Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Weakest Link
The strategy in a war is to annihilate its opponent; not its team mates. In an act of war, taking out the enemy while taking down your own team mates is counterproductive. You must be strategic. Strategists identify their target, aim for that target, and launch their missile accordingly. The truth is, the lack of strategy breeds disunity. If a team mate is launching missiles to take out an opponent while eliminating members of his/her team, it weakens the strength of the team and sows discord. This results in an impuissant team lacking the fortified efficacy to drive the opponent backwards and thus forfeiting the team's impending victory. In other words, the one that creates disunity is the one that causes the advancement of the team to be compromised. As the television show would say, "YOU ARE THE WEAKEST LINK". If there are battles that are lost, and there is a lack of understanding as to why, look for "the weakest link." There is a popular saying that says, "Where there is unity, there is strength." Matthew 12:25 says (AMP), "And knowing their thoughts, He [Jesus] said to them, Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation and laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will last or continue to stand." I'm indeed inclined to believe that the key to overthrowing, dismantling, and disrupting the strategies of our adversary is found in the antiquated principle of unity. Antiquated? Yes. Impossible? Surely not. But achievable? Absolutely! With that said, let's advance the Kingdom!
Grace, Peace, & Love...
The Weakest Link
The strategy in a war is to annihilate its opponent; not its team mates. In an act of war, taking out the enemy while taking down your own team mates is counterproductive. You must be strategic. Strategists identify their target, aim for that target, and launch their missile accordingly. The truth is, the lack of strategy breeds disunity. If a team mate is launching missiles to take out an opponent while eliminating members of his/her team, it weakens the strength of the team and sows discord. This results in an inpuissant team lacking the fortified efficacy to drive the opponent backwards and thus forfeiting the team's impending victory. In other words, the one that creates disunity is the one that causes the advancement of the team to be compromised. As the television show would say, "YOU ARE THE WEAKEST LINK.". If there are battles that are lost, and there is a lack of understanding as to why, look for "the weakest link." There is a popular saying that says, "Where there is unity, there is strength." Matthew 12:25 says (AMP), "And knowing their thoughts, He [Jesus] said to them, Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation and laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will last or continue to stand." I'm indeed inclined to believe that the key to overthrowing, dismantling, and disrupting the strategies of our adversary is found in the antiquated principle of unity. Antiquated? Yes. Impossible? Surely not. But achievable? Absolutely! With that said, let's advance the Kingdom!
Grace, Peace, & Love...
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Grace, Peace, & Love...
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Keep it 100
William Shakespeare is probably one of the most well known famous English poets and playwrights known. His work has been integrated into seemingly every high school and college classroom for English literature while students seek to gain an understanding of the mysteries hidden beyond the pages of the written soliloquy penned during times of emotional distress. One of the most popular discourse's studied is that found in Hamlet; "To Be or Not To Be..." I can recall being assigned this very passage by Mrs. De Flores in AP English in high school; I had to stand before my class and deliver this monologue with passion and power. Needless to say, I rehearsed this passage, I studied this passage...it became real to me. So real that I delivered, and earned my A.
The unfortunate thing is that there are now allegations that all of the works attributed to William Shakespeare were really written by the 17th earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere. In fact, there is a new movie being released soon with these accusations being the plot of the movie. So what does this mean? William Shakespeare is being accused of fraudulent behavior! Whether that is true or not, I can't say. But the accusation is quite chilling. To think that something that we have seen as true or real for centuries is now under question causes me to ponder on another question...To be real or not to be? That is the new question.
We live in a society that is no longer impressed by the eloquent speaking of vain repetitious words void of demonstration and power. We want to see the manifestation of what has been said. In other words, we don't want to see it, and we certainly don't want to hear it unless there is a stamp of approval that says REAL.
In order to understand what it means to "Keep it 100," we must truly understand the state of our generation to fully grasp the importance of this philosophy of real. Today's generation of young adults were raised on talk shows (i.e. Rikki Lake, Sally Jesse Raphael, Phil Donohue, Jerry Springer, Geraldo Rivera, Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, etc). We have been conditioned to want everything "raw." It's essential in communicating with us that we receive it that way or it becomes diluted and the first thing we say is, "Keep it 100." The unfortunate thing about our awareness of "real" is that is has caused us to be desensitized or numb to situations and issues. Nothing surprises us anymore. But fortunate for us, we examine everything to the letter. Everything and everyone passes through a scan now. Nothing and no one is exempt.
With that in mind, one of the most common yet unscriptural declarations that people, including Christians, say is "only God can judge me". While that may sound like the right statement, it is certainly not an accurate statement. God has called us, the people of God, to righteously judge! That is not to be confused with criticism. But judge? Yes...that is your job.
1 Corinthians 2:15 NIV "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgments."
1 Thessalonians 5:21 NIV "Test everything. Hold on to the good."
John 7:24 NIV "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."
