The Fight of Your Life

To The Judges Score Card 

Fighters are usually trained to fight a certain way, teams train and prepare strategic game plans for certain opponents. Perhaps the technique for this fight doesn't apply to the next fight, or this strategy doesn't apply to the next game? What the imperfect Christian has always trained for, as a player and as a coach is this; never put the fight, game, or match in the oppositions hands, nor the judge's hands(control your own destiny and follow the Righteous Judge). It is not likely that a fighter will go the distance in every fight, especially if that fighter fights long enough. It's not likely that as a baseball player that you won't play on a team where the game ends on a called, "third strike." It’s bound to happen. It's not likely that as a basketball, football, futbol (soccer), hockey, or other team sport where fouls are called that they (all the games), are all going to end based on the athletes putting up the necessary points unassisted, and win every game without one of them being decided by an officials call. 

There’s also the opponent that you don’t know, you’ve never faced them before, and you have no film on them. In every case you (yourself), have to be prepared for anything, and rely on your sports IQ, and God given ability. Yes, especially in the game of life. 

The Word says that we as Christians have to be ready in season and out (2 Timothy 4:2). 

The imperfect Christian tries to be prepared on every occasion, but unfortunately, he is not always. The imperfect Christian knows what it’s like to be unprepared too, it’s no bueno, not good at all. He also knows that the only regrets that he’s had in life are: 

Haste (which leads to lack of preparation), 

Procrastination (waiting too long for something, but that something is not on God), and 

Arrogance (enough said). 

Life is too short to wake up with regrets (Ephesians 4:26). Being over confident and feeling as though you don’t need God (remember an angel named Lucifer Revelations 12:9), or not having confidence enough in Him to order your steps and take care of you (Psalm 37:23), or waiting on someone else, or yourself when God has told you over and over to get-ta-getting,’ these are no win situations (Psalm 118:8). 

Yes, love the people who treat you right, but also love the ones who need it most. The enemy who knows no love (Matthew 5:44). You may be the one soul to change their lives for the better (Acts 17:6). Forgive the ones who don't love you, because you are called to be the light of their world, when “The Light” of the world is in you (I John 4:4).

Believe everything happens for a reason (Ecclesiastes 3). If you are a child of the Most High believe that all things work for your good, you are called according to His purpose not your own (Romans 8:28).

A brother prayed for the imperfect one and said, “If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Take a few minutes to think before you act when you're mad. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy . He just promised it would be worth it.” 

Sometimes God answers prayers by not answering them, sometimes God answers prayers by exceeding what you could ever ask for in an abundance (Ephesians 3:20). Don’t give up on God, #even_if it seems the world has given up on you. Your sister, brother, perhaps your father or mother, your closest friend, your only lover, but God said He’d never leave you nor forsake you! Stay strong, stay focused, don’t let the enemy still your joy, whether it be through material things, people, or self don’t let anything steal your Joy! The struggle is usually one that is within. Don’t take it personal if someone else is trying to bring you down, take it personal if you let them! 

Peace, blessings, and Joy… that real PB&J 

In His matchless name I wish you all Heaven, 

The imperfect Christian

Behind These City Walls

Photo Courtesy of GoTravvy

This photo is not for resale, or copying, and is a non-profit production 

Behind These City Walls

Where Citizens Have NO Citizenship 

People and social media, what to do? Some people vent on their Facebook (FB), Twitter, Instagram (IG), Snapchat (SC), and the list goes on. While others boast on their social media. Some people play the victim on social media, while others pretend to be  celebrities on their social media. Some people even feel so bold that they feel their social media makes them second to God, or feel that their social media makes them a god because they don't have to believe in anything but their status (social worth), on their social media.

Please note that the imperfect Christian is pointing all fingers at self and already faced this conviction. Perfect Christian folk get bent out of shape over two things: being excluded when a lie is circulating, and being included when the truth comes around. Delete me, unfollow me, or hang on because the conviction gets thicker than a mouthful of Jif peanut butter with every truth here after.

How Do You Treat Them? 
(Photo by GoTravvy)

The imperfect one was listening to Jesse DuPlantis one day, and he hit his heart with God's love in a big, big way. The Pentecostal and evangelical DuPlantis spoke about how we as Christians mistreat one another, but especially pastors and it really taught the imperfect one as much as it touched him. It's bad enough to face discrimination, but most of us (including imperfect one from times in his past, but hopefully not in his future), also sport the title of hypocrite, and not just discriminator. We talk about discrimination when race is involved, then quickly forget that discrimination is not limited to just race. We have gender discrimination in the church, and we have denominational discrimination, but it's not limited to just those two, there is a wide variety of discrimination to choose from. Some folks are nasty to the Jehovah's Witnesses. The imperfect Christian's house is a whole lot of Heaven help him, and in need of a lot of attention, and the Jehovah'sWitnesses still leave literature on his door when he is gone, anyway. When they catch the imperfect one at home, however, let a brotha just tell you the imperfect one invites them back for coffee or tea with David B (a 120 lb Rottweiler), and they usually send a new squad out, or they stay gone for a long while. When they do the imperfect one leaves them literature inviting them back for coffee or tea. They must feel like Dave B has thumbs, can open doors, and has a hankering for making snacks out of strangers, because the note (along with their last literature) is still stuck in the imperfect door where they left their last pamphlet. The imperfect ones offer still stands, they are welcome at his home and/or church so long as it's a peaceful conversation, and both sides get to share in their faith with the appropriate time on the latter.

