A Light at the End of the Faith-walk

After working for the past year every Sunday, I finally decided to be disciplined enough to visit with people that inspire me, and that I've promised to visit. 

Mr. James Davis was one that inspired me, and doesn't know that I'm blogging about him, so I can't get in trouble with him for boasting on him a bit. 

Mr. James always spoke to me at the store, always encouraged me, and never spoke harshly to me, of me, or of anyone when we spoke. He did however, invite me to church with every encounter. Today I honored that invitation. 

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him." Hebrews 11:6

I think it pleased God to see Mr. James' persistence pay off. I was in church and met a host of new friends. I met people genuine in their compassion, and enjoyed a great service at Friendship Baptist Church. 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Mr. James hoped God would move me, because he hadn't seen me until today. Hahaha! Upon seeing me and hearing my testimony, Mr. James blessed me with more kind words and asked me to call him when The Lord blessed me to under-shepherd His people somewhere, so he (Mr. Davis) could come hear me speak. It puts chills on me that someone still sees me as a man of the Most High, or that someone sees just a smidgen of Gods' presiding in me at all. 

Before that I attended the early service at the Spruce Pine UMC where Pastor J taught about keeping the faith also. He reminded me that God makes a way out of no way. Pastor Jeremy taught from Exodus 14, using an analogy that referred to the Dukes of Hazard. Classic sermon, and I'll never look at the parting of the Red (Reed) Sea quite the same again. "Caught between a rock and a hard place, between the devil and the deep blue sea." Pastor J reminded us that even if some of us often have our backs against the proverbial wall that God is always faithful and delivers His children. 

It was great seeing some very familiar faces; my band instructors from school, one of my star soccer players (pastor's daughter), a former cohort (band member) from the Playhouse, and others from other walks in my life. I had great experiences in both church families. 

Following up church, I had a great time watching the Panthers beat up on the Lions and eating way too much of my grandmama's delicious Sunday Best, and spending time with my Baby Girl... Life is good! Now capping off a great day with a wonderful night! #SuperSunday with a #ProudPapa that wears the title each day and participates in #ADayInTheLifeOfAnImperfectChristian

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!

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

Psalm 1:1&2
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night."

We as Christians should not dwell in the counsel of the wicked, we should dwell among the wicked and counsel. ~ Sivart Pooknyw

Tenth year since the attack on our nation, and still it stings. The imperfect Christian is not old enough to have been around during the attack on Pear Harbor, but can only imagine how the hearts of the men and women of Pearl Harbor feel every year that December 7th rolls around. Some of us have grandparents, or, perhaps even older grandparents depending on our age, that remember Pearl Harbor, and other events that are a sad part of our nations history. We as a nation persevere, and even in our differences come together as a people even if not completely to make a stand for one another. That troubles, and confuses a lot of other people. But it's as simple as comparing our nation to our family. Dad loves ice-cream, but is lactose intolerant. He loves football, racing, and competitive sports. Mom loves milk drinks it everyday, only loves Packer football, watched racing when the 3 car was driven by a man named Dale, and is not much on competitive sports unless her kids are playing and she's at the game. Just for grins and giggles, let's say that none of the other family members from either side care about any of that! What matters is that they are still a family, and they will still dish out or take a thumpin' for family! So if your ancestry dates back to whatever continent, the imperfect Christian says as an American, not as a shade or belonging to any department or sect, to his American family, have a beautiful "In Remembrance Sunday."

The NYT Remembering:
NYT: The 9/11 Decade: The Price of

The imperfect Christian may not agree with your religious views, choice of teams, or schools even, but he will not dwell in the counsels of those that encourage such behavior that disrespects leadership, love, or life. Hitlers propaganda had to start somewhere. Someone had to inspire Bin Laden. The way some people talk in this country I fear that the next leader of terror could very well be readying himself right here in our country. So rather than bad mouth our parents youth, rather than bad mouth our government working class America, I think we should dwell among the wicked that we talk about, and consider talking to them in love and with great discernment rather than about them... Then bust their tails if they don't listen. Hahaha! My apologies for the warped but heartfelt humor, you know the score...

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

Not Ashamed!

It is unheard of anymore that someone would express their faith openly on a major network. Express their faith and not catch grief over it anyway! David Kim did not just hang a Cross over his car mirror, or smack on a fish emblem on trunk of his car, he prayed on National TV in a church, and dig this... he also prayed with an employee on the sidewalk during the filming of "Undercover Boss!" The imperfect Christian has to give credit where credit is due: With Chick-fil-A, Mr. Kim's company "Baja Fresh," ranks up there in the upper eschalon. Infact the imperfect Christian gives them a (Marine Corp based/themed) Imperfect Christian "The Few, The Proud & The Blessed Award!"

Mr. Kim, to this point, has been one of the most generous CEO's on the CBS hit show "Undercover Boss." David Kim gave a franchise to, the now, youngest owner in the Baja Fresh community. Yes, you read correctly, the imperfect Christian said, "gave."

He is not afraid to help others, and not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! David Kim is more than just OK in the imperfect Christians' book.
Study to show thyself approved, a workman need not be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of God...

The imperfect Christian is now a huge fan of Baja Fresh and Mr. Kim, and is blessed to call him a brother!

Mr. Kim

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Sikh with it...

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/army-gets-1st-sikh-737345.html

The Link above is from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Coming from the Associated Press, it's a story that covers a soldier (singular) being granted the permission to wear his turban, and his beard, based on his faith walk. Is he receiving special privileges, or is this his Constitutional Right as an American soldier?

