God Is...

Finding Stregnth in the Season...

2011-12-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Colossians 1:11-16

1:11 May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully
1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
1:13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son,
1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;
1:16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers--all things have been created through him and for him.

As I read today's text for reflection show above, I began to think about all of the concerned parents and loved ones whom have already began calling me with Christmas worries. Already some of us are overwhelmed trying to afford the perfect gifts, others in despair about where the food for Christmas dinner will come from, still others nervous about families gathering under their roof for weeks at a time and the drama that comes along with it.

Friends whatever is stressing you out this season find strength in the scripture above, which reminds it's God's glorious power that enables us to stand and be strong. Even now for those who believe God is making us strong! Can you feel it? The press on beloved and watch how strong God will prove to be. Cast your cares on the Lord!

Misplaced Faith...!

2011-11-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

1 Timothy 6:3-19

6:3 Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness, is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words. From these come envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Recently I watched the HBO series show Boardwalk Empire, and during this episode a concerned mother over her daughter's recent diagnoses of Polio goes to the church and offers the Priest a large amount of cash money with many jewels. After some discussion about repentance and faith the priest takes the gifts on behalf of the church. Later on in the show the mother goes to the hospital to see her daughter and finds out her condition is even worse than originally thought. She ask the doctor in charge did his daughter pray for her daughter, and I said WOW!

How misplaced can our faith be? The mother gives the priest money and ask the doctor for prayer? Sometimes we think money can buy us out of everything, when truly it's our faith that can enable us to make it through anything! I began to think of how many times I have done some similar things in my life and have placed my faith in people, institutions, and even things, instead of God. Friends and family I encourage you to keep your faith invested where it belongs. Where it is beneficial to all, everything made with human hands will fall away and fade! Faith in God will never fall void.

Making Preprations...

2011-11-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

⁹ However, as it is written:“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”
the things God has prepared for those who love him

Today as I have been reading the news paper and watching CNN it seems as many people around the world have given up hope! The stark contrast is that many other people around the world have decided to take up arms, sit in, demonstrate and make change happen immediately. Both sides have their own point of view but this thanksgiving season as I am making preparations for thanksgiving celebrations, I stumbled upon Paul's 1st letter to the Church in Corinth and verse 9 has reminded me that it's God who makes the preparations for us.

So I situate myself in the middle of the demonstrators and those who have given up hope on fellow humankind understanding that God has a plan for all of us, and it's God's plans that matter, it's God's plan that we should live into! This season what are you making preparations for? Who's making preparations for you? As you and I enjoy this holiday season, let's take time out to be thankful for the people we prepare for, as well as those who prepare for us!

The Season of Investing, are you willing?

2011-11-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

"The Church’s one foundation, Is Jesus Christ her Lord, She is His new creation, By water and the Word. From heaven He came and sought her To be His holy bride;With His own blood He bought her And for her life He died." This great hymn of the Church speaks to the investment of God through Jesus Christ for humankind. Indeed during the time of Christ a severe investment needed to be made for the ultimate atonement of all, and these words pinned by Samuel J. Stone paint the picture for us whenever we stand to sing The Church's One Foundation!

Now the Church the church finds itself in a season of change and transitions, now the church effected by the perils of society must understand that this current season must be a season of investment and growing of God gifts exponentially! God is calling the CHURCH to speak to our Culture, communities, family, friends, and even next door neighbors. Now is the time to grow the God given gifts of the Church that the Holy Spirit gives to individuals for the purpose of glorifying God. Therefore the leaders of the Church must equip the people in the use of their gifts. We must help the people to understand the same point that Jesus uses in the parable for reflection of today, which is if we are not growing God's ministry we are no good to anyone. Friends now is the season of investment and growth, if we do not jump on board, then we are no good to anyone, and can easily be discarded. Are you willing to invest? I pray that you are, come lay your gifts before God, and let God do the rest!
^{Matthew 25: 14} “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. ¹⁵ To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. ¹⁶ The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. ¹⁷ So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. ¹⁸ But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. ¹⁹ “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ ²¹ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ²² “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

²³ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ²⁴ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ ²⁶ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? ²⁷ Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.²⁸ “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. ²⁹ For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Who's to judge?

2011-11-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

All good evangelism is ethical, but the question is whose ethics are moral for all creation. Psalm 119 reminds us that if we place God's word to live in our heart (our moral / ethical center) than we will not sin against God or fall to far from God. Jesus in the gospels reminds us that sin comes from our heart, and it's this point of departure that I ask whose ethics and morals are good to follow. With so many different beliefs and religious practices in our society who is to judge?

Speaking for myself as it pertains to Psalm 119, I find myself wanting, trying to live according to God's will in my life. I let my morality become shaped by the biblical example of the historical Christ. I lve by the fact that I am to love my neighbor which is how I show love to God, this is the word implanted in my heart which grounds me and keeps me from falling away form God.

WHAT'S YOURS?

Psalm 119:1-16

1Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
² Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—
³ they do no wrong but follow his ways.
⁴ You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
⁵ Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
⁶ Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
⁷ I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
⁸ I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
¹² Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees.
¹³ With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
¹⁴ I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
¹⁵ I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
¹⁶ I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

How Your Faith these days?

2011-10-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 11

¹ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.

³ By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

The writer of Hebrews perhaps Apostle Paul direct the question to us in form of a statement of what faith is. I believe that the writer is secretly asking the reader how is your faith these days? Is your faith confident to the point of assurance that what you can speak truth and it become realized? Are you so confident in your faith that you can step out in the name of justice and know a change will occur? Is your faith strong enough to make the invisible become real and relevant in the world on behalf of God?

