
so since im here, up and typing here is whats in my spirit... i fell asleep praying, thanking God for the day, the events this weekend and my life. in that, i saw off my mom and lil sister back to houston, noted and thanked God for all who reached out, called, texted, emailed and did anything for me while i was going thru this weekend and last night... i am so sentimental, emotional, thankful and greatful for many things, but most importantly, relationship.
i am thankful for relationships on all levels. aquaintances, friendly, familial and personal.
while talking to a pastor friend of mine on saturday night, supporting each other in sermon preparation and encouraging each other for sunday morning, he shared with me this scripture. 2 corinthians 1:2 in the message bible.
well, needless to say, i viewed all events this weekend thru the positive prism of this scripture. God gives us everythng we need and makes us everything we are to be. wow! simply wow! what a positive, affirming, reaffirming and confirming scripture.
it is a statement of surety. it is a statement of certainty. what God has for me it is for me. whom God has for me to be, i will become. i have it all. i am goin to be all.
i can be sure that whatever transpires in my life, i am SURE God is going to give me what i need! no doubt, no defeat (in the words of my father... no negotiation, debate or discussion!). its a done deal. he will give what i need. i got what i need, because ive got him. i do not just have the resource, but i a connect with the source himself!
i can be sure that whatever transpires in my life, i am CERTAIN Godis going to make me who i am to be. i will transform. i will come into my own. you will mature into the man God has for you to be. you will grow into the woman God has for you to be. i am glad that it is God and not i, that will perform and bring to pass what he has put in me.
well, my spirit and thoughts expanded into the realm of interpersonal relationships between men and women in particular.
three things just kept ringing in my spirit and the bell got louder as the night got older... in a nutshell and outline form, here is what is in my spirit mind...
God will give... everything that i need
resources that will sustain / for what you need to accomplish
God will give... everything that i want
relationship that is specific / for you to you
God will give... everthing that i am to do
reason that is significant / for the specific relationship / for his sovereign will, wants and design
this is played out in the opening pages of Genesis in the garden with adam and eve.
resources. everything i need. God gave adam a garden. an entire area filled with resources. God gave adam animals, trees and land. each supporting and sustaining the life of the other. each interdependent on the other. the land fed the trees and the animals. the trees fed the animals and the man. and then the cycle comes full circle and commences again. it is what i like to call 'circular support.' each kept giving to the gain of the next. adam had all he needed to support himself and then some, including his future.
men, here me now. God gives what we need not just for us, but to support our future. the resources are for us and for beyond us. he had enough for himself and for whom God was about to send him and for what they were both assigned to do.
relationship. everything i want. God gave adam eve. note God did not give adam samantha or nicole. God gave adam eve. eve was specifically for adam. adam had it all in the garden God gave, except the intimate interpersonal relationship one needs with another in order to become all that they are to be. remember, the bible says in genesis that eve was to be adams help meet, help mate, a mate who helps.
note: sometimes in life, whom we so desire and are focused on 'being there' for us may not just be whom God has in mind and in store to 'be there' for us. so many times we bump heads with God because of our selfish desires and limited vision for our lives. we so often live in the now and the sensual. those things we can see, feel, taste and hear. however, God works in the spiritual, knowing whats best beyond our selfish senses. sometimes he will take somebody out of our lives in order to accomplish his will in our lives. he may bring them back or he may not. in the meantime, we are to remain faithful and stay righteous, just as adam did, until God moves again. then we are to be receptive and excited about what he does in our lives. whether it is to reconnect or to release, it is our responsibility to recieve his will for our lives.
God gave adam eve, who had the spirit and skill, as a matter of fact, the right spirit and requisite skill sets to be what adam needed her to be. there is someone out there who is a compliment to you and not a competition. there is someone out there who is a support and not strain. there is someone out there who is an encourager and not an endangerer. there is someone out there who will route for you, cheer for you, talk you up and push you along. there is someone out there who will lift you and not let you fall. there is someone who will respect you and not disrespect you. there is someone just for you.
reason. everything i am to do. God gave adam and eve a reason. together they were to tender the garden, be fruitful and multiply and have constant, intimate relationship with God himself. now this for us today is not about the technical specific instructions as much as it is to find your place in life with another whom God has given you to accomplish the assignment God has given you both.
in a larger sense, we are all to do and be what both adam and eve were. we are to first be responsible with what God has given us. we are to multiply, grow or mature what God has given us, outside and inside of us. we are treasure, invest and relish in the relationship we have with him as well, primarily.
i am thankful for the opportunities in my life to do just these things with whom i was in relationship with. i long and look forward to be able to share and give in this type of relationship even now. when it happens, it is goin to be on and poppin! ...me and her, like thicke, u got it, i got it, we got that magic yeah! (gotta be up on it to know what that is! ha!)
i am back to where i started now... God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you are to be.
everything means lacking nothing. nothing. no - thing and no - one.... there is so much i want to say about this, but just not in this note. though like general patton, i shall return. sleep is creeping up on me now. time for a breathing treatment as i watch the end of law & order and doze off into the early morning night. i hear the sheep now...
goodnite all. goodnite love.
agape,
pastor p
i know, i know... to all you 'backseat' doctors and nurses, i should be in the bed and asleep if not just resting after being released from the hospital today BUT i was awakened and summoned to let this one flow... i tried to turn back over but... i tried to take a bathroom break and shrug it off but... i tried to raid the fridge (tony and those frosted flakes were callin my name... al! ....al!) and go back 2 bed but...
so since im here, up and typing here is whats in my spirit... i fell asleep praying, thanking God for the day, the events this weekend and my life. in that, i saw off my mom and lil sister back to houston, noted and thanked God for all who reached out, called, texted, emailed and did anything for me while i was going thru this weekend and last night... i am so sentimental, emotional, thankful and greatful for many things, but most importantly, relationship.
i am thankful for relationships on all levels. aquaintances, friendly, familial and personal.
while talking to a pastor friend of mine on saturday night, supporting each other in sermon preparation and encouraging each other for sunday morning, he shared with me this scripture. 2 corinthians 1:2 in the message bible.
well, needless to say, i viewed all events this weekend thru the positive prism of this scripture. God gives us everythng we need and makes us everything we are to be. wow! simply wow! what a positive, affirming, reaffirming and confirming scripture.
it is a statement of surety. it is a statement of certainty. what God has for me it is for me. whom God has for me to be, i will become. i have it all. i am goin to be all.
i can be sure that whatever transpires in my life, i am SURE God is going to give me what i need! no doubt, no defeat (in the words of my father... no negotiation, debate or discussion!). its a done deal. he will give what i need. i got what i need, because ive got him. i do not just have the resource, but i a connect with the source himself!
i can be sure that whatever transpires in my life, i am CERTAIN Godis going to make me who i am to be. i will transform. i will come into my own. you will mature into the man God has for you to be. you will grow into the woman God has for you to be. i am glad that it is God and not i, that will perform and bring to pass what he has put in me.
well, my spirit and thoughts expanded into the realm of interpersonal relationships between men and women in particular.
three things just kept ringing in my spirit and the bell got louder as the night got older... in a nutshell and outline form, here is what is in my spirit mind...
God will give... everything that i need
resources that will sustain / for what you need to accomplish
God will give... everything that i want
relationship that is specific / for you to you
God will give... everthing that i am to do
reason that is significant / for the specific relationship / for his sovereign will, wants and design
this is played out in the opening pages of Genesis in the garden with adam and eve.
resources. everything i need. God gave adam a garden. an entire area filled with resources. God gave adam animals, trees and land. each supporting and sustaining the life of the other. each interdependent on the other. the land fed the trees and the animals. the trees fed the animals and the man. and then the cycle comes full circle and commences again. it is what i like to call 'circular support.' each kept giving to the gain of the next. adam had all he needed to support himself and then some, including his future.
men, here me now. God gives what we need not just for us, but to support our future. the resources are for us and for beyond us. he had enough for himself and for whom God was about to send him and for what they were both assigned to do.
relationship. everything i want. God gave adam eve. note God did not give adam samantha or nicole. God gave adam eve. eve was specifically for adam. adam had it all in the garden God gave, except the intimate interpersonal relationship one needs with another in order to become all that they are to be. remember, the bible says in genesis that eve was to be adams help meet, help mate, a mate who helps.
note: sometimes in life, whom we so desire and are focused on 'being there' for us may not just be whom God has in mind and in store to 'be there' for us. so many times we bump heads with God because of our selfish desires and limited vision for our lives. we so often live in the now and the sensual. those things we can see, feel, taste and hear. however, God works in the spiritual, knowing whats best beyond our selfish senses. sometimes he will take somebody out of our lives in order to accomplish his will in our lives. he may bring them back or he may not. in the meantime, we are to remain faithful and stay righteous, just as adam did, until God moves again. then we are to be receptive and excited about what he does in our lives. whether it is to reconnect or to release, it is our responsibility to recieve his will for our lives.
