Seasons

Seasons 

Fall brings change. In the Appalachian Mountains the foliage brightens the slopes and ridges with a collage of autumnal coloring that paint a magnificent picture. Those leaves will fall, some people’s countenance fall. The warmth of Summer is fading, and the transitional phase of cool soothes Fall fans. 

Are you going through a season? Then keep going! Yea though I walk through the Valley... (Psalms 23). Be ready in season and out of season (2 Tim 4:2). 

Seasons are expected, change is expected, but are you expectant? Are you ready? Ready for God to move you through another season. Ready to be a blessing to someone special? Ready to be blessed by something or someone special? If not, don’t let that blessing “fall” from your reach, get ready, be expectant and prepare! If you prepare you are often ready for, what is to many, but not you, the unexpected.  Ask the basic, the simple, and what should be the obvious questions. How is God going to or wanting to use you? 

How are you going to take care of that new car without having a clean garage? How are you going to bless the love of your life if there is no room in your home or heart. Prepare a place at the table right now! Start saving the funds, right now, to bring them in the right way! This is your season, and you need to be ready! Why are you still sitting here? Pray on the way... get moving, the birth of your blessing is waiting on you. 

Blessings, 

The Imperfect One 

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

When You Feel Her...

When you feel her... and she's away your heart feels heavy. It's like she's got a rope anchored in the top of your heart, and her weight is pulling it into your stomach, as you pray her back home. You get nervous, you wonder how she is doing, you just miss having her near. Then you realize you can't always be there, you can't physically protect her from everything. You can't have her in your physical presence at all times. You also know that she's not always going to be there. A lump rises in your throat, it's difficult to swallow. You fight back tears. Then you take a deep breath, and think of how she'd be saddened to see you sad. Therefore, you suck it up, and you pray, "Lord keep her safe, thank You for placing her in my life, thank You for watching her when I can't, and even as I can. Thank You for allowing her to be loved, and among people that love her, even when she's away from me. Thank You for allowing her to be loving. Thank You, God for my daughter. Amen."

Ponytails, seashells, and pretty smells...

God bless every daddy that has a baby girl... Amen. 

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!!! 

Feel Good, Feeling...

The first letter written by Paul to the Thessalonians instructs us to lift one another up in spirit. 

"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Biblegateway 2015 NKJV)

The spirit may be lifted in a number of ways, and the imperfect Christian had his spirit lifted in a couple of ways this past week. 

From current and former players and students, to your own children, or your employer it's good to know you're appreciated. 

As a friend it's great to hear, "It was great seeing you," or "I hope to see you again soon!"

Hearing, "You know out of all of my coaches, I had the most fun on your team," is a true blessing! If the imperfect one only teaches them one thing he hopes that the first understanding is respect. Respect for self and others, then understanding how that respect and self discipline leads to success, which in turn leads to fun.  Which leads the imperfect one to think as a child first...

As a child it's great to hear, "You've matured into a great man, I know your mother is proud of you!" 

As a parent it's great to hear, "... you're a great daddy!" It's the best coming from your child, but it's also uplifting hearing it from a parent that you look up to. Therefore, the imperfect Christian would like to take time to thank the parents that take time for an imperfect papa. The imperfect one would also like to thank his baby (who's no longer a baby), and his grown children for loving an imperfect papa enough to not just tell him, but eager enough to show him as well, and he loves you all back, beyond measure! 

The imperfect one ran into all of these people last week, and some today. Now his endeavor is to see the One that he celebrates today in remembrance of ultimate love. His endeavor is to hear that One say, "Well done my good and faithful servant." 

Thanks for the inspiration, you all know who you are. 

Until the next one... 

Peace, blessings, and joy... 

That real PB&J!

Where'd You Go?

A single mother walks the ridge line alone. The sun is dropping, and preparing to set in hues of oranges, and reds. The night sky follows the sun until it pushes it out of sight. The sun is out of sight, but it's not forgotten, it's just not seen anymore in this day. 

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments." Psalm 119:176 (NKJV Biblegateway 2015)

She walks alone and watches the sunset, and she misses it as it gets darker. She knows that for this day, that for this season that the sun is gone. However, she knows that tomorrow brings a new sunrise. There's the possibility that the sunset reminds her of a few things. She may be missing her child(ren), or the touch of her father's gentle caress against her cheek. She may miss her lovers embrace, and be lonely, but she knows that tomorrow is a new day. The commandment of the rising sun is like that of the commanded rising of the Son, there will be another rising of power. She too, must rise for her sake, and the sake of her loved ones. 

A mother/father is missing her/his child today. A lover is missing his/her helper, and earthly provider today. A child is missing his/her father today. Where are we? Are we helping to ease that pain? Are we His hands, and feet?

Some of those missing are not there by choice. The decision was made, and the absence stings. 

Some of those missing are gone by divine choice. 

The thought of hearing his/her laugh. The stories you can no longer share. It's painful to have to accept that kind of absence. 

