Stone Throwers

Our modern stone throwers are out and ready to cast their judgements.

Christians that will void what Jesus said or did and act only among their political agenda.

What if everything we did was acted out of love? Would we be there protesting?

Jesus in all His perfection did not condemn you. Who are you to do that to another?

I am not going to justify nor condemn homosexuality. 

As a Christian, I am not against the government allowing same-sex marriage.

 In saying that I am against my church doing so. 

We are NOT called to push our law on to others. Law is not the beginning of our faith. Jesus wants to meet everyone where they are at. 

If your ministry is preaching to non-believers what they are doing wrong, then you are doing what the Pharisees were doing while Jesus was walking the earth. Remember who Jesus spoke up against the most?

It is once you are of the faith when you use the law as a bumper, not prior. So don't push our laws on to non-believers. Love them no matter what they are going through, show them Christ and allow their character to build from then on.

I would like my Christian brothers and sisters that struggle with homosexuality, to know the struggle is not a sin, it is when you act on it.

Just like I might find many women attractive it does not make me a man-whore, unless I act on it. The sin is not the struggle it is the succumbing.

Fight the good fight. Henri Nouwen a great writer of the Christian faith struggled with homosexuallity and never acted on it. You can do the same.

We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Accept his grace and repent.

You without sin pick up your picket and protest.  

Are we in focus?

"Your problems amplify when you focus on things you want.
Yet they seem to vanish when you focus on others' needs." 

There is a trail on Turkey Mountain that I would bike when I lived in Tulsa. At one point in the trail there are two trees that are separated just enough to fit my bike through, leaving an inch or so on either side of the handlebars. With the fear that I might hit one or the other trees, I put all my attention on not hitting them. As a result I hit a tree. When I went through focusing on the path, I made it through without skimming the trees. The difference between making it through cleanly or skimming/hitting the tree, wasn't being aware of the obstacle; but where my focus was. 

Likewise, we aren't necessarily supposed to be ignorant of wrongful things, but focus on the path that is set before us. If we are not aware of unjustness in this world, we would not develop solutions. Now, if we are fixated on what is wrong, rather than on a solution - nothing would happen.

Let unjustness fuel us to make it right. Let obstacles drive us to focus what needs to be done.

The obstacle of the thin path is making the course more difficult to complete. Let it not hinder us from continuing, rather that we might use it to sharpen our focus on where we need to go.

Fear of doing evil is or could be the reason we focus on evil. Giving it more power than it should have. It can make us go left or right, stop or go backwards - when there is a straight path for us going forward. It so easily can slow down the plans and desires of our hearts. We can't allow fear to be a deciding factor of where we go in life.  

As Christians we are not called to be indifferent. Which is doing neither good nor bad. If we concentrate on not doing wrong, instead of fixing our minds on doing right, we may quickly become exactly that, indifferent. 

I like what Paul wrote to the church of Philippi, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." 

How much better would our lives be if we did fill our thoughts with these things? 

Imagine having joy if we only focused on what was wrong in our lives, or love when we only looked how that person should be. 

It can be so easy to view the evils of this world, and put our main priority on not doing them. A person who is indifferent is not bringing heavenly things to earth nor causing any harm. We are called to do good tho. Being a light in the darkness and salt to the earth; being love and hope to others in this unjust world. 

Let our desires determine where our focus is. Rather than chasing little things here and there.

I want to fill my life with positive things. I want to center my life on doing right when it might not be the "popular thing". I want my thoughts, my words and my actions to be aimed at making this world a better place for everyone.

Not afraid to get dirty!

There is one thing that always seems to turn my stomach. This thing irritates me to the core. I completely understand why people feel this way but don't understand why Christians are so often this way.

 I am talking about people that are involved with non-profits that can't get there hands dirty. I'm talking about the one that say, "I do this or that and I make this happen, but I can't stand the sight or smell of that, so I refuse to be around it." These respected people that run a charity for homeless people and can't stand to be around the homeless. People that want recognition for something they actually despise. Pastors that fly in their private jets, in their expensive suits and look like they are doing a lot for their faith but won't give the poor, underprivileged, even small time pastors the time of day. Who are these people and who do they think they are?

(This rant is for christians)

Did not Jesus in all of his glory come to earth? Did He not come out of woman and was he not born in a manger? He certainly could have come from the sky with all of His glory and most certainly could have had angels surround Him to keep your filth away, but NO! He came as a human being. He got dirty. He lived a righteous life so we would know how to live. The Christ in all of His perfection laid down his life for us. And on that cross He took our sins and suffered for you who can't stomach the "dirty", sick or poor.