God gave adam eve, who had the spirit and skill, as a matter of fact, the right spirit and requisite skill sets to be what adam needed her to be. there is someone out there who is a compliment to you and not a competition. there is someone out there who is a support and not strain. there is someone out there who is an encourager and not an endangerer. there is someone out there who will route for you, cheer for you, talk you up and push you along. there is someone out there who will lift you and not let you fall. there is someone who will respect you and not disrespect you. there is someone just for you.
reason. everything i am to do. God gave adam and eve a reason. together they were to tender the garden, be fruitful and multiply and have constant, intimate relationship with God himself. now this for us today is not about the technical specific instructions as much as it is to find your place in life with another whom God has given you to accomplish the assignment God has given you both.
in a larger sense, we are all to do and be what both adam and eve were. we are to first be responsible with what God has given us. we are to multiply, grow or mature what God has given us, outside and inside of us. we are treasure, invest and relish in the relationship we have with him as well, primarily.
i am thankful for the opportunities in my life to do just these things with whom i was in relationship with. i long and look forward to be able to share and give in this type of relationship even now. when it happens, it is goin to be on and poppin! ...me and her, like thicke, u got it, i got it, we got that magic yeah! (gotta be up on it to know what that is! ha!)
i am back to where i started now... God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you are to be.
everything means lacking nothing. nothing. no - thing and no - one.... there is so much i want to say about this, but just not in this note. though like general patton, i shall return. sleep is creeping up on me now. time for a breathing treatment as i watch the end of law & order and doze off into the early morning night. i hear the sheep now...
goodnite all. goodnite love.
agape,
pastor p
Thursday, September 25, 2008
backdraft
there is a term in the fire fighting world that describes the very dangerous effect called a 'backdraft.' a backdraft is a situation which can occur when a fire is starved of oxygen; consequently combustion ceases but the fuel gases and smoke remain at high temperature. If oxygen is re-introduced to the fire, eg. by opening a door to a closed room, combustion can restart often resulting in an explosive effect as the gases heat and expand.
well, i wrote a note two days ago entitled 'tests and trials.' as a result of this note, i have recieved 'backdraft' on today. on my pastoral anniversary of all days. on a day of remembering, acknowledgment and celebration, comes combustible backdraft from a person i've sacrificed for and given my heart to (by the way, let me stop here and say be careful who you give your heart to. it is precious and has no defense). i was hoping for a word of encouragement or an expression of love from this person on today, however that was not the case. isnt it strange that the people you give the most to and sacrifice the most for are usually the ones to hurt you the most and on the deepest level. so now, even after being falsely accused in the middle of the night the other night, now i am being ridiculed and reprimanded on today. when will it ever end? or when will people ever change? when will people start to see, think and speak the good they have experienced or even the good they desire instead of looking for, thinking and speaking the negative the majority of the time? ...
note: we create the world we live in by the words we speak. just as God did in genesis chapter one when creating the world. he spoke it into being. the atmosphere responds to our announcements (a heart responds and resonates with what it hears). what we speak is a result of what we think. so what we think is ultimately the structure of our words and therefore the structure of our worlds. the Word itself says in proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
i have learned that what is in us will come out of us. proverbs 4:23-24.
i have also learned that you cannot change people. we are who we are and will continue to be ourselves until we are willing and ready to change. i have been here myself and see it in others all the time. so what do you do in the meantime?
well, when people lash out at you, more often than not, they are unhappy within themselves. someone once said, hurting people hurt people. few will ever admit it, so dont expect them to, but at least you know where they are more than likely coming from and can respond accordingly, Biblically. the Word says to love, bless, do good to and pray for those that do you wrong - matthew 5:44... just as Jesus did in his life and even more poignantly as he gave example of doing while being led to calvary and on the cross.
i know, i know, it is hard to do. it takes a second thought, and sometimes a third or fourth, because we in and of ourselves want to lash out, get back, set straight and prove them wrong, while at the same time prove ourselves right. it is the natural sinful self way. it is what theologians call the 'adamic nature.' it is the adam in us. the orginal sin from the orginal sinner showing up and showing out in us. however, it is not Gods way or design or desire. therefore, it is not blessed when we do it nor will it bring blessing to our lives. as a matter of fact, we lose all the 'inner spirit' blessings when we do. the 'inner spirit' blessings are found in galatians 5:22-23. conversely, we gain the 'inner spirit' blessings when we respond Godly according to the Word.
try not to take it personal. spritually, its really not them, but the enemy having his way with them. i know it is almost impossible to do because that is the way we immediately feel, but God will give you the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to do so, moment by moment. however, it is a choice. we choose to act and either react or respond in the manner that we do (oh, how many times have i written an email but deleted it. typed a text but changed it before sending it or even just caught my thoughts before they became words in a conversation knowing once they were out i could never take them back in). it is all a choice. it is our choice to put down and speak down to others as much it is our choice to empathize with and encourage others.
remember, what you do to others will eventually come back around full circle and be done to you. so if you lie on somebody, you will be lied on. if you cheat on somebody, expect to be cheated on. if you talk down to people, dont be surprised when somebody talks down to you. yet, if you encourage, support and love on someone, look forward to love, support and encouragement coming back to you, and usually when you least expect it but also when you need it the most. our actions have reactions. our seeds sown will bring a harvest to reap. so often i heard growing up this phrase, 'sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.' meaning, whatever you sow, no matter how little it may be (as a seed is), when it comes back around to you, it will come back in a multiplied form, lots more of (as a harvest is)!
if you want love, sow love. if you want encouragement, speak encouragement. if you want money, give money. if you want a friend, be a friend. remember, the 'backdraft' is coming. and it will 'explode' into your life! so fuel your fire with good and Godly thoughts, words and actions and watch God bless you in like manner in return.
i encourage you today to show love and not hate. show compassion and not disdain. give warmth and kindness and not be cold and condemning. you never know what tomorrow will bring. just think, what if it were the last conversation you where to have, or the last time you were to hear their voice or the last time you were to see them? what if? what memory will they be left with? what words will they hear ringing in their mind over and over again? what feeling will they have everytime they think of you? treat others the exact way you want to be treated, along with giving them what they need, and watch the change effect in your own life! ...ok, thats enough for now. gotta run, entourage is on!
your future is much greater than your past!
remember, you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved!
agape,
pastor p
well, i wrote a note two days ago entitled 'tests and trials.' as a result of this note, i have recieved 'backdraft' on today. on my pastoral anniversary of all days. on a day of remembering, acknowledgment and celebration, comes combustible backdraft from a person i've sacrificed for and given my heart to (by the way, let me stop here and say be careful who you give your heart to. it is precious and has no defense). i was hoping for a word of encouragement or an expression of love from this person on today, however that was not the case. isnt it strange that the people you give the most to and sacrifice the most for are usually the ones to hurt you the most and on the deepest level. so now, even after being falsely accused in the middle of the night the other night, now i am being ridiculed and reprimanded on today. when will it ever end? or when will people ever change? when will people start to see, think and speak the good they have experienced or even the good they desire instead of looking for, thinking and speaking the negative the majority of the time? ...
note: we create the world we live in by the words we speak. just as God did in genesis chapter one when creating the world. he spoke it into being. the atmosphere responds to our announcements (a heart responds and resonates with what it hears). what we speak is a result of what we think. so what we think is ultimately the structure of our words and therefore the structure of our worlds. the Word itself says in proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
i have learned that what is in us will come out of us. proverbs 4:23-24.
i have also learned that you cannot change people. we are who we are and will continue to be ourselves until we are willing and ready to change. i have been here myself and see it in others all the time. so what do you do in the meantime?
