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

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!

Do You Have Annoying Facebook Friends? And Does That Bother You? 4

Do you have a friend on Facebook that everyone says that you should delete? You contemplate deleting them, then you decide not to? Why would you keep a person on your friends lists that annoys you to no end? Well one such on friend on the imperfect Christians list said, "All Black women should be banned from driving, simply because no Black woman can't drive!" He also said, "To all my Black friends, admit you only voted for Obama because he was Black, and to my White friends admit that you were just wrong, and made a huge mistake!" Does That Bother You? It bothered the imperfect Christian to the point of praying for that person, and posting positive notes about everything, and about how Gods' will is more important than any of our won't's. For the record, "won't's" is very slang and will not score you positive points in your English classes boys and girls, but goes nicely as an "opposites attract" with "the will." The imperfect Christian (obeying God) prayed as hard as possible for this person, and even told this person directly, that he would not reply on his wall, or anywhere else about him, or his ideals, regardless of how negative he became, that he (the imperfect Christian) would just pray for him, and you know what? That person deleted the imperfect Christian! It's easy to pray for those that encourage you, those you love, but how about those that don't encourage you, or give you much reason to love them? Matthew 5:44, says hallelujah anyhow! Pray anyway! The imperfect one gets a great joy in being rejected for the sake of Christ! Beaten spiritually for the sake of Christ in a sense. Let the Holy Ghost Party begin! We rejoice at suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus Christ! (Acts 5:41) The imperfect one has said it once and will say it again, "the imperfect Christian may not be the life of the party (Christ is), but man he sure knows how to get one started! Rejection, being popular, or gaining favor is not for the imperfect one. The imperfect Christian does not need to be lifted up, take any credit, or receive any glory in the matter, but because the Holy One placed a conviction upon that persons heart that made him delete the imperfect Christian, yeah that felt pretty good, and the imperfect Christian left the online Sanhedrin rejoicing on his imperfect way. Not because this man was upset enough to delete the imperfect Christian, but because he was convicted enough to delete him, and have to start his Facebook a new. Now it is up to him to use that conviction in a manner such as Paul did, and take the gospel to the world, or to let it grow calloused and go the route of Pharaoh, and be a part of the gospel that was worldly. Facebook Etiquette Rule 7section 21B... "Don't post without the Holy Ghost, cause what you post is seen by most..."

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

What I Am Thankful For (Parental Discretion Advised)

Some folks will be traveling throughout this weekend. Some going to see family, some just to get away. The imperfect Christian is thankful for safe travel. he is also thankful for roads so liberated, they call some of them freeways! Oh and the imperfect Christian loves to fly! He hears Lee Greenwood singing when he thinks of walking through the airport terminal, heading down the corridor nearing the TSA Scanners. Sing it Brother Lee...

Well I'm glad that I'm a flying man, cause as least I fly securely...

And I'm glad that I have a government that thinks so much of me...

so I gladly stand up, and give thanks for each flight each day...

i am glad to be a flying man God bless the TSA!!!

OK the imperfect Christian is certain that if any comments are made those of you with small children, but old enough to read, may want shield their little eyes to some of what "could" be said about the TSA song, and what is to follow. Henceforth the warning label in the title. :)

Let the imperfect one begin by giving thanks to God for everyday, every season, and everything. Yes even the bad. Without the bad we would not truly know the good. Christmas is not the only season Jesus is the reason for the season.

Some have a hard time expressing their thankfulness. Like some that are uptight, and in the church and out bash the "happy people." What other stereotype is there? Oh yes, those with an "alternative lifestyle," that's one less abrasive. Well let me -the imperfect Christian- say that I am thankful for forgiveness. Forgiveness for ever using a term, that was hateful, or called anyone out of name. For those who have forgiven me for using any wrongful terms, I am thankful.

Some are uptight because a couple, or a person decided to terminate an unborn life. The imperfect Christian is once again thankful for forgiveness. Walk in the shoes, before you throw out the Blues. The imperfect one is thankful for those that heard him say under "NO" circumstances should the hideous act ever take place. To my friend that weeps at night because of her tubal pregnancy that had to be terminated, but found it in her heart to forgive me, thank you. The "imperfect" Christian is thankful that you forgive him for not being more supportive of young women, and helping educators, in and out of the home teach young women to take care of themselves, to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and for not being more supportive of those who dealt with a tragedy in their pregnancy that had to be terminated. The imperfect one wants to protect his Baby Girl from feeling alone, or lonely enough to do things recreationally, or otherwise that could change her life forever. Imperfect, but thankful is this father.

