The Right Answer from LeBron James

LeBron James grew up in Akron around Megachurch Pastor Dr. Joey Johnson of The House of the Lord, and his high School coach Drew Joyce was a Youth Leader there who worked with me on joint Youth Activities.  It's just about impossible for LBJ to come to Chapel before games due to the demand for his time and intrusion by the press. Our guys do leave the players the chapel notes though!  Maybe LeBron James is reading and listening to the AGF Pastors who are the Cavs Chaplains! Anyway... now that is the RIGHT ANSWER!  PTL!

Lebron:"Only one guy in the world, ever, where everything will be all right when he comes back, that's Jesus Christ" pic.twitter.com/o1JMkRGFhZ

— Alex Medina (@mrmedina) December 7, 2015

Standing Strong, in Seasons of Change

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life is all about how you handle the seasons of change in your life! One thing you can take to the bank... change is coming!

• Changes... at home!
• Changes... on the job!
• Changes... in your relationships!
• Changes... in your health!

Your ability to handle change will either make or break you!  The only good news you can really rely on is this: 

"If you know Christ in a personal way, you don't have to endure the seasons of change alone"!

• Friends... will leave you!
• Family... will disappoint you!
• Life... will discourage you!

"But Christ... never leave you, and always stand with you"! 

Our problem is we never think it will happen to us! So buckle up and get ready!  The winds of change will blow, but they don't have to blow you down... IF... you are solidly standing on the rock, called Jesus Christ! 

Sounds Of Blackness - Hold On (Change Is Comin')

 

I'm BACK!

I took a couple of years off blogging to refresh the battery... but I'm back! God is now telling me to... Get Going!

My posts will be shorter...but hopefully sharper!
My posts are designed to help... but unfortunately may hurt!
My post will be real... and prayerfully always relevant!

So hold on... the time is now to share His Word in a fresh way!  His Word will never change, but His ways are designed to provoke life change! Twenty years in business and now fifteen years in full time ministry have given me not only life experience, but also God inspired perspectives to share!

One thing about our Lord Jesus Christ...
You can hate Him... and spit in His face!
You can disagree with Him... and ignore His Word!
BUT YOU CAN'T SKIP HIM!

The goal in life is to keep on growing... more and more like Christ each day!  Let's grow together and no matter what...remember to SMILE!

I SMILE by Kirk Franklin

The Thorn in My Flesh by Darryl Harris

In 2007 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I wrote this story as part of my book, When God Says Wait!  Six years later I can say my relationship with Christ has grown stronger, despite the daily struggles I encounter.  Each day is an adventure, but one I look forward to, because it's another opportunity to encourage someone else!

As the great Lou Gehrig once said, "I consider myself the most "blessed"man on the face of the earth!

Whatever, you are going through today, whatever your personal thorn in the flesh may be, remember... God is in control, and His plan for your life is perfect!  He will never leave you or fail you!  But, He wants you to trust Him on this journey called life!  May these words encourage you to take that next step one day at a time in faith!

The Thorn in My Flesh
Can take my legs, but can’t take my legacy!

Can take my feet, but can’t take my desire to take the gospel to lost people!

Can take my hearing, but can’t take away my ability to hear
from God!

Can touch my body, but can’t touch my spirit!

Can cloud my eyes, but can’t cloud the vision given me by God!

Can steal my happiness, but it can’t steal my joy!

Can make me walk with a cane, but can’t stop me from walking
with Christ!

Can cause indescribable pain, but can’t prevent indescribable peace that comes from prayer!

Can change the altitude I fly, but can’t change the attitude
I choose!

 
Can surround me with fear, but can’t stop me from responding
in faith!

Can make life uncomfortable, but it can’t make life unrewarding!

Can change how I preach, but can’t change my desire to pastor and teach!

Can change my ability to play, but can’t change my ability to enjoy others playing!

Can cause me to move like an older man, but can’t take away status as a child of God!

Can make life difficult, but can’t change my ability to make a difference!

Can cause friends to stay away, but it can’t take away the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit!


So I take… one day at a time.

And I walk…one step at a time.

By the grace of God…


I will live my life with Excitement!

I will run my race with Endurance!

I will live for Christ with Enthusiasm!

I will love others with Empathy!

I will minister to others with Encouragement!


My goal is to be among the one in ten who finish strong.

So I run and I praise God who will carry me to the finish line!

God is Always Up to Something Good by Hart Ramsey





Wayman Tisdale - It's Alright

7 Keys for Men to Have a Happy Father's Day

Men, we are ambassadors for Christ, our name is Christian, and we represent Jesus Christ!  I believe that if we fail to represent someone who has done so much for us, we need to either change our behavior or change our name!