well, when people lash out at you, more often than not, they are unhappy within themselves. someone once said, hurting people hurt people. few will ever admit it, so dont expect them to, but at least you know where they are more than likely coming from and can respond accordingly, Biblically. the Word says to love, bless, do good to and pray for those that do you wrong - matthew 5:44... just as Jesus did in his life and even more poignantly as he gave example of doing while being led to calvary and on the cross.
i know, i know, it is hard to do. it takes a second thought, and sometimes a third or fourth, because we in and of ourselves want to lash out, get back, set straight and prove them wrong, while at the same time prove ourselves right. it is the natural sinful self way. it is what theologians call the 'adamic nature.' it is the adam in us. the orginal sin from the orginal sinner showing up and showing out in us. however, it is not Gods way or design or desire. therefore, it is not blessed when we do it nor will it bring blessing to our lives. as a matter of fact, we lose all the 'inner spirit' blessings when we do. the 'inner spirit' blessings are found in galatians 5:22-23. conversely, we gain the 'inner spirit' blessings when we respond Godly according to the Word.
try not to take it personal. spritually, its really not them, but the enemy having his way with them. i know it is almost impossible to do because that is the way we immediately feel, but God will give you the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to do so, moment by moment. however, it is a choice. we choose to act and either react or respond in the manner that we do (oh, how many times have i written an email but deleted it. typed a text but changed it before sending it or even just caught my thoughts before they became words in a conversation knowing once they were out i could never take them back in). it is all a choice. it is our choice to put down and speak down to others as much it is our choice to empathize with and encourage others.
remember, what you do to others will eventually come back around full circle and be done to you. so if you lie on somebody, you will be lied on. if you cheat on somebody, expect to be cheated on. if you talk down to people, dont be surprised when somebody talks down to you. yet, if you encourage, support and love on someone, look forward to love, support and encouragement coming back to you, and usually when you least expect it but also when you need it the most. our actions have reactions. our seeds sown will bring a harvest to reap. so often i heard growing up this phrase, 'sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.' meaning, whatever you sow, no matter how little it may be (as a seed is), when it comes back around to you, it will come back in a multiplied form, lots more of (as a harvest is)!
if you want love, sow love. if you want encouragement, speak encouragement. if you want money, give money. if you want a friend, be a friend. remember, the 'backdraft' is coming. and it will 'explode' into your life! so fuel your fire with good and Godly thoughts, words and actions and watch God bless you in like manner in return.
i encourage you today to show love and not hate. show compassion and not disdain. give warmth and kindness and not be cold and condemning. you never know what tomorrow will bring. just think, what if it were the last conversation you where to have, or the last time you were to hear their voice or the last time you were to see them? what if? what memory will they be left with? what words will they hear ringing in their mind over and over again? what feeling will they have everytime they think of you? treat others the exact way you want to be treated, along with giving them what they need, and watch the change effect in your own life! ...ok, thats enough for now. gotta run, entourage is on!
your future is much greater than your past!
remember, you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved!
agape,
pastor p
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thankful
I am thankful...
4 God
4 Jesus
4 the Holy Spirit
4 amazing, loving and sacrifical parents
4 a dad who sacrifices and for a mom who nutures
4 a supportive and loving brother and sister
4 a gracious extended family
4 the Word
4 a wonderful 'home' church
4 all the people who call The Love Church their spiritual home
4 friends. real true genuine friends who have always been there, even when i didnt see them and never left
4 non judgmental family, friends and people n my life
4 blue sky
4 green grass
4 cool breezes
4 white sand beaches
4 water... i love the water! i want 2 live on some water
4 jets skis.... yes, jet skis
4 the cry of a new born baby
4 the smell of clean after a short summer rain
4 aromatic candles
4 a meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite
4 the electricity in a loving and knowing touch
4 the sensuality in a kiss
4 the warmth in a hug
4 a look that speaks volumes, silently
4 the feeling after a good 'shout' in church
i am thankful...
4 those who walked away
4 those who came 2 stay
4 those who walked away, recognized, apologized and came back... these r the ones i trust
4 those who are still in my life
4 those encouraged me
4 those who convicted me
i am thankful...
4 all my infirmities
4 all my infalities
4 they make me more of the person i am 2 become
i am thankful...
4 every hurt, pain and tear, because it only made things clear
i am thankful...
4 the word love
4 the noun love
4 the verb love
4 the feeling of love
4 the ability 2 love
4 the expressions of love
4 the experience in love
4 those who gave me love
4 those who loved me inspite of me, even 4 those who took their love away
i am thankful...
4 His virgin birth
4 His sinless life
4 His vicarious death
4 His borrowed burial
4 His overcoming resurrection
4 His triumphant ascension
4 His ultimate return
i am thankful...
4 forgiveness
4 the blood
i am thankful...
4 that which money cannot buy
4 which the body cannot
which the mind cannot reason
4 which emotions cannot corral
i am thankful...
4 that which we cannot see, that is most powerful and meaningful 2 me, the supernaturaland
4 that i am most thankful
Thank you Jesus!
4 God
4 Jesus
4 the Holy Spirit
4 amazing, loving and sacrifical parents
4 a dad who sacrifices and for a mom who nutures
4 a supportive and loving brother and sister
4 a gracious extended family
4 the Word
4 a wonderful 'home' church
4 all the people who call The Love Church their spiritual home
4 friends. real true genuine friends who have always been there, even when i didnt see them and never left
4 non judgmental family, friends and people n my life
4 blue sky
4 green grass
4 cool breezes
4 white sand beaches
4 water... i love the water! i want 2 live on some water
4 jets skis.... yes, jet skis
4 the cry of a new born baby
4 the smell of clean after a short summer rain
4 aromatic candles
4 a meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite
4 the electricity in a loving and knowing touch
4 the sensuality in a kiss
4 the warmth in a hug
4 a look that speaks volumes, silently
4 the feeling after a good 'shout' in church
i am thankful...
4 those who walked away
4 those who came 2 stay
4 those who walked away, recognized, apologized and came back... these r the ones i trust
4 those who are still in my life
4 those encouraged me
4 those who convicted me
i am thankful...
4 all my infirmities
4 all my infalities
4 they make me more of the person i am 2 become
i am thankful...
4 every hurt, pain and tear, because it only made things clear
i am thankful...
4 the word love
4 the noun love
4 the verb love
4 the feeling of love
4 the ability 2 love
4 the expressions of love
4 the experience in love
4 those who gave me love
4 those who loved me inspite of me, even 4 those who took their love away
i am thankful...
4 His virgin birth
4 His sinless life
4 His vicarious death
4 His borrowed burial
4 His overcoming resurrection
4 His triumphant ascension
4 His ultimate return
i am thankful...
4 forgiveness
4 the blood
i am thankful...
4 that which money cannot buy
4 which the body cannot
which the mind cannot reason
4 which emotions cannot corral
i am thankful...
4 that which we cannot see, that is most powerful and meaningful 2 me, the supernaturaland
4 that i am most thankful
Thank you Jesus!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
where are the michelle obamas?
i am watching these democratic national convention proceedings (note: i was supposed 2 b there 2morrow with friends n celebration of such a historic occassion but im home debating goin 2 the ER 2nite) 4 reasons other than choosing a candidate 2 vote 4. i am observing these goings on 2 take note of the human condition and importance and influence of interpersonal relationships, both good and bad.
let me say this up front, i am simply enamored with michelle obama and her very public, visible and without shame or fear, reverence, respect and deep love 4 her husband barack. her public displays of affection. it is simply enthralling 2 watch her eyes light up and her smile widen and beam like a ray of sunshine after a short light rain that clears the air, when he enters the room, or n this case, pepsi field.
as i watched her response and reaction 2 him, i sat n envy and n wonton desire 2 have such a woman who would act n such a way 2 me. she alone, n a crowd of thousands, was his biggest cheerleader and most ardent fan. nobody smiled wider, nobody clapped harder, nobody cheered louder, nobody was up on their feet quicker, nobody looked prouder than michelle obama. i bet when barack entered 2nite at the end of bidens speech, if she could have jumped the rafters and bolted down 2 the stage 2 engulf her man with a full body hug and congratulatory kiss, she would have. the power of non verbal communication is incalcuable and priceless.
