Jesus loves Pookie, too.

It has been WAY too long since my last post.  Hopefully I still have some "fans".  So I have a story to tell.  Enjoy.

I suggested to some church folks that I know that we should start going to the poorer parts of town and hanging out with the people down there.  Let's allow them to experience what we have in God. 

Their response - O_O

I didn't understand why they were so stunned.  I mean, isn't that what we are called to do?

Their response - You know the bible says that bad company corrupts good character and we definitely want to abstain from the appearance of evil. (Both of these are bible verses by the way... used way wrong) 

Well because at the time, I was not very keen on my Word, I stood down with my suggestion.  Then, I remembered a story from the bible.  In Mark 2: 13 - 17, Jesus is "caught" by some similar church folks (the Pharisees) eating with tax collectors and publicans.  Well, why is that significant?  Well, in those times, the tax collector and publicans were considered the worst of the worse amongst the Jews.  The epitome of evil, the scourge of society.  No one wanted anything to do with them.  The Jews would have loved for them to be eradicated from the planet... LITERALLY.  And yet Jesus was chillin' with them... eating?  Was Jesus good character corrupted, I ask? 

So, I took it a little further and wondered... what sort of people do we today consider the worst of the worse, the epitome of evil, the scourge of society?  Ask yourself... what people do YOU consider that?  Crackheads?  Prostitutes?  Pedophiles? Mobsters?  You got those people in your mind?   

Now, realize this... those are the folks that Jesus would be hanging out with, eating dinner with, and ministering to.  Did I just jar you a little bit?  Good!  Did I just make you think?  Even better?

For some reason, those church folk I spoke of earlier and many of us think that we have the monopoly on Jesus and we don't want to "corrupt our good character" by going into those vile places where those "sinners" are.  But wasn't Jesus departing commandment in all of the gospels was "Go in the nations and make disciples (followers)?  How are we making disciples of anybody when if we're really honest, we won't go where Jesus would go.

Here's the real deal:  Jesus would NOT be in churches 24/7 if He were living today... He would be on the other side of the tracks where Pookie and them are.  He would be downtown where the crackhouses are.  He would be eating with the welfare moms and deadbeat dads at a McDonald's or something.

In Psalm 119:59, David says that he considered his own ways and turned his steps to God's statutes.  Join me in considering your ways, your thoughts, your purpose and your views about what we are REALLY called to do and prayfully let's turn towards the statutes of God.  Pookie is waiting on you.

Yes / Ouí / Si / Ja

This post is modified from a sermon I heard by Israel Houghton that was called "The Power of a Yes".

So a husband woke up this morning and he said to his wife, "I'm sorry baby."

The wife says, "Oh no, what did you do... Is it the kids, is it the car?"

The husband calms her panic and says, "No, baby I didn't do anything... I just know that at some point in time today I WILL do something and I may need to cash in that apology."

They both laugh and kiss each other.

Now here's the challenge...

What if we woke up every morning and said "yes" to God without knowing what He may ask of us, without knowing what He may require and allow Him to cash in on that "yes".

I am in His will, right?

Ok... it has been more than a minute since my last post so I first want to say, MY BAD Y'ALL.  Second, I want to say it's good to be back.  Ok, here we go...

So, I have a friend who is very wealthy and he has a 14-year-old son.  He has decided to give that son's his inheritance that is in his will, now.  It will be in the tune of about four million dollars.  And here's the kicker, he is ensuring that the son will not be hindered in spending the money in whatever way he wants.  So, those of you who know me, my immediate response was, "are you smoking crack or something?"  Well, I didn't ask him that, but I did have some issues with his decision.  I mean, what 14-year-old boy do you know can handle that kind of money.  He didn't really work for it.  He doesn't know what it takes to earn it... the pain, the struggle, the hard work.  Those are the things that make a person appreciate what he has once he has earned.  How in the world could he even think to give a 14 year old boy that kind of money?  (I know I sound like a hater but stick around, I'll make my point in a minute.)

So, I called my friend up and said I really need to talk to you about this.  On my way to talk to my friend, I began to reflect on some things.  You know, we have a Father who has promised us an inheritance that is more valuable than money.  I gotta be honest, I want my inheritance... and I mean I want it like yesterday.  Then, my friend's situation came to mind...

Am I mature enough to handle what all God really wants to give me?  Am I the 2013 version of the prodigal son?  But wait a minute, I am child of God, right?  And that makes me an heir right? In fact, I am joint heir.  That IS what the word says right?  Oh but wait, am I really an heir or even a joint heir?  Look what it says...