Let me appeal to the men today as we approach Father's Day.  Instead of changing your name, let’s believe His Word, and go out and change the world!  Men do you believe we can do it?  Here are the daily steps you must take to walk closely with Christ as a real man of God:

1. DAILY DIE TO SELF!``
1 Cor. 15:31
I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Yield complete control of your life to Jesus Christ every day.

2. DAILY OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST!
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Every day, commit yourself to obeying God and His Word

3. DAILY BIBLE READING!
Acts 17:11
…they…examined the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so…
Spend time reading God’s Word everyday

4. DAILY PRAYER!
Matthew 6:11
…give us today our daily bread.
Devote time every day talking to God in prayer.

5. DAILY FELLOWSHIP!
Hebrews 3:13
“…encourage one another daily…”.
Seek regular fellowship with other Christians.

6. DAILY SHARING!
Acts 5:42
“Day after day…they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ”.
Tell others about Jesus every day in words and actions.

7. DAILY PRAISE!
Psalm 119:164
Praise God every day for who He is and what He has done.
Start by praising Him with your family tomorrow and really have a Happy Father's Day!

Short Message to Men by Eric Mason!

15 Things to Remember During Adversity

I believe the Lord's whisper during adversity, is louder than His shout during victory!  The key is... are you listening! The following is difficult medicine, but it will bring spiritual healing during your time of adversity! Listen to see if He is whispering these to you:

1. Accept It! ...It happened to you, but believe in me, and trust in me! John 16:33
2. Don't Try to Understand It! ...Don't lean on your understanding!  Proverbs 3:5-6
3. Rejoice in It! ...You heard me right! "Consider it pure joy, when you face many trials" James1:2
4. Use It! ...Let it glorify me!  Psalm 69:30
5. Don't Explain It! ...It's between you and me!  2 Corinthians 1:4
6. Grow From It! ...The Lord wants to make you stronger!  Romans 5:3
7. Stand on my Promises Through It! ..."be strong and very courageous..." Joshua 1:9
8. Don't Fear It! ...I'm in control!  Isaiah 46:10
9. Rest in my Arms During It! ...I got you!  Matthew 11:28
10. Look for the Blessing from It! ...Ultimately, it's all good! Romans 8:28
11. Bless Others Despite It! ...It's tough, but be a blessing to others! Acts 20:19
12. Embrace each Moment in It! ...Patiently endure and trust!  Romans 12:12
13. Don't Lose Hope Because of It! ...Live vertically during it!  Psalm 71:14
14. Pray in the Midst of It! ...Not for it, but in it!  Philippians 4:6
15. Look Ahead to It! ...He's coming soon!  1Thessalonians 4:17

 Finally, always remember what Jesus went through for you...Think About It!  Romans 5:8

Take time to reflect on Jesus with Kirk Franklin..."You Are"

"Rescue in Cleveland - Never give up hope" by Ron Hutchcraft

As I've watched this powerful story unfold, it's reminded me of some things I can't afford to forget. Through people at the heart of this story.

Like people who refuse to give up on the loved one they've lost. Like Amanda Berry's mom, who refused to believe it was hopeless. She just kept her daughter's picture and story in front of people...and prayed relentlessly. Amanda's mom didn't live to see her prayers answered - but we all did.


A lot of us have an "Amanda." Someone who, for one reason or another, seems hopelessly gone. Emotionally. Spiritually. Physically.

But the celebration in Cleveland shouts, "Never stop fighting for that person you love." Reach out to them. Love them when they give you no reason. Pray for God to do what only He can do. Keep the porchlight on.

I love that story where Jesus comes upon the funeral procession of a young man. The Bible says He saw the grieving mother and "His heart went out to her." Then He did what only He could do. He brought her son back to life. And here's the best part: "Jesus gave him back to his mother" (Luke 7:15 ).

He's still doing things like that. Restoring lost loved ones to the people who care for them. That's the hope that keeps us fighting for them. As long as there's breath, there's hope.

Of course, a key player in freeing the Cleveland captives is that neighbor. Who, disregarding the risks, jumps in to help someone in trouble.

Somewhere on our "street," we all know someone like that. Behind a façade that looks fine, they may be living a nightmare. Desperately needing someone who will care about them. And listen. Someone who will look for the needs behind their needs. Who will be the voice and face of Jesus for them.

And then there's that prisoner who's desperate to be free. Whose only hope is a rescuer. That's where I show up in the picture. That was me. And lots of folks like me.  In a very dark place, unable to get out by myself. Until Somebody heard the cry of my heart. I didn't have to stay there one day longer.

Jesus came all the way from heaven to rescue a world of people held captive. By the darkness inside them. "Sin" the Bible calls it. Our deadly addiction to defying God and doing life "my way" instead of His way. And we can't seem to stop. "Everyone who sins is a slave to sin," Jesus said (John 8:34 ).