now catch this, she is accomplished n her own right. all by herself. intelligent. articulate. stylish. charismatic. confident. harvard trained, yet she still deferes 2 her man. she still looks @ him like he is the next best thing since sliced bread. she still touches him like they r teenagers n puppy love. she still smiles, looks him n the eye and listens when he speaks.
all women should take note and keep reference. i believe @ least half of the reason mr barack is where he is 2day, if not more, is because of the 'backing' of mrs michelle, not the berating. 2 many women tear their men down n private, disrespect their men n public and wontoningly carry on about their men 2 his face on a daily basis and wonder why he is the way he is, and things r the way they r. if u want 2 get there n life, wherever there is 4 u, get urself 2gether, find ur place and do ur man right!... u just might end up being 'first lady.'
women, u must understand that u have miraculous powers. u can either build a man up or tear a man down. u can either raise a man 2 heights he has never known or drown a man 2 depths he has never seen, simply by ur support or non-support, both verbal and nonverbal. most macho men will never admit this without being threatened but... a woman has the power 2 lift a man or let him fall. a woman has the power 2 push a man forward or drag a man backward.
even the Bible says n Proverbs (21:9) that it is better 2 live on a corner of the roof than 2 share a house with a quarreling woman!
her actions and words r the catalyst 4 us 2 compete, the encouragement 4 us 2 engage, the power 4 us 2 perform and the will 4 us 2 war! so often we get and gain our inner strength, speaking humanly now, from the woman who believes n us, despite us. she knows us yet she has faith n us. if she says we can, we believe we can and most times we do. there r fewer sweeter words than 'honey, i believe n u!' the lights can be cut off, the car can repossessed and the house can be foreclosed on, but if she says everything is alright, i know ur doing ur best and things will get better, i am with u to the end, we will do our d****st to make it happen! the old tried and worn phrase is true, behind or besides, whichever is ur fancy, every good man is a better woman! ha! gotcha on that one! but a formidable truism nonetheless.
as the young urban crooner ne-yo sung 'im a movement by myself, but im a force when we're 2gether. u make me better.'
i want my michelle obama!
let me say this up front, i am simply enamored with michelle obama and her very public, visible and without shame or fear, reverence, respect and deep love 4 her husband barack. her public displays of affection. it is simply enthralling 2 watch her eyes light up and her smile widen and beam like a ray of sunshine after a short light rain that clears the air, when he enters the room, or n this case, pepsi field.
as i watched her response and reaction 2 him, i sat n envy and n wonton desire 2 have such a woman who would act n such a way 2 me. she alone, n a crowd of thousands, was his biggest cheerleader and most ardent fan. nobody smiled wider, nobody clapped harder, nobody cheered louder, nobody was up on their feet quicker, nobody looked prouder than michelle obama. i bet when barack entered 2nite at the end of bidens speech, if she could have jumped the rafters and bolted down 2 the stage 2 engulf her man with a full body hug and congratulatory kiss, she would have. the power of non verbal communication is incalcuable and priceless.
now catch this, she is accomplished n her own right. all by herself. intelligent. articulate. stylish. charismatic. confident. harvard trained, yet she still deferes 2 her man. she still looks @ him like he is the next best thing since sliced bread. she still touches him like they r teenagers n puppy love. she still smiles, looks him n the eye and listens when he speaks.
all women should take note and keep reference. i believe @ least half of the reason mr barack is where he is 2day, if not more, is because of the 'backing' of mrs michelle, not the berating. 2 many women tear their men down n private, disrespect their men n public and wontoningly carry on about their men 2 his face on a daily basis and wonder why he is the way he is, and things r the way they r. if u want 2 get there n life, wherever there is 4 u, get urself 2gether, find ur place and do ur man right!... u just might end up being 'first lady.'
women, u must understand that u have miraculous powers. u can either build a man up or tear a man down. u can either raise a man 2 heights he has never known or drown a man 2 depths he has never seen, simply by ur support or non-support, both verbal and nonverbal. most macho men will never admit this without being threatened but... a woman has the power 2 lift a man or let him fall. a woman has the power 2 push a man forward or drag a man backward.
even the Bible says n Proverbs (21:9) that it is better 2 live on a corner of the roof than 2 share a house with a quarreling woman!
her actions and words r the catalyst 4 us 2 compete, the encouragement 4 us 2 engage, the power 4 us 2 perform and the will 4 us 2 war! so often we get and gain our inner strength, speaking humanly now, from the woman who believes n us, despite us. she knows us yet she has faith n us. if she says we can, we believe we can and most times we do. there r fewer sweeter words than 'honey, i believe n u!' the lights can be cut off, the car can repossessed and the house can be foreclosed on, but if she says everything is alright, i know ur doing ur best and things will get better, i am with u to the end, we will do our d****st to make it happen! the old tried and worn phrase is true, behind or besides, whichever is ur fancy, every good man is a better woman! ha! gotcha on that one! but a formidable truism nonetheless.
as the young urban crooner ne-yo sung 'im a movement by myself, but im a force when we're 2gether. u make me better.'
i want my michelle obama!
Friday, August 22, 2008
a word about a wedding
words r not winsome enuf and adjectives r inadequate 2 definitively describe the joy n my heart n the happiness n my spirit 4 alan & deidra. my lil brother iz married and i gotz a brand new sis!
who woulda thunk it? who would predicted it? who woulda believed it? from international playboy 2 committed husband ... yall did it!...
ive been waiting 2 write n post on the this feeling and the weekend itself, yet everytime i sat down 2 pen, i could not contain my thoughts n feelings 2 words n keystrokes... even now, this is difficult 2 transcribe.i will b back later with a 'tim russert' type no holds barred eyewitness report of the haps... but 4 now, let it b known i havent been this excited n a long time . i recieve happiness from seeing others happy n being blessed!
the support shown n the love expressed by corinth and many friends and well wishers from around the country was overwhelming. it was literally astounding! i must admit i was sadly surprised by the conspicuous absence of a few whom i thought would have been n attendence, if 4 no other reason than simple relationship. u can tell who is n ur corner when u r experiencing things n life that mean the most 2 u by who is there. yes many come 4 many varied reasons. i call them 'wedding watchers.' ...some come 2 criticize, others 2 critique and still others 2 compare. others come 2b nosey, while still others 2b known that they were there. however, some come 2 genuinely celebrate with u n ur season. these r the people we need more of n our lives. christian celebrators not holy haters.
4 the christian celebrators, the faces, smiles, voices and touches i recieved, felt and saw this weekend (from folks who were there) i will never 4get n will always b treasured n my heart and mind. i have lost a measure of respect 4 some, but i have n turn gained a higher level of respect 4 some others. our pastor has taught us over the years, n iv heard it endlessly @ home growing up, that just ur presence is powerful, 4 it alone speaks volumes. conversely, ones absence is just as powerful and it 2 speaks volumes... ok, enuf of that...
4 everyone who helped 2 make the night special for my little brother and his bride, i thank you from my heart. i applaud you from my spirit. u not only made it special 4 them, but u also made it so very special 4 my mom n dad and 4 me... if u could hug each of u i would.
i shall return when the feeling is flowin' 2 give u the patterson paparrazi version of the rock star weekend...
till then... live like ur n love, everyday!
remember, u r greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved!
agape
pastor p
who woulda thunk it? who would predicted it? who woulda believed it? from international playboy 2 committed husband ... yall did it!...
ive been waiting 2 write n post on the this feeling and the weekend itself, yet everytime i sat down 2 pen, i could not contain my thoughts n feelings 2 words n keystrokes... even now, this is difficult 2 transcribe.i will b back later with a 'tim russert' type no holds barred eyewitness report of the haps... but 4 now, let it b known i havent been this excited n a long time . i recieve happiness from seeing others happy n being blessed!
the support shown n the love expressed by corinth and many friends and well wishers from around the country was overwhelming. it was literally astounding! i must admit i was sadly surprised by the conspicuous absence of a few whom i thought would have been n attendence, if 4 no other reason than simple relationship. u can tell who is n ur corner when u r experiencing things n life that mean the most 2 u by who is there. yes many come 4 many varied reasons. i call them 'wedding watchers.' ...some come 2 criticize, others 2 critique and still others 2 compare. others come 2b nosey, while still others 2b known that they were there. however, some come 2 genuinely celebrate with u n ur season. these r the people we need more of n our lives. christian celebrators not holy haters.
