Easy? Yea..Right

Matthew 10:22 Says:
"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

You thought that when you dedicated your life to Christ that it would somehow become magically easy?  I mean it makes sense in theory: you dedicate your life to the Savior and He supplies all your needs and makes life easy...like the kid born with the silver spoon. Slight problem with that theory...Jesus wasn't who everyone expected him to be.  Everyone expected the "Messiah" to be a counterrevolutionary.  To over throw Caesar (the Roman Government) and to be fearless and ruthless. Well...Jesus entailed one of those characteristics, He was indeed fearless, but he was the complete opposite.  He was loving and cared for those that others persecuted.  Isn't that more reputable in the long run than the violent heroes? Due to his loving nature, no one could tear him down when at least they tortured Him, placed him ona cross ontop of a mountain, placed nails in his limbs and a crown a thorns on his head and left him to die.  It wasn't a quick death...it was a slowly slow death where one by one each organ started to die.  They say we have ten pints of blood, well just imagine the pain of each ounce of blood lost due to the piercings...what a death!

Because of that death of Jesus we cannot expect our life to be easy.  We are in fact misfits...we don't fit in in this world. We are like Katy Perry's ETs.  Chances are, most of us aren't going to become martyrs to the extent that Jesus was but we, as Christians will be hated just as they hated our Savior.

So, why would you want to be a Christian? One word: salvation.  The only thing we have as Christians is faith.  Without it, we are dead.  We have the faith that this fallen world will be changed when God calls all his saints to heaven where we will bask in his glory.

Besides, it won't be all bad.  The bible reminds us that trouble doesn't last always (Romans 8:18). Jesus makes a promise to us in the verse at the top of this blog..that those that stand firm in the end will be saved.  I fully believe every word he says.  Emotions and problems are temporary...they will all wither away but we have the Prince of Peace on our side and as the songwriter wrote: If I God is for us; then who could ever stop us. And If our God is with us; then what can stand against [us].

If you are going through something (which everyone is) just remember that God didn't promise that this was going to be easy.  In fact he was "real" with us and told us its going to be hard. However, just as the Lionel Richie song states: "Jesus is Love." The devil is the Prince of Darkness and he wants nothing more to rip, tear us, and destroy us.  But as long as you got King Jesus...you don't need nobody else. Just keep believing and keep the faith...cuz it's the only thing we have... 

What is Your Purpose?

We go to grade school to learn how to count, to learn basic civic stuff...to basically get educated on a human level.

Then we go to high school where our identities are challenged, questions are really beginning to form in our heads, and most of us come out more confused than ever while in the process trying on many different "masks" only to find out that not one truly fits.

Then we go to 'higher education' where we travel through it and by the time we finish, its like we are a small fish in a huge aquarium called life.

This whole process is supposed to teach us one thing: our purpose in life.

So I ask the question: What is your purposed in life?  What is that gift that God gave you that makes you unique, that makes you different from everyone else.  We are all created in the image of God (don't believe me read Genesis 1-5) but it's also mentioned that we all have specific roles or tasks that will further the kingdom.

Romans 12:4-8 says:
⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Everyone is useful in the advancement in the kingdom of the Lord.  I don't want ANYONE to ever feel unloved or just a waste of time/space/energy.  

I have a firm belief that one of the reasons I was put on the earth was to help the hurting in Spirit.  To help the broken hearted.  To help those that just needs that word of encouragement or just someone to listen.  I hurt for those that hurt but I also rejoice for those that rejoice.  My heart is glad when I see someone succeed especially when I know they travailed through the depths of whatever Hell they were in and they came out SUCESSFUL!

My journey, the people I have encountered and helped has affirmed this call in my life.  I'm not saying that this is the only thing I'm called to do, but it's a huge part.  So I challenge whomever is reading this to find one of your purposes in this world.  Every fish is NECESSARY in this Big Ocean called Life. Do you have a knack for helping people? Encouraging People? Listening To People? Advising People? Mentoring People? Teaching People? Loving People? Showing Mercy on People? ________________ for people?

For Each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, through many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

What A Friend We Have...

I know who you are...you are struggling with low self-esteem...you are struggling with depression...you are just struggling with the concept of love. Well, can I let you in on a little secret. There is someone I know that can be there for you 24/7, that will love you more than any man ever could, that can understand you better than any woman ever could...His name my friends is Jesus.  No matter what you are going through just know that You have a friend in Jesus.