I can't argue. The selfishness, the anger, the dark desires, the wounding words, the endless lies - nobody wants to be that way. But we are. We're prisoners in a dark place.

Until the Rescuer shows up at our door. Jesus. Who "gave Himself for our sins to rescue us" (Galatians 1:3 ). And "if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36 ). He didn't just come to the door. He died on a cross.

So here's my story: "I've been missing. I'm free now." And I'm home.

Never Give Up by Yolanda Adams

7 Steps to Overcoming Worry

WORRY IS A CHOICE…SO I CHOOSE NOT TO WORRY BUT TRUST! 

1.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT NEEDS  BECAUSE  GOD WILL PROVIDE!
Matthew 6:25 (NIV) 
    "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?


2.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT WHAT COULD HAPPEN TOMORROW!
Matthew 6:34 (NIV) 
    "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

“TODAY IS THE TOMORROW YOU WORRIED ABOUT YESTERDAY”


3.   I WILL NOT WORRY... ABOUT OTHERS SINS BEFORE CHECKING MYSELF! 
Matthew 7:3 (NIV) 
“Why do you look (worry) at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"


4.  I WILL NOT WORRY... ABOUT BEING FALSELY ACCUSED!
Matthew 10:19 (NIV) 
    “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say”



5.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT THE  CARES OF LIFE AND NEGLECT THE GOSPEL!
Matthew 13:22 (NIV)
    “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.”


6.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN!
1 Peter 3:14 (NIV) 
    But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry


7.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT DEATH!
Matthew 6:27 (NLT) 
    “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
 
Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV)
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity sot that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death..that is the devil. 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

  
What Jesus is saying is that:

• even though the storms come…
• even though the winds blow…
• even though the rains fall…

You can have peace!


"Ain't No Need to Worry" by the Winans with Anita Baker

When God Says..."YO"!

I believe being a "hardhead" is a chronic illness in America today.  Unfortunately, this is especially true even among Christians!  In fact, I'm pressed to believe that if the Lord Himself, was standing in front of us, giving specific instructions on living the Christian life, many of us still would not listen!

We live in a world where "knowing it all" is worn as a badge of honor!  We will stand for anything, and fall for everything, simply because of a hard head!  When we make a mistake, instead of admitting it and moving in a new direction, many times we hold on to our beliefs and opinions simply for the sake of being right!  What a shame!

But God in His grace and mercy has given us 66 books, called the Bible, where His clearly understood Word can be read, and applied to our lives.  However, the pressure to be right or listen to other voices can sometimes be an  overwhelming obstacle! Because of this "chronic illness", God sometimes has to send trials of adversity into our lives simply to get our attention... and scream... "Yo ___" from heaven!  I want you to do things my way!

What we need to realize is that God's way is :

• Always Right! 
• Always Best! and 
• Always Right on Time!

Has God been trying to get your attention on an important situation in your life?  Has God sent a trial of adversity that seems to have no purpose at all?  Have you refused to pick up His Word on a regular basis and find out for yourself what He has to say about that puzzling situation you are facing!  Are you simply being a "hardhead", and is God screaming "Yo ____" as loud as He can, right in your ear!

• Remember He loves You!  John 3:15-18  
• Remember He cares! 1 Peter 5:7
  
• Remember He has a plan! Jeremiah 29:11
  

So do yourself a favor, and put down your pride, and pick up His Word!  If you don't know where to turn, check the table of contents in the front, or the subject index in the back!  As you do that, you will be surprised that over time the screaming will cease, and your understanding will increase from spending time with the Lord, your God!

Then always remember these words of admonition from my grandma as you do so... "a hard head, makes for a soft behind"!  God bless you as you turn His Yo ____, into... Yes Lord, I'm now listening!

Speak to My Hear by Donnie McClurkin


God's is up to Something Great by Tony Evans

4 Things You Need to Know About Your Success

There is a lot of talk about success theses days, but not enough from a Christian perspective!  Not that Christians aren't writing about it, and talking about it, but we've primarily adopted the world's definition so completely, that there is no noticeable difference! 

The Bible does have a few things you need to recognize so you have the proper perspective on success God's way!

Success doesn't come because you have a good Heart!  

• Most people think they are good at heart!  I'm not saying you don't mean well. but only God truly knows your heart!  Interesting, look what He says about it... “The heart is deceitful above all things,And desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jer. 17:12  God can!  Most of the time, God chooses to use us despite our diseased heart condition!

Success in fact, doesn't come because you are Good!  

•  So many of us think that we are successful because we are so good!  Yes, you may do good things, at work and in the home, but God knows that apart from your relationship with Jesus Christ, you really aren't "good"!  Look at what He says in Romans 3:12 "...There is none who does good, no, not one." Success as a Christian stems from a relationship, not a reputation!