4 the christian celebrators, the faces, smiles, voices and touches i recieved, felt and saw this weekend (from folks who were there) i will never 4get n will always b treasured n my heart and mind. i have lost a measure of respect 4 some, but i have n turn gained a higher level of respect 4 some others. our pastor has taught us over the years, n iv heard it endlessly @ home growing up, that just ur presence is powerful, 4 it alone speaks volumes. conversely, ones absence is just as powerful and it 2 speaks volumes... ok, enuf of that...
4 everyone who helped 2 make the night special for my little brother and his bride, i thank you from my heart. i applaud you from my spirit. u not only made it special 4 them, but u also made it so very special 4 my mom n dad and 4 me... if u could hug each of u i would.
i shall return when the feeling is flowin' 2 give u the patterson paparrazi version of the rock star weekend...
till then... live like ur n love, everyday!
remember, u r greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved!
agape
pastor p
hip hop 4 hiv
sponsored by the city of dallas, 97.9 the beat and the mlk, jr family clinic, the hip hop 4 hiv event is an initiative 2 raise awareness and educate the community on the viral influence of aids n the black community.
2 lure the youngsters out, called 'testing 4 tickets,' the sponsors r hosting a concert on the steps of dallas city hall with some of the hottest hip hop artists 2 date. david banner, mike jones, bun b, young berg, day 26 and more, including local artists as well. i did see the local rapper coming up King's wrapped chevrolet tahoe. he is a resident of my community ssol (south side on lamar), a great guy and family man. go support king.
i am encouraged 2 c education and awaressness being raised n our community. the parking lot was full even across the street at madison high and the lines were outside the door. channel 11 news was on hand to lend media support as well as 94.5 and 104.5.
from the dallas city hall website, here some startling statistics concerning aids nationally, state-wide and in our city...
HIV/AIDS Statistics
• U.S. – About 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS. New technology shows that the incidence of HIV is higher than previously known (with estimates at 56,300, rather than the originalestimate of 40,000, new HIV diagnoses each year). It is estimated that 25% of those infected with HIVdo not know it.
• State of Texas – over 60,000 Texans are living with HIV/AIDS, with about 5,000 new HIV diagnoseseach year
• Dallas County – over 13,000 in Dallas County are living with HIV/AIDS, with over 700 new HIV casesreported last year (2007).
aids is a silent killer n our communtiy whereas most carriers r unaware they have the disease. many pass it on to unsuspecting others thru irresponsible behavior and pure ignorance. unfortunately, more often than not, those who do know their status and are positive, cannot afford the exhorbitant prices of the medical cocktails of pills and treatment available. not must we raise awareness, but we must also lower costs for treatments for the average human being. if it can be affordable in africa, it can be made affordable in these united states.
the person you r grinding on a whim, 'hooking up with' on the sly, doing whenever they come to town, dating, engaged 2 or even married 2 just may b a carrier of the disease. u cannot simply 'look' at someone and judge whether or not they have the disease. it is known 2 even lie dormant n the body on an average of 7 yrs b4 becoming active n the body. professionals recommend being tested every 6 months.i encourage u 2 respect urself and get tested. if not then 4 urself, 4 whomever else enters ur life and their loved ones. think beyond urself. ur status affects more than just u. life is more than just u!
however, this 'pre' awareness is great n that it gives one the opportunity 2 engage n preventive action. self awareness, responsible action and disease education r great deterrents 2 contracting the disease. my prayer is that this is more than a concert 4 the throngs of youth i saw who were standing n the heat 2 get tested 2 get a ticket. my hope is that this ticket is entree n2 a proactive lifestyle of positive and informed choices and responsible behavior.
many kudos and 'big ups' 2 mayor tom leppert, mayor pro tem dwaine caraway and his 'teen summit' initiative 4 taking a stance and showing concern 4 our community. mr caraway is a non-stop community changing machine and a political dynamo. also 2 rickey smiley who is always on the grind n the community, concerned about the people and making a tangible difference n the lives of many. the lives that will b saved as a result of this effort cannot b counted nor can a price tag affixed 2 them. there is a 'fresh wind' blowing thru dallas city hall and it is cool and refreshing. soon the deserts of many forgotten or simply neglected communities will become oasises of pride and progression because of the work of few who still believe n a better future 4 all dallasites.
ps. u guys know i love pictures but my digital cameras battery was depleted. i took a picture with my sidekick phone but cant download it 2 my computure! ... ill keep trying! :-)
live, laugh and love 4 life is not promised!
agape,
pastor p
2 lure the youngsters out, called 'testing 4 tickets,' the sponsors r hosting a concert on the steps of dallas city hall with some of the hottest hip hop artists 2 date. david banner, mike jones, bun b, young berg, day 26 and more, including local artists as well. i did see the local rapper coming up King's wrapped chevrolet tahoe. he is a resident of my community ssol (south side on lamar), a great guy and family man. go support king.
i am encouraged 2 c education and awaressness being raised n our community. the parking lot was full even across the street at madison high and the lines were outside the door. channel 11 news was on hand to lend media support as well as 94.5 and 104.5.
from the dallas city hall website, here some startling statistics concerning aids nationally, state-wide and in our city...
HIV/AIDS Statistics
• U.S. – About 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS. New technology shows that the incidence of HIV is higher than previously known (with estimates at 56,300, rather than the originalestimate of 40,000, new HIV diagnoses each year). It is estimated that 25% of those infected with HIVdo not know it.
• State of Texas – over 60,000 Texans are living with HIV/AIDS, with about 5,000 new HIV diagnoseseach year
• Dallas County – over 13,000 in Dallas County are living with HIV/AIDS, with over 700 new HIV casesreported last year (2007).
aids is a silent killer n our communtiy whereas most carriers r unaware they have the disease. many pass it on to unsuspecting others thru irresponsible behavior and pure ignorance. unfortunately, more often than not, those who do know their status and are positive, cannot afford the exhorbitant prices of the medical cocktails of pills and treatment available. not must we raise awareness, but we must also lower costs for treatments for the average human being. if it can be affordable in africa, it can be made affordable in these united states.
the person you r grinding on a whim, 'hooking up with' on the sly, doing whenever they come to town, dating, engaged 2 or even married 2 just may b a carrier of the disease. u cannot simply 'look' at someone and judge whether or not they have the disease. it is known 2 even lie dormant n the body on an average of 7 yrs b4 becoming active n the body. professionals recommend being tested every 6 months.i encourage u 2 respect urself and get tested. if not then 4 urself, 4 whomever else enters ur life and their loved ones. think beyond urself. ur status affects more than just u. life is more than just u!
however, this 'pre' awareness is great n that it gives one the opportunity 2 engage n preventive action. self awareness, responsible action and disease education r great deterrents 2 contracting the disease. my prayer is that this is more than a concert 4 the throngs of youth i saw who were standing n the heat 2 get tested 2 get a ticket. my hope is that this ticket is entree n2 a proactive lifestyle of positive and informed choices and responsible behavior.
many kudos and 'big ups' 2 mayor tom leppert, mayor pro tem dwaine caraway and his 'teen summit' initiative 4 taking a stance and showing concern 4 our community. mr caraway is a non-stop community changing machine and a political dynamo. also 2 rickey smiley who is always on the grind n the community, concerned about the people and making a tangible difference n the lives of many. the lives that will b saved as a result of this effort cannot b counted nor can a price tag affixed 2 them. there is a 'fresh wind' blowing thru dallas city hall and it is cool and refreshing. soon the deserts of many forgotten or simply neglected communities will become oasises of pride and progression because of the work of few who still believe n a better future 4 all dallasites.
ps. u guys know i love pictures but my digital cameras battery was depleted. i took a picture with my sidekick phone but cant download it 2 my computure! ... ill keep trying! :-)
live, laugh and love 4 life is not promised!
agape,
pastor p
Monday, August 4, 2008
Laying To Rest A G.O.A.T.
Today we laid to rest one of the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.)
Dr. C A W Clark was a redwood among grass. Someone said today in their eulogistic remarks that he was short in stature but he cast a long shadow that covered generations. I am one, in the many of the multitudes, who resided in the blessings of the shadow of Dr Clark.