How's your faith these days, are you unsure of your beliefs? Are you a person who observes injustice, racism, sexism and oppression but say's and does nothing? Are you still searching for your confident voice which comes from living out your faith in the world? Then look no further and find your faith in life of Jesus Christ. Jesus life and death reminds us that we must challenge the opressive and unfair social systems, as part of our faith journey. It's only by making the invisible visible to those who can not see that we do the work of God. Our personal mission should be to start small and daily open the eyes of the world while at the same time leaning on God to increase our faith, confidence, and assurance.

Remember even the twelve disciples did not start off ready to give their life for Christ, but their faith grew daily. So can ours, therefore let today be the beginning of your new journey. Do a faith check and daily ask yourself how are you living out your faith this day?

Live for Today, invest in Tomorrow

2011-10-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 7:8-14

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
and patience is better than pride.
⁹ Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.

¹⁰ Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
For it is not wise to ask such questions.

¹¹ Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
¹² Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.¹³ Consider what God has done: Who can straighten
what he has made crooked?¹⁴ When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

The preacher/teacher from Ecclesiastes reminds us that we can not change the past, for God's mercy has sustained us through it. We do not know what the future holds and therefore we can't control the good or bad days ahead. What we can do however is Live for today! In the midst of famine, marginalization, hatred, and greed we as God's representatives in the world can use today to effect CHANGE. Today you and I are afforded the awesome opportunity to promote love, justice, and mercy in a world that is divided economically, politically, and morally. We have a word in us that needs to be shared, a word that the world is thirsting for, a word from scripture about how God is calling all creation to live and love in harmony together. Today I ask you how will you spend your day? Who will you live out your faith today? I pray it's by promoting the love of God one person at a time.

Be Well Today, love P.J.

Occupy Wall Street: The Seeds of Empowerment Have been Planted in the People!

2011-10-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Joshua 6

¹ Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

² Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. ³ March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. ⁴ Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. ⁵ When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

⁶ So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” ⁷ And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the LORD.”

⁸ When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the LORD’s covenant followed them. ⁹ The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. ¹⁰ But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” ¹¹ So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there.

¹² Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. ¹³ The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the LORD and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets kept sounding. ¹⁴ So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. ¹⁵ On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. ¹⁶ The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! ¹⁷ The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the LORD.

²⁰ When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.

When the people get together on one accord to stand up for an equal share, their place at the table, to fight for opportunity they will not be defeated. Indeed the people will be heard!

Over the last month I have been excited to see people organizing and standing up the marginalized and left out. The Occupy Wall Street movement is now a nationwide initiative reminding the country that the minority can no longer oppress the majority, classicism must end, the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor must end. We are all made in the IMAGE OF GOD, we all have a right work, support our families, and have places to live. God has promised good to us, just like God promised Joshua, Moses and the Hebrew people. God has promised to keep us and to be with us always!

Just like the Hebrew people in the text of Joshua God has made promises to our Generation also. However like the Hebrew people we must march around the city, we must lift up bullhorns, we must let our voices be heard, and we must not give up! In today's text we are reminded to be patient and wait for God to bring the walls down. We must not give up, and we must not be discouraged thinking that our voices are not heard because they are. Every day the Hebrew people marched and sounded horns. Then on the last day they marched around seven times and they were given their increase. Friends our society must change it's greedy ways, and if you and I continue to march, protest, and speak out against injustice we too can bring down the walls of unfair Capitalism, Classicism, and unfair labor selection process! Let's prove that God's promises don't fall void!

Dear God today give us the courage and strength to fight against injustice, let our faith be strong enough to keep the fight until change and blessings come. In our personal lives as well as our communal lives. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Reminder: Take Care of yourself!

2011-10-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

^{1st Thessalonians 5: 12-18

12} Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Over the last three to four years I have been amazed at the main stream medias push for self-care products. We are being marketed to at every turn in news parers and magazines we see all sorts of vitamins and multivitamins that are specialized to our gender and age. The television reminds us during one out every ten commercials to use Proactive or Clearasil for our skin, and billboards around the country remind to Just Do it and buy special shoes for running, others for cross training, and yet still others for walking or playing various sports. Millions of dollars a day are spent on reminding people that we need to take care of ourselves, but somehow in the hustle of our busy days many of us still forget about how important self care is despite these reminders.

I believe the apostles Paul's words to the church of Thessalonica were reminders to take care of self. These words echo down throughout time to the church of today, reminding us to take your ourselves not only physically but all too importantly spiritually.Paul reminds us to encourage one another, be patient with one another, rejoice in the goodness of God and to pray always. For Paul I believe that these are the blueprints of true self-care, for Christians and non-Christians alike. For me as a United Methodist a consistent discipline of prayer and social holiness are at the center of my theology, as well as my self-care.

Recently, I heard a preacher make the statement that many Christians attend church but don't allow the spirit of God to move in them or throughout the worship service. It's my belief that many people come to church not expecting God to do a great thing and not having prepared himself throughout the week through prayer and communion with God for the spirit to move in their lives on Sunday. In short I making the assertion that many Christians only pray and communicate with God doing Sunday morning worship!

So I agree with this preacher statement, and I place my basis in Paul's words from Thessalonians. We must live a life of prayer, we must live a life of encouragement, we must live a life of rejoicing daily. Living a life of prayer and communion with God is how Christians take care of themselves spiritual. A a daily practice of prayer, reading scripture and or devotion keep us in tune with God's will for our lives. So that when we arrive on the steps of the church Sunday morning, we don't arrive empty waiting for God to work magic but we arrived full excited for the Holy Spirit to pouring into us all that God has revealed throughout the week. This is when we enter into worship with expectation because we know how great God is, and not walking in the door thinking that it will be just another Sunday.