Success did not come because you were the Smartest!  

• This verse says it all...
  "Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy^[a] when God called you. ²⁷ Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful." 1Cor. 1:26-27

•  God doesn't need your wisdom to bring you success... What He's looking for is faithfulness!

Success in God's eyes comes from OBEDIENCE!   

• Obedience is the key that unlocks the door to success in God's eyes!  Look at what He says in 1 Samuel 15:22...    

• “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
      as much as in obeying the Lord?
  To obey is better than sacrifice,
      and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
  
  
  When we obey God's Word, and strive to work with all of our heart in anything we do... we are already a success in God's eyes no matter what the ultimate outcome may be!  Our goal in life should be to obey God no matter what!
  
  Col.3:23-24
  ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 
  
  By recognizing these 4 keys, you will be on God's path to success in life, while most others are solely relying on their own talents and ability!  They may succeed in the world's eyes... just ask Steve Jobs and Bill Gates... but the question you should ask is... were they a success in God's eyes?
  
  

SO THE CHALLENGE IS ... DARE TO BE A JOSHUA!
"Have Heart, Take Courage... and SOAR"!

⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9

 Kirk Franklin "Before I Die" - How to Experience True Success in life!
 

When the Shopping Mall Mentality Comes to Church

Even in the midst of a recession and looming "fiscal cliff", "Black Friday", the day after Thanksgiving hit with a vengence!  Malls and shopping centers were filled to capacity at the earliest hours of the day, and if that wasn't enough to fill your desire, there was always "Cyber Monday"! The day when internet shoppers go wild and actually find better bargains at the convenience of a stroke of their computer than those who ventured out days before!



While this activity gives the economy a brief boost, and temporary spike in employment too, the aftermath is usually as devastating to the family budget as the remnants of Hurricane Sandy!

However an even greater crisis to the kingdom of God looms over the horizon.  While the fiscal cliff promises devastating consequences, the "Spiritual Cliff" facing the church promises even more horrific ramifications!  When believers bring a "Shopping Mall" mentality to the church the eternal consequences are catastrophic!

Believers now choose churches and pastors like the clothes they buy at Macy's!  Quality is not the standard anymore... it's all about the style and convenience!  We now choose churches based on the beauty of the facilities, not the beauty of the preached gospel!  We want it fast and we want it at our convenience.  Youth Ministries have been turned into glorified daycare centers with Disney-like amenities!  Now I was a youth pastor and did many of these very same things at the mega-church I was employed.  However I have now discovered to my deep disappointment that many of the same kids are having great difficulty adjusting to church life as an adult once the youth group experience is over!

Adults are choosing celebrity pastors over true servant shepherds who actually care for the sheep.  They are choosing a show on Sunday, rather than genuine care and fellowship Monday through Saturday.

Unfortunately, the bible is clear in this declaration... "it is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgement"!  No exceptions, no excuses!  No Black Friday discounts or Cyber Monday specials!  Then ultimately when death visits a loved one or friend,  they turn to the "rejected church" and anticipate Shopping Mall ministry and instant service, when they have not been faithful to the bride of Christ, His church and the honeymoon is over!

It doesn't have to be that way!  In John 14:6 Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No man comes to the father but by me. "  Serving Him is a daily commitment of obedience!  You don't have to shop for a glamorous Jesus, or a discounted convenient Jesus!  Just choose a church that presents the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who wants to invade the darkness of your life with His marvelous light!

Black Friday takes place in the darkness, but each week "Savior Sunday" takes place in the light, to adjust your priorities so that you might experience His joy and peace everyday!  The choice is yours!  Look for what's REAL, TRUE, and don't settle for false substitutes no matter how BIG, and GLAMOROUS it appears, only to bring temporary satisfaction!  "Shopping Mall Mentality" has no room in the church of Jesus Christ, where eternal life is the ultimate prize!

Search for Jesus alone!  Nobody Greater

When God Wants to Use You

I keep this on my wall from a Chuck Swindoll sermon illustration as a reminder that God know what He is doing at all times!

When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man

When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part;

When He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,

Watch His methods, watch His ways!
How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!

How He hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay which
Only God understands;

While his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!

How He bends but never breaks
When his good He undertakes;
How He uses whom He chooses,
And which every purpose fuses him;

By every act induces him
To try His splendor out-
God knows what He’s about.

GOD MADE ME

Failure is not Fatal

“ It is better to try and not succeed, than to be among those who lacked the faith,  courage and heart, to ever try at all” Darryl Harris

One of the biggest problems we face today is the "fear of failure"!  We live in a society that worship what they call winners!