Damn, it is a tough life when everything was given for you and you are too good for anything that doesn't profit you.

My grandfather is one of my heroes. Great man that seemed to loved everyone. He would open his doors to the homeless and he was extremely talented at everything he applied himself to (Sports, preaching, socially and so on). In the later days of his life, he suffered from Parkinson's disease. and for the last years of his life due to falls and many visits to the ICU; he needed someone with him 24/7. I could not stand to see him like that, because I wanted my last memories of him being that guy great at everything instead of being dependent. I ended up being his caregiver (despite not really wanting to take on that roll). I would wash him, wipe him, feed him through his tube, clean his catheter,  suction his mouth and everything else. At first it was very hard to take in. I have a weaker stomach when it comes to smells. It was a struggle at points. There were days when he was doing good that we would go out to the park or just for a drive. I was in awe of how grateful he was. I grew closer to him through the last year with him. Doing that stuff for someone I love became something I would not trade for anything. I cherish the times I got to spend with him, and I feel very blessed to have been able to be with him on his last days. My only regrets are the times I did not give him my all. I feel like there was so much more I could have done. 

NOW! To finish my rant. I understand the lack of desire to see hurting people; likewise, nobody should want to see another suffer. Let's imagine for a moment that we are one of these people that are hurting. One that so many don't want to see. Where is the love? If you truly have "compassion" for people and "love" these people as we are called to love, then get your ass off your high horse and get your fancy suits a little dirty. Jesus showed us how to live. Let us follow His example. Be love to someone!

Side note... I am not saying this to discourage someone that has this mindset, but to hopefully have a little breakthrough. May this encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and be His hands and feet. 

Grace & Peace!

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." James 1:27

 My God, help me be a servant to your people. Put me in positions to show love and give hope to the ones in despair. I am not worthy to be called your son , but You called me out of this world to take part in Your plan. Give me strength to take on the task ahead of me. I am weak and you are strong. I rely on you, because apart from you I am nothing. I don't know your thoughts for Your are infinite and mine are limited, but may my will reflect Your will. May my heart break for things that break Yours. I stand in awe of Your flawless love. THANK YOU! Now let me be a light that shines bright. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. 

A time to be quiet. A time to speak.

I strive to do good but end up doing bad. I have two desires that conflict with each other. It is like the demon on one shoulder and angel on the other. Sometimes the demon will be shouting and flooding out the angel that is whispering in my ear. when I am in this point of desolation, I need to stop and think back to when I was in a clear thought. before the temptations of the world was weighing down on me so much. Then I go to a quite place and confess to God what I am dealing with. 

Pray, meditate and focus on what is good. Verbally speak out against it. Don't just ignore it but oppose it. Do the desires of the Spirit when you are tempted with the desires of this world. Confess the freedom you have in Christ Jesus our Savior. Praying in the spirit for The Helper is near and will deliver as promised. 

When you do fall it is so easy to want to keep those failures hidden away. But what you keep in the dark will return and return with more power; so don't keep your sins and failures hidden but confess it to a spiritual leader or friend that understands the struggle, one that will discourage further actions of such and will pray with you. 

When you do good, you want to boast and tell people of the good works you do, but I encourage to keep those in the secret; for when the things that are kept in the secret, they will be the things that really define who you are. Tho it is sometimes good to share when encouraging others and talking about the good God is working in you. But what ever you keep in the secret let it be things of God. When you boast of those things your reward is here on earth but when you keep them in the quiet you will be storing up a much greater reward in heaven.

When you keep good in the secret you will do more good and when you keep bad in the secret you will do more bad, and what you share will fade. 

You tell someone you fed a homeless man, you get a pat on your shoulder and feel good about yourself and enjoy your friend congratulating you for being such a great guy. When you keep it in the secret you have the desire to do it more. You do bad likewise, you tell someone that will keep you accountable and then you feel disappointed and will not do it again or shamefully knowing that you will have to tell them again. But when you keep it secret you might be disappointed in yourself at first, but when the temptation comes again it comes stronger and with vengeance. the more you give into the temptation the more you accept it. It becomes part of you. you stop feeling that shame as you did at first. bring light to that darkness, because wherever light is darkness flees.