Therefore today I ask you to take care of yourself, this is all reminder that self-care is not just physical but also spiritual. Brothers and sisters pray always, study the Scriptures, encourage one another,and always strive to do what is right. I promise that if you start on this journey of spending time daily with God not only will you worship experience change, but your entire life for the better.

Love P.J.

Dealing with unexpected loss; handling the sting!

2011-10-18T12:16:00.001-07:00

1 Corinthians 15:50-56

15:50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
15:51 Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed,
15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
15:53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
15:54 When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:"Death has been swallowed up in victory."
15:55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

As I listen to these words from Apostle Paul to the Church at Corinth, I am lamenting, indeed I am morning the recent loss of a beloved Aunt. Death is indeed a mystery and every day we live, ourselves as well as those around us parent, aunts, friends grow older and closer to embracing the mystery. It's amazing how comfortable and at peace these words from Paul have warmed my heart. "That we shall all be changed," and that "this body is indeed perishable" we must loose our physical selves to be with God. Therefore death is not an end but needed as the trans-formative process to be forever with God. Truly I won't see my Aunt in her earthly form again but I rest with the fact that we shall see each other on the other side of this great mystery. Truly death has no victory, surely for those who believe death has no sting!

Looking at the BIG Picture!

2011-10-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

1 Samuel 16:1-13

16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons."
16:2 Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.'
16:3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you."
16:4 Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?"
16:5 He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
16:6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is now before the LORD."
16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one."
16:9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one."
16:10 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen any of these."
16:11 Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here."
16:12 He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one."
16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

There are times in our life when we can only see the next move, we can only accept what our heart is set on right now. I remember two major instances in my life when I could not see the big picture. The first is when my Dad told me I could get my first car, the first lot we went to I saw a blue Geo Storm and I had to have it. When my father suggested we look further and search other car lots I was furious and began to think I would never get a car, especially since the storm was the car for me. (My 16 year old wisdom had already set in) After four more lots we ran into a fully loaded Ford Lincoln Mercury Topaz, gray on black, power everything with a sun roof. I loved it even more than the Geo, what Geo? The Topaz was indeed my first car, and I still miss it till this day. My Dad saw the big picture, about value and not just getting something because you can.

The second instance is my that while serving at St. Mark because of various situations I began looking at another Church to serve, I had two Churches in mind. One was a huge Church that wanted a youth pastor (the same role I was currently living out at St. Mark). The other Church was looking for a Young Adult Pastor, a small Church with limited resources. As for me I wanted a job, a new chance and even though I preferred the bigger Church on both my heart was set. Needless to say neither Church was truly interested in my services, and my heart was heavy as I sank back into my reality that I was stuck. When I received a call about serving at Mandell UMC as not an assistant, not an associate, not a youth pastor, not a young adult pastor, but the lead pastor!

Until then I thought that God was slamming the door in my face, I thought God was rejecting me enjoying my suffering. I could not see the big picture. Samuel in the text looks and the 1st son he see's he set's his heart on. But God see's the big picture. What things are you going through now where you need to step back and pray about, so that you too can see the big picture?

God knew what was best for me, Mandell and I am sure God knows what's best for you to! Now my daily prayer is for God to allow me the patience and discernment to see the BIG Picture. Remember even after David is anointed, it's not until the 21st chapter until he becomes KING today sisters and brothers, look at the Big Picture. I pray Amen!

Dealing with Disappointments

2011-10-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been disappointed by someone one you really cared for? Have you ever trusted in someone who had let you down? Have you ever been devastated by the way a situation involving loved ones transpired and broke down? Let's look at today's scripture:

Lamentations 3:17-26

3:17 my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is;
3:18 so I say, "Gone is my glory, and all that I had hoped for from the LORD."
3:19 The thought of my affliction and my homelessness is wormwood and gall!
3:20 My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me.
3:21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
3:22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
3:23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
3:24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
3:26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

The scripture from today meets us in a point of despair form the perspective of someone who has gone through a lot, with loved ones and economic situations. The writer has even forgotten what happiness is, can you ever been in a place like some what like that? Can you ever remember feeling down and out like this?

But before you give up on your situation or on the scripture keep on reading, because we are reminded of the love and faithfulness of God for us. We are reminded that if we hope and trust in God, God will bring us over, under, and thru. If we call on God for hope, then the steadfast ever-lasting love of God will never cease and even out of the most disappointing situations new mercies will come. Keep waiting on the Lord, and be of good courage. Then watch God work out your disappointments!

Love P.J.

It's In God's Hands...

2011-09-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Psalm 23:1-6

23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
23:3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff--they comfort me.
23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

The 23rd Psalm is renowned for being a Psalm of comfort at the time of death. Many people just naturally assume because it takes away our fear and reminds us how close with us God is, that God will provide for us for eternity. Many just take this eternity to mean death. But I disagree, I see the Psalm is offering life, a life-sustained by God's goodness. I see life, with all its ups and downs asked dips and curves. I see life that is at times hard and frustrating, mean and ill-entented. But life, that despite all things God is still with us, that reminds us we serve a God who will keep us in the presence of our enemies, we serve a God that will support us even when we down, we serve a God when were frustrated and ready to give up we are reminded it's all in God's hands. So how can we quit how can we fill in the cards how can we truly be discouraged if we are children of God and become discouraged? The answer is we cannot because we know that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death God is with us. Therefore we hang on, we endure, we press forward knowing that we walk not alone, but within the company of the divine master. there's no better company in all the world.