• "Winning is not everything, it's the only thing"
• "To the winner goes the spoils"
• "Second place is last place"

Victory is great!  Winning is sweet!  Most times victory takes extreme discipline, dedication, and determination in whatever profession you choose.  However, because we tend to worship the victors and vilify all others, what has been created is a generation who is not only unprepared to compete but paralyzed by the fear of failure!

I'd like to encourage this new generation that fear is a real emotion, but it is not a God-given human attribute.  Fear, like courage is a choice, and fear is not a choice the Lord wants you to choose!

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us "for God did not five us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Life is all about taking calculated risks, based on solid facts, and ultimately trusting the Lord, to lead and guide you through the obstacle course ahead!  Failure to try, is more demoralizing than failure to succeed!  Without entering into the race, you are guaranteed a non victorious outcome.

So Get Up!  Get Going!  Set Some goals!  Take a chance!  Get in the Race!  Run to win... but don't fear failure! 



In God's eyes, doing your very best... your VERY BEST, makes you a winner no matter what the final outcome.  The strange thing is that since so few ever bother to give it a try, by giving your very best, your chances of coming out on top are just as high as the mountain you are trying to climb!  Always Remember, You can't win... if you don't first jump in! 

Marvin Sapp - I Win

Are You Tough Enough to Press On?

To say that life is hard is not "un-spiritual"!  Jesus told His followers in John 16:33 "In the world you will^[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So when "trials" and "interruptions" come into your life, if you are a believer in Christ, you should not be caught "off-guard"!

That being said, when the raging storms like Hurricane Irene slam into your life, it doesn't mean you will be prepared, equipped, or committed to engage your storm with the faith, courage, and perseverance needed  to overcome your trial, trusting in Christ.

It starts with a mindset!  That mindset being...I know Christ is in control!  I know He will "never leave me or forsake me"!  I know He has promised to lead me and guide me if "I trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding"! Prov. 3:5-6   I know He never wants me to give up! 

Philippians 3:13-14 says "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

It may seem simplistic, but what we are called to do is to Press ON!!  Don't Give Up!!  Your Very Best!!!

If we trust Him during these seemingly impossible times, I believe He will, in His time and His way, lead us through the trials spiritually stronger than we ever dreamed we could be!  Remember... God is faithful!

Never Forget "Facing the Giants"


Keep Pressing on by Lamar Campbell

27

15 Questions from God

1.  God is not going to ask you how much money you had... but He will ask you how did you use the money he gave you to manage for Him?

2.  God is not going to ask you how much education you had... but He will ask you how much you studied His Word to learn more about Him?

3.  God is not going to ask you how popular you were with the opposite sex... but He will ask you did you follow his prescription for a godly relationship?


4.  God will not ask you how many times did you fail... but He will ask you how many times did you give up?

5.  God will not ask you what church did you go to ... but He will ask you did maintain fellowship with His people who believed in the absolute authority of His Word?

6.  God is not going to ask you what kind of car did you drive... But He will ask you did you use it to help someone who didn't have any transportation?

7.  God is not going to ask you how well did you dress... But He will ask you were you thankful for the clothes you had when so many don't have any at all?

8.  God is not going to ask you did you travel the world... But He will ask you did you travel through His Word?

9.  God is not going to ask you were you a mother or father... But He will ask you did you provide for those children's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?

10.  God is not going to ask you how long did you live... But He will ask you how well did you live for my glory, and how often did you share me with others who didn't know me?

11.  God is not going to ask you how big was your house... But He will ask are you prepared to live in the house I have prepared for you for eternity?

12.  God is not going to ask you how many friends you had on Facebook... but He will ask you how many friends do you have who know that I Am the Way, the Truth, and The Life, and no man comes to the Father but by me (Jesus)?
 
13.  God is not going to ask how many people followed you on Twitter... But He will ask you did you follow Him on earth?

14.  God is not going to ask did you receive fine gifts at Christmas... But He will ask you did you receive His Son and His free gift of eternal life?

15.  God will not ask you if you want to go back to earth when you die...  HE WON'T HAVE TOO!!!

Tribute to a hero - Wayman Tisdale

In life you get very few heroes!  Most are family members for me, who have lived before my eyes amazing lives!  People like my mom, dad, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandparents, father and mother-in-law, even wife and kids, but they are MY gifts!  As a former athlete, I have only a few that I really looked up too.  Most are older like Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron, but one younger man is now on my list.  He lived an incredible life, and is more famous for his smile than his athletic talent and musical ability.

That man is WAYMAN TISDALE!

Wayman has gone on to glory, but like Brian Piccolo, what a life he lived and what a legacy he left!  These video clips are just a few of the lasting moments he left behind!  A GREAT basketball player who became an even greater jazz muscian and inspired many including me to keep a smile on your face and never give up!  He lived out my favorite verse from Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and very courageous, be not afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".