Dr Clark was that unusual phenomenon in humanity that only comes along every so often. One whom is so gifted and graced by God that even his peers do not try to emulate him. They just marveled at him. however, generations since him, have dissected, copied and emulated his style, tenor and tone to preaching. As younger preachers, we were amazed at Dr Clark. he was a godfather of preaching. As older preachers, we are most thankful for a man like Dr Clark, he is a friend to all.
He is so unique, and a rarified phenomenon that he is studied in the halls of academia in the highest eschelon. How can a 7th grade drop out now have students at Harvard University studying his life, his preaching prowess and preaching style? From missing school and being unable to procede beyond the 7th grade because of the economic need to pick cotton, to the top eschelon of ivory halls in academic excellence at the highest level.
His use of the english language is only as remarkable as he was a stutterer as a youngster. Yet, across the nation and even the globe, throngs came to hear him preach. I remember going to the national convention as a yongster with my parents, just like it was yesterday, and going to hear Dr Clark preach. There was always only standing room only, people lined around the walls and standing out in the foyers and hallways just to hear him preach. he drew crowds like a moth to a flame. The anointing that exuded from this man as he preached is something I have not experienced on that level, in such a huge venue, since. The atmosphere was charged with the electricty of the Holy Ghost! I remember saying to myself then, that's what I want to happen when I preach!
He was both an economist and an artist of words. Dr. William J Shaw, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. said today during the eulogy that Dr Clark 'never wasted words.' When Dr Clark spoke, for those of you old enough to remember, he was like E F Hutton, when he spoke, people listened. Really listened. We hung on his every word.
In college, he would come to the North Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where Dr Cameron Alexander is Pastor, once a year for revival. My friends and i, who are now young pastors, never missed a night. In the middle of exams, we where there every night. Sitting in the balcony, amazed at the artistry, imagination and anointing of this man. We wanted to preach like Ceasar! We got our hands on every tape, every video, every manuscript that we could. My friend jamal actually broke the tape in the cassette one night while we listened to Dr Clark, because he had played it so much, the tape just popped!
I am a recipient of 'generational blessings.' I have been privilaged to meet and have relationship with people without whom the relationship wth my father, would not have been. For this i am grateful, simply because it is of no fault of mine and i am so undeserving. Since being in dallas, Dr Clark was one of those blessings. I would go and sit and talk, well really listen, to Dr Clark on many occassions. The depth of his wisdom was deeper than the sea beds. His derth of knowledge in things spiritual and practical was beyond a blessing to me. He and the late Dr E K Bailey, were both the guiding forces for me here in Dallas, through my crucible at another church, for which I will forever be indebted to the both of them.
I have been privileged to even preach in the great pulpit and tall steeple of his church, the Goodstreet Missionary Baptist Church on five or six occassions. Dr Clark was a friend to youung preachers. For this I am also grateful and thankful. He has left an indelible imprint on my life that will never be erased.
I am thankful for his life, his preaching, his encouragement, his support, his wisdom, his jokes, his laughter and his smile.
Oh yeah, Isaid, I cried. i did. A friend of mine made joke about it today, but it was no laughing matter to me. But then again, he did not have a relationship nor the history that I was privileged to have with Dr Clark.... Leaving the church, headed to the cemetary, seeing the four horse drawn carriage that carried his body through the streets of Dallas brought tears to my eyes. Seeing cars stopped on the opposite side of the street and people getting out to take pictures of the procession brought tears to my eyes. Tsee people standing at attention in their yards and even one day care, charter school had their children and youth out in the front, standing, taking in the sights and sounds of this moment brought tears to my eyes. The regality of the moment did not escape me, as Dr Clark was royalty among preachers.
As I think about the days happenings and the life of Dr Clark, and how he has invested in my life, tears are now coming to my eyes. Goodnight on earth to you Dr Clark, but good morning to you in heaven, where God will wipe away the tears from all weeping eyes.
agape
Dr. C A W Clark was a redwood among grass. Someone said today in their eulogistic remarks that he was short in stature but he cast a long shadow that covered generations. I am one, in the many of the multitudes, who resided in the blessings of the shadow of Dr Clark.
Dr Clark was that unusual phenomenon in humanity that only comes along every so often. One whom is so gifted and graced by God that even his peers do not try to emulate him. They just marveled at him. however, generations since him, have dissected, copied and emulated his style, tenor and tone to preaching. As younger preachers, we were amazed at Dr Clark. he was a godfather of preaching. As older preachers, we are most thankful for a man like Dr Clark, he is a friend to all.
He is so unique, and a rarified phenomenon that he is studied in the halls of academia in the highest eschelon. How can a 7th grade drop out now have students at Harvard University studying his life, his preaching prowess and preaching style? From missing school and being unable to procede beyond the 7th grade because of the economic need to pick cotton, to the top eschelon of ivory halls in academic excellence at the highest level.
His use of the english language is only as remarkable as he was a stutterer as a youngster. Yet, across the nation and even the globe, throngs came to hear him preach. I remember going to the national convention as a yongster with my parents, just like it was yesterday, and going to hear Dr Clark preach. There was always only standing room only, people lined around the walls and standing out in the foyers and hallways just to hear him preach. he drew crowds like a moth to a flame. The anointing that exuded from this man as he preached is something I have not experienced on that level, in such a huge venue, since. The atmosphere was charged with the electricty of the Holy Ghost! I remember saying to myself then, that's what I want to happen when I preach!
He was both an economist and an artist of words. Dr. William J Shaw, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. said today during the eulogy that Dr Clark 'never wasted words.' When Dr Clark spoke, for those of you old enough to remember, he was like E F Hutton, when he spoke, people listened. Really listened. We hung on his every word.
In college, he would come to the North Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where Dr Cameron Alexander is Pastor, once a year for revival. My friends and i, who are now young pastors, never missed a night. In the middle of exams, we where there every night. Sitting in the balcony, amazed at the artistry, imagination and anointing of this man. We wanted to preach like Ceasar! We got our hands on every tape, every video, every manuscript that we could. My friend jamal actually broke the tape in the cassette one night while we listened to Dr Clark, because he had played it so much, the tape just popped!
I am a recipient of 'generational blessings.' I have been privilaged to meet and have relationship with people without whom the relationship wth my father, would not have been. For this i am grateful, simply because it is of no fault of mine and i am so undeserving. Since being in dallas, Dr Clark was one of those blessings. I would go and sit and talk, well really listen, to Dr Clark on many occassions. The depth of his wisdom was deeper than the sea beds. His derth of knowledge in things spiritual and practical was beyond a blessing to me. He and the late Dr E K Bailey, were both the guiding forces for me here in Dallas, through my crucible at another church, for which I will forever be indebted to the both of them.
I have been privileged to even preach in the great pulpit and tall steeple of his church, the Goodstreet Missionary Baptist Church on five or six occassions. Dr Clark was a friend to youung preachers. For this I am also grateful and thankful. He has left an indelible imprint on my life that will never be erased.
I am thankful for his life, his preaching, his encouragement, his support, his wisdom, his jokes, his laughter and his smile.
Oh yeah, Isaid, I cried. i did. A friend of mine made joke about it today, but it was no laughing matter to me. But then again, he did not have a relationship nor the history that I was privileged to have with Dr Clark.... Leaving the church, headed to the cemetary, seeing the four horse drawn carriage that carried his body through the streets of Dallas brought tears to my eyes. Seeing cars stopped on the opposite side of the street and people getting out to take pictures of the procession brought tears to my eyes. Tsee people standing at attention in their yards and even one day care, charter school had their children and youth out in the front, standing, taking in the sights and sounds of this moment brought tears to my eyes. The regality of the moment did not escape me, as Dr Clark was royalty among preachers.