Brothers and sisters I pray that you hang on, I pray that you remember always it in God's hands. May God continue to bless and keep you.

keep your head up!

2011-09-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

As I sit and look out the window at the clouds in the sky, and here the raindrops be on the window pane I cannot help but to feel sleepy or even began to feel down. When I began to feel this way, I have to remind myself of how good God is. I remind myself to keep my head up, I remind myself to rejoice! Brothers and sisters it easy to have our own pity parties, it's easy to focus on the negative things. But life is much better when rejoice at all times, and allow our minds to focus on the goodness of God. Even when it's raining in our lives I invite you to see the sunshine that is offered to us eternally through Christ Jesus!

Despite your situation, regardless of the circumstance, I am praying for you that you keep your head up!

Philippians 4:4-9

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
4:5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
4:6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4:8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
4:9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Dear God, today let us focus on your goodness, on your grace and on your mercy. Today let us witness just another reason why we should always rejoice, today let us witness another reason why we should always sing your praise. Today oh Lord be with us as we go and as we come, in Jesus name. Amen.

This Crazy, Chaotic and mixed up world...!

2011-09-27T06:33:00.001-07:00

After the Voices of Hope and Joy Anniversary celebration on this past Sunday evening, a celebration which I have deemed the "VHJ REVIVAL"; I was approached by someone who said I behaved chaotic far too often. My reply to them was "Only when there is chaos, can there be creativity!"
Friends and family life often brings bumps, lumps, crazy and Chaotic times, situations and circumstances. Great, because only when there is chaos can there be creativity, Our scripture for reflection today reminds even God creates out of chaos so this biblically true theme is also relevant and true for our lives. Let's look:

Genesis 1

¹In the beginning of God's preparing the heavens and the earth --

²the earth hath existed waste and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God fluttering on the face of the waters,

God creates order out of chaos! So what about your life is crazy and chaotic? What is your life seems to be running and ruling you instead of you being in control? I am glad that this person I speak of above told me my behavior was chaotic, because that means that God is creating, prayerfully not just in me but in MANDELL as well. Praise be to God that through the chaos of our church, programing, worship, choir mishaps and more God can indeed bring order out of the craziness. Guess what? God can do the same for you in your life. Welcome the chaos and welcome God to work this week and this day!

Dear God thank you for this crazy and mixed up world, thank you even more for helping us to see you working in the midst of it. We embrace you and your will, now we want to watch you work. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

What have you heard and do you believe?

2011-09-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Galatians 3:2-9

3:2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?
3:3 Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?
3:4 Did you experience so much for nothing?--if it really was for nothing.
3:5 Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
3:6 Just as Abraham "believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,"
3:7 so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham.
3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you."
3:9 For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.

Daily we have various options to trust and believe in God's word, will and love. Also daily we are faced with multiple chances to reject the same and fall further into sin. How we choose reflects what we believe... I say again how we choose reflects what we believe, therefore reflecting what we have heard. So I dare ask what have you heard, and what do you believe? Paul's words to the Galatians above should echo even today to all of us.

Dear God help us, dear God help me. Amen.

Facing the Goliath's in your life!

2011-08-26T09:27:00.001-07:00

^{1st Samuel 17:38-39} Then Saul outfitted David as a soldier in armor. He put his bronze helmet on his head and belted his sword on him over the armor. David tried to walk but he could hardly budge.

David told Saul, "I can't even move with all this stuff on me. I'm not used to this." And he took it all off.

⁴⁰ Then David took his shepherd's staff, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pocket of his shepherd's pack, and with his sling in his hand approached Goliath.

^41-42 As the Philistine paced back and forth, his shield bearer in front of him, he noticed David. He took one look down on him and sneered—a mere youngster, apple-cheeked and peach-fuzzed.

⁴³ The Philistine ridiculed David. "Am I a dog that you come after me with a stick?" And he cursed him by his gods.

⁴⁴ "Come on," said the Philistine. "I'll make roadkill of you for the buzzards. I'll turn you into a tasty morsel for the field mice."

^45-47 David answered, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel's troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he's handing you to us on a platter!"

^48-49 That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.

⁵⁰ That's how David beat the Philistine—with a sling and a stone. He hit him and killed him. No sword for David!

⁵¹ Then David ran up to the Philistine and stood over him, pulled the giant's sword from its sheath, and finished the job by cutting off his head. When the Philistines saw that their great champion was dead, they scattered, running for their lives.

^52-54 The men of Israel and Judah were up on their feet, shouting! They chased the Philistines all the way to the outskirts of Gath and the gates of Ekron. Wounded Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road all the way to Gath and Ekron. After chasing the Philistines, the Israelites came back and looted their camp. David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem. But the giant's weapons he placed in his own tent.

⁵⁵ When Saul saw David go out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, "Tell me about this young man's family."

Abner said, "For the life of me, O King, I don't know."

⁵⁶ The king said, "Well, find out the lineage of this raw youth."

⁵⁷ As soon as David came back from killing the Philistine, Abner brought him, the Philistine's head still in his hand, straight to Saul.

⁵⁸ Saul asked him, "Young man, whose son are you?"

Each and every day we face our fears, from the moment we arise in the morning our days are filled with completing task, proving ourselves worthy in one way or another and overcoming our fears. Today's scripture teaches us two very important lessons 1) As servants of God we must not allow ourselves to become captive to our fears. Through God we are more than conquerors, despite our age, experience, resume, education, race or lifestyle. God say we can do all things through God who strengthens us.- All around David told him he was crazy and to let Goliath have his way as he had for the last month plus. But David knew how powerful God is.

