The love of God

Today is another day to testify of God's love. Reflect on it, appreciate it, and never take it for granted. He loves you more than you could ever know!

Time to Believe in What God Says

It has been quite some time since I have posted to this blog, but I'm encouraged tonight and have been inspired to begin writing again. 

Someone has so many questions about what it is that God told you concerning your life.  Some heard the voice of God at a young age (like the prophet Samuel) and others have had God speak to them in a later season in life (like Abraham or Moses). 

Either way, at whatever season in life you may presently be at, it's not about time hat you believe in what God says: it IS time to believe in what God says.  God didn't tell you what He told you for no apparent reason.  Everything He speaks and does has a purpose and a plan behind it, and He wants you to be reminded of that tonight.

Let me encourage you that it's not too late to heed what He said and do what He instructed you to do.  Some things that God tells us to do seem simple, random, or irrelevant in our human eyes, but in God's view of humanity and eternity, it makes perfect sense.  Our feelings and emotions often deter us from the way He thinks about things and the way He performs His will.

It's often been said that your biggest enemy is yourself.  We give too much credit to Satan and his minions when we oftentimes hold ourselves back from doing what God has ordained for us by disregarding what He says.  We often become complacent or lazy with our listening ears and our working hands.

I want to remind you tonight that God grants rest to the weary, hope to the hopeless, and redemption and grace to the sinner man.  It is not too late to believe in what God says.  It is not too late to do what God told you to do days, months, and years ago.

I write this simple message to serve notice: it's time to believe in what God says...

Sorry Don't Make It Right...

One of the most common phrases in the human language is, "I'm sorry". People say these two words after they cheat on their spouse or significant other, after they miss an important appointment or engagement, or when they make any other error in judgment.

There is something about the phrase, "I'm sorry". People say I'm bored, I'm unhappy, I'm mad, but saying "I'm sorry" does not express true repentance, because saying that means that you feel regret, compunction, sympathy or pity, wretched, poor, useless, or pitiful. You can have all of these feelings and emotions and still not express a repentant heart and ask for forgiveness from God and your fellow man.

My mom is an amazing woman, and she taught me an important lesson at a young age. Instead of saying, "I'm sorry" which is a broad statement, state "I apologize for..." and be specific and honest about what you did. Let's look at what apologize means: to offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury; confess, purge. See the difference?

There is an old Scottish proverb that, contrary to popular belief, actually states, "Open confession is good for the soul". And confession requires the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). Look at a few scriptures on confession:

1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Matthew 10:32: “Therefore whoever confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my father who is in heaven.”

Psalm 32:5: “I acknowledged my sin to you, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

Acts 2:21: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

There is another popular statement that circulates in the Christian Church these days. One can refer to themselves as being "godly sorrow". Genesis 6:6 says, "And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.". 1 Samuel 15:11, "It repenteth me [God] that I have set up Saul to be king." 1 Samuel 15:35, "The Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel." Did God repent in the sense that He did something wrong or made a mistake? No, because we know that God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent. (Numbers 3:19). But sinful man perverted that which God made good and so it grieved God's heart when man did not do what was pleasing in His sight, just like He is displeased at our blatant disobedience today. But God was so sorry and so grieved that He destroyed the earth in the great flood of Noah's day, brought about destruction among the children of evil, and a host of other things. So re-think that phrase, "Godly sorry" before you let it exit your mouth in the future.

It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done, God is a forgiving God and He knows the state of your heart. And according to the devil, we are sorry, useless, and pitiful, but in God's eyes, we are valuable, significant, we have worth, and we are somebody in Him. The devil's desire is for us to become what we say, so saying "I'm sorry" introduces that into our consciousness and thought processes, and we tend to become that which we think. Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." The battle between being spiritually minded or carnally minded is a daily battle, but once you make up your mind to serve Christ, He will take care of the battle on your behalf.

Eliminate "I'm sorry" from your vocabulary. You are more than a conqueror, you are forgiven (if you confess and turn away from your sins), you are loved, you are sanctified (set apart), you are holy, you are righteous and pure in the eyes of God. Your present circumstances don't determine your future outcome. Never let who you are today prevent you from becoming who God wants you to become.

My brothers and sisters, be encouraged!

J

A Message for the Saints

There's a plague that's infiltrating the body of Christ and it has been pushed under the rug and ignored for far too long in my life and in the life of numerous believers. There's a spirit that is destroying relationships, ministries, and individuals. It is a menace that if left unchecked can destroy your life. What is it I am referring to, you might ask?

LUST

I gotta make sure we clearly have an understanding of what lust is. Lemme give you a few different definitions:

(verb) to have a yearning or desire; have a strong or excessive craving (often fol. by for or after ).

(noun) a passionate or overmastering desire or craving (usually fol. by for ): a lust for power.

(noun) ardent enthusiasm; zest; relish: an enviable lust for life.