Is it OK to sue an organization, or a group for singling a person out, when that person has asked to be singled out and received special privileges?

Is there somewhere in the US Army dress code, or in any manual, or law anywhere that states that a turban is or is not basic attire for a soldier? If so, is there also an exception for ball caps, or substitutes other than berets for the US Army?

The above picture is what a non-uniformed, unwilling to adhere to the Geneva Conventions guide lines terrorist "could" look like. They could also go under the alias of soldier, but not technically or factually be called anything above a coward if they serve the Taliban. 

She's not old enough to sign a document yet, but she is old enough to know love, and understand what that uniform represents when her daddy and other men like him wears it! I think an adult willing to sign a contract to wear, and serve in one of these uniforms should understand how it is to be worn, what it represents as well.

One Month To Live

What would you do if the doctor told you that you had only a few more days left?



What would you feel?



The imperfect Christian initially felt fear.


The imperfect Christian had this book (One Month To Live) lying around in front of his closet in the huge clutter called his bedroom. He saw a book that he had picked up from a gracious and generous distributor for free at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). It was a book that he had never read, never even touched! Then after years of pretending to be a faithful person, he picked up this book. He read the intro and asked himself, how am I going to take this seriously? I am not dying in a month that I know of due to illness, and if I were, I certainly wouldn't spend it chasing money, be concerned with paying the light bill, or buying groceries. Heck no, bring on the beach! Give me a board, and a bike and turn me loose!!! Well just so happens God answered me immediately on this one. He allowed me to feel that experience to a certain degree through a nightmare. He has since placed others in my life to wake me up as well.




The imperfect Christian placed his fro covered noggin on his pillow in hopes of a warm, peaceful slumber only to find himself restless and tossing and turning! Into the night came a horrific vision of his aunt asking him about a spot on his leg. It's appearance was like, and pardon my graphic discription, a nubby nipple. It grew rapidly before our eyes, and my aunt being a critical care nurse said, "That is bad! The way it's growing means that it's probably in your blood stream and you do not have long to live, a couple of weeks at the most." Now of course this is a dream, and the imperfect one has never heard of a growth growing from the size of your pupil to the size of a plum in just a few minutes, but it seemed so real!!! I was initially horrified, literally scared to death! I then turned bitter. I was angry that this was happening to me. Then stage three saw me being angry enough to do something about it!!! The imperfect one that was once filled with fear, and then bitterness, was now filled with strength from the Holy One. The imperfect Christian took this news as a wake up call and said, "I will not go out like a coward, I refuse to let satan still another second of my joy! I will honor and glorify Christ even to the death!"




You ever get that, "I'll show them!" mentality? That's what I felt. I woke up that morning and started a diary, and asked a couple of friends to ask me about my experience when my month was up, and I have a story, man do I have a story. Why because it didn't end at the dream, He spoke to me through another compassionate heart, when I was wide awake. This has been some ride, and the imperfect Christian has work to do. Pray for a brotha, and if you need prayer, please do not hesitate to hit me back here in a comment!

So Todays Your Birthday, (Born Again?)

Today is the USMC's Birthday. So let me begin with saying thanks be to God for all of the courageous men and women that serve their country well. To my uncle's, and my Papa T who served proudly, to my family that is serving now, and to all of the other men and women, who stand for something bigger than themselves. Thank you for making the stand and for turning away the evils of this world that try and make the world a bad place, thank you. OOrah! Speaking of evil and turning away let me move forward.

It was also brought to the imperfect Christians attention just today that the first thing Christ mentioned in His adult public ministry that was recorded was "Repentance."

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Matthew 4:17)

My wife once asked me, "Can you truly be forgiven if you continue to sin?" You can't live in righteousness if you live in sin. Therefore, the imperfect one had to say no. So, how then can we live in sin, and be forgiven? We must turn from the sin (180 turn not 360 turn) and walk away. We do not always have to turn away from the sinner, because hopefully one day that sinner will come to a better understanding of Christ love through us if we continue to communicate in Christian love. However, there are those times when we have to wash our hands of a situation, and realize that we have a Savior that is able, and know that we in ourselves cannot save the world, or for that matter not even save a single soul. We can be witnesses, but not saviors.

Today is a day that John Allen Muhammad (The DC Sniper) will wish that he had repented.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=16567508

Above is a clip from Bob Meyers a brother to one of the victims that speaks out on why he is attending each portion of the slayers trial and execution. Meyers said out of respect for all the others he would be at every session. He also spoke about forgiveness, and what it means to him to forgive being a Christian.

Against Thee and Thee only have I sinned, Lord. David knew that he had hurt several people. He had broken up a family by means of adultry, and murder. He had wronged his country, with shameless acts of mild tyranny, but most of all he had sinned against God. God Almighty who had delivered him so many times before.

Father I pray that for my senseless actions, and my sins against You, that You would find forgiveness in Your heart toward me again. Not because I have been caught in a crime by any person, not because I have done wrong to the entire world, but because You know, and because the sins were committed against You. You placed Your name on every sin, for every person, and took my place, our place (mankind), when it should have been me on that Cross, when it should have been me to feel the heat of a devil's hell, You took my place, when You did not have to. You went to hell and back and for that I really am thankful. Renew in me a right spirit Lord God, and let today be a new beginning for me and others that have felt the pain of sin.

Blessings,

The imperfect Christian