Back to Evangelist DuPlantis. He said that he had a dream about thousands of people walking and some got tired and fell, and those that were more physically able trampled the lesser able. They trampled them into a bloody heap, blood covered their feet ankle deep. Jesse said that Jesus stopped them, then he said Jesus asked him as He wiped his feet off with a bowl full of His tears, "You see these people you're trampling? They're all pastors, and they're all my children, and you don't walk on my children!" Lesson learned! So what then is the imperfect one to do, Lord? He said to the imperfect heart, "Read John 13:34."

Some Christians don't care for Pastor Joel Osteen's ministry because he emphasizes about our best days being ahead of us, and he doesn't preach daily about the hell behind us, and the demons around us. Well with that said sometimes one has to read or listen with a bit of inference. If you know that there's a God, and that He is loving, just, and almighty, then you have to know that there is an evil one that is none of that, and doesn't want you to know to look forward to Jesus for heaven's rewards. Oh, and why not enjoy the earthly blessings along the way?

Benny Hinn is another... How many of you, like the imperfect one has said, "If he can miraculously heal those people in stadiums, and in mega facilities, then how come he can't go to a hospital and heal all those precious NICU patients, or heal all those with pediatric cancer to those elderly dealing with cancer or dementia? How bout this, read Acts 5:38 & 39, then go help the cause of those you desire to see helped. Get involved in more than being just a critic, stop talkin' and get in the game playa! The imperfect one had to preach at self on this one before too, and he moved on it, and is still moving. You can call him out, but be careful he'll put you on blast and ask you to participate with him, or send a donation to the cause.

Lastly, how about the non-Baptist and non-Pentecostals picking on the Baptist, and Pentecostals? "That preacher is just too loud, why is he screaming at me?" Then the inverted version of that with the calmer denominations... "That one is not excitable!" "That church is dead!" The list goes on and on... So let the imperfect one ask you a question now. When's the last time you talked with Jesus, then patiently listened for Him, and not been quick to run with the Gossip Times? Satan has enough paper boys, he doesn't need you too. He's even on social media now, don't believe it, peep your Facebook. News flash, the Jew's that are Messianic are not our enemies, and neither are the Jehovah's Witnesses. Pastor Osteen, Benny Hinn, those loud pastors in your community, and those quiet, laid back, relaxed pastors, yeah... not your enemy either. The imperfect Christian isn't your enemy either, but what he knows is this, the word of God says, "When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7) He may not make them to love you, be they'll leave you be when God says that they have to. Trust in the Lord, and not the latest bashing trend, and it'll be alright. Until next time, or until heaven... Peace, blessings, and joy... that real PB&J

Hurting?

 

Have you ever hurt badly enough that you didn't know how to react? You can't cry, you can't scream, you can't even find the motion to put your head in your hands. That's a very painful experience. Some people can at least go lay down, and cry themselves to sleep. However, in this moment you can't. You can't reflect back on how beautifully the sun had shone earlier in the day, you only know that the brightness has given way to the dark, and you can only manage to stare at the skyline directly in front of you, and see the stars in the midnight sky. You are staring at them because they are where you feel that you are in that moment, that in comparison, everything seems as distant as the Milkyway to you. The psalmist said "joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5), but you're still trying to get through this night. The imperfect one looks to Qigong (a Chinese breathing technique) and says; breathe (Ezekiel 37:9), be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10), then understand as your exhaustion causes you to succumb to its unrelenting grip, that you didn't go without coverage as you passed out and didn't have a chance to pray. God is not your insurance company. There is no lapse with Him. He is not the Federal Government, He will not penalize you if you can't cover yourself. No, what He does is what no one else will... He intervenes for you (Romans 8:26). Now that's not to say He will do for you, what He expects to do through you (James 1:22), but He will cover you when no one else will. He, like no other can, will do so into eternity. 

Until the blessing of a new dawn... 

Until the return of Christ Jesus...

I wish you and all, Heaven... 

A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men?

"You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!" 

An infamous line made more than famous by Jack Nicholson in the movie "A Few Good Men."

Well here's a simple truth about the imperfect Christian that he can handle, and wishes he didn't have to. He needs to be more industrious in his bid to serve the Lord. 

The picture above is what the imperfect Christian's BDU's should look like. BDU meaning; "basic dress uniform." His reasoning for saying this is because the imperfect Christian was once a diligent student of the Word, a soldier in the Army of the Lord. He's working hard to get back in the spiritual shape that justifies his status as such a (life long) student. 