No matter what you may be going through, God want to use you to inspire others while encouraging yourself!  That's a life well lived.  "Big Ups" to a Big Man in Sports, Music, Life and now the Kingdom of God!  Much love and thanks Wayman!

Special Tribute to Wayman Tisdale!




Wayman Tisdale's Music will live forever!  Here are two of my favorite clips!  I hope you enjoy!




Make sure you download his classic song Gabrielle MP3 on Amazon - WOW!
http://www.amazon.com/Gabrielle/dp/B000VXJJOE

Good Friday Life Lessons from Bill Gates... but Sunday's Coming!

I don't normally post lists from "non believers" on life issues, but this has some practical life lessons and even a plug for God thrown in for good measure! 

As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday, it is important to take a close look at some of our flaws that He died for on Friday!  Jesus, God in the flesh, came to pay the ultimate penalty for the sins of mankind in our place!  He was crucified in a horrendous way, when He suffered, bled and died for your sins and mine.  Yet so many reject Him because they refuse to place themselves under His authority.  The authority of the creator of the universe, who demonstrated His love for us by going to the cross, to pay our sin debt which demands the wrath of God who hates sin and will not allow it to dwell in His presence for all eternity.

Today it's Friday... but thank God, Sunday is coming!  

Young people, these are life's realities articulated to a generation who has said I'm going to do it, "On My Own"!  So as you look at this list, ask yourself the tough questions!  If this is you, I plead with you to consider this weekend, the work of our Savior...JUST FOR YOU!

Make a decision that will set you free and change your eternal destiny!  Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior... and do it today!

REMEMBER:

• Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!
• Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about your self-esteem.   The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.                                                                                      
• Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school.You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
• Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss
• Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: They called it opportunity.
• Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
• Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way by:

                      * paying your bills!
                      * cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were!

• Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. 

           *This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

• Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters.You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. 

           *Do that on your own time.   

• Rule 10 : Television is NOT real life.  In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

• Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds.  Chances are you'll end up working for one..

If you can read this... Thank a Teacher.

If you can read this in English... Thank a Soldier!

And for life and everything else you have... Thank God!!

If you don't agree, go stick your head in the SAND and take a DEEP BREATH!!!!

list by Bill Gates

The Ultimate Bucket List Item

Never before in my life have I heard so many people talking about their bucket list!  Even I have been often guilty of referring to the phrase...bucket list myself!  Just in the rare case you don't know, "bucket list" items are things people want to do in their lives before they "kick the bucket" or "pass away" from this life to an unknown future.


Many list things like this:

• Go on a Mediteranean cruise!
• Go to at least one Super Bowl, World Series, or Final Four!
• Buy my dream home!
• Run in the New York Marathon!
• Meet the President of the United States!
• Buy a Bentley!
• Attend my 25th High School Reunion...and look better than everyone else!
• Live to see my grandchildren!
• Sleep in till noon at least one day!!!

Many are so committed to achieving their bucket list items that they will save money for years, train for hours, beg, borrow, or steal if necessary to see their deepest desires come true in this lifetime!

While there is nothing wrong with having a "bucket list", there is only one thing we can be ABSOLUTELY SURE of in this life...we WILL all "kick the bucket".  The only question is WHEN!  So while these items may be worthy of a hardy pursuit, because tomorrow is not promised, why wouldn't you consider pursuing the Ultimate Bucket List item!

• A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST! - John 3:16
  

The Ultimate Bucket List item, is achieved by confessing your sins, recognizing that Jesus died for those sins in your place, and receiving by faith the assurance of his gift of eternal life.   This list item far surpasses ANY other item you may aspire or desire!  To ensure that you live forever in heaven with your Savior and Creator has to be the ultimate bucket list item in a life where only one other thing is guaranteed! (kicking the bucket - Hebrews 9:27)  Unfortunately many people don't value this enough to make sure it's on the top of their personal list!  Sad but true. 

The incredible thing about this item is that it is ABSOLUTELY FREE!

• No money!
• No work!
• Only saving faith in Jesus Christ!

One more thing.  As long as you are still alive, it's never too late to place this item at the head of your Bucket List!  My prayer is that you would do that before the inevitable day day comes when you do "kick the bucket"!  Once you make this your priority, you can truly enjoy the pursuit of any other bucket list item your heart desires, because you know that when you "kick the bucket", it will result in a happy ending!  God Bless!!

When I Get There by Kirk Franklin

Just One Special Day

Of all the days in the year, one day has a very special meaning in my life.  Most people don't think much of February 28th!  One day before the last day of March unless it's leap year, but for me it was the beginning of something very special in my life!