(commonly used definition) intense sexual desire or appetite.

In a nutshell, lust has different manifestations and can manifest itself in many other areas of our lives outside of the sexual realm.

The Bible speaks very clearly about lust. "For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:16). And that's just scratching the surface. But my brothers and sisters, let me remind you about what God did from the beginning. God made everything GOOD, and when sin entered into the world via Adam and Eve, sinful man took the good that God had created and perverted it. God is full of love; the world is full of lust and insatiable desires. That's why there's that disconnect between God and the world, and that's why God commands us to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

A word of hope and encouragement: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]." Sometimes in the midst of great temptation, we forget the promises God makes to us. "The devil made me do it" is not and has never been an adequate excuse for our CHOICE to sin. God does not tempt us to sin (James 1:13) and the devil has no more power than we surrender to him, and yet and still, he cannot make us do ANYTHING. But he can greatly influence our decisions to sin in the presence of God and our fellow man.

My brothers and sisters, with lust or any spirit that we may to attempt oppress us (and I say oppress for a very specific reason; if we have the Spirit of God within us, a demonic spirit cannot possess us, but it can oppress us and vex us very sorely), we must be conscious of the fact that greater is He (God) that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). The devil and his minions are and will always be defeated: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."- Revelation 12:11.

Understand that the devil may not constantly harass you or he may harass you for a season, but know that he will be back. He only left Jesus for a season after he had tempted him in the desert (Luke 4:13). There will come another opportunity for the devil to tempt you, and when he comes, be equipped with the full armor of God that you might be able to withstand the wiles and tricks of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).

I heard someone (who I love very dearly) speak on behalf of God to me these three words: "Whatever it takes..." And that's the mentality we have to adapt if we are sincerely concerned about our soul's salvation. Maybe you haven't placed much value on your relationship with God as of late, but as long as there is breath in your body and blood running warm in your veins, God is extending the opportunity for you and I to get it right and to make serving Him with everything we've got our first priority.

None of us have arrived. None of us are perfect. But there comes a point in your walk with the Lord where you realize that we struggle with certain issues only because we don't want to let them go and let God assume control. In the natural, when you have something that you don't want anymore, you throw it away right? There is no "I've been meaning to get rid of that for a long time..." There is trash and sin in our lives and God is entering our hearts with the garbage can and waiting for us to toss the junk away. He is such a gentlemen, but He is also a jealous God and will judge the wicked and the righteous for the deeds they have done. It's either "Well done" or "Depart from me".

The things that I have struggled with (notice past tense) and the things that you have struggled with (again: note the past tense) will not resurface or cause you to go into remission. There will be progression and not regression. And there is life and death that you can speak with the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). The devil will do all he can to convince you that you cannot live a struggle-free life, but I'm here to declare and decree unto you that you can do all things through Christ through strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). It's not a matter of just hearing it, but believing it and accepting it as truth by faith in Christ Jesus.

I say all that to say this: Lust and any other spirit that comes to try and attack you and destroy you just had its assignment canceled in Jesus' name. I speak that over my life and everyone's life that is connected with my own. The promises of God shall be fulfilled and the curses and negatives cycles in our lives shall be broken. It may not look as if everything God spoke to you could ever come to pass if you reflect on a current trial or tribulation, but look towards the future and see yourself as God sees you: pure, righteous, and forever sealed until the day of redemption. All things, the good AND the bad, work together for good to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Let your test become a testimony and your mess a message so that God may be glorified in your life and draw others close to Him in the name of Jesus' I do pray and beseech you, brethren.

To God be the glory for the things He has done, is doing, and shall do for the people of God!

J

Late Night

Blogger fam,

I'M BAAAAAAAAAACKKKKKK! It's been two months since you heard from me, but that's because school's back in full swing! Last semester here, so I'm on the grind fo' sho'! Can't believe I'm this close to being completely done with my undergraduate career! On to bigger and more interesting things!

So, let me update you on a few things: last time you heard from me, I had no place to live. My mom is a creative genius and she knows how to use what she already has to help somebody else. My mom and dad purchased a 26 foot Jayco travel trailer a few years back and had it sitting in the yard, renting it out to folks. But the last year or so, it had just been sitting around not being used at all. Finished up my job with the Bridge Program after three years out there (with free housing), so for the first time in my college career, I had NO job and NO place to live! Stressful situation, right?

Went on the move trying to find places to live in the fall. My mom even came up here and helped me search the weekend before school started. Apartment complexes wanted to rip us off and charge twice the rent as I would only be signing a 4-month lease. Terrible prices on some mobile homes in the area. Mom calls up Dad and tells him what she told him months before: get the travel trailer ready 'cause this is our last option. We visited KOA Kampgrounds in Anderson and it was a done deal: I'm chillin' in my parents' travel trailer for the next few months (can you believe it?!). Right out here by the lake, mini-golf course, swimming pool, laundry facilities, and just a great location in general. I'm really enjoying it out here!

