As I think about this very special holiday, I can't help but remember how specials Sundays are in general to me anyway. I know that Easter Sunday, is the day that Jesus rose then latter went back to Heaven. But this day, is also special because of the tradition that he started so many thousands of years ago. When Jesus rose , he latter went to his disciples,after their shock, then latter relief they sat down and ate dinner together. This happen to be the very last meal they had together.(Luke 24:40-43 40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence. ) As I think about this last group of Bible Verses, I can't help but think about Sundays and how truly special they are. Jesus was crucified on Friday and rose early on Sunday with power in his hands. It didn't matter what happen to him during the week,because he over came it all to be reborn on Sunday. Jesus over came the humiliation, the suffering and the pain, so that we shall live and have a chance at every lasting life. Jesus lives, when others during that time wanted him to die. Its a constant reminder too me that it doesn't matter what happens during the week, as long as I make it to Sunday. All through out my life, I always looked forward to Sunday, many times for church so that I could be spiritually fed and other times for food because I knew, my mother or my late grandmother spent all Saturday night preparing a wonderful meal for Sunday. Then there are the worldly things that many of us enjoy, football, basketball, festivals, movies and other things we look forward to on Sundays. Easter Sunday, is more than just a holiday, its the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gods son Jesus showed that a persons circumstance can change with time. One moment you could be doing bad or down on your luck and the next your life could be changed or resurrected for the better. As long as you made it to Sunday, you should know that you have survived another week and notched another victory with Gods son Jesus by your side.
Happy Easter,
Charles
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in
me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 14:6 Jesus
answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me.
Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in
glory.
Revelation 1:18
I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I
hold the keys of death and Hades.
Everyone of us will make mistakes, then do things that we are not proud of and all will fall short of the glory God. There is no perfect man or woman and the only man that ever set foot on planet Earth then remained that way was Jesus Christ. Jesus died so that many may live and when he asked Father God to forgive all that have sinned before him or after his death that day, all were forgiven.(Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his clothing, and cast lots.) When Jesus died and rose three days later , his sacrifice was so that the sinners or the believer would have a second chance at eternal life.( Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.) When God gives us second chances we all should take advantage of it and not make excuses when we fall back into sin. God loved the world so much, that he sacrificed his only son(Jesus) so that many may join him in Heaven.
As we celebrate the life and death of Jesus Christ, we all should remember that he didn't die in vain. There will be many who will take advantage of that great sacrifice and there will be many who will not. But what we have to do as Christians, is to separate ourselves from the world, not only physically, but mentally.(1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.) Which means, just because the rest of the world condones or tolerates certain sins, behaviors or life styles, doesn't mean that its okay to do so. What a true believer, true christian or a person that wants a significant change in their life, must do is turn away from sin. They must not be like everyone else and also must accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Doing so won't be easy, because just as Jesus Christ himself was being ridiculed, lied on and deceived so shall the believer. If Jesus had to suffer, so shall the believer and none should be shocked or troubled when the suffering begins. Jesus Christ came to save the world, not to judge it (1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.) Which means that even the worse of us has a chance at eternal life if we just believe, then put our trust and faith in him. If you happen to be blessed enough to read this, don't think that just because you have sinned or have done terrible things that your life is over, because in fact with Jesus it has just begun. God still loves you and while there is still breath in your body, you too can have a second chance at eternal life. On this Easter Sunday, we all should honor God for this wonderful sacrifice.
May God continue to bless you all, Happy Easter,
Charles
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I remember when I was younger , how my mother hated it when my brothers, sisters and I would fussed, fight or would argue. She would scream," That is your brother or your sister and blood is thicker than water!" Then she would explain to me, my brothers or sisters that the day will come when we might need each, other in the future and when the whole world has turned its back on us at least we had was each other. She would say," Children always remember that blood is thicker than water, no matter what you guys go through you will always be connected because you are brothers, sisters and its your blood that binds you all together". But as any young child would always do, looked at my mother with a very sad face then said "Momma, they hit me, so I hit them back". Then she looked at me under her glasses, with a very angry look and said," Two Wrongs don't make a right". Then I looked at my mother with tears in my eyes, also with a very confused look and then she went on to say," Chuck you wouldn't jump off the bridge if you saw you brother doing it would you?' I shook my head and said no. Then she said , Chuck just because someone does something bad, hurts your feelings or does something wrong to you, doesn't give you the right to strike back or do the same thing. If you do what your brother, sister or someone else has done to you, then you are no better than they are! Be the better man , besides that you are the oldest and I expect more from you!