You drive down a stretch of highway and think to yourself, "Remember when you sang that song about Snoopy, and we laughed until we cried?!" 

Then you think, "They used to sit in the seat right next to me, sat in my lap from time to time, and now I do not have that opportunity. You do remember, but the one you shared that with is gone. You can't tease them over Thanksgiving dinner about the time they sang that silly song, or when they farted at your in-laws house and blamed it on the dog. They are now just memories. So in my cutting up, let me turn back to seriousness to close, and encourage you not to be selfish, and please do not embrace recklessness, or carelessness. Share with all of your loved ones that you can. Share with blood family, and inherited, or blended family, because we are not promised one day to the next. However, as you are blessed to see another day, rejoice and be glad in it, and share that joy! 

On the flip side, you may have a loved one that needs a break from you. Go share with another loved one. Even a lapdog desires a break from you from time to time, so spread the love!  Whatever you do, and with whatever LOVED one; share, and make lasting memories that you can be thankful for. 

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

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.

What Are The Odds?

Image courtesy of The Spider 

What are the odds that you're holding your title with dignity? 

Dignity means told hold something honorably, or show a standard of worth. 

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which The Lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12 NKJV). 

Honor, dignity, respect, what do they mean to you as a child of God? What do these words have in common? They reflect worth, and admiration, they place value. 

• Respect: a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc.

Respect is not fear, it's admiration. 

In the fight game, people call fear a healthy respect. However, fear is totally different from respect. 

In the fight game a fighter respects another fighters skill and deems them worthy of competing against. They respect one another by being aware of each others strengths and understanding the value of having the opportunity to accept the challenge. If one fighter comes out slow or timid, turning his or her back immediately before one strike has landed and appears as though they are afraid of getting hurt, then most likely that fighter is afraid. If a person issues a challenge then backs down, that's a symbol of fear. 

Do your kids cower as you walk past them? Do they duck or cry when you approach them? The imperfect one would hope not. 

Do you crouch or cry at the sight of your parents approaching? Again the imperfect one would hope not. 

Some of you have heard the old cluché, "Just wait til your father gets home!" 

If there was respect in that home, mama wouldn't have to wait for daddy to get home, or for a replacement dad to show up, the children would do as they were supposed to, and be obedient. The same holds true for us all (regardless of age) concerning God. 

When we as children act out, or commit a deviant act towards our parents or act ungodly away from church then we are disrespectful. What's the worry? Dad is not physically there, so what's the worry?

The truth in respect, is that a child wouldn't fear corporal punishment more than the fear of losing self worth and value, because they tried to lessen the value of their parents. 

Respect is a Middle English term taken from the Latin word, respectus, which derived from respicere, meaning to look back in regard to (re+specere) to look -- more... spy. 

Remember that children's song, "O' Be Careful?" 

They don't spy or waste time watching them out of fear. They, the children, watch because they admire that adult, their parent(s). 

The imperfect one admires the innocence and beauty of an 8 month old baby. The imperfect one understands that the 8 month old is dependent on an adult to meet his/her needs. That 8 month old has the respect of the imperfect Christian. The imperfect Christian is not the least bit afraid of that child, but admires that child and respects it. 

The imperfect Christian respects a person seasoned with 80 years. The imperfect Christian admires the experience and survival skills of this person, whether male or female. Again, the imperfect one is not afraid of this person, but admires this person. 

There is value in human life. The imperfect Christian understands the value of life. When others do not see the value in others then they are disrespectful. The imperfect Christian encourages all to have a "self-respect" that would outshine the disrespectful actions of others. Honor your parents, but more so, honor your God, so that you may be honorable in your own right, honorable in the sight of of others, honorable in His sight. 

Until the blessing of a new dawn...

Until the return of Christ Jesus...

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

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!

A Warm Embrace

A Warm Embrace...

A warm embrace begins with warm intentions. The imperfect Christian once frequented the local recycle center, taking his recyclable goods there at least once a week. You know empty milk cartons and Gatorade containers from fueling and refueling the body have to go somewhere. Therefore, embracing a love for Gods' green earth the imperfect one recycled. It was there that the imperfect Christian ran into a perfect role model for how an imperfect Christian should behave. Mr. Buster Sparks made certain to show Christian love to an imperfect Christian on every trip to the recycle center. 

One day before Christmas, nearing the turn of the decade and century, some participating partygoers took heed to his royal badness (Prince), and began to party like it was 1999; like we'd soon be out of time. The scare of major electrical/technological shut down and crisis filled the air worldwide as Y2K neared. But one man was not at all concerned with any of that. That man was Buster Sparks. Mr. Sparks only concern; that humanity would not celebrate Christ, but rather celebrate a faux end with a reprobate mind. 