2) Don't let the baggage others put on you stay on you! Saul tried to place almost 200 pounds of Armour on David, so much stuff that David could not even move. People will weigh us down to the point where we can not even move. Don't allow this, don't own others mess that has nothing to do with you. David knew not only how strong God is, but also how God could work thru him. David used his gifts to over come the giant.

Through faith, understand and using our gifts God allows us to face the giant fears and obstacles in our life. We must do it not being discouraged by others, or being held captive by the baggage of others. God declares that we will have success, so much so the same people who were rooting against us will ask us who the heck we are, and where do we come from. Then we can give God the glory! Amen!

Realizing the haters!!!

2011-08-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a member of my congregation posed the question what do I mean when I use the phrase HATERS, and is there such a thing or is it made up. Well yes there are such real people that find joy in our suffering, that do intentional evil to us daily- these people are haters and are not in your mind or make believe. Jesus was hated daily by the Pharisees and the Sadducees, daily they tried to tempt, trick, and set Jesus up for their own amusement or to make them seem better and wiser. I contend then that the Pharisees were HATERS. There are haters through out our Scriptural, Theological and Physical life. 1) Any person that practices Racism, Sexism, Ageism, or any ism- because they are insecure with in them selves hate others they don't even know is a HATER. 2) Any person that is jealous, envious or bitter towards you because of what you have because they don't is a HATER. 3) Any person that tries to limit you by holding you down physically, emotionally, mentally, or in your career for because of there own issues or insecurities is a HATER.

Hear me clear these people do this because of there own issues, problems, evil spirited nature or insecurities. It has nothing to do with you and you don't have to own their mess. Just like Jesus did nothing to the Pharisees nor did he own their mess. Furthermore God will continue to provide for you in the presence of these Hating Enemies, indeed they will become your footstool. This is why the words of Psalm 23 ring so pure and clear-That God prepares a place for us in the presence of our enemies- many of us live in the presence of our enemies daily at work or school, or even home and church. In short your enemies hate you, usually for no reason. Therefore they are your haters, but let them hate. For your job is not to get involved in the negativity but daily be the best you that God is calling you to be. Rise above and watch your cup overflow. Find strength in the Psalm below despite what you might be going through today. I hope this answered the question, be well and Amen!

New International Version

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

I know I've been changed- that's all I know!!!

2011-07-22T08:29:00.001-07:00

New International Version (NIV)

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

¹³ They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. ¹⁴ Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. ¹⁵ Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”

¹⁶ Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”

But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.

¹⁷ Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.”

The man replied, “He is a prophet.”

¹⁸ They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. ¹⁹ “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”

²⁰ “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. ²¹ But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” ²² His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. ²³ That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

²⁴ A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”

²⁵ He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

Today's text always reminds me of God's AMAZING GRACE but even more today it reminds me that sometimes we won't be able to explain our blessings, or miracles, God will just show up and show out. Then we will be left with the same words the ex-blind man has "All I know is that I was blind and now I SEE"!- There will be times when we must give God the glory and say All I know is that I have been changed.

Can you remember a time in your life when God changed you, a situation, a mindset, a time when a miracle was worked in your life? Can you? Did you know change was coming before it did? - Could your next miracle be around the corner? Thanks be to God for working on our behalf! Amen!

Believe in your dreams!

2011-07-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Let's look at today's text from Genesis 28:10-19

28:10 Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran.

28:11 He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place.

28:12 And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

28:13 And the LORD stood beside him and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring;

28:14 and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring.

28:15 Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

28:16 Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place--and I did not know it!"

28:17 And he was afraid, and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

28:18 So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it.

28:19a He called that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first.

WOW- I know right, all you can say is wow. Here is Jacob who has a dream and believes that his dream is sent from God so much he takes the brick he used for a pillow makes God an altar, worships it and then changes the name of the city to BETHEL all on faith. The name of the place until that time was LUZ. Wow I know right! How many of us have faith in our dreams like that of Jacob. He had the faith to act even when to others it would appear that he was crazy. Message- Believing in your dreams means having crazy faith!. Remember Jacobs ladder was just a dream.
How insane are you?

The Joy of SERVING!

2011-07-14T16:59:00.001-07:00

Jesus said, "Who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."

-Luke 22:27 (NRSV)

In our text today from Luke's Good News we see Jesus asking the simple question does God call us to be served or to SERVE? Indeed the role of the Church and the Christian community is to SERVE. The Rev. Dr. Margret Ann Williams of theological fame in Chicago is know for her enthusiasm when it comes to serving. So much so that Chicago Black Methodist for Church Renewal named an award after he called the Rev. M.A.W. Joy of Serving Award, which is now given annually to both lay and clergy who exemplify the highest levels of christian servant-hood. Rev. Williams lives a life molded after John Wesley's words Do All the Good You Can All the While You Can.

While many people talk about serving more times than not they are self-serving, not living up to our Christian call. This is why when people and places step up in mission and service I take time out to acknowledge them. Therefore today I would like to illustrate the servants hearts of A Just Harvest, they talk the talk and walk the walk.

The Community Kitchen A Just Harvest’s Community Kitchen began as a ministry of the Good News Community Church (United Church of Christ) in 1983. In the beginning, we served meals a few days per week. Today, with the help of more than 40 partnering organizations and nearly 10,000 volunteer hours, our Community Kitchen is the largest and only self-standing community soup kitchen in the Chicago metro area. We serve hot, nutritious meals 365 days per year to anyone in need. Last year, the Community Kitchen served more than 54,000 meals.