Good Day

Last night I went home earlier than normal from McNellies $3 burger night, so I could spend some time reading. I read a couple chapters out of the gospel of John that ministered to me about giving. I ended up reading some other versus that were on the same topic (giving). As I meditated on Jesus' words I realized He was saying give even if you are in need, give.... but he almost pushed on where not only money... time, gifts (skills) and every aspect of your life, then your treasure will be in heaven! It was just a really good time right before bed.

Then Next morning (today) I woke up in a good mood. I took my cousin (Ashley) out to First Watch to treat her for her birthday. While we were waiting on our food, this sweet lady came up to me and said, "I just wanted to let you know that I see Jesus all over your face. It is so evident that you have him in your life!" I responded "thank you!" (I didn't know what to say but that). My day was already going well and that just made it better. When I went to go pay my bill the guy at the register said that my ticket has been taken care of and handed me a note that congratulated me on opening my cafe from an old friend I have not seen in a while. :) !!!

I hurried over to the cafe to see Josiah (my business partner) handling a line of people out the door and from that moment on it was pretty busy here. Austin is showing up in a bit to have sushi then later we are going to watch football at his house.

Lent

While going through this lenten season, I realized tho I have been good at giving up what I said I would, I have not been good with filling it completely with God. One thing I gave up is TV (Movies, shows...) but when I normally would have spent 2-3hrs watching tv/movie, I am only giving God 30 minutes of that time. There are for sure good things that have been produced from this season but there is more that can come I just need to allow it.

“Cry aloud, spare not;

Lift up your voice like a trumpet;

Tell My people their transgression,

And the house of Jacob their sins.

Yet they seek Me daily,

And delight to know My ways,

As a nation that did righteousness,

And did not forsake the ordinance of their God.

They ask of Me the ordinances of justice;

They take delight in approaching God.

‘ Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?

Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?

“ In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,

And exploit all your laborers.

Indeed you fast for strife and debate,

And to strike with the fist of wickedness.

You will not fast as you do this day,

To make your voice heard on high.

Is it a fast that I have chosen,

A day for a man to afflict his soul?

Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,

And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?

Would you call this a fast,

And an acceptable day to the LORD?

“ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:

To loose the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the heavy burdens,

To let the oppressed go free,

And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked, that you cover him,

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’"

Isaiah 58:1-9

I am amazed by God's grace! HE frees us from the wickedness that bonds us, burdens that weigh us down and sickness that attacks our bodies.

Fast and pray to the Lord and you will be set free!

Papa Sanders

I feel like in almost every school at one point they have you write about your "Hero". And for me I wrote about my Papa Sanders. I don't quite remember all I wrote seeing how it was over 10 years ago but I do remember how he had a great impact on me in all of my past years. After talking with quite a few of my other cousins I realized that I was not the only one that considered him their hero.

On March 14th at 10:27 I watched one of my heros pass away.

My Papa Sanders was a man that genuinely loved people and knew how to make people feel loved. For me I never saw his ministry on the "Restless Ribbon" or in Louisville, Kentucky or how he led revivals in cities. But what I saw was how he was a leader in his family, how he spent time with God. How he loved people. I saw how he loved me. As I look back I am grateful for the times we had playing basketball (knock out and HORSE), darts, dominos, ping pong, and went fishing. I miss his hugs, him telling me that he loves me and him mouthing to me that he loves me when his voice didn't work. I miss his thankfulness after I spent the day helping him. I miss the way his face lit up when someone came buy to visit or when he got to see one of his great grandchildren. But I love the memories, and I love the way he made such an impact on his family, friends and strangers. I love his courage and boldness. I love that he was not ashamed of the gospel.

He was a blessed man with a wonderful family and friends. And it makes me realize how blessed I am with my amazing family and great friends. We serve and awesome God that gives grace to those who seek him. Thank you Lord for all your blessings and for giving me a grandfather who led a great example for his family to follow.

New Project

Today I woke at 4:50am to give my Papa Sanders his medicine....

At 9am I had a meeting downtown to talk things over about the cafe.

Here is a picture of a little place Josiah and I are turning into a cafe.

At 11:30 I had class and got out at 3:50. I really need to practice my Spanish.

From TCC Metro I headed over to the condo that I am working on flipping with my Grandma Gloria.

... Now I am up with my Papa trying to make sure he stays comfortable. Hopefully I'll get to bed by 9am and that will mean I've been up for 28hrs w/out sleep.