1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV "Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!"
There is a 90 day rule that the world's system utilizes as a way of discerning or making judgment about it's employees. It says that employees show up with false pretenses in order to secure a full time, permanent job with benefits. But within 90 days, that person's true character will show up. By day 30, tardiness has increased. By day 45, some additional bad habits have surfaced that are not conducive to a productive work environment. By day 90, HR decides if the employment relationship will work before they release unto you full benefits. In the same sense, I have for years implemented that 90 day rule. Everyone undergoes it and no one is exempt. I have made a couple of exceptions over time. And I can honestly say that each time I have done that, I have paid for that mistake greatly. But as I write this, I have recommitted myself to being who God has called me to be governmentally in the Kingdom of God. My prayer to God is the same prayer that Solomon prayed in 1 Kings 3:9 NIV, "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
In conclusion, my encouragement to you is this; test everything. Leave nothing untouched. If it seems off, it likely is. Don't be afraid to examine areas that many don't want to for fear of repercussions. And by all means, KEEP IT 100 with yourself. There is no way for you to identify the "real" if you live by the "fake."
The unfortunate thing is that there are now allegations that all of the works attributed to William Shakespeare were really written by the 17th earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere. In fact, there is a new movie being released soon with these accusations being the plot of the movie. So what does this mean? William Shakespeare is being accused of fraudulent behavior! Whether that is true or not, I can't say. But the accusation is quite chilling. To think that something that we have seen as true or real for centuries is now under question causes me to ponder on another question...To be real or not to be? That is the new question.
We live in a society that is no longer impressed by the eloquent speaking of vain repetitious words void of demonstration and power. We want to see the manifestation of what has been said. In other words, we don't want to see it, and we certainly don't want to hear it unless there is a stamp of approval that says REAL.
In order to understand what it means to "Keep it 100," we must truly understand the state of our generation to fully grasp the importance of this philosophy of real. Today's generation of young adults were raised on talk shows (i.e. Rikki Lake, Sally Jesse Raphael, Phil Donohue, Jerry Springer, Geraldo Rivera, Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, etc). We have been conditioned to want everything "raw." It's essential in communicating with us that we receive it that way or it becomes diluted and the first thing we say is, "Keep it 100." The unfortunate thing about our awareness of "real" is that is has caused us to be desensitized or numb to situations and issues. Nothing surprises us anymore. But fortunate for us, we examine everything to the letter. Everything and everyone passes through a scan now. Nothing and no one is exempt.
With that in mind, one of the most common yet unscriptural declarations that people, including Christians, say is "only God can judge me". While that may sound like the right statement, it is certainly not an accurate statement. God has called us, the people of God, to righteously judge! That is not to be confused with criticism. But judge? Yes...that is your job.
1 Corinthians 2:15 NIV "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgments."
1 Thessalonians 5:21 NIV "Test everything. Hold on to the good."
John 7:24 NIV "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."
1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV "Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!"
There is a 90 day rule that the world's system utilizes as a way of discerning or making judgment about it's employees. It says that employees show up with false pretenses in order to secure a full time, permanent job with benefits. But within 90 days, that person's true character will show up. By day 30, tardiness has increased. By day 45, some additional bad habits have surfaced that are not conducive to a productive work environment. By day 90, HR decides if the employment relationship will work before they release unto you full benefits. In the same sense, I have for years implemented that 90 day rule. Everyone undergoes it and no one is exempt. I have made a couple of exceptions over time. And I can honestly say that each time I have done that, I have paid for that mistake greatly. But as I write this, I have recommitted myself to being who God has called me to be governmentally in the Kingdom of God. My prayer to God is the same prayer that Solomon prayed in 1 Kings 3:9 NIV, "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
In conclusion, my encouragement to you is this; test everything. Leave nothing untouched. If it seems off, it likely is. Don't be afraid to examine areas that many don't want to for fear of repercussions. And by all means, KEEP IT 100 with yourself. There is no way for you to identify the "real" if you live by the "fake."
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Face of Disaster
I was completing an assignment on crisis management tonight and thought I would share a portion of the paper that I thought was significant to how we respond to major disaster. As I wrote, I couldn't help but think about all those people who were affected by the September 11 tragedy (which we are coincidentally remembering today), those who were forever changed due to Hurricane Katrina, or the earthquakes that have been occurring seemingly worldwide. Then I considered my own personal disasters...all that I've seen and encountered throughout my years, I realized that although our personal disasters may differ, the ravaging effects remain the same. They are gut wrenching, heart breaking, mind boggling...it can literally suck the wind out of you. I'm sure you are reading this and thinking of that one situation...that one "disaster" that you weren't sure that you'd recover from. And I'm also sure that you are also considering the one that didn't make it. Of all the people that didn't survive, you did. But for the grace of God! Don't you ever wonder why? Why you? Why did He take her but leave you? Why did it crush them, but fortify you? What great resilience you have! To stare disaster in the face and say (in my most country voice), 'I'm gone' make it anyway." I'm thinking...one of the things that causes me to fight...I mean keep pushing through is the fact that someone, or something has told me that I couldn't. If I wanted to quit, I wouldn't dare give my adversary the satisfaction of winning! I may have a scar or two, or four, or thirteen, or more! But I promise it's just a scar and not a fatal wound. I've been living by this motto...I'm LOL (Living Out Loud) even when there are those who want me to live silently! Anyway, here's the part of my paper that I wanted to share...