The world may not realize it, but on this day some years ago, God brought into this world a very special person who just happens to be my wife Tanya!  As our song in the Broadway play Dreamgirls goes, "when I first saw, I said, Oh my, Oh my, that's a dream, that's my dream"! Happy Birthday, Tanya!

Just like a rain drop in the ocean of life, what seems so insignificant to most can mean the world to you when God quietly splashes a special someone in your life!  As we grow stronger together, I'm reminded to never take for granted the simple blessings God drops into your life.  Those simple blessings can become the crowing moments in your existence, when the Lord brings special people in your life, for time and eternity!  My queen is the crown of my life, and I owe her thanks and appreciation for choosing to share her life with me.  Through the good and the bad,  the happy and sad, we have shared wonderful moments of a lifetime to reflect upon.

Thank you Lord for blessing me in such a beautiful way!  I don't deserve it,  but I thank you for it.  So on her birthday, I want her to enjoy this day as the start of another year, being a vessel God has sent  our way to change our lives in such a beautiful way.  Remember, one drop from God, can be the crowing jewel in your life, for His glory!

10 Must Haves for Every Serious Christian

There are just certain thing you must have in the Christian life in this new generation!  Now this is not the list you will be taught in Dallas Theological Seminary, but these come from the school of Real Life!  This list doesn't come from some "Christian Superstar" or "Icon".  This list is for those who want to learn and live the Christian life and understand the truth of God's Word in a world where technology is changing by the hour! 

There is so much "foolishness" being promoted in the Christian life today.  Style and preference is one thing, but how about some 21st Century basics to help a person live a productive life for Christ!  Well here we go.... it probably won't be what you expect:

• John MacArthur Study Bible - Must have for home study!

•  Macbook Pro or iPad - Once you go Mac you never go back!

• iPHONE - If you have a Mac, get a iPhone to go!
  

• WORDsearch 9 - Great bible software for 21st Century!
  

• Download Kindle App - Books, newspapers, magazines at your fingertips!

• Download YouVersion Bible App - Free for all phones, pads and notebooks!  Would have cost hundreds ten years ago!

• Solid Bible Teaching Church Home - Size doesn't matter!  Truth & Vision does! Good pastors make a difference!

• Itunes and XM Satellite Radio - For all your gospel music needs!

• Download OnePlace.com App - Hear the Word from the top teachers at your convenience!

• Friends and Family - We need people who will be there for us at all times!

I could easily name 100 things but, this is a good start.  Most are free or almost, and if they cost, just get the best you can afford! 

Make sure you use them in a way that honors God, and in the end, don't use your friends and family! 

• Be a Blessing to them! - That's what God created you for!  

• Share everything you have with someone who may not have it and hold things loosely! - As Chuck Swindoll says "that way it won't hurt if God takes it out of your hands"!  

• Remember, you can always have Jesus! -  He will never leave you!  Take it to the bank!

Count Your Blessings

Very few people have everything they want in life and in most cases they never will.  But what most people never do is take the time to identify the many blessings they do have!  Oh...we all have many things in our lives we can be thankful for!  The problem is they become so familiar that we stop looking at them as blessings...until we lose them!

No one is exempt from this blindspot in their lives.  Because of a recent disability, I've been forced to use some devises to help me walk better.  I may be a preacher but I'm human!  You can get tired of this,  but God has his ways of shocking you back to reality to see that even this can be a blessing!

One of my goals in life is to encourage people who are in difficult situations.  If you can put a smile on someone's face, you can turn a difficult situation into a light moment in a dark day.  While using my walker in downtown Cleveland, I was confronted with a young man who was using a beautiful motorized scooter to get around!  I wanted to put a smile on his face by making a little light comment.  So when I approached him, I said to him " It's not fair, that you get to use that Cadillac, while I have this little VW"!  The young man looked at me, smiled, and said "Sir, I wish I could still use that VW"!  I smiled back at him and said, "Young man you're doing great!  Just keep riding on"!   He smiled again at me and said "Have a great day sir."  So I continued to walk on my way!

But as I walked further away, God made me stop and take a look at what I was really saying!   Deep down, without me really realizing it, what I was really saying was, "I don't like having to use this little walker!  I wish I had that nice scooter to roll wherever I wanted to roll"!  What that young man reminded me was that instead of dreaming of something better or a return to my old way of life, I should just thank God that I could still walk, even using a walker, because there are young people who wish they still had the ability to walk as well as I could!  That walker was not a curse...it was a blessing from God that I took for granted!

Do you have any blessings in your life, physical, material, financial, relational that you are taking for granted, not realizing that they are all blessings to you from a loving God?  How about your wife?  Kids?  That job?  The ten dollars in your pocket that bought you a nice lunch today?