We all go through ups and downs, and have to find a turning point. The imperfect one is no different, he had to find his turning point in more than one occasion. The imperfect Christian once wrote Skip Heitzig (pastor at The Calvary Church in Albuquerque) and told him that his heroes "were," Magic Johnson, Dr. J (Julius Irving), Ozzie Smith, and a running back from USC (The University of Southern California, as well as former Bill and Niner), that his fans called Juice, that now resides in the DOC (Department of Corrections), and is called an OPUS # by officers and other DPS (Department of Public Safety) officials. 

The imperfect one told Pastor Skip that his new heroes were the pastors like Dr. Billy Graham, and himself. The imperfect Christian told Pastor Skip that he listened to and learned from the Greg Laurie's, the Tony Evans,' Charles Stanley's, and Jeremy Troxler's of the ministry world. 

The imperfect Christian explained that he was in a church every time the doors were open. He was tuned into WMIT every time he listened to his car radio. He was in the Word whenever he had a break. 

Pastor Heitzig to a break from a very hectic schedule and replied by sending the imperfect Christian a signed book on his Revelation series. Talk about a game changer! 

So how does the imperfect Christian help change the game even more? He encourages himself and others to be selfless and listen to the outpouring of a needy heart, then respond in a Christ-like, loving way. You never know what life you might impact in a very positive way. 

Will you join the cause as Christ looks for a few good men? I'm praying that you will. 

Until next time... until the blessing of a new dawn... until the return of Christ Jesus... I wish you and all Heaven!!! 

Reading Old Love Letters

Photo Courtesy of Israels DSS Collections

"Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, 'How does this Man know letters, having never studied?'" John 7:14&15 (NKJV)

Sometimes you just have to R.O.L.L. (read old love letters) with it. What if... someone had read or written a copy of the ultimate love letter to Curt Cobain? Would Courtney Love Cobain be a widow right now? 

What if an authoritative figure had read the love letter himself, would he have been so compassionless to have said, I won't lose sleep over them, I'd tell them to go ahead, I mean if someone's going to truly kill themselves you can't stop them, they'll eventually find a way.

What if that's his child one day? Does that restless night come then?

Curt was sincere, and Curt found a way. 

I don't ever want pretend to care or just say that I do. I want to be blessed to help, or blessed to never cause anyone else pain.

Lord let me be sincere, before someone else is sincere in showing that they realize that others were not. Amen. 

Love is just a word until someone shows up and gives it meaning. ~Paulo Coelho 

Missing a spirit of compassion may cost you dearly one day. Don't forget to be kind, loving, and understanding. It may help save a loved one, one day. Something's are worth missing a few hours sleep over. 

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... One last real PB&J.   

Statistically Speaking

Photo courtesy Apple Inc.

Statistically Speaking:

What if you could bet your life on something? What would it take to make you wager? What would be a great enough gain to make you take the bet? If you're smart you don't gamble, but you especially don't gamble when it comes down to your life. So let's look at the compliment of that. Let's say that there is only one way to preserve your life, and that is to take the wager. Would you be more apt to bet if that was the circumstance?

The imperfect one likes to consider himself a critical thinker, but he also enjoys simplifying. So in simple, but critical thinking, here's my conclusion on believing in something greater than myself.

If the imperfect Christian doesn't believe in God, and there wasn't a God then he's ok.
If the imperfect Christian doesn't believe in God, and there is a God, then he's not ok.

If the imperfect Christian believes in God, and there was no God, he's still ok. (Even lived a good life helping others).
If the imperfect Christian believes in God, and GOD is, then he's more than ok!

Therefore, 3 outta 4, or 75% (that's really 100%), are odds that the imperfect Christian will put his money/life on. The imperfect Christian is not the greatest statistician in the land, but he is smart enough to take the better odds, and 75-100% out class 25-0% any day.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J.

Exodus 20:16

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2014/12/12/what-was-fake-on-the-internet-this-week-kitten-killing-christmas-trees-and-malia-obamas-pregnancy/

http://www.snopes.com/media/notnews/maliaobamapregnant.asp

Little, Malia Obama is pregnant y'all, and it has to be true because Fox News or someone that really loves our first family and posing as Fox News said it. With that news, I have some news of my own.

Ok, the imperfect Christian has a confession to make:

I, the imperfect Christian, am related to the first family. Yes, I said it. The imperfect Christian is a family member to the first family. The imperfect one did not desire the publicity, but he is a relative. The imperfect Christian's last name is dutch/German, but Pres. Van Buren makes that okay, because there is not one Muslim in all of Germany, or Holland, and if there were, they would not be so bold as to move to the United States of America and run for President. Well with the new immigration law (that for the record the imperfect Christian does not agree with) maybe they might consider the move now. Even consider moving and inviting die hard conservative Dick Cheney's daughter to their same sex partnership ceremony? Who knows?

To switch gears the imperfect one has been attending Christian churches for years now, but all the while no one has once thought of making him show his birth certificate to run for a church office, or pronounce 22 million and a half times that he is indeed, a Christian. Pardon, an imperfect Christian.