"In completing this assignment, there were observations that I made both in understanding the different types of crises, and in considering the different crises that I have experienced. One of the most interesting things that I have found is that when disaster strikes, people will either bind together, or they will tear apart. It is likened unto the fight or flight syndrome. More often times than not, I have found that people will fight together rather than against each other. One of the most memorable tragedies that I have of this very insight is that of Hurricane Katrina. During that time, people were put into the Super Dome for shelter. This meant that the sick were put into a room with the healthy, the honest with the dishonest, and the moral with the immoral. There were numerous accounts of those who were killed in the Super Dome as a result. But even through those situations, the majority of the natives of New Orleans stuck together. Another example of this is found in the tragedy of September 11, 2001 as it brought people together who may have never come together. Through disaster, I have learned that it knows no color, it knows no gender, and it knows no race. Disaster doesn't even know a name. But the rise of those affected by the disaster is predicated upon the strength and resilience that they collectively draw upon in hopes of a brighter future. "
Love You All...MJ
"In completing this assignment, there were observations that I made both in understanding the different types of crises, and in considering the different crises that I have experienced. One of the most interesting things that I have found is that when disaster strikes, people will either bind together, or they will tear apart. It is likened unto the fight or flight syndrome. More often times than not, I have found that people will fight together rather than against each other. One of the most memorable tragedies that I have of this very insight is that of Hurricane Katrina. During that time, people were put into the Super Dome for shelter. This meant that the sick were put into a room with the healthy, the honest with the dishonest, and the moral with the immoral. There were numerous accounts of those who were killed in the Super Dome as a result. But even through those situations, the majority of the natives of New Orleans stuck together. Another example of this is found in the tragedy of September 11, 2001 as it brought people together who may have never come together. Through disaster, I have learned that it knows no color, it knows no gender, and it knows no race. Disaster doesn't even know a name. But the rise of those affected by the disaster is predicated upon the strength and resilience that they collectively draw upon in hopes of a brighter future. "
Love You All...MJ
A Heart Condition
There is something so beautiful about the love of a father. There is a sense of covering and protection, guidance, strength…it’s presence is so powerful. Yet the absence has its consequences. My heart is weighed with compassion for those who couldn’t release themselves to celebrate during this season of honoring fathers. I sense that there are many of you that suffer from heart conditions. Not the type of heart conditions that must be diagnosed by medical doctors through natural devices designed to determine such conditions. But by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. During my quiet time, the Lord placed on my heart that the difficulty that many experience in fully engaging with Him as “Father” is directly associated with the disappointment and hurt experienced by their natural fathers. These disappointments manifest in many areas, whether people are willing to admit it or not. For the man who witnessed and often experienced the wrath of his alcohol and drug induced father…he repeats the cycle with his wife and children. For the man who was sexually abused by the man who was supposed to cover and protect him, namely his father, he now finds himself trying to wash the shame of his wounded masculinity in the bed of virgins. For the woman who’s father walked out and left or was never there…she tries to find the approval of a man through the roller coaster rides of relationships and promiscuity not realizing that the void will never be filled. This list of disappointments can go on and on. I myself have during a season of my life suffered from the same ache and pains in my heart that many of you experience today. It’s an unexplainable grief. A grief of either what used to be, or what never was. But my encouragement to you today is that there will only be peace and inner healing for you as you began to live life through the Spirit. Romans 8:12-16 (NIV) says, “Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeed of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.”” Beloved, when you no longer live and play by the rules of the world, you are no longer subject to the effects of the world. By all means, I don’t mean that you do not have to live according to the laws of the world we live in. I am speaking of something much more than that…much deeper than that. It’s the inner healing I’m after today. When you are hurt in an incident, and you desire the pain to go away, do you seek medicinal healing from the thing/one that caused you the pain? Hopefully not. If you do, then there is yet another heart condition that we need to discuss besides this one. But when you have experienced pain, you go to a physician. I’m merely telling you to allow the Great Physician to bring you that healing. When, and not if, He heals you, then the cycle of pain is broken! Do you hear what I am saying? It’s done! You are healed! That comes through life through the Spirit. I encourage you to evaluate your road on life. Are you living according to the nature of the flesh? Then everything your flesh experiences, you will feel; guaranteed. But if you ever step over into the realm of living according to the Spirit, then you can only experience life!
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