Mr. Sparks looked at the imperfect Christian like one of his dearest friends and like a lost son trying to find his way. Mr. Sparks always taught the imperfect Christian a lesson in humility. Mr. Sparks always asked the imperfect Christian to pray for him. The imperfect Christians lesson in humility, to honor his elder, and God by not being ashamed of the gospel. Thank you Jesus, saints Paul, Timothy, and Pastor J. Trox! 

Mr. Sparks was a good, no a great Christian man. Mr. Sparks' Y2K lesson in humility, however, caught the imperfect Christian off guard. Mr. Sparks greeted the imperfect Christian this day with a kiss on the cheek. Shocked? Shocked indeed, like God Himself had pushed the imperfect Christian into a baptism pool filled with water and a live wire from a transformer! 

The Word of God says: 

"Greet one another with a holy kiss." Romans 16:16 (NKJV)

What did Mr. Sparks risk by greeting his brother with a holy kiss? Being judged for one. Secondly, a possible physical confrontation, and lastly being accused of being anything but a child of God. The imperfect Christian knew Mr. Sparks heart and knows it was one after Gods own. 

A warm embrace is from a loving heart, not a lustful one. Embrace love like a cold body embracing the warmth of the sun on a new, lively Spring day, transitioning from a bitter cold, winters day. 

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

Words with Meaning, or Meaning with Words?

 

The Fixx performed a song called, "One Thing Leads to Another," and in their song they pose the question: "Why don't they do what they say, say what they mean?" Then explain that, "one thing leads to another."

The imperfect Christian hears the term, "I'm sorry, and asks himself what is this besides uniformity? Does it truly ameliorate the issue at hand? Is it comforting or true? In most cases, no, it is not. It's a cop out that says, "Ok, you got me!" It is not a sincere, "How may I amend this, what may I do to right the wrong?"  

"I'd do ANYTHING to make it right again!" 

Would you really? If you would should the offended party be willing to forgive you, and if so, how many times?

How many times should I forgive my brother Lord? (Reference St. Matthew 18:21) Peter was gracious enough to ask the Lord if 7 times would be a sufficient amount of times to forgive someone, and Jesus said (paraphrasing in a modern voice); Homeboy if you can double the California penal code ruling and baseballs 3 strikes you're out rules, then you should be able to forgive 70 times 70!

Therefore, if you can forgive 490 times, then what's 491?!

Perhaps someone has promised you something? Perhaps they promised that they would be somewhere, or provide some sort of service, but failed to deliver? Perhaps they promised to love you? Have you completely forgiven that person? Are things like they were before the incident? If you answered, "no" then you haven't forgiven that person or yourself.

Sivart Pooknyw said, "I want my life to have meaning, not wording. When I say I love you, I love you, I not only speak it, I live it!"

How many times has someone told you that they loved you, but wouldn't take 30 seconds out of their day to pick up the phone just to check on you. How many times has someone told you that they'd do anything for you, but when you're down on your luck they will not pay your power bill, in fact they are likely not to give you a dollar toward your utility bills, or any other bills, let alone pay a total payment for you?

When a lover tells his/her partner that they love them, they don't just use words of uniformity. They live that, and make that word a work, and it's supposed to be an ongoing work.

There is one that paid it forward, once, and for ALL. Yes, er'body, even the imperfect Christian.

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

Justification Through Abdication

 

How do you justify hurting someone? How do you justify loving someone that hurts you? Sometimes doing the right thing is like being punched in the stomach. Remember "Harry and the Hendersons?" Remember the scene where George Henderson (John Lithgow) punched Harry (the late Kevin Peter Hall) in the stomach to get him to leave? George didn't want Harry to go, but he felt it was best for Harry, so even in what seemed like a putrid act of sheer evil to Harry, it was an act of love on the behalf of George.

It's like your best friend moving to the beach, you give them a hug because the ask for it, then they come by your house to say good-bye, but you can't muster the strength to go to the door, you just lie in you room on the bed and cry.

It's like the disciples and all of the followers , thinking that Jesus would free them physically, and that the Romans would die, while all along it was Jesus that would die, and go.

Jesus gone? The throne abdicated? Certainly not! But the King did let go. Rather than punch us in the stomach, He took the pain. The He let go of the pain, He released all the sins of man, and cast them into a devil's hell, into a sea of forgetfulness, when we repent. Today perhaps you too, feel like you are living in hell, and don't want to die and go to hell. Call on Jesus (Romans 10:10-13), and He will release your sin as well. Are we sin free from then on? No. So is there a sinner preaching to you? Possibly. Is it a hypocrite preaching at you? Possibly. But what is impossible is saying that God doesn't love you. If He can use a wretch like the imperfect Christian to touch one soul, then imagine what He can do with a loyal soul, that is on fire for Him!

Letting go isn't always easy, not even if it's letting go of something for the right reason. Sometimes we have to let go of things that we love because it's best for the loved one, it may not feel like it's best for you, but it is, and sometimes we have to let go of things that we wish we could, and most likely should do without. At times letting go is necessary. Be blessed and know that He is GOD, and that you are LOVED!

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