As far as my plans post-graduation, I am NOT applying to med school this fall. My slack self missed all the MCAT dates because I was too scared to take it (didn't think I had studied enough for it yet). Grad school has always been plan B, but my heart is leaning towards full-time ministry (heavily). As much as I wanna go to med school eventually, I want to be in the will of God and do what He would have me to do. I'm ready to give up all my hopes and dreams to fulfill His purpose in my life. Don't be surprised if you see me at CrossPoint Church as a full-time Generation Link intern! By the way, CrossPoint is in our new location on Highway 123! Just celebrated the first Sunday in the new facility last Sunday (Sept. 27th). We certainly praise God for the change :)

Why am I up this late/early? Took a four-hour nap (whether on accident or on purpose, I cannot say) and I'm having a difficult time falling back asleep. Every so often this happens and it's just glorious :) hehe

7am meeting in the morning with some of the folks on campus that make incredible things happen for students here on campus. It's been a joy and a pleasure to serve alongside these administrators for the past 4 years and I've made solid connections that will last a lifetime. It's amazing how the Student Affairs Student Advisory Board was the catalyst and the origin of all my other campus activities and involvement. It really does "All Start Here" :)

A'ight fam, I'm done for now. Expect more consistent blogs from me in the future...

'til later,

Dr. J

So...it's been a minute...

...since I posted a blog using my laptop! I've updated my other blog (whatever the address is for that one, IDK; it's linked to this one though if you wanna check it out) via my Palm Treo and have neglected this spot over the last two months. Always have the cell with me, but weaning away from using the computer as much as I used to!

Anyway, so the next few weeks will be a true test of my faith in God. I turned down a job that seemed (notice I said "seemed) to be an answer to my prayer, which was that God provide me with a place to live and a job. Honestly, I've been spoiled over the last four years, not ever having to worry about aggressively looking for a job or a place to live during both the school year and the summer. I thank God daily for my time with the Bridge Program and the many other wonderful opportunities that Clemson University and the Upstate of South Carolina have afforded me.

But as this last semester approaches, I find myself in what would seem to be a stressful situation, but it's really not like that at all with me. I know the God that I serve will provide for all my needs! It may not be physically manifested right now, but I know there's a place (and a job) where God wants me to be in the fall. I have full confidence that it's all gonna work out just in the nick of time! God is just that GREAT!

In other news, it's great to still be getting great hours with this desk supervisor position! Although the building I work in has been closed for a few weeks, I still get plenty of work on other parts of campus. Matter of fact, I got 15 hours just yesterday! Yeah, that seems like a lot for some of the jobs other people have, but I make my job fun to pass the time! And on top of the desk job, I've always got my surveys to do, so I'm set financially for now :)

But I love blogging because it helps me clear my mind and put some things down that I normally wouldn't get to share with anyone. I constantly urge people to start blogging and to just keep some sort of record as to the things they may be dealing with or the things that they've overcome to make them who they are today. It's very rewarding and it's great to see how far you've progressed along in the months and years that pass by!

Man, I could do this all day, but there's a checkout looming over the horizon and I need to prep my heart and mind for it so that I can get these campers out of here quick-like. Blogger fam, I promise I will do better with this blogspot in the future!

J

Know your "Role"

Let me just say that I was definitely inspired and encouraged as I listened to a sermon preached by CrossPoint's (soon to be Renewal Church's own) own Matt Rogers. We have a series currently going on here at CrossPoint entitled, "Don't Waste Your...".

Matt gave it the business during week one of the series with "Don't Waste Your...Time". I especially enjoyed his "Roles to Goals" piece, which he outlined near the end of his sermon.

Check this out below:

Practical steps to redeem the time

1. Own your roles- take an active look at the God-given roles in your life (my notes :)
2. Isolate your goals- datable, measurable, and attainable goals
   
3. Schedule your goals- different than scheduling your tasks
4. Remove time dumps
5. Evaluate the unexpected
   

"Just because you're busy doesn't mean that you are being faithful or fruitful to God."

And here's my own personal "roles" (ideally, you want between 8-10 roles in order to be fruitful):

1. Christian and Missionary
2. Minister (servant)
3. Son and Brother
4. Student
5. Desk Supervisor (summer position)
6. Teacher (Kids Worship, Victory Game Time)
7. Friend

Some questions to ask as you make your own list of roles:

• How can I step up?
• How can I serve (step down)?
• How can I surprise?

If you get a chance, listen to this sermon: http://s182093037.onlinehome.us/crosspoint/sermons/Don__t_Waste_Your_Time.mp3. It'll change your life fo' sho'!

Trust and believe that these roles are flexible and will change from time to time, so watch the fruits of my labor manifest themselves before your eyes!