While I am making such a bold move and confessing openly, I would also like to confess the inspiring of Ronald Reagan. I told Ronnie that I once lied about not knowing what or where the putrid smell in my best friends desk was coming from. When in fact I had left hard boiled eggs in his desk, that stayed there for approximately 2 weeks. Needless to say they became a bit righteous. Oh the kicker to this story, is that the eggs were left behind while my friend was out on medical leave, and during Easter break. What a pal huh? I was blessed, and honored to share this story with my old cowboy pal, Mr. Ronald Reagan. Ronnie was so inspired by my getting away with the Great Easter Egg Fiasco, that he told the world that he was unaware of the Iran-Contra scandal. That he had no idea arms were being traded (sold) for hostages.

http://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/timeline-hearings.php

I would also like to confess being the first person to use the phrase, "Stay thirsty my friends!" I first said this to the Bush twins in 2001. Hey, they told me that they were 21! I don't drink XX (Dos Equis), but if I did... it wouldn't be with these two. No matter how pretty they are!

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2001-05-31-bushdaughters.htm

And the moral of today's story is:

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exodus 20:16 (KJV)
Aloe Green could you take us out please? "I paid for every heart that I ever stole, I believed every lie that I ever told...

The lyrics are inverted but you feel me right?

It's Not The Title You Hold, But How You Hold The Title

Image Courtesy of Great Lakes Voice 

Lance Armstrong was crowned Tour De France Champion for a record seven times until he was stripped of his titles. He held the most prestigious title in the bicycling world until the discovery of his cheating. He held the title seven times temporally and wrongfully. Sadly enough he could have possibly won without cheating, and rather than being noted he would be noted as the biggest let down in cycling's history, he would have been recorded arguably as one of the greatest cyclist of all time. 

We all hold a title of some sort; World Champion, friend, Branch Manager, General Manager, Supervisor of Whatever You Do, so on, and so forth... 

The title that I am personally most thankful for, however, is:

MIC, or aka Most Imperfect Christian. 

The Most Imperfect Christian title assures me that I'm still a child of the ultimate crown holder, that I am a child capable of forgiving, capable of being forgiven, and a child of the undisputed King of kings, Lord of lords (I Timothy 6:15&16), and Most High (Acts 7:48). Therefore, I am a crown holder by being an heir to the King. 

How should we (as His children), hold our crowns? We'll share that in the next one. Until then:

Peace, blessings, and joy... That real PB&J

#Even_If

Even if you feel imperfect and don't feel worthy, remember that being a child of the King, means you, through Christ, are redeemed. Even if you have made mistakes and lived in constant sin, our God is still right there, and is still able to save us all. (John 3:17)

Even if you feel like Judas Iscariot, you can refuse the 30 pieces of silver, and even if you have already accepted them, you can still turn to the cross, rather than the rope. God can and will use you to His glory!

Even if you run like Jonah, or lie (as in lie down for those unaware of the Jez lifestyle) like Jezebel, God can and will use you. Hopefully we choose to be used for the kingdoms advancement through our advancement, rather than our being made an example.

Even if you feel rehab is beyond you, think of Rahab. She was a sporting woman that entertained many men, and God through Joshua used her, and saved her! Amazing how the entire city was destroyed and every wall downed, but Rahab and her house were saved! Yes, even if everyone else looks at you as filthy and worthless, God is able to change and save you, and rehab a Rahab! (Joshua 5&6)

Even if you struggle with sin, don't struggle with the knowledge of the love of God. Know His love, and you won't struggle with no love.

"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world though Him might be saved!"(John 3:17 KJV)

Even if all hope appears to be gone, don't give in, don't give up, give everything, and give it to HIM, not man! Cross or rope, the choice is yours. The imperfect one prays that we all choose life!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

Church Mother Jab!

Have you ever been to a church or out in public, and have a woman stick and move on you? The exception being that she did the sticking, and your head and neck did the moving? 

While in Jamaica, The imperfect Christian developed a stomach disorder. Mama T (the deaconess) chalked it up as running stomach. Her husband, Deacon Thomas, with her diagnosis, anointed the imperfect Christian with oil. He slathered it on the imperfect ones'  head, neck, and body. The deacon smacked the imperfect Christians skin like a good corner man does a fighter. The deacon prayed over the imperfect one, that day and gave the instructuon that everyone was to rise each morning at sunrise for Son rise at 5:30am to have devotion. After much prayer, The imperfect one examined Mama T's ingredients, and discovered that Mama T was putting milk (a lot of milk), in his breakfast drink. From then on out, it was only fruits and veg-Jah-tables  (veg-Jah-tables="vegetables" in the imperfect ones best Jamaican accent), an "I could've had a sweeter V-8," smack to the forehead, and healed! This was the cause of his running stomach, because the imperfect Christian is lactose intolerant... No more milk, no more running stomach, Go, and be blessed! 

One of the imperfect Christians favorite church leaders "Ms. Alice Swepson Ray," once prayed over him after noticing that he was hurting spiritually. Then with a Holy Ghost, pungent swat to the forehead, and a mild case of temporal whiplash, that lasted all of approximately two seconds, he was healed. In fact the imperfect Christian laughed after he realized that she had just knocked some sense into him. 

Then there was Mrs. Freeman. Mrs. Freeman used to do the same thing, and tell you that she loved you, but she would tag you with that flat open hand, to the forehead, quicker than a young Ali, and sharper than a seasoned, and oh so, crafty Larry Holmes could have. 

