Thanks Yo!!!

In today’s world it’s super easy to forget where you came from.  Heck, it’s hard enough figuring out where you’re going in life.    I’ve found that the destination isn’t as precious as the journey.  In today’s world most of us are to busy blowing by, past and over each other.  Attempting to use up as much of every relationship before it’s time to toss it.  As I sit here writing, I realize I lack the power to make any of my own efforts bear real fruit, I am thankful however, for those that took the time to stop on their journey and water me.

I’m thankful today for Lincoln Douglas.  I’m thankful that Lincoln was obedient to God in his life and in doing so blessed mine.  This guy came from a family of 8 brothers I think.  He was a strong dude.  Legend has it that on one of his out reach events, a drunk guy shows up and starts to disrupt the meeting.  Lincoln picks the guy up, puts him on his shoulders, carries and dumps the guy a block away, then returns to the meeting.  I remember really looking up to this guy.  The impact he had on my life was profound.  He turned me into an evangelistic machine in my late teens and early twenties.  It was under his leadership that my musical gifts first hinted any potential.  Because of his bold evangelistic style many many people came to know the Lord and I learned how to story tell with a hand drum.

Lincoln wherever you are I know you’re being an inspiration to many.  I wanted to take this opportunity to testify on your behalf,

and say “Thanks Yo!!!”

Lincoln Douglas

http://www.dadiconsulting.com/about_us/consultants/biography_lincoln.htm

Who are you thankful for today?

The Purpose of Worship in the Congregation – Why do it?

“Worship gets you ready for the Word.” We’ve all heard this saying, but how true is it?

The truth of this saying is really based in perception; it becomes false if ones’ perception favors preaching rather than God’s Word itself.  It is true however, if it’s in reference to hearing from God through the pastor, with prior intentions of responding to whatever God says.  It is also true if it implies that music helps us adjust our attitudes and minds to hear from God.  If so, it is reasonable to accept that people don’t always come ready to worship or even hear from God.  Regardless, we should at least come open if congregational worship is to be of any value.  If we don’t come to God’s house with the intention and expectation to both hear from God and adjust our lives…then what’s the point?……Go Vikings!

        Worship in the congregation is not favorite music time or time for my favorite song.  It’s not about what you like.  On the contrary, it is God’s time, it’s about what He likes.  With that said, it’s important to understand that the greatest offering we could give God at church is the offering that comes out of a pure heart…regardless of the song or hymn, style or form.  As a matter of fact, it’s the only offering He will receive. (Ps. 24:3)

        Worship is the time where we meet God as a body to receive from Him the things needed by our souls.  It’s the time where we could be intimate with the Father privately and as a body.  It’s a time when His Bride, yet blemished, can reach for Him.  The purpose of worship is intimacy…out of which flows healing, deliverance, fulfillment and the life necessities that money can’t buy.  Those fortunate to experience true worship become wealthy with the treasures that only His touch can provide.

Think about it, experience it.

Niggers, Rednecks and Chinks Pt. 1

Yes,  they are racist words.    You know, the ones you mention only when you’re with people of your own race, while hanging out at the bar or at Christmas and thanksgiving.

I know of a guy who wasn’t invited to thanksgiving because he wasn’t the right color. He was black dating a white female. I have always wondered about race relations.   Since I’m black I don’t have the luxury of not seeing it often.

I have often heard that cultural differences are the key issue why races seldom get along and should for the most part stay separate. This supports the idea that there should be white churches and black churches, hispanic churches and asian churches. The point is made that different races have different needs. I can see some logic in this, but since I never trusted logic,  it smellled like crap to me.

I was wrestling with the Lord one day on this issue and He shared a couple things with me.

1. For starters we looked at culture. The definition reads: The attitudes and behavior of a particular social group. The Lord started to point out the differences between His culture as God and our culture as men. We are unholy, He’s Holy, we’re unrighteous, He’s righteous, we are sinful and He is sinless and on and on. One scripture says, “ The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” His heart is pure and just and true. His culture is completely different from ours. But get this. “While we were yet sinners (of a different culture) Christ died for us”

2. The Lord also pointed out that His dying for us wasn’t some pompous hand me down, let’s do them a favor act, from some elite Godlike specie. On the contrary, He became our culture “for He that knew no sin became sin for us.” He became one of us, wow!! What blew me away more is that He married himself to us. Can you believe it? Double wow!!! Married us?!! Consider that for a moment.

So what does all this mean? Well, it was very obvious to me that Jesus crossed the largest cultural barrier that has ever existed. So because of this there is no chasm, dredged by culture, fear or hate that love cannot span. If we were to trade our earthly culture for God’s heart we will see the beauty and value in all people.   I’m sure we’ll form some true lasting friendships and even celebrate some marriages. Everybody loves a party!!!

Starting Friday Oct. 2nd

No crud just real stuff.  Fri. 2nd.  Say your piece.