Family we should all take the call to service so seriously that we commit ourselves to helping persons going through the storms of life. For more information about these programs or opportunities go to: www.ajustharvest.org

No One Was Excluded, all had there fill.

2011-07-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Matthew 15:29-39

Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." The disciples said to him, "Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" Jesus asked them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children.

Wow! It's always amazing what Good Does! In today's text from Matthew Jesus proves yet again that salvation, healing, love and favor are offered to all. Jesus in back to back examples helps all who come to him, then he feeds all who have gathered around!- This includes you, you are invited to gather around, you who are seeking will be received! Won't you come the invitation has your name on it, no one has to be excluded, not one person, we are all invited and we all can have our fill.

Following the Holy Spirits lead!

2011-07-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Mark 1:9-15 (NRSV)

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Friends today's text is a difficult one to wrestle with because as soon as Jesus is done pleasing God and receives the Spirit, he is then taken by the Holy Spirit into a place of temptation and trial. The point of this is to prepare Christ for his ministry. The reality of it also effects us as those who come to the church looking to please God, getting baptized and joining new ministries is the easy part. Remember it's always harder to be a Christian than to become one!

How about you are you ready to follow the Spirit's lead?

Staying on TRACK!

2011-06-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

When I was younger I used to love Hot Wheels Cars. Whenever I entered a store I would immediately look for the Hot Wheels collection. Thanks to my parents I was able to become an avid Hot Wheels collector. I collected the ones that crash, the ones that changed color and the ones that you could race by inserting a key to start them. I remember how my cousins and I would spend hours racing our cars on the bright orange Hot Wheels tracks. I also remember how only about 1 out every 15-20 races were actually finished because cars would not go far, or jump and flip off the track. The races would always start with so much promise and anticipation, but before you knew it a car was off the track.

As I look back on how time and time again I had to stop the races to put cars back on track, I heard today's scripture in my head. I realized that many Christians are like my Hot Wheels cars, they start off coming to the church with so much promise and anticipation but before the race is finished they fall off of the track. Family today God reminds us to stay steadfast, to keep the course, to stay on our Christian Journey, to stay on track! Paul reminds us that we can make it, we can stay on God's track. Many won't but our calling is to indeed finish the race...

Colossians 1:18-29 (NRSV)

He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him--

provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.

FOREVER LOVING!

2011-06-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Love never fails.

-1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)

Is it real, if it you be the judge!

Everyone Has The Opportunity,

2011-06-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone has the opportunity to choose being in a forgiving, loving relationship with God. Today is National HIV & Aids testing day. People around the world are supporting being tested for HIV and Aids. As I began to prepare for my test today, I began to think about what this day means for many; I began to think about how the CHURCH has traditionally responded to the issues surrounding HIV & Aids.

The Church has been hesitant to witness in a loving and invitational way to those effected by HIV & Aids. The CHURCH has been more like Jonah as it pertains to his opinion of the Ninevehites, wanting to accuse them of sinful behavior and write them off as being punished for their actions. But we have much to learn about God's amazing grace in the text today. Despite Jonah's/The Church's hesitancy- God say's everyone has the opportunity to accept God's love and grace, the Ninevehites along as those effected by HIV & Aids all are welcome to experience God's love, redemption and acceptance in the body of Christ. Our job is like that of Jonah to go tell the people about God's offer to come and join the body of Christ. Let's look at the text!

Jonah 3

Jonah Goes to Nineveh

¹ Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: ² “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

³ Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. ⁴ Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” ⁵ The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

⁶ When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. ⁷ This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh:

“By the decree of the king and his nobles:

Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. ⁸ But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. ⁹ Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

¹⁰ When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

HOW DO YOU LOOK?

2011-06-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

Paul wrote, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

-1 Corinthians 11:1 (NRSV)

One of our dear brothers Mr. Hudson joined the CHURCH Victorious, and the funeral was this morning at the church. A few minutes ago one of my youngest members Farrah Jones ran into my office and asked me how did the services go? I said they went well and before I could finish she asked her second question, "How did Mr. Hudson look"? Without hesitation I automatically responded he looked great!, and he did. But after a few seconds the real meaning of Farrah's question sunk in. Wow what a profound question from a 10 year old. On the surface I know that she was asking about his suit and how the body was prepared. But God was speaking to me through Farrah asking me beyond the suit, casket and makeup how did Mr. Hudson really look? How did he live his life, how did people view him? In the short text for reflection today Paul is challenging the church to look great, like Jesus did. To be the mirror image of the greatness of God! one simple question puts our lives and deaths into clear perspective ! How did Mr. Hudson look? He looked GREAT! Now the question is how do you look, and when it's your time to lay in-front of the church how will you look? I pray that we all will look GREAT as CHRIST is GREAT! Amen!

To Give or not to Give!

2011-06-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Luke 6:27-36 (NRSV)

"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Today our text invites us to wrestle with the age old question to give or not to give to the person at the freeway intersection, in-front of the Walgreen's or asking to pump our gas and clean our window. To give or not to give, and to turn the other cheek and forgive? What could have Jesus been thinking, asking us to give up our hard earned money, giving others our designer clothes and even allowing persons to muff us and still live to talk about it? What must Jesus mind have been on?

Probably heavenly things, Jesus did not look at or see the world as we do. Jesus saw the world with heavenly eyes, while we see with material and egotistical eyes. I believe that Jesus was trying to make the point if something does not hurt or effect you then why not help instead of reacting negatively, sow a positive seed. Therefore why not give up the change that you were going to loose in the couch anyway to sow a positive seed regardless of what will be done with it if you give it in love. So what someone got in your face and called you a name what did that cost or hurt, dismiss it with positive energy and move on. Why not let someone needy have the blouse that you have worn fifteen times and said just yesterday was out of season? In the text Jesus is asking me the great WHY NOT?