The imperfect one loves the late Ms. Marilee, and Ms. Alice, and he loves the Thomas'! Above all the imperfect Cristian loves The Lord, for introducing and allowing him to meet and know such great people.The imperfect one thanks Him, and praises Him for allowing him to go, and be blessed!

Deuteronomy 28:6 

Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. 

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J

You Can Get With This, Or You Can Get With That...

Pastor Laurie did this blog just for me. He's eaten at least eight Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in one sitting, so he definitely qualifies as my kinda preacher! I wanted to share this blog because I wanted to prove that KKD is the official doughnut of heaven, and to say that as in imperfect Christian I can say that the choice between right and wrong is ours as individuals. It is above all of our pay grade to be anything but inspectors. There is but one Righteous Judge. I pray that you enjoy his ministry and blog as much as I do. Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J! THE BELOW MESSAGE BELONGS TO GREG LAURIE AND HARVEST MINISTRIES:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013   A Bittersweet Message   To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? —2 Corinthians 2:16 Have you ever eaten something that was sweet going down but made you sick later? Let me restate the question: Have you ever eaten eight Krispy Kreme doughnuts in one sitting? I have. I got a little carried away. They were great going down. But less than ten minutes later, I was asking, What have I done? In Revelation 10, the apostle John asked an angel for a small scroll. When the angel gave him the scroll, he told John, "Yes, take it and eat it. It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!" (verse 9). John said, "So I took the small scroll from the hand of the angel, and I ate it! It was sweet in my mouth, but when I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach. Then I was told, 'You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings' " (verses 10–11). The message that we believe as Christians is sweet to us, but it is bitter to others. This is God's Word to us. We eat it like food. Job said, "I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food" (Job 23:12). For Christians to have a Bible study is like a feast. We love it. But for others, it is misery and torment. They don't like it. Some hear the gospel and say, "I love that. I believe it. I want Jesus." Others say, "Not only do I not like it, I hate it. And I hate you for saying it." As believers, we need to take the message of the gospel and give it to as many as we can. Whether they love it or hate it is really up to them.

Ele(mental) Challenges

Some folks get a new ball, and leave the old one out in the cold. Is the ball warped from the beginning, or does it grow warped from being uncared for? If so, perhaps it is time to be rid of it? The imperfect Christian thought about how some friends will do each other that way. We tell each other that we love each other, then bail when things get tough. In most cases we neglect to try or give that friend a choice. Jesus even gave Judas a choice. He knew what choice he was going to make, but He gave him the choice. God could have stopped him, He could stop us all, He did once, it was called the flood. But what is even more amazing... most will walk away from, or push away some, Jesus said to Judas, (paraphrasing) Friend, come do what you have to do. (Matthew 26:50) How amazing is that!? The person that was going to lead Him to death He called, "friend."

Peter is another example. Jesus said in front of all of his friends and cohorts... "Get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23) Peter was hurt, but was strong enough to stay with Jesus and understand that Jesus didn't call him Satan, but rather that Jesus was calling Satan, out. He (Jesus) knew that Peter was influenced by the devil, and was not himself. Peter stayed the course, albeit he drifted, he stayed with Jesus. How many of us stick by friends, when times get tough, and even worse, how many of us stick with Jesus until times get tough. It seems more and more the only time we call on Him, or fellowship with him is when we need something.

Friends will leave you over a political figure. They will ditch you over someone that neither of you even know personally. Out of their element, and into the elements, a storm over something that little know what they are talking about, or whom it is that is involved. Sports are the same way. People argue over who has the best team, or that their favorite player is the best, and when someone disagrees, then they are satan, and no longer their friend. The imperfect challenge is to not sweat the small stuff, and not leave your friends out in the elements. Jesus calmed the storm, and brought His friends in with Him, we should strive to do the same.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

When You Really Matter...

One tends to think of themselves when someone mentions time. To be selfish, and say, "When will he/she make time for me!?" You want alone time, and can't seem to get it. They want to go party, and you just ain't wit' it... That's the theme song for an "opposites attract" couple-especially those with children.

Or for those of you on the dating scene... I'm going out with the guys this weekend, or it's girls night out... Yeah but what about ME!? They always make time for others, but never you. Yeah those words and actions are more likely than not, mood killers and ofttimes relationship destroyers.

The imperfect one has a Baby Girl that always asks for time, and you know... she's worth every second of it. There is a time however, when the demand is too great to fill. You can't raise a child to believe that anyone (no, not even daddy) can drop everything, every time, and attend to every request. It is foolish to raise, teach, make anyone to feel or believe that. How many times have you ever heard a mother from the hood say, "What's wrong with you!? Can't you see grown folks talkin'!?" The mothers in the hood will tell their spouses that, let alone their kids, get outta line she dares you!

Then there is the classic non-hood approach, where you ignore them until they tug your pants leg, use a louder voice, and force you to say, "You're being ignored for a reason."