As I grew older, I tried to take my mothers advice, when somebody did something wrong to me or tried to hurt me, I would do my best to turn the other cheek. Even in the Bible it speaks about turning the other cheek when someone strikes you.(Matthew 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.) But as you know sometimes life can make it hard or in our minds very difficult to hold up to those standards. Why you may ask? Well when we get into friendships, relationships and even marriages, many of us don't expect to be hurt or used while we are in them. Our friends, spouses, husbands or wives sometimes do things to us that are so difficult to handle emotionally or somethings that are very hard to forgive. Many times we can be pushed to the limit or as my late grandmother would say, In the corner. That's when many of us seek revenge or want to get back at those who hurt us.
I was told by a young lady who has been married for over six years, that when her husband cheated on her, that she wanted to get back at him, so she cheated too. Then I asked her, these questions, How did you feel after you did this? Did it make you feel better? She answered me by saying ,"Well, he hurt me Chuck and I wanted him to know how it felt. When I married this man it was until death do us part. But when he cheated on me with this woman, it really hurt me and on top of that he fathered an outside child. Now not only do I have to deal with this woman, I also have to deal with an outside child. After hearing this young lady explain to me her problems, I must admit first I was kind of stuck and didn't have an answer. I mean, her husband cheating, then having an outside child. I could have taken the easy route by saying get a divorce, but if I did that then I would go against Gods word, because in this bible verse it clearly states that God hate divorce.( Malachi 2:16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, says that he hates putting away: For one covers violence with his garment, says the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously.)
I could then tell that this young lady was confident that she was right and felt like it was okay to cheat on her husband. It was like she was saying to me without speaking or using words, "Okay man of God solve this problem". Yes I cheated on my husband, but so has he and he even has an outside child. What do you have to say to this? Then I said a very brief prayer and ask God to guide my thoughts or my words. Then I to asked her this question, "Do you still love your husband"? Then she smiled and said, "Yes I do very much, that is why we are still together and also why we haven't left each other". Then I asked her why was she still cheating on him? Then she said because he is still cheating on me and I don't know what else to do. Then I said, "You know two wrongs don't make a right and just because he has cheated on you doesn't give you the right to cheat too". Then I said , "Someone has to set an example and do the right thing". Talk to your husband and tell him that you are tired of the cheating, the lies or the games. Tell him that you forgive him and from this day forward you are willing to start over. Stop cheating then start praying, because through God all things are possible and never forget that Two Wrongs don't make a right. Become a blessing , never forsake your vows in order to please the flesh or man and always do things in your life to honor God. That's the problem these days, people are always seeking revenge when the bible clearly states that belongs to the Lord. Always leave those who seek or those who have harmed you in the hands of God, because," Two Wrongs don't make a right!"
Have a blessed evening,
Charles
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
First of all I would like to thank our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ, for my gift and my inspiration. Everyday, I amazed by the blessings, thoughts or words that he gives me . Today's question was inspired by a young lady that I met after church today. When I met this young lady, she expressed to me that she once was a member of my church and the reason for not still being a member was because the Pastor of our church didn't recognize her. She explained to me that when she moved to Baton Rouge, she was in search of a church home and one Sunday, she saw a commercial with Greater King David as the advertiser. After watching the commercial, she and her family then attend the church then, latter joined. But one day the Pastor of the church appeared on her job, then went through her line, because she happens to be a cashier. She said to me," Charles, I was so excited, because I just joined church and I was hoping that the Pastor would recognize me, but he didn't". I asked him did he know who I was and to my surprise he didn't. I was so hurt that latter I went home then cried. So I took my family out of the church and joined another church, where the Pastor there knows who I am. I have a relationship with my Pastor and I feel that every Pastor, man or woman of God should know their members or their flock.
Being that I am not a lawyer, I didn't try to defend my Pastor, nor would I have tried even if I was one. Why? Well because to my knowledge my church has over 1,500 members and realistically it would be impossible for man to know or to have a relationship with every member. Also being a man that studies the Bible and is often led by the word of God, I realize that men or women of God are only vessels that delivers the word of God. ( Samuel 23:2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.) They are only human , I expect very little from them and only hope that they will teach the word of God. They will make mistakes, they will forget and they are no different than you or I, other than that they were chosen to spread the word of God. The church will survive with them or without them. Why? Well because its not about them its about God. When we as members, christians, men or women of faith start idolizing men or women, we are in fact disobeying God.(Deuteronomy 8:19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.)