Even in those nights when you are crying because you are all alone...you have a friend in Jesus.

Even in those moment that you feel like no one cares...you have a friend in Jesus

Even in those times that you are going through a living hell and you think no one can understand you...you have a friend in Jesus.

Even in those nights when you can't stop the tears from falling down your face because of what HE did...still, you have a friend in Jesus

Psalm 34:18 says: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

Am I bowling down your lane? At this point in your life do you feel hopeless? Crushed? Abused? Unloved? Unappreciated? And just all out down? Well I'm here to encourage you to just go to God in prayer and I PROMISE you this: your prayers will be heard. Surrender yourselves friends and be healed...

Transformation

It's been a lil while since I posted on here but sooo many things in my life has changed and mine eyes have just been amazingly illuminated and all I can say now is: GOD IS SOOO GOOD!  I've developed a closer relationship with two of my brothers in Christ, I think I'm finally getting a grip on my biggest temptation in life, and I'm realizing things about me that I never thought I would've known.

Now don't get me wrong, last this February was probably one of the craziest & most dramatic months I've ever lived in and there was alot of drama, but in the end, it was all worth it.  I figured out how much I could take through life and life dealt me a lot but I smashed that curveball for a home run using the bat of God's grace.  Hallelujah!

I realized also, that my greatest strength is also my greatest weakness.  I was trapped in this cycle that I couldn't get out of, but I think I finally put a strangle hold on it.  There was a school dance today, and I felt nothing and it was AMAZING! (yea I know that that probably makes no sense but that's ok)  I pretty much hung out with my bro the entire time, so no distractions and no temptations.  I believe that I can really prosper with the Lord on my side.  The song writer said: "Where do you stand?/Who's on the Lord's side/I'm on/The Lord's/Side!"  That's my testimony for tonight.

I want to encourage anyone out there: no matter what you are going through, no matter what issues you have, no matter what temptations you have, YOU CAN MAKE IT. IF you pray and be on the Lord's side.  I'm a living witness to the transforming process that God can put you through.  If you do choose to go to Jesus in prayer, you have to be fully committed, because it is going to get hard, but with the help of your friends and family, you can "get 'er done". Never Never Never Give Up!

Romans 12:2 (my favorite biblical chapter btw) says: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Deserving

What do I deserve?  I recently caught myself, like I always do, complaining.  Complaining about my life complaining about my mind even complaining about other peoples' lives (crazy I know!) but then I just stopped myself.  Why?  Because a thought came to my head that made me realize: WHO AM I TO COMPLAIN?  I do understand that it is the "Christian Thang" to complain but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't do my best complaining.  

This month there has been a plethora of changes in my life; positive changes in my life but for some reason I find that thing to complain about. Why?  It is because I ine'vitably ungrateful.  I'm reminded of the Deitrick Haddon Song simply titled: "Ungrateful" where the bridge says:

Lord forgive me..., I'm sorry...so ungrateful/When I Should Be Thankful/Please Forgive me..Lord I'm sorry/I Should be thankful, but look at me/I'm so ungrateful after all that You've done..

And that right there makes me ponder the idea, what do I deserve?  Why do I feel like I'm entitled to anything.  Anything that I have whether it is material, relational, or spiritual is a GIFT from the Lord.  Why can't I get it across my thick skull and stop complaining?  As a believer its frustrating to complain about little things.  Ok, you don't like me like I like you, so, I have to get over it.  Ok, I didn't get the gift I wanted, I have to get over it.  Ok, I didn't get the grade I wanted because I didn't work as hard as I could've (because you can always work harder), well, I have to get over it & then work harder next time. Ok, I don't the singing voice I want, I have to get over it & make it work for me.  Dear Michael, stop being ungrateful.

The high positions I have is nothing but a blessing from God and I even catch myself complaining about that.  Are you kidding me?  I don't DESERVE to be the director of two choirs!  I thank God every day that he gives me the opportunity to bless others and that those that follow me...follow me.  Paul said that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  There hasn't been a more true statement in my opinion.  I am no better than anyone else out there.  Why do I get mad when I didn't get the promotion I feel like I deserved.  Or why do I get mad when I didn't get the girl I felt like I deserved.  Why do I get mad when I didn't get the recognition I felt like I deserved.  Or get mad because I can't hit the tenor note all the time because I deserve to do it.  I can keep going, it is ridiculous when I type it out.  Truth be told the only thing I deserve is to go to Hell.  But by the grace of God, sending his ONLY begotten son Jesus the Christ am I not destined for that eternal pit.