Romans 8:17 - And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Hmmmm, isn't that what I said to my boy about giving his son his inheritance.  To me, I felt his son did not deserve his money because he didn't work for it, he didn't go through anything to earn it, he hasn't struggled...

Ummm, I think I may need to watch what I am saying because if I was to be perfectly honest, I would have to ask myself if I have really EARNED or gone through what it takes to be privy to my inheritance.  Yes, I am saved and yes I love God... A LOT.  But have I sacrificed my own agendas for His agenda in everything?  Have I died to my own selfish desires so that His kingdom can get the glory?  Or have I marketed my own self and stuff for the applause of man instead of for the applause of One?  You know what, I think I may need to cancel my "meeting" with my friend because on the real, I shouldn't EVEN be talking.

Question:  Would you be privy to your godly inheritance, right now?

Follow me @Jesus_the_Christ on Twitter

This blog was inspired by my pastor, Rod Stafford of Fairfax Community Church. Many of my points are from him and not mine. Thanks Rod


Here's a question for you. Would you follow a twitter account like the one in the title? Would your curiosity be sparked? Do you have a twitter account? How many followers do you have?

With the explosion of Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and many other social networks, the concept of following someone has a totally different meaning now. Look at this verse of scripture and see what I mean:

(KJV) Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.


Hmmmm... Now was Jesus asking you to look in your "people you MAY know" link and add Him to your friends list. No, following Jesus on FB and following Him as a lifestyle carry totally different meanings. Both of which I think I am down for but when I look inward, I gotta wonder, is my relationship with Jesus similar to me being a FB friend to Jesus? Am I checking on His profile (the word) every now and then? Am I posting to His Wall (praying) maybe once a week to see how He is doing?


So maybe Jesus, to you, has only been a person you follow like on FB or twitter? I will tell you that is your choice but I will also tell you the benefits of truly following Jesus with your whole heart far outweigh the benefits that come with only being his "FB friend". And it aint hard to get your relationship with Him started. All you have to do is take everything that you are, everything you have done, everything that you have not done, everything that you have smoked, everything that you have snorted, everything that you have done wrong, put in a proverbial bag and give it to Him. And guess what He is going to do... Take it and you and love you with any conditions.

Click here to follow HIM

"Et tu Brute" / Working with the enemy

Have you ever worked with someone who came off as the most professional, most knowledgeable person in the room but behind closed doors, you know that they are the exact opposite of that?  Have you ever worked with someone who would do whatever it takes to make themselves look good in front of the supervisor, to the detriment of everyone else in the office?  Have you ever worked with someone who was outright incompetent but would never accept responsibility for their mistakes but rather deflect the blame to everyone else?

Here are my questions:

1. What motivates these people to be the way they are?  Money?  Fame?  Fortune?
2. How is it that these people still have jobs?
3. Why is it that my supervisor is blind to these things when everyone else can see it very clearly?
4. Am I allowed to zip out of my Jesus-suit and cuss them out so good that all of the Kings and Queens of Comedy would be proud?

I have come to a realization recently thanks mostly to my lovely wife and I wanted to share it with my blog readers.  (I think the last statement I just made wreaks of self-indulgence... to call you "my blog reader"... but I just couldn't help myself :-)

I call myself a Christian and I am not ashamed to say it.  As part of my faith, I believe that God sent his son, Jesus, to die for my sins and that God loves me unconditionally... no matter what I do, no matter what I say, and no matter how bad I screw up which by the way is ALL the time and of a royal nature.  Also as part of my faith, I know that there is a devil who hates me unconditionally.  Even if I choose to serve the devil, he will not love me for it but rather hate me just the same.  He laughs at me when I screw up and kicks me when I am down.  He relishes in the fact that I screw up all the time especially when it is of a royal nature.  Now, with those caveats of my faith, which is not all inclusive but main pillars of my belief system... could I find the answers to my questions above?  Guess what, yes I can.

See, I have been blind.  I thought because we are in the workplace that professionalism, good work ethic, and other good occupational qualities could rule and those who are of an unscrupulous nature would be dimed out and weeded out without prejudice.  In the words of my late Uncle James, "NO WAY, JOSE!!!"

Here are some bible verse about the devil that I have recently reacquainted myself with:

1 Peter 5:8
Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [ in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 

John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. 