Which brought me to this question, Who should we put our trust or faith in? As I think about this question, one can't help but to notice all the billboards, commercials and other advertisements when it comes to the church of God. There are some men or women of God that use the church as their personal play ground. They put themselves into commercials, on billboards and even on business cards, like its about them and not about God. There are even some church members that won't attend church on the day that their favorite Pastor or Preacher, chose not to preach on that Sunday. It makes me ask these series of questions," Isn't attending, worshiping and praising in church about God"? Why do we have favorite Pastors, Preachers or Ministers? Don't we realize that we don't get our blessings from these people? Why do we trusts them or have faith in them when they are only human? Why are we so disappointed in them when they sin or make a mistake? Aren't we forgetting that these people are just like us, human, flawed, will make mistakes and sin? Who should we put our trust and faith in? Well the Bible says, we should only put our trust and faith in God (James.4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands,
you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.)
Have a blessed Sunday,
Charles
Mark 9:23 "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." John 6:29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." Romans 3:22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, Romans 4:6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
One of the most painful things a person can experience is divorce. Being in a abusive relationship or one where your spouse is being unfaithful can make life extremely difficult. Being made a fool of or taken advantage of by your employer, friend or family member can be very heart breaking or extremely stressful. Going through any of these situations can make life extremely difficult and can make many of us very angry or seek revenge. But all that does is adds fuel to the fire , also that's when words are exchanged and that's when many us want to take action or when others seek revenge.When people allow their emotions get the best of them, many people have been known to get themselves into trouble.That is why I am so grateful too my late grandmother, because she helped me with her words of wisdom. Through her teachings, her words kept me sane and helped me when I was younger to keep my anger or emotions in check. She would always tell me," That if I ever became angry, to always take time to cool down and to think things through. She always expressed to me that if someone ever stole anything from me, hurt me physically or tried to play with my emotions to let the proper authorities handle those situations first. Then or if that fails then she would always say to leave it in the hands of the Lord. She would say,"Baby, most people who commit a crime out of anger aren't thinking straight". Because if they thought about the consequences' of their actions before they committed the crime, then they wouldn't be in jail in the first place.
Crimes of passion is one crime a policeman cannot stop or prevent.Why? Because this crime is not premeditated and its uncertain no one knows when or where a person, may loose control. That is why when one becomes angry, I always recommend that a person leaves the room and begins to pray. Because if you give it to the Lord he will make a way out of nothing and vengeance is his. Also hate is an emotion that only fuels the devil, he delights in anger, conflict, confusion and anything that may disturb our souls.
When a husband a wife, friend or family member breaks your heart by being unfaithful its a natural feeling to seek revenge. Some take revenge by cheating themselves and while others try hurting their spouses physically or financially. The question's I ask of you , is it really worth it to go to those types extremes to hurt someone who has wronged you? Is it worth it to take someone else's life or hurt them just because you have been hurt yourself ? Also what does your life or your freedom really mean too you? What price are you willing to pay to ease your anger? For some, these questions may become difficult to answer. Why? Because the world is full of evil people, that enjoy hurting , killing, stealing or anything that gives the devil joy. But just like my Pastor would sometimes say on Sunday," Just because you live in the world doesn't mean you should be of the world". That's why when it comes to vengeance, one must always leave that in the hands of the Lord.
Our Father in Heaven sees all and knows all. God knows things about us and others that most people wouldn't know or couldn't understand. That's why its very important to trust God will all matters, especially when it comes to the heart. Sometimes many of us want to take matters into our own hands,(when we have been wronged, hurt or when we seek justice) not realizing that its a sin to do so. Vengeance is Gods alone , man or woman shouldn't take any part in this type of behavior. That's why it bothers me when I see or hear of people trying to seek revenge, vengeance or when people began to hate. It bothers me when I see or hear about hate groups, such as the KKK or the Black Panthers. What's more disturbing than the hate groups are the people thats in them. Why? Well because some of them happen to call themselves Christians. To those who choice is the path of hate or vengeance, ask yourself this question," Do you think our Father in Heaven would approve of your actions or your feelings"? The answer to this question is clearly no, because it is written that vengeance is the Lords.
Have a blessed evening,
Charles
Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. Leviticus 19:18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD
Deuteronomy 32:35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."
Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Luke 11:4
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Change is something every human will experience if God had blessed them enough to live that long. Somethings change for the good and others for the bad, but through it all its all in Gods plan. As I watch President Barrack Obama, I was brought to tears and after I heard one of his speeches. I then said to my son," That's a bad man and you can be anything you want to be , only if you put your mind to it. History rewrites itself everyday, in many ways, a black President, a black man singing the national anthem and people from all races coming together to revel in this moment. Thoughts are racing through my mind everyday , because I know that so many sacrifices , mistakes or failures have been made to make this moment happen. I know it was all in Gods plan to make this possible and that is why I always believed that when God open doors we should walk in them. Because if we trusted God more then we all would realize that only he has the power to make a way out of nothing. Also if God has his hands in it, then everything the believer touches will be blessed. Just knowing this very important fact, we should all go after dreams , take advantage of every opportunity', take chances and live our lives to the fullest.