There are those times when there are interruptions that do not get turned away, however. Therefore, in those occasions (children or peers) you have to be the bigger person, and just walk away. For sanity's sake, and for demonstration of what worth is all about, you just have to SHOW all parties involved that your time and effort are of worth.

The world would be more impressed by a demonstration of our faith than by a description of it! ~ via Zig Ziglar Daily Devo

How many people do you see post about faith in a social network, then turn around and brag about things that not only God has deemed inappropriate, but you as a parent would? Come on you know where this is going...

"I love the Lord, Jesus is so good to me!" in one post, then the next post is a picture of a nude, or might as well be nude woman on his/her page. Yes his/hers... Not to mention what the captions might say. Then there are those of us (Christians) that really show our hypocritical sides and paint a prettier (nastier, more evil) picture with words alone. But we are still Christians right? Imperfect or not we say that we believe... but what do we believe, and for how long?

I have witnessed lots of things via the bigger social networks, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. A young lady that I have had the privilege of coaching, and getting to know over the years posted on her wall for all to see, "Hopefully one day your life will be as cool as you make it appear on Facebook."

The imperfect one will play like the BASF of bloggers and be innovative with her quote... Hopefully one day your life will be as true, complete, and honorable as you ATTEMPT to make it in your stories, and on Facebook.

Do you really love that man/woman, do you really love yourself? Do you? Stop lying to yourself, and know that you can't lie to the One that always makes time for you, never lies to you, never makes excuses, and never breaks any promises. The imperfect one doesn't make promises anymore, and he also knows that there is only One that is capable of upholding such a standard and His name is Jesus.

Lord I don't want to be wrong. I don't want to think or hurt, or think of being hurt, but I know that only You can be that One...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Are U 1st or Last?

What does it take to be number one? The imperfect one has to ask himself these questions, and minister to self before he can ever share anything with anyone else. So these are the questions he asked:

In a career, what makes you the top dog?
In a relationship, what does it take to make you the only one he/she has eyes for?
In life what does it take to make you number one with you?

You think you are ahead on the score card of life, then when you can't smile after take a swift kick in the teeth, or gut, you think... man I may need a knock out! Don't rest because you feel like you are ahead, or are in front. You have to keep pressing!



Matthew 20:16
"So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

Flava Flav said about 9-1-1, "You think you are first, when you really are tenth!"

Sivart Pooknyw said, "When you look back smiling and think you're ahead, you're really just about to be lapped again."

Again, what does it take to be number one!? Ask yourself now, what goal are you working toward, and what do you want to be first in? Be true to yourself, and honor God, because self may be in denial, but God always knows the truth. He will lead you to the finish line, or take you instead, if that is His will, you just have to be a willing soul. Regardless of the situation, if He is with you, then you win. Stay strong, pray (and not just for self, but for others), and remain faithful (again not just for self, but for others), in every way.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Where Can I Find The Right One?

OK the human in the imperfect one says, now he is in favor of the death penalty. Forgive Your imperfect child (me) Lord for allowing the hate in others fuel such an evil thought in Your imperfect child.

Mindless people taunted this little girl, they placed horrible images on various social networks of her. What could a child possibly do to encourage someone to such hatred. You know the imperfect one has seen some kids that are well deserving of correction, but to torment a little girl with an illness and especially a critical one, warrants a critical punishment in this imperfect mind. Lord again forgive Your imperfect child...

In Gods' care rests little Kathleen now, but her family may not rest well for sometime. Please lift them in prayer. Please lift your imperfect brother in prayer. He is in dire need of it.

Tim Allen has a new sitcom called "Last Man Standing." On the show he had a conversation with his (on show) daughter. She said something to the affect of his acts needing to be more loving, and kind, like Gods'. Tim's character said whatever happened to the acts of God that involved the lightning strikes, and the earthquakes to take care of worthless people? Well those were like thoughts of the imperfect one concerning the matter involving little Kathleen!

Abram asked God if he could find enough men that were righteous in the city, if He would spare the city, and GOD could not find one outside of Abram (Abraham)! Only Abram, and his family were spared. Unfortunately everyone in Abram's family, but his nephews wife was spared. Lot's wife looked back and was not spared. Note to self, don't look back when you ask GOD to spare your city (house), and when He says press forward do so, and remember that the one He spares just might be you!



http://news.yahoo.com/video/detroitwxyz-20910802/taunted-girl-dies-from-fatal-disease-27867302.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fdetroitwxyz-20910802%252Ftaunted-girl-dies-from-fatal-disease-27867302.html

Peace, Blessings, and Joy in Christ... that real PB & J

Do You Remember The Best Part?

Do you remember what the best part of the cake was? Did you savor it, and enjoy every morsel, or just remember that it was good?

The imperfect Christian stood by his great-great grandmother's bed side and held her hand as she died. After that day, he was fearful of death! The imperfect Christian thought about it as a youngster on a daily basis. As an adult that fearful memory was refreshed, but this time in fear for his children. The imperfect one as a young newly crowned father, had a dream that his infant son (oldest son and no longer an infant) walked out of a skyscraper window, and fell several stories. The imperfect one scrambled in the dream and forced himself to sleep, and to continue the dream, until he could catch his son before he fell to his death.One of the imperfect ones most frightening events for sure!