Ephesians 6:12

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents (or co-workers... my input right here], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Many of us who think of evil, we think it only happens in certain situations.  We look at the news and see murders, terrorist attacks, and severe weather and maybe connote that with something or someone evil or something the devil "made them do".  Guess what y'all, it ain't just on the news, it's right there in the cubicle next to you or the office across from you or even the office on the top floor.  Why would evil limit itself to news worthy stuff?  It doesn't.  God is not limited to our finite situations but rather involved in anything that we are involved with... evil is the same way.  Do you really think professionalism and good work ethic would stop tactics of evil intentions?  It will actually motivate them even further.  And guess what, at times, the folks in charge will not only be blinded to these antics but will encourage these antics, join in with these antics and even award these antics.

Well, here's the good news.  First of all, don't give that tongue lashing that I spoke of in the beginning.  Second, listen to what God says about your situation:

Matthew 5:11-13

Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit you. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I (God) do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company.

Even on the job... shoot, ESPECIALLY on the job, we can be comforted in knowing that God has our backs.  Stay professional.  Keep doing excellent work.  Stay the course y'all.  If God says I should count myself as blessed, then I am going to hang on to that.  I have been blessed by many folks but ain't nothin' better than for God to bless me. So, if I am blessed when co-workers, supervisors, and colleagues do bad things towards me, then so be it.  I can definitely live with that.

In the seat next to me in the airport

If God Himself was to get on an airplane, would it cause people to feel safer or would it cause people to worry?  The same question can be asked of Satan.  Would people worry or better stated, not care one way or the other?

What would I do you ask?  Well, if it was God, I'd try to sit next to Him and use the flight time to spend time with Him.  If it was Satan, I have to admit that the warrior in me would use the authority granted to me to kick him off the plane. (I'm not into sharing my airplanes with notoriously, outright evil dudes... I mean, that's just me.) 

Now let's bring it to a realistic situation.  There are all kinds of people that get on airplanes, go in stores with us, and many other things we do.  Those who of us who claim to love God, believe as part of our faith, we have Him residing in our hearts, right?  Does that change the way we act or motivate us to do something, anything different when we go into these places?  Subsequently, those same folks who get on planes with us, go into the same stores as us, have all kinds of bad intentions, evil thoughts and motivations.  Does THAT change the way we act or motivate us to do something, anything different?

Here's my point, what is it that motivates you to do whatever it is you do?  Is it the company you keep?  Is it the places you go and the people that are there with you?  Is it your faith (or the lack thereof)? 

Time for reflection and introspection, huh?  I'm doing it right now.

Tell you what I'm thinking, I dare you to change your viewpoint from a selfish, "its all about me" motivation to act to an self-less, "its not about me but all about others", divinely relational motivation to act.  I'll do it with you.  Ready?  Leggo!!

Jesus,.. a good husband and father? Yeah, right!

Ok... So it has been a minute since my last post.  So I am going to give you two today.  Here's the first.

I used to hate it when preachers would say, "if you want to know how to be a good husband or father, just look at Jesus as the best example."   WHAT?!?!  I don't know what Sunday school class he was in or what college he went to, but Jesus wasn't never married and he never had no kids... biologically that is.  I understand the whole phenom of Jesus and God being One but Jesus ain't never dealt with an attitudinal teenager.  He ain't never dealt with a precious little girl who is so tender that you can't yell at her or she will get crushed but at the same time, you have to discipline her.  He ain't never dealt with no woman with an attitude, who can roll her neck and put her hands on her hips with the best of them.  At least, not that I can remember.  If anybody knows a different history, please hit me up.   How you gonna tell me to look at Jesus as my example when that dude ain't never been in my situation, let alone any of my partner's situations.  I know some dudes whose wives and kids are really out there... I mean out there.  So, needless to say, until recently, any preacher or person of influence that spoke that junk... I thought it was just that... JUNK!!! 

Well, now that I'm a little older and wider, I mean wiser, I come to realize that what they were saying was not necessarily junk, I will just say that they did not really put it in a way that was useful.  (You like that right?)  Let's look at the qualities of Jesus.  He was strong and had much backbone.   He would verbally go toe-to-toe with anybody to protect and defend his family and friends.  He didn't care who they were.  He was probably one of the most compassionate dudes to ever live yet he was never a punk.  He was the most humble dude to ever live yet was not a pushover.  And He sacrificed everything for the people He loved (you and me) yet still gained everything.  Now, I don't know about you but those are some really good qualities to emulate... ESPECIALLY if you are husband and or a father. 
So you know what preacher, you were right.  Jesus is a great example to follow.  Thanks for planting that seed in me. 

By the way, these qualities are probably good for you wives and mothers too.