To my brother who struggled with addiction. The imperfect one doesn't have to list them, but has felt a lot of them. Imperfect but grateful, that the addiction can be overcome! Imperfect but thankful, that living in this nation is not the greatest thing in life, but what is greatest in the imperfect life is the memories of those housed in his heart from all the years before, and all the ones to come. The men, and women who sacrificed their lives, so the imperfect one could enjoy his. From those who fought at home and abroad, armed and unarmed, the front line of the Calvary in the Civil War in 1860, to the front counter with the Civil Rights Activist at Montgomery Ward in 1960, for them all the imperfect one is thankful. I am thankful for a God and Savior who resides in my heart, and ultimately gave His life. He rose again with all power, so we could live through new birth, and have that life more abundatly. Now bring on the Yardbird, football, and family! Happy Thanksgiving from the imperfect Christian to every house, and every family.

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

Three Strikes, You're Out!

"How many times should I forgive my brother Lord?"

How many times in life do you want God to forgive you?

I have wondered how two (2) guys can square off in the ring, and then hug afterwards. I mean at least I feel that way about the ones that talk smack for 90 days, and then try to literally kill one another. Then after it's over see it as just business as usual, and hug and make up after the fight. Some folks may have had a fight in third grade, grow up, and still be so immature that they can't find a way to shake the hate.

Well here's what God says...
Pete, you pitched a good game, you managed to strike out friend number one on three pitches, but being a good sport, you doubled his chances, plus one and gave him four more strikes, but nonetheless you still struck him out! Why not give him 70 times 7 in his chances, and better your odds at keeping a few friends? I am the only friend you have that homers at every at bat, and pitches a perfect game every outting..." (Matthew 18:22)

Father if I have one friend that I have offended, or hurt, I pray for that 7-70 rule. If I have a friend that feels that they are in need of the 7-70 rule, then I pray that You, our Sovereign Arranger, would bless me with seeing that, and having the time that I need to make it right. I give You the praise Lord God, and ask for Your forgiveness in all of my sin, and give thanks for Your taking my place at the Cross. Blessed be Your name Lord Jesus. Amen.

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

Glass Houses...

Jesus said to the Scribes, and Pharisee's when they were prepared to stone an adulterous woman to death, "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone." (John 8:3)

Then there was the Samaritan woman that John spoke of in chapter 4... Jesus asked her for water, and she questioned Him relentlessly about her relationship to Him (Her being recognized as a Samaritan, and Jesus being recognized as a Jew). She brought up the point that Jews and Samaritans did not associate with one another. He explained Himself, and told her of the "Living Water," and how anyone that would partake in it, would never being thirsty again. Then Jesus instructed the woman to get her husband. She said that she did not have a husband. Amazing as to how we try to lie our way out of things huh? Even more amazing as to how we react when we get caught in a lie! In case you are wondering I am not throwing any rocks! Jesus said to her that she was true in saying that she did not have "a" husband, because she had taken five, and that the one that she was staying with at that time was not her husband. She then saw Jesus as a prophet, and not as God in the flesh, and He had to reveal the truth to her, so even a five year old could understand it.

I have looked at those who chose to be victims, and I did not see my own choosing. I have looked at those addicted, and did not see my own addiction. I have been truly sorry, and then again I have been sorry only to get caught. Which woman was worse, the woman that had five husbands, and was staying with a sixth man (not a husband), or the one that they caught with only one? Before you answer that ask yourself in a serious sense, "What would Jesus (say) Do?" Do you have an addiction? Is it alcohol, drugs, sex, or something else? Why do you serve the addiction, and not Christ? Let's go even deeper, let's say you don't know Christ yet like you should. Why do you serve the addiction, the sin, instead of your family? Oh you're single, so why serve the addiction and the sin, rather than serve yourself? Why is the sin good to you? I can't answer for anyone else, but for me, to escape reality for a milli-second, and to feel like I was free, seemed to make things better. It's easy to be a Barney Christian! "Let's pretend that immorality is OK for a day boys and girls!" Sorry I couldn't stand that purple dinosaur! I had to come to realize that the truth is, the further you allow yourself to be swept into the fantasy world, the further away you fall from the real world. From true life, from eternal life.

Don't dream of a happy family, don't say one day my house will be a home, create it now! Drop your rocks, and stand on The ROCK!



Father God in the name of Jesus, forgive me as I look down my nose at others. Forgive me as I wallow in self pity. Forgive me for the times that I do not put You first. Lord let me focus on You, and not the crimes of others, nor the sins in my own house, that they would over shadow Your mercy and grace in my life. Let me pray in thanksgiving, giving You all the glory. Thank You Lord, for loving me. Amen.

Prayer requests, comments, discussions can be made here, or on the website in the upmost of confidence:

http://sites.google.com/site/gotravvy

Or you can just ask Christ into your heart right now, and give Him everything. If you listen for His call in your life, get into a good Bible based church, and surround yourself with loving brother's and sister's I can assure you of three things:

1.) You will still be imperfect, however, 2.) Your life will be better, because you will see the perfection of Christ through the imperfections of self, and others. 3.) He will see you through! No matter what the situation, He can handle it, when we can't, He will deliver you!

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