Then later in his adult life, and being blessed with a girl, the imperfect Christian was sent a message from an angel to give to his little angel. She woke up one night, screaming, and daddy flew to her rescue! She told her imperfect daddy something that tormented him. She spoke of a horrific death that she dreamed about... her own! The imperfect Christian fought back tears until after he talked with her. He thought about the times he dreamed of himself drowning as a child. By the grace of God he swims very well now, and survived childhood by that same grace. So we speak no such curses about death, when it is our time, it is our time. The Word that the angel gave to this imperfect father, and imperfect Christian was... "baby you don't dream of dying, you live, and dream of living!"

Life vs. Death, Heaven and hell, an eternal living God vs. a lying deceitful devil... Who wins, which do we seek most? You see we give in and let evil take way too much from us. We think about the doctor saying, "You are going to die in six months." We don't hear him say, "You have six months or longer to live!" We don't hear GOD saying, "I have prepared a place for you," or "I am the God of the living." We hear that we are going to die. It numbs you doesn't it? It made the imperfect Christian numb to think about hearing those words, he can't lie. How would we face those words? This is how the imperfect Christian chose to face them... See that pound cake above? The imperfect Christian can normally down a piece of cake like that in a breath! Not today, however! Today it took almost 35 - 40 minutes. He tasted the goodness of God through butter, sugar, flour, milk, eggs, and took his time with it. He felt that cake dissolve around his teeth, melt on his tongue, and hit every taste bud on the way down! It was a wonderful piece of cake, and the best part of that cake, was every part, not just the sweet, but the satisfying of sweet, and hunger, and the joy of having something to enjoy. To think someone cared enough to bake it, and share it with others. Thank You God for sharing first of all Yourself, but also the loved ones I get to appreciate on a daily basis, You are too good to an undeserving wretch like me!

Today the imperfect one wants to strive not just to see his children as good, but see the spirit (Spirit) within them, the full vibrant glow in those brown eyes, on each member. The perfect pink lips, and the wonderful white toothy smiles! The active little and not so little fingers with the dirty nails that show the indoor and outdoor activities. All the way down to those long finger toes with complimenting nails. Today the imperfect one challenges you, to savor each moment, and LIVE!!!


Peace, Blessings, and Joy in Christ... that real PB&J!!!

Healing An Extreme Relationship

You ever do something really bad, then think... "What the heck was I thinking, or better yet, why wasn't I thinking!" Well the imperfect Christian has been right there with you. Friends, careers, family (home and church), are all based on relationships.

So why is it that relationships hold no value at all anymore?

Family value...
Adam loved Eve so much, that he sinned against God. He listened to his wife, rather than God, and we all see where that got him right? God not only introduced Adam to Eve, He gave her to him. From his own being: flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, God blessed him, and Adam lost his mind, and more or less said, "Ok Lord, I have it from here." This wasn't the old, "My homeboy just hooked me up, dawg I owe you big!" introduction, this was ordained by God almighty. So why is it we do not value "our" relationships that way?

Career value...
We work for/with others, and/or others work for or with us. But we will treat people in our own companies like our enemies. Saul had David, and could have used his talent to make himself look (better than) good. Instead he tried to have David killed, and was the one that ended up losing it all.

Value of Friendship...
Friends are a dime a dozen right? If someone treats you well, oh well, so what, there is a world filled with people just itching to be your friend right? Why be committed to being kind to anyone that is not paying bills in your honor, or feeding every lustful desire you have?

The imperfect Christian believes a few kids need a bit more home training. Don't misinterpret now, the imperfect Christian did not say that children need abuse, but bless the Lord o' my poor soul, some kids just need a good wearing out before they get too old and hard headed to care, and end up incarcerated, or worse... dead! Don't spare the rod, spare the rubber, and if you need some new rubber, and wear a size 11 or 12 the imperfect Christian has probably got a shoe that you can wear and put to somebodies backside! Now again don't get the imperfect one wrong. Some kids have great parents. You know who you are. You are the parent that doesn't give in, the parent that can't be bribed. You are the parent that does not have the main goal of making your child(ren) your best friend, and allows your child(ren) to get by with murder. Some kids have all the upbringing in the world, and still end up rotten to the core. They are the kids that are like the "I'm good I've been water baptized bunch, so now I have a ticket to sin." Again don't misinterpret, not saying that water baptism is bad, what the imperfect one is saying, is that he learned from his Grandmama that some people go in a dry devil, and come out a wet one. (Via Pastor Baker Baptism 101)... People only lookout for #1, and don't care about anything, or anybody else.

So what do you value? What do relationships at home, at church, at work, or in public mean to you? Love thy enemy, and love thy neighbor as thyself? Or as a whole are we becoming the society that embraces the love of hate over everything? And again America, and all it's wonderful Christians wonder why the world hates us so. Hmm... nation full of hypocrites, Jesus would call us all lying, thieving vipers, and start turning tables over right now if He were still in flesh on this planet. It is a sad, sad thing! Yes, the imperfect one sees those three fingers pointing back at him (thanks Brotha Bamm Bamm for point that out, no pun intended), and only one at the accused. However, if the shoe fits... walk it out baby, walk it out!