Therefore I have decided to help and serve persons in these particular situations unless it causes me personal harm. Jesus calls me to love, however I know Jesus would not ask me to place myself in any danger- not physical, emotional, financial or otherwise. Will you join me in my effort to see the world through HEAVENLY EYES? I pray that you will.

God is: Loving, Forgiving & Merciful

2011-06-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Lamentations 3:22-24 (NRSV)

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

Some ministers and church leaders would argue that the Old Testament God portrayed in the Hebrew scriptures is vengeful, judgmental and wrathful. Today's text reminds us that The Old Testament and New Testament God are one in the same loving, forgiving, and merciful God. Preachers, ministers, or church leaders who proclaim hatred, wrath, or vengeance are not preaching the complete Gospel message. The message that God is love. In our worship on Sunday, God was definitely trying to uplift the heavy hearts of many- my purpose was to bring home the point that God wants a relationship with each one of us. "We need to come home" Like the prodigal son and not leave the garden like Adam & Eve. This was indeed a message of LOVE and not condemnation, if you felt in any way that this message was judgmental then seek God first and speak to me second. Sometimes the guilt of our own lives becomes overwhelming, when this occurs remember that JESUS dropped the CHARGES- You are not guilty but innocent because of Christ blood.

The invitation has been sent, and the door is open?

2011-06-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Luke 15:4-10 (NRSV)

"Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

God is always calling the churched as well as the un-churched to come to God's self, where there is salvation and peace. The door is open and the invitation sent but many won't take advantage. On this Saturday will you take steps bringing you closer to God in relationship and living out your faith?- Just a simple Saturday question.

Patience is truly a virtue! (Good thing)

2011-06-17T11:36:00.001-07:00

I meet many people as a pastor day in and day out I shake thousands of hands, and give out hundreds of hugs in any given week. People of all backgrounds, races, social standing and professional fields ask the same questions. One of the most asked questions is "pastor where is God in my life because I have been going through _______for so many years and I can't see God?" Family our patience is truly a great thing. God is real and active always. However when we are going through and dealing with many issues it's hard to recognize God. During these times we must keep our faith, during these times we must remain patient giving God time to WOW and AWE us through miraculous works. My question of many new members to the Church is are you willing to be faithful long enough to allow God to work? Many times people have an issue and try the church just long enough to get frustrated then leave without their blessing and miracle. Sometimes our patience is a great way to show devotion to our God while we watch God work. Today's scripture for reflection speaks to holding on to God as well.

Hebrews 6:10-19 (NRSV)

For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Human beings, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute. In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain,

How to Please God for Dummies!

2011-06-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Church Folk, you know the people that carry a bible all the time and never read it, they can tell you what God want's and never live it. Good old fashioned church folk, not Christ centered Christians. These church folk are always asking me how to please God. Therefore today;s reflection answers the question of how to please God in the straight and simple format, like everything from Windows, to Dog training- "How to please God fir Dummies" Pleasing God is simple. There is no magic word, or secret combination, or even special offering on a certain day at a scared place. Micah reminds us to just do the simple things showing our love for God and our love for our neighbors. We do this by living lives of merciful exertion and forgiveness. Holding no grudges, seeking no revenge or vengeance. Being promoters of justice, not judging ourselves but speaking up for the rights of ALL. Finally Micah reminds us to be humble and to toot our own horns or think to highly of ourselves. See how simple that is... Well maybe the prophet can say it better than I, let's look!

Micah 6:6-8 "With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

For me, Micah reminds me to do all things in love, not taking advantage of anyone, and remembering that I make mistakes so give others a break for theirs.

Stay the Course!

2011-06-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

Day in and night out there is always much to be done. Indeed everywhere I look it always seems that there is so much to do and so little time to do it in. Earlier this morning I eagerly found myself cleaning the Church kitchen counter-tops and dishes. Someone had spilled something sticky and just let it soak into the counter as well as leaving behind a couple of dirty dishes. As soon as I noticed the mess I began thinking of the guest that would be using the church this evening and began cleaning. After about ten minutes I heard Jesus calling me Martha and asking if this was the best use of my time even though I had many other things to do. Then I asked reminded myself that this is not my job, but a job that many others could do. While God has called me to task today for which only I can do. Martha in our text was doing good work, but in doing so was distracted from the great work Jesus called her to do. Family I pray that our good works do not distract us from our great work that God has called us to ! Today Stay focused, stay the course, do works for that which you are called. Amen!

Remember God's got you!

2011-06-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

Matthew 10:29-31 (NRSV)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

With Annual Conference last week, and dynamic worship on Sunday I want to remind all who read this as I remind myself that to REMEMBER THAT GOD's GOT ME! The scripture from Matthew yet again proves how precious in God's sight we are. From my member June's graduation this morning prayers for laid low members, Church reports, community programs, financial woes, personal counseling sessions and testimonies - ti's easy to forget. At times even the die hard Christians find themselves saying woe, woe, woe is me. It's Tuesday and Sunday was great but I need to keep that same Spirit and so I remember that I am the beloved of God, no weapon formed shall ever hurt or kill me. Yes in-spite of all Jesus is the reason why I sing, I'm in love with Jesus and Jesus is in love with me! Praise God as this Sunday is fathers day and another chance to worship with my family. This is my testimony is that I belong to a church of prayer, fasting, love and service! Thanks be to God for reminding me who I am and whose I am Glory, Glory, Glory, in the name of Jesus YES!