Many times in our lives God has blessed each of us with different opportunities', but we let fear, distance or change keep us getting what we truly deserve. Doubt is the devils oldest and his most useful trick. I have heard people say this many times, "If it is meant for me, then its for me, but if its gone then I guess it wasn't meant to be". Well that is not how God operates, because if he opens a door for you or gives you an opportunity, then the time is now, not later.
My biggest change I made in my life was giving myself to Christ and its hasn't been easy. The devil has tested me many times over and still is testing me now today. But over time I noticed a change in my life, I am happier now , more fulfilled and now I am at peace. Through God I have grown stronger, became more patient, I appreciate everything in life especially the smallest things , because I now realize our life is so short or precious. I have also realized that everyone should go after their dreams or desires. Also that God does not believe in doubt or fear. Because it is written that if man or woman has faith in God as small as a mustard seed, that we could do all things. The only limitations we have are the ones we put on ourselves.
My best advice to give all who read this is to; Walk by faith and not by sight. Allow God to change your life for the better, then in the process doors will begin to open and you will be able to follow or achieve your dreams. But first you have to acknowledge this very important fact, besides God you are number one.( Never forget that) My mother always told me while I was growing up always take care of myself first, before I make an attempt to take care of others. She would say , "Son improve yourself everyday and with the seasons". She went on to say," God doesn't just want us to improve ourselves, when the years go by, but also as the seasons begin or end". Trust in the power of God, because when God move things happen and require change. So if you are having problems today, just pray about it and then ask God for a change. If you are tired of the drama,the confusion, the suffering or the pain and you are ready to go into a new direction , then you know that it time for a change .
Have a blessed weekend,
Charles
Mark 11:22 -11:25
Have faith in God, Jesus answered. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to the mountain ,Go throw yourself into the sea and does not doubt in hi heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone,forgive him, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you ,your sins.
I was once told that, there are two things in the world that never lie, that's math or God. My father would always say, that there are two things man or woman can't ever prevent, that's getting older or dying. He would always say,"Son live life to the fullest and without regrets". As I think about these last three sentences, it reminds me of the conversation I once had with a good friend of mine. He was married for over twenty years and his wife was diagnosed with cancer. After the many chemo treatments ,she had been given only two weeks to live. He said this too me, "Charles you know, my wife was stronger than I was". After the doctor told us that my wife, had two weeks to live I went into the other room and began to cry. But my wife told me that she was ready to go and she was tired, I was amazed at her strength and bravery. Then she said to me, "That it was time to be with the Father and to stop crying because she was okay". Then she went on to say," Baby after I was diagnosed with cancer, we lived our lives to the fullest". We traveled the world , we ate at the finest restaurants and did everything that our hearts desired. We never held back. then we lived life as if it wasn't promised or without regrets. I am happy that we had the chance to live life that way, because without knowing when I could die, we instead knew that I would die, so we lived life to the fullest. I only wish that it didn't take a doctor to tell us about my condition, to make us live this way . Everyone should live their life as if there wasn't a tomorrow, because in fact that's what it is. None of us are promised tomorrow and what happen to me could also happen to others. I am just happy that I got to spend my last years, my last months, weeks or hours with you, the man I love without regrets and with Gods blessings. So baby, don't be sad , stop crying because I am happy and I know its my time to go.
After hearing this from my friend my heart went out to him and I told him how sorry I was for his lose. They were the perfect couple, both short, well mannered, soft spoken and God fearing people. It was a joy for me to be in their company. I would look at them with admiration and said, to myself, I hope one day too be as lucky as them. Two people so much in love , that also loved life and also loved God. What more could a man or woman ask for? Living life to the fullest, without hesitation, without fear, without procrastination or without regrets. As I looked at my friend with a very sad face as he was about to go . He then said to me," Charles don't be feel bad for me or feel sympathy, because I am okay". My wife and I had a wonderful life, that was blessed by God. Do I miss my wife? Yes, I do. But we had a chance to do what so many people in my past and in the present didn't have a chance of experiencing. Living to the fullest without regrets and with God . If you are blessed enough to read this , please learn from this very important lesions. Never live life as if tomorrow is promised. Take chances, live life without fear, experience this beautiful world that God has created, seek love, go after your dreams and always live life to the fullest, without regrets as if there were no tomorrow.
Have a blessed weekend,
Charles
Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses. Ecclesiastes 2:10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Ecclesiastes 6:12 For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone? Ecclesiastes 7:15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness. Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of the life of your vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all the days of your vanity: for that is your portion in this life, and in your labor which you perform under the sun.