As I think about the days happenings and the life of Dr Clark, and how he has invested in my life, tears are now coming to my eyes. Goodnight on earth to you Dr Clark, but good morning to you in heaven, where God will wipe away the tears from all weeping eyes.
agape
Everyday Like The Last!
life is short and our days are numbered... Psalm 39:4
we should take the attitude to live each day as if it is our last,for we know not the day, the hour or the minute when life will end. considering such, things that really matter begin 2 take precedence n life. the trivial becomes tiring and the mundane is boring. people become the most important priority n life. leaving a mark on people beomes ur utmost desire.
it is more than a selfish endeavor. living each moment as if it is ur last is not about getting what you can out of life, but it is about giving all that u have n this life, and then watching it float out on the waves of people, but come back on the tides of simple blessings.
when u live each day as if it is ur last, the simplest things n life become the most important. a smile from a stranger, the wind n ur face, the sun n ur eyes, the sounds of birds singing n the morning, the simple light touch of that special someone, a lyric that makes u cry, a beat that makes u move, the sound of ur mothers voice, the strength and comfort n ur dads hand, etc. etc.
never become complacent and 'couch potatoe'-ish about life! get out and grab life by the horns! CARPE DIEM! seize the day, the moment! dont let life pass u by, pass life on 2 someone else. encourage someone 2 b the best they can b, enlighten someone 2 know they r not alone n this world and n what they r going thru, empower someone 2 believe they can do it!
let someone know u love them, tell somebody how they influenced ur life, thank someone 2day 4 the smallest act of kindness, say thank u and please!... say their name n conversation!
LOVE someone, today!
hate and fight r signs of an empty and hurting person. sacrifice and humbleness r signs of a secure person. people who hold grudges are insecure about themselves and just need 2b loved on... love is putting urself 2nd 2 someone else... many never realize this or get 2 this realization n life UNTIL THEY HAVE MISSED OR LOST some of the best loves they could have ever had and end up missing out on TRUE love n someone else. dont b so consumed with urself that u miss what God is trying 2 give 2 u thru someone else!
iv finally learned the lesson of release (the human spirit so often wants 2 hold on2 everything that comes our way). its not easy and hurts deep, but some people n life WE r meant 2 love, but not necessarily recieve love back from them. our job is simply 2 model love 2 them, planting a seed that the Spirit will grow n them n time. love is...
well, that flow just slowed down..so time 2 say goodbye 4 now...
remember, live everyday like it is ur last day! QUESTION: if this were ur last 24hrs, what would u do, where would u go and what would u say? ....got the answer? THEN DO IT! call them! show up! say it! do it!...they just may b waiting 2 see u, hear u, feel u or just know u!
love, laugh and live!
agape!
a louis 3
greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved
'08 A Year Of New Beginnings
we should take the attitude to live each day as if it is our last,for we know not the day, the hour or the minute when life will end. considering such, things that really matter begin 2 take precedence n life. the trivial becomes tiring and the mundane is boring. people become the most important priority n life. leaving a mark on people beomes ur utmost desire.
it is more than a selfish endeavor. living each moment as if it is ur last is not about getting what you can out of life, but it is about giving all that u have n this life, and then watching it float out on the waves of people, but come back on the tides of simple blessings.
when u live each day as if it is ur last, the simplest things n life become the most important. a smile from a stranger, the wind n ur face, the sun n ur eyes, the sounds of birds singing n the morning, the simple light touch of that special someone, a lyric that makes u cry, a beat that makes u move, the sound of ur mothers voice, the strength and comfort n ur dads hand, etc. etc.
never become complacent and 'couch potatoe'-ish about life! get out and grab life by the horns! CARPE DIEM! seize the day, the moment! dont let life pass u by, pass life on 2 someone else. encourage someone 2 b the best they can b, enlighten someone 2 know they r not alone n this world and n what they r going thru, empower someone 2 believe they can do it!
let someone know u love them, tell somebody how they influenced ur life, thank someone 2day 4 the smallest act of kindness, say thank u and please!... say their name n conversation!
LOVE someone, today!
hate and fight r signs of an empty and hurting person. sacrifice and humbleness r signs of a secure person. people who hold grudges are insecure about themselves and just need 2b loved on... love is putting urself 2nd 2 someone else... many never realize this or get 2 this realization n life UNTIL THEY HAVE MISSED OR LOST some of the best loves they could have ever had and end up missing out on TRUE love n someone else. dont b so consumed with urself that u miss what God is trying 2 give 2 u thru someone else!
iv finally learned the lesson of release (the human spirit so often wants 2 hold on2 everything that comes our way). its not easy and hurts deep, but some people n life WE r meant 2 love, but not necessarily recieve love back from them. our job is simply 2 model love 2 them, planting a seed that the Spirit will grow n them n time. love is...
well, that flow just slowed down..so time 2 say goodbye 4 now...
remember, live everyday like it is ur last day! QUESTION: if this were ur last 24hrs, what would u do, where would u go and what would u say? ....got the answer? THEN DO IT! call them! show up! say it! do it!...they just may b waiting 2 see u, hear u, feel u or just know u!
love, laugh and live!
agape!
a louis 3
greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved
'08 A Year Of New Beginnings
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Monumental Moments and History In The Making...
Wow! That is excitement spoken backwards!
What an exciting time to be alive to witness the course of events as they unfold to create history. This primary process was already one of historical proportions from the very beginning. Out of the three viable candidates, the two Democrats and one Republican, whomever is elected would be a 'first' for America. Either the 'first' African-American, or the 'first' woman or the 'first' oldest ever President of the United States of America. This presidential election will be history making regardless of who is eventually elected.
However, what is most exciting, whether you agree with his platform or not, is the historical nature of the first seriously viable candidacy of a 'black' man for President. We must remember and concede that the prior three black candidacies for president of the United States were by and large symbolic in nature. Most are unaware of the candidacy in 1972 of Shirley Chisolm, the 1984 and 1988 runs of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the 2004 run of Rev. Al Sharpton. These candidacies were by and large symbolic in nature, run to raise issues of race, class and social issues. Senator Obama's campaign has transcended race and class, thereby elevating him above the pettiness of color and class arguments. We have come to place to understand that the issues we face are bigger than governments and policies. We are facing a sin issue. A battle waged in the heavenlies in the spirit realm. It is a divine God thing verses being a sinful human being thing.
It was only 42 years ago, in 1965, that we gained the right to vote as African-Americans here in the United States, without having to pay a poll tax, or count the number of marbles or rocks in a jar, or the number of bubbles in a bar of soap or recite a passage from a poem or a book. We are only a single generation removed from being barred from hotels, restuarants, businesses, buses and even from using public water fountains or restrooms, simply because of the insidious ignorance of others in relation to the color of our skin. Our generation knows nothing of being attacked by fireman's water hoses or police dogs or being beaten with police batons. We are unfamiliar with being called 'boy' and 'nigger' on a consistent daily basis as a way of life. We have dealt with Jim Crow, Jr., which is a 'smile in your face but plot behind your back' and 'behind the scenes' form of Jim Crowism.
Anthony Samad, author and historian of 50 Years After Brown: The State Of Black Equality In America, said in a CNN interview that many see and view Senator Obama's groundbreaking achievement with 'cautious optimism' while others see it as a 'dream deferred' largely because many African-Americans really never expected to this type of political reciprocity so soon, in their lifetimes. Many still find it difficult to wrap their mind and emotions around the sheer significance of his accomplishment.
Rev. Jesse Jackson was quoted as calling Obama's surpassing of the number of delegates needed to clinch the nomination a 'transformational moment.' This is 40 years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and 200 years after the abolition of the African slave trade. There is a timing significance associated with this monumental moment as well. Timing is imoportant in God's economy.
This is a season of change and new beginnings. It is a time of God doing things we have never seen before in our lives. I encourage each of us to believe in the Word of God and to appropriate His Word and to manifest His blessings in our lives. Get in on what God is doing in the earth and through people! Live out your faith, publicly, on purpose and with pride! Do not be ashamed to recognize and honor Him as Savior and Lord of your life. Expect the best from God in your life. Push your faith to the limit! Obey God no matter what or no matter who! Let your life become a testimony to the awesomeness and greatness of God!... The reality of all that is happening in the world now is that God can and wants to do much, much more than that! The apostle Paul says in the book of Ephesians that He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly, above all that you can think or imagine in your life, in your marriage, in your family, in your relationships, on your job, in your body, with your health, in your mind, in your emotions, in your education, in your experience and even in your finances. God wants to be God and do God things holistically in your life!