So Glad that God is not petty like us!

2011-06-08T04:52:00.001-07:00

This morning I awoke thanking God for being forgiving, loving and compassionate. Oh bless the Lord my soul and all that is within me. I'm so glad that God does not hold grudges, is not petty and cares about us more than we care about ourselves. Today let's be thankful that God is a friend, a healer, a counselor and more!

Psalm 103:1-18 (NRSV)

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits--
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.

cont: After Worship, after the Mountain top experience!

2011-06-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

Many people say when the going get's tough the tough get going. Christians instead rely on the Holy Word of God, the bible. When we encounter the storms of life right after God does awesome things in our life we understand that it's only the evil one. Today's scripture reminds us of the work we must do on behalf of God despite our personal situations and those around us who act like they have forgotten God and left behind their morals. Let's look:

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NRSV)

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion -- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.

Today reflect on these word's of both Isaiah and Jesus to the people of God. Internalize them and ask yourself how God is calling us to use our Sunday morning worship experiences as anointing fuel to bring good news to the community.

The Storm after the Mountain Top experience!

2011-06-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Storm after the Mountain Top experience!

Worship Sunday morning at Mandell UMC was spirit-filled and heart-warming. Already I have received numerous text messages, phone calls and had personal conversations about the service's impact on the community. But it would seem AS SOON AS SERVICE WAS OVER, chaos broke loose and problems arose from everywhere. Church members called and text'd me about relationship breakups, marital problems, faith and believing in God, school issues and more. From Sunday afternoon to Sunday evening/ Monday morning all HECK had broken loose and those who were touched and uplifted in worship Sunday morning. In reflecting on all that has transpired I have come to compare Sunday's experience to Moses coming down from the mountain experience. Let's look at the text for reflection:

Exodus 32

The Golden Calf

¹ When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods^[a] who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”

² Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” ³ So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. ⁴ He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods,^[b] Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”

⁵ When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD.” ⁶ So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

⁷ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. ⁸ They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’

⁹ “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. ¹⁰ Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”

Upon coming down the mountain Moses had talked and been in the very presence of God! This is how worship was at Mandell on Sunday God was with us and we were in his presence. Once Moses reached the camp where the others were, the people had become involved in many ungodly and chaotic things. These people were not worshiping and in the presence of God. When the congregation left church and returned home it seems that their family members and loved ones had become involved in many ungodly and chaotic things, which shocked, appalled, and brought many of our worshipers down.

How do we handle these situations, how do we mend our families, where is God when evil comes in to destroy?

Stay tuned, the conclusion tomorrow!

Don't kick me when I 'm down, instead help me up!

2011-06-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Many people will pass you by, others will even step on you and talk about you while doing it. So today remember no one has authority to judge you but God. This also means that you are not to judge as well! Instead of kick others when they are down, defend them and give them a helping hand.

Let us . . . no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another.

-Romans 14:13 (NRSV)

making Time & Creating Space- I.S. Ministry!

2011-06-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV)

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

As I read today's text for reflection I struggle as a disciple myself. I imagine Jesus being bombarded in every town with people of all kinds, sickly and lame with questions and concerns. The disciples were probably just trying to give Jesus some rest, just a moment to relax and spoke sternly to the children. I can only imagine how busy Jesus and the twelve must have been.

I imagine my day today has been like many in the life of the twelve and Jesus extremely emotional. I was almost brought to tears this morning at breakfast when Mandell's King Mime Ministry was recognized city wide. Then I almost began to shed tears again when later I was reminded about the lack of support and energy in Chicago B.M.C.R. as well as the Black United Methodist Church. We are dying sure and fast! It is in the midst of all of this and the hustle of life I read our scripture from Mark 10.

Jesus reply in the text was exactly the opposite of many of ours. We say we are busy, tired, have too much on our plate doing what we have always done and been accustomed to. Dying! But Jesus says make time and create space outside of the norm, make time and create space for those you pass by, those who you don;t know, those whom you don't speak to. It's through making time and creating space outside of the norm that we grow, find support and strength.

Family I know many times like the twelve disciples we are tired and need a break, but Christ reminds our work both in and out of the Church is to make time and create space so that those on the outside may become believers on the inside of their hearts! For in doing this we are doing much need ministry. Ministry is creating space and making time for others, indeed for all!

Allow God to take over our lives, and create space for others bot different and similar. Amen!

It's hard to hope, when I'm hungry and broke!

2011-06-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

As a pastor in the community and streets, I am constantly bombarded with questions surrounding faith, hope and God's blessings. Everyone with an Internet connection knows that our economy is struggling, unemployment is high and people are hopeless. For the Church believers are either digging in on faith or packing up and leaving the mainstream denominations. In short people want to know where is GOD in the midst of our suffering!
Well My answer is as firm now as it has ever been, God is with us! God calls us to stand strong, wait, trust and have hope through the storms of life. The truth about us as Christians is that we are to have hope when the non-believers don't, when times get tough for the world we stand strong on our faith in God! God is present in the storm with a plan and we as the people of God have purpose. Our text for the day speaks to us keeping the hope even when we are hungry and broke.
Psalm 62:5-8 (NRSV)

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times,
O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.

Will You Pray for Me?

2011-06-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

How many times has someone asked you to pray for them in passing or pulled you to the side in secrecy and requested your prayers? Now recall how many times you actually prayed for them and how many times you prayed for more then 5 seconds. Then ask your self how many times you have been the one asking for someone to pray for you.

How seriously do you take prayer request, how seriously do you want your request taken.

Romans 15:30-32 (NRSV)

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.