You know the deal...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

http://www.inquisitr.com/146144/saggy-pants-ban-earns-georgia-town-4000/

Detroit and Georgia now have bans on saggy bottoms. Who's singing "Pants On The Ground," right now? But a better question is, who are the authorities picking on? Are they gaining $4,000 in fines and losing $40,000 in other crimes, or in man power to enforce this law? A warning because you drawers are exposed? "Wear a belt young man/lady!" Isn't that unconstitutional somewhere?

The imperfect Christian read a blog that his immediate supervisor turned him onto. The blog is written by James Altucher. Mr. Altucher says, "If I stand in the center of Times Square New York City and said something like 'Moses didn’t part the Red Sea' or 'Jesus never existed' everyone would just keep walking around me, ignoring what I said, etc. Whatever, they would be thinking, I have things to do, very important things that have to get done. And this guy is clearly crazy so not worth my time.

But if I stood there and said, “going to college is the worst sin you can force your kids to commit”, or “you should never vote again” or “World War II was not a holy war” or “never own a home again”, I would probably be lynched on the spot."

Christians claim to be Christians, and tell you that they put God before everything, yet they will cling to a man made law over His. More people in the past three years have used the term, "It's unconstitutional," than they have used, "It's a sin, and unpleasing to God."

What are you saying? Now the imperfect Christian truly believes that God would be better pleased, if we were being modern day good Samaritan's, versus arguing over the law, both man made, and Biblical. The imperfect Christian summoning Mr. Barkley... "Charles!"

Charles replies, "I may be wrong, but I doubt it!"

So where do we go with baggy hanging off your backside pants, foul language, disrespect, and inappropriate acts altogether? When it comes to our children, the Bible says... "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

As an adult we have choices. Our home training is done, so, "Saggin, or Non-saggin?" Nuff said.

The twisting of the law to get personal gain is so pathetic, that it is sickening. The imperfect Christian doesn't agree with the saggy pants, but he does not believe that extremes will create anything but hate, heartache, and horrible heinous crimes that benefit the already wealthy and not the city.

Until the next time, you know the deal.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Inmates and Intimates (Does That Bother You? IV)

Isn't it funny how one or two letters can make such a huge difference? Abortion, Capital Punishment, Taxes, the economy... how about education!? Religiously not everyone is on the same page. Nowhere is everyone on the same page completely, or at least not in the same book. Some have books, others have blood given covenants. So morally can't we find that common ground? Men and women argue everyday about what needs to happen, rather that make it happen. Did you watch the GOP Presidential debates last week? Did you observe or think about President Obama's hitting the campaign trail, to try and bid for his second term? You say you support the death penalty, one group of friends labels you as a diehard conservative. You say you somewhat support it, and they call you a hypocrite. If you do not support it, you are a yuppie scum liberal, and if you are uncertain, do not totally support it, then again you are a hypocrite!

The imperfect Christian passed a fellow cyclist on the road side and thought about Jesus' parable of the "Good" Samaritan. The imperfect one turned and went back to check on him, and you know, he didn't ask the imperfect one what had taken him so long! Amazing huh? In my grandparents generation, and generations before, society "learned" to be patient. Patience was a discipline, that served us well. Then along came my mothers generation, and we learned to pressure patience, and wanted an answer, or delivery in just a few minutes. Well good people, we now live in the iGeneration, and no longer the Microwave, or Last of the Good-ones Society! So cheer on your favorite liar, and blame anyone you can except for self, in what's wrong with our society today. Abortion, Capital Punishment, the economy, and taxes would not be an issue, nor would education if we followed two rules...
Not my two rules, but Jesus':
1. "Love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,"
2. "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Luke 10:25-37 

And behold, a certain lawyer (an expert in the law) stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
He (Jesus) said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”
So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
And He (Jesus) said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live (eternally).”
But he (the expert in the law), wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal (most likely a donkey), brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii (enough loot to foot the bill in most cases, he was not worried about having to come back and give more, he had my man covered!), gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend (any extra expense the man costs), when I come again, I will repay (reimburse) you.’
So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
And he (the expert in the law) said, “He who showed mercy on him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 

Prevention is better than cure! If we loved one another and taught love instead of hate, we would not have to worry about prisons, and rest homes! Here's a nicety little scenario for ya:

Place the elderly in prisons. They will get a shower a day video surveillance in case of problems, three meals a day, access to a library, computer, TV, gym ... Put criminals in nursing homes. They have cold meals lights off at 8pm, one bath a week, live in a smaller room and pay 4,000 a month !!!!! It's Pretty damn sad that we treat prisoners better than the elderly!!!!

Where are the real Christians!? All that say lord, lord, are not saved, but those that know the Lord, are. Some politicians say that they are Christians. Some people you meet everyday say they are Christians, but when they are after something for themselves, they will show you the devil. So again my Christian brothers and sisters, have you treated one another and nonbelievers as well as yourself? Where are you Christians?

Signing off, the imperfect Christian.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J