After over thirty-eight years of ministry, I have discovered that a good, godly grasp of the gift of God’s glorious grace is profoundly deficient among the people of God. Grace is too often understood to leave those unaddressed who are adamant in applying self-autonomy that undermines spiritual growth and surrender to the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, grace is erroneously implemented to launch a life of lawlessness in the name of liberty. So, let’s examine the scriptures in order to contrast godly grace with grace that is sourced in the soul of carnality.
Read MoreHas anyone ever challenged you that you are too “judgy”? Sometime ago my wife and I were in a conversation with another couple who, like us, also has adult children. The gist of our conversation was germane to resistance of accountability, specifically to accountability regarding Christian conduct. Whenever we, as parents, called attention to questionable conduct that was incongruent with the call of compliance to Christ, the retort has been consistently “Don’t be so judgy!”
Read MoreAre you familiar with the concept the ripple effect? A ripple effect is a situation in which, like ripples expanding across the water when an object is dropped into it, an effect from an initial state can be followed outwards incrementally. One of the fondest memories that I was blessed to enjoy as a little boy was going fishing with my grandmother; affectionately known to me and my siblings as “Mama’’. We referred to her as Mama because my biological mother and her sister called her “Mama,” so we mimicked the moniker and made it our own.
Read MoreOn July 19,1988, Jessie Jackson gave a soul-stirring speech to the Democratic National Congress that reached the hearts of every spectrum of humanity regardless of education, socioeconomic position or privilege. He closed his address with what I believe to be an anthem that will anchor the soul to be resolute in any unfavorable, oppressive and challenging situation: “Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! On tomorrow night and beyond, keep hope alive!”
Read MoreIf you have lived long enough on this troubled terrestrial ball (aka earth) it is inevitable that you will be confronted by giants in your life. Giants are an insurmountable set of circumstances or events and experiences that you believe to be formidable and seek your demise. They are consistently characterized as being formidable opponents. They inspire intimidation or obeisance by being impressively enormous powerful and adept.
Read MoreHello beautiful body of Christ and blog readers! I pray you are still on target with your God-centered goals for this New Year. On an occasion, I am led to write a word of exhortation to those of us who are married. Therefore, this week’s blog is directed to married couples. However, I believe that this information is not limited to just married couples because there are some sound samples of spiritual truth for our singles as well.
Read MoreRecently, my wife Gloria’s sister went home to be with the Lord. Gloria’s loss of her sister handed a lot of us some heavy heartbreak as heartbreak is usually hooked to death. However, a compassionate and good God ministered to us and held us with His good hands (which are always better than All State)! We held on to His hands as they helped our hearts of hurt shout “Hallelujah!” because her sister knew the Lord as her Savior. In addition, Gloria’s sister, Donna, was no longer held captive to cancer but was finally set free from the shadow of sickness, sin and death.
Read MoreI am sure that you are familiar with this idiomatic expression: “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is most likely a duck.” My question for you is: What will your walk with God look like in 2020?
With the beginning of a new year, it is a common practice for a good number of people to purpose to be resolute in a specific area in their life. As a matter of fact, in 2012, 45% of Americans made at least one New Year's resolution. …
A couple of years ago around Christmas I was blessed by a wonderful testimony that turned my attention to a tremendous truth taught in the word: C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. At the close of our weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting and bible study one of our precious seniors shared with me how she noticed something special in the word Christmas while participating in our Finishing Strong Seniors ministry. One of the seniors was adorned in seasonal, sweet-looking sweater with the words Merry Christmas in huge letters! The individual that shared the story said “She shouted ‘Oh my goodness! I have never seen that before! I love Christmas even more because of what I see in the word Christmas! It is a personal message for me!’” Her rich revelation rested in the last three letters in the word Christmas (mas). She is not of Latin descent but she declared that the last three letters in the word Christmas (mas) means “more” in Spanish. Therefore we should want more Christ in Christmas. Personally, I am proclaiming: “That will preach!”
Read MoreQuestion: have you been sufficiently rocked by Jingle Bell Rock? At this point, we should know what Christmas should look like. And if you keep on dreaming of a white Christmas you may actually be in a coma without even knowing it.
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