Let your life be the monumental moment and history in the making with God writing the script! He alone is the author and finisher of our faith! From cover to cover in our lives, it is all about Him!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Loving Life and Living To Love
2008 Year of New Beginnings!
What an exciting time to be alive to witness the course of events as they unfold to create history. This primary process was already one of historical proportions from the very beginning. Out of the three viable candidates, the two Democrats and one Republican, whomever is elected would be a 'first' for America. Either the 'first' African-American, or the 'first' woman or the 'first' oldest ever President of the United States of America. This presidential election will be history making regardless of who is eventually elected.
However, what is most exciting, whether you agree with his platform or not, is the historical nature of the first seriously viable candidacy of a 'black' man for President. We must remember and concede that the prior three black candidacies for president of the United States were by and large symbolic in nature. Most are unaware of the candidacy in 1972 of Shirley Chisolm, the 1984 and 1988 runs of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the 2004 run of Rev. Al Sharpton. These candidacies were by and large symbolic in nature, run to raise issues of race, class and social issues. Senator Obama's campaign has transcended race and class, thereby elevating him above the pettiness of color and class arguments. We have come to place to understand that the issues we face are bigger than governments and policies. We are facing a sin issue. A battle waged in the heavenlies in the spirit realm. It is a divine God thing verses being a sinful human being thing.
It was only 42 years ago, in 1965, that we gained the right to vote as African-Americans here in the United States, without having to pay a poll tax, or count the number of marbles or rocks in a jar, or the number of bubbles in a bar of soap or recite a passage from a poem or a book. We are only a single generation removed from being barred from hotels, restuarants, businesses, buses and even from using public water fountains or restrooms, simply because of the insidious ignorance of others in relation to the color of our skin. Our generation knows nothing of being attacked by fireman's water hoses or police dogs or being beaten with police batons. We are unfamiliar with being called 'boy' and 'nigger' on a consistent daily basis as a way of life. We have dealt with Jim Crow, Jr., which is a 'smile in your face but plot behind your back' and 'behind the scenes' form of Jim Crowism.
Anthony Samad, author and historian of 50 Years After Brown: The State Of Black Equality In America, said in a CNN interview that many see and view Senator Obama's groundbreaking achievement with 'cautious optimism' while others see it as a 'dream deferred' largely because many African-Americans really never expected to this type of political reciprocity so soon, in their lifetimes. Many still find it difficult to wrap their mind and emotions around the sheer significance of his accomplishment.
Rev. Jesse Jackson was quoted as calling Obama's surpassing of the number of delegates needed to clinch the nomination a 'transformational moment.' This is 40 years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and 200 years after the abolition of the African slave trade. There is a timing significance associated with this monumental moment as well. Timing is imoportant in God's economy.
This is a season of change and new beginnings. It is a time of God doing things we have never seen before in our lives. I encourage each of us to believe in the Word of God and to appropriate His Word and to manifest His blessings in our lives. Get in on what God is doing in the earth and through people! Live out your faith, publicly, on purpose and with pride! Do not be ashamed to recognize and honor Him as Savior and Lord of your life. Expect the best from God in your life. Push your faith to the limit! Obey God no matter what or no matter who! Let your life become a testimony to the awesomeness and greatness of God!... The reality of all that is happening in the world now is that God can and wants to do much, much more than that! The apostle Paul says in the book of Ephesians that He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly, above all that you can think or imagine in your life, in your marriage, in your family, in your relationships, on your job, in your body, with your health, in your mind, in your emotions, in your education, in your experience and even in your finances. God wants to be God and do God things holistically in your life!
Whatever it is God has put in your spirit to be, do or accomplish, let this be your year! Your year to begin what God has already completed for your life! Go for broke with whatever it is! Believe God can do even more than what you are believing Him for! Spare no expense! Take no shorts! Get your 'Holy hustle' on, do all that you can do and watch God do the rest. Walk in faith! Talk with favor! When you show up you will find out He has already prepared the way! Don't just walk into your season, but run into your destiny! Somebody is waiting to be blessed by the blessing God has in store for you!
Let your life be the monumental moment and history in the making with God writing the script! He alone is the author and finisher of our faith! From cover to cover in our lives, it is all about Him!
See you on the blessed side!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Loving Life and Living To Love
2008 Year of New Beginnings!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
GIRLFRIENDS: Building Relationships That Last
This month I am beginning a new series based loosely on the television series Girlfriends, for our Women's Emphasis Month. The intent of the series is to give Biblically based principles that will allow us to build God honoring relationships that will last.
The first installment is entitled, 'I'm Happy For You!' This sermon had to be broken into two parts, part 1 and part 2. Below is a skeleton of the outline for part 2 of 'I'm Happy For You! '
I pray that this will be a blessing to you as you read and meditate on the Word of God for yourself.
Dr. Gary Smalley, in his book The DNA Of Relationships says that 'Life is relationships; the rest is just details.'
In fact, we were created for relationship. God created us in His image for relationship. Relationship to Him and relationship to each other.
Adopted July, 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, considered to be the 'founding document' of the United States, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin, signed by the 56 delegates of Congress, declared the Thirteen Colonies in North America were "free and independent" states. The most famous phrase of this document is the paragraph that begins , "we find these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
I want to suggest that true happiness for the Christian, comes when we are in right relationship with God and man.
Luke 1:39-56
I'm Happy For You!
Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, had to 'wait and work' for her blessing, while Mary, who was espoused to be married to Joseph, recieved a serendipitous blessing that she neither had to wait for nor work for. It was 'immediate and intimate.' Elizabeth was still 'happy' at the immediate and intimate blessing of her cousin although she had to 'work and wait' for hers.
We pick up the story as Mary, when she hears of the blessing of her cousin Elizabeth, travels to Judea to visit and spend time with her. We begin in vere 39... Here is where Mary shows us the importance of...
vs 39a 'At that time Mary got ready...'
a. Preparing to praise
vs 39b '...and hurried...'
b. Putting a priority on praise
vs 39c '...to a town in the hill country of Judea.'
c. Going to a place of praise
In order to build a relationship that lasts, we should want a friend who...
1. Has Jesus on the inside of them vs 41
2. Is happy about what God has put inside of you vs 42
3. Who will stay with you thru seasons of struggle vs 56
Principle Observations:
Mary teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will be a blessing to others.
Elizabeth teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will prepare the way for another blessing.
Both women teach us...
God has put in you a blessing that will...
a. Help to save a soul
b. Hope to change your situation
c. Healing to transform your life
The first installment is entitled, 'I'm Happy For You!' This sermon had to be broken into two parts, part 1 and part 2. Below is a skeleton of the outline for part 2 of 'I'm Happy For You! '
I pray that this will be a blessing to you as you read and meditate on the Word of God for yourself.
Dr. Gary Smalley, in his book The DNA Of Relationships says that 'Life is relationships; the rest is just details.'
In fact, we were created for relationship. God created us in His image for relationship. Relationship to Him and relationship to each other.
Adopted July, 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, considered to be the 'founding document' of the United States, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin, signed by the 56 delegates of Congress, declared the Thirteen Colonies in North America were "free and independent" states. The most famous phrase of this document is the paragraph that begins , "we find these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
I want to suggest that true happiness for the Christian, comes when we are in right relationship with God and man.
Luke 1:39-56
I'm Happy For You!
Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, had to 'wait and work' for her blessing, while Mary, who was espoused to be married to Joseph, recieved a serendipitous blessing that she neither had to wait for nor work for. It was 'immediate and intimate.' Elizabeth was still 'happy' at the immediate and intimate blessing of her cousin although she had to 'work and wait' for hers.
We pick up the story as Mary, when she hears of the blessing of her cousin Elizabeth, travels to Judea to visit and spend time with her. We begin in vere 39... Here is where Mary shows us the importance of...
vs 39a 'At that time Mary got ready...'
a. Preparing to praise
vs 39b '...and hurried...'
b. Putting a priority on praise
vs 39c '...to a town in the hill country of Judea.'
c. Going to a place of praise
In order to build a relationship that lasts, we should want a friend who...
1. Has Jesus on the inside of them vs 41
2. Is happy about what God has put inside of you vs 42
3. Who will stay with you thru seasons of struggle vs 56
Principle Observations:
Mary teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will be a blessing to others.
Elizabeth teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will prepare the way for another blessing.
Both women teach us...
God has put in you a blessing that will...
a. Help to save a soul
b. Hope to change your situation
c. Healing to transform your life
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