You know, for the first time I'm being completely honest.  All these things are things I've personally struggled with.  I'm sure I'm missing some of the other things I'm missing which is fine.  But if you are reading this, just remember to Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1).

Forgiving

I made a blog a lil while ago about Forgiveness and whether we honestly forgive of which I came to the conclusion of yes and no.  This blog isn't going to contradict that one nor event talk about similar situations.  The reason this is being written is because there is a couple situations in my life where either me or someone close to me and yearning to forgive someone for a wrong they did to them.  Da' T.R.U.T.H. made a song called Forgiveness and I'm going to use specific parts of his song to shape my thoughts.

 (Chorus):

They say forgiveness is a choice

Disappointment and anger gives bitterness a voice

But I gotta swallow my pride and follow my God

Til I’m finished this course

The chorus to this song brings up the old wise tale that forgiving someone is totally up to the person that's wronged.  Well, I'm here as well as the Bible is here to tell you that that is a common fallacy.  We do not have a choice to forgive, rather it is something that is required of us.  To be able to legit forgive someone is admitting that you are no better than they and even more important, you are not greater than God.  Why do I say that?  Yes, you've been wronged, and hopefully the person acknowledges that, but even if they don't, holding on to the grudge is saying that all the wrongs youve done to other people phathom in comparison to what that person did.  And maybe in reality it does, but we are all humans and you NEVER know how much of your actions hurt others.  Furthermore, God forgives us for stuff we do ALL the time.  Jesus forgave those (aka us) that crucified him.  Our job as a Christian is to follow Jesus, right?  Then we have to forgive or else we aren't doing our jobs.

The 2nd Verse says (in part):

God knows what you’ve been through; He’s intune

But forgiveness is the healing for them wounds

So you gotta let it go, let it go

it’ll kill you if you let it grow

unforgiveness is a poison

I love the line, "unforgiveness is a poison" because it really is.  Once again I will reiterate, yes you've been wronged, but until you are able to forgive that "wrong" you faced will continue to haunt you.  You will never be able to get over what he/she did to you and most likely you will reflect that anger/hate on someone else and in the end, hurt future relationships.  How do I know?  Just ask me at a later time. As the T.R.U.T.H. said, "forgiveness is the healing for them wounds."

The third verse says (in part)

Love your enemies is part of growing up

Wanna hold a grudge, I know its tough 

But if Joseph the dreamer forgave his older bruh

And Christ forgives for all our sins

And likes to give life tho we aint go no right to live

My FAVORITE line in here is "love your enemies is part of growing up."  Not everyone is going to like to hear this (including myself), but holding grudges is a childish act.  Growing up and maturing is a process that in part opens your eyes to realize that we are all the same; we are all humans and we are all sinners.  And just by that categorization, we are ALL going to mess up.  The quicker you realize that, the quicker you need to forgive.  Besides, if it wasn't for Christ forgiveness, we all be dead right now.

Epiphany

I just had an epiphany.  I've been writing about the whole "woe is me" narrative to the point that I'm tired of it.  I haven't really been relaying it to people cuz I'm tired of it.  Why do we, as Christians, constantly try to keep everything in control?  Because it feels safe.  The problem is that this "safe" feeling is only temporary because every good thing comes to an end.  And when it comes to an end we all try to do 2 things: Run to God and/or Run to our friends/Family (humans).  Do we typically remember to praise God during the happy times?  Do we typically remember to thank Him for all he is doing during those happy times?  Maybe if we did, when the storms come and go (best believe they will go!) we wouldn't be so shaken.  Maybe its just me but being sad and down is time consuming and exhausting!  Not only are you exhausting yourself but also the people you go to.  So I'm determined.  Determined to not let the little things bother me.  I will not only Praise You in the Storm, but I will praise You in the good times.  I need to trust that You have my best interests and that You know more than I.  It's a hard thing to do...ya know...to let go and let God.  But it has to be done. 

Ahhh I love these moments.  Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me.  I'll never understand why you did it but I am thankful that you did.

That's all for now.

-MJA