The best way you can thank God is by counting your blessings, and thanking Him for those small things that make your life worth living!  The old song says "Count your blessings...name them one by one"!  Why don't you do that today!  Why don't you end your day with a smile, and put a smile on the face of your Father in heaven as well by thanking Him for every small blessing in your life! You'll feel so much better!

Thank you Lord for my kids!  Thank you Lord for my family... including wife, mother, brother, sis, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws & church family!

AND THANK YOU LORD... FOR MY NEW LEGS 
SO I CAN ENJOY LIFE TOGETHER WITH THEM ALL!

God Made Me by Mississippi Mass Choir

3 Commitments for a Happy New Year

The new year is only a few weeks old, but I think it's time to take a look at the start you are off too before the year slips out of control.  Too me resolutions, without commitments are simply a recipe for failure!  Resolutions with comment can be powerful tools. 

Without the commitment to resolve, when the excitement subsides, you're back to the same old habits.  What we need are life changing commitments!  These take time and effort, but are worth it if they result in your resolution to make positive lifestyle changes!  

3 Commitments are a must:

1. Leave behind the bad ATTITUDES!  Those negative attitudes have to go!  Commit to give the Holy Spirit control of your thought life! 
2. Let go of the bad ASSOCIATIONS!  Some people are in your life for a reason, and some only for a season!  Commit to being the best friend you can, but don't commit to having the most friends you can!
3. Loosen the grip of bad ACTIONS!  Don't let last year's bad actions dictate your actions for the new year!  Quit holding on to the things that have potential to destroy your relationships with family, friends, associates and primarily the Lord!  The gain is never worth the pain!

This is where it all starts, but it must start somewhere!  These commitments are more important than loosing weight and making money!  They will help you build a healthy foundation for a new life filled with good attitudes, good associations, and good actions!  It's not too late to make this year a happy new year if you make these commitments...NOW!!




Please commit to see the movie "Courageous"!

THE 9 LEADERSHIP “BE-ATTITUDES OF JOSHUA

New King James Version (NKJV)

Joshua 1:6-9

⁶ Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

 1.  Be Strong - not physical strength, but spiritual.  Recognize that your strength comes from the Lord


 2.  Be Courageous - step out in faith without doubt. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to do what you’ve been called to do despite your fear.


 3.  Be Obedient - apply what we read and hear


 4.  Be Undistracted - don’t let money, growth, and acclaim distract us from serving Christ 


 5.  Be Studious - stay in God’s Word at all times
Vs. 8 “ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth”


 6.  Be Prayerful– develop personal intimacy with God. (pray, meditate, and reflect)
Vs. 8 “meditate in it day and night”


 7.  Be Thorough - do everything the Lord commands you to do, and do it well.
Vs. 8  “according to all” “ do everything”

    
 8.  Be Confident - do not fear life’s circumstances
Vs.9 “do not be afraid or dismayed”


 9.  Be Encouraged - God is with us.  He won’t fail us
Vs 9 “the Lord your God is with you"

God gave me these as I began my life in ministry!  Now I understand why!  These attitudes, that carried Joshua, will carry you when the storms of life blow, and you don't know which way to go!   Incorporating these in your life will change you and sustain you!  May God use them to make you the leader He wants you to be!


Fearless by Anthony Evans (Son of Dr. Tony Evans)

4 Steps to Managing a Key Life Change

Life is all about transitions! The only thing you can count on in life outside of eternal security in Christ, is that change is always around the corner!  Life is to be enjoyed to the fullest as a gift from God, but the Lord is more concerned about your character than your comfort.  His desire is that we continually be conformed to the image of His Son, and either allows or uses change to help in the reshaping process. The ultimate goal is to be more and more like Christ each day. The goal is not perfection, normally correction, all as a result of your selection of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!  As the "boss" He can do whatever He chooses to do to make you more like Him in every area of your life!

In basketball, how a team makes the transition from offense to defense usually dictates the outcome of most plays.  In life, how we transition from the days of our youth, to the inevitable time when the body starts to slow down, can make a big difference in your quality of life.   Smoothly making this transition requires at least 4 key decisions you must be ready to incorporate into your "new" lifestyle:

1. Refuse...to let what you can't do, prevent you from achieving what you can! 
2. Accept...that time stops for nobody!
3. Trust... that God's strength is greater than your weakness!
4. Enjoy... each day as a new gift from God!

If you are currently going through this life transition, how would your RATE, your life right now?  Would you give yourself an A?  Maybe a C?  Unfortunately an F?   The good news is that you can emerge victorious by simply applying these four action steps in your life.  The decision is yours.  Don't let this transition trip you up and prevent you from taking the next step in your life with with grace, peace, and joy!  You may be getting older but you can still get better!

The Sounds of Blackness - (from days in Minneapolis/church)