Dust and Cobwebs

I enjoy reading and learning from others, but I must admit my ability to retain and implement lessons that I've learned are often hi-jacked by my laziness. There are those persons that are hardwired towards a type A personality and then there are those like myself. I'm annoyed by "hard" work. I am definitely a product of the popcorn, instant gratification generation. I'm not afraid of working and sometimes I have to participate, but I'm often taken away with the sense that maybe we could be focusing our energies and minds on not working harder but smarter. But this cannot happen without effort. For instance, I've been contemplating restarting a blog for about a year. But it's not until I actually put my hands on the keys of my computer to write that the rambling can begin. And so here I am dusting off the cobwebs of my mind to think about the thoughts I would like to share with those with the boredom or curiosity to read. I understand that work is not itself inherently evil. God worked and works to present before his creation a beauty beyond our comprehension. Even how intricately unique we humans are made is a bit mind boggling and a product of the works and actions of God. We are all so complicated, yet known by our creator. He has sculpted us for himself. We are his workmanship created for him in good works. So maybe it's not the hard work that's the issue, its the "good" hard work. We were not created to work aimlessly to prove to people we are not lazy. But in fact, we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.(Eph. 2:10 ESV) So I'll try and grab hold to the reality that God expects my good work, not my hard work. After all what can we add to the goodness of God, but if our work is not a result of the goodness that he has placed inside of all those that confess and believe in his Son Christ as our Savior then it is wasteful, empty, and hollow. JTeverything

Life Stuff

It's funny how growth in our journey brings about different challenges. Several years ago I may have been certain about my future in ministry. But today I'm so confused about what is best and better. God is so awesome in that I know that I can find my rest in him, but he also gives me a sense of restlessness as it pertains to the future. I'm definitely a product of my culture. We so easily run after things that don't satisfy or seem to convince ourselves of the grass being greener only to realize that it wasn't. I'm blessed, and focusing on those blessing helps keep my blood pressure down. If I could only learn how to be content with the now. It's taking sometime but I'll get there. Thanks be to God, who takes cares of fools and babies. And depending on the day that description could pertain to me. Loving life, and it's challenges keeps me in awe of God and the many things he has to teach me. JTeverything

Long time...No write

It's been a very long time since I've been a blogger. But I think I'm ready to get back in the habit. Much has transpired such my last post. I've graduated, switched jobs, left jobs, gotten new jobs and on and on. But through it all, God have been faithful to my wife and I. What can I say, I'm blessed. More news to come. Blog again soon.

Is the church a storage unit, or the Kingdom of God.

I have been thinking lately about my understanding of church and its relationship to life. We as westerners don't quite grasp the concept of kingdom. But one thing that we have done well in America and Europe is collect and store. Almost all across our nation you can find nice buildings with crosses, or even a contemporary space which could be a warehouse turned church. But are we agents of change or storage units. The word of God is very clear that we are to be salt and light, but can we effectively display this in our facilities. I am challenged in my understanding to connect with the world in which I live. May I no longer hide in a building on Sunday to show others the information I have stored in the boxes of my mind. I want to be in a kingdom, not a storage unit.

Seen It, Heard It, But Can You Live It

Sometimes being a Christian can feel like living one huge cliche after another. There are many things that we hear all the time. "Be a witness for Jesus," "Be transformed by Christ," "Be different," "Obedience is better than sacrifice," "Real Men Love Jesus," "Take up your Cross" and so on. Some are these are very biblical and some are just nice statements to validate our fan club. There are many theatrics that can be involved in our religiosity also, lip service, perfect attendance records, and holy fake smiles. But in the grand scheme of our lives what is it that we really accomplish. When we read God's word it is clear in James that if we are hearers of the word only and not doers then we are a like a man who goes to a mirror and then after he leaves forgets what he looks like. Some of us(including myself) live this Christian life hearing, seeing, and reading God's word often. But it never gets to our fingers to application. Our minds are full of things we would say if we had the opportunity to evangelize, but we never do, say, or live these things out.
I have been in and around church all of my life. Christ permeated my heart with the gospel in my 20s. So for a large part of my teenage years I never realized what I was living for, but I knew exactly what to say to sound like I was spiritual and so forth. And even today I have a knowledge and experiential premise of the grace, mercy, and peace of God, but I am reluctant to get past myself to give this knowledge away. There is a book that was written recently called "Live Sent," and I haven't read it yet but I'm convinced that there are more books that talk about living sent than individuals that actually do it. We are all consumed with ourselves, even those of us that seem to have a knowledge of what we are suppose to do. We need those practitioners in the field to give us insight on this Christian walk, but more than anything we need to be gripped by God and his word to obey what it says. Which is often the testimony of these many authors. My confidence is in Christ, and I pray that God would allow me to practice those things that I am convinced are his truths. And that God would use all of those leaders who are living this day in light of that day to be an example to the larger number of us that have seen it, heard it, but aren't gripped by the living of God's true mission for our lives.

JTeverything

4 years ago...

A friend texted me today and told me that I have not updated my blog in a while and that's true. I have allowed busyness to take over my musings and ramblings. But today is a very special time for me and the one I love. Today was actually the first date we had four years ago. I must admit, I was reminded this morning by her and I would have went the whole day without any reflection of my life then. But a lot has changed in 4 years. I guess you can say I am in a time of transition. I am getting married, training for ministry in New Orleans, and don't know how to process it all. Four years ago today started off with a date and my life has never been the same since. God has assured, blessed, broken, directed, guided, and redirected me so that where I am today is by his grace and his mercy. The years have been full of mistakes, but also I have seen him so clear. My bride to be is the very image of Christ and his forgiveness inspite of ourselves. She loves me and all of my hangups and she makes it so easy to love her. Life is filled with ups and downs, and twists and turns. Before my date four years ago I was running away from God's call on my life, and today although I still struggle with complacency and laziness, I can say I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be. Truly the safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God. I'd be lying if I said it was easy....(layoffs, financial worries, attacks from Satan), but I know I'm in his will. Because around every corner is his peace, and his assurance. It's taken three years for me to get enough courage to know I'm ready for God's best in a bride, and if I knew how much of an impact she would have on my life it would have been sooner. Her relationship with Christ has challenged me to be a better man. God truly is great. And these have been the best four years of my life.

JTeverything

God is Good

Sometimes in life it is very apparent to see how fortunate you have been and that your life isn't really as bad as you think. I didn't grow up in a traditional Christian home and there are things in my past that I wish I could change. But as I look back over my life, I can clearly see God's provision and protection. God is good. God was good. And God continues to be all the more good to me.
I am blessed with a loving mother who sacrificed everything for me and my brother. She never placed a man before us and never allowed us to feel inadequate because we didn't have a father figure in our lives. Both my brother and I had dead beat dads, and even though there is a part of me that longed for a relationship with him I don't allow that to define the man that I am today.
God also continues to be good to me in allowing me to have amazing friendships. I don't know what I would have been without some of the relationships that I have formed. They have truly shaped me into a strong Christian man. And I don't feel judged by them, but loved. And none of my truly close friends have a problem with correcting me and allowing me to think right thoughts about myself and ministry.
And last but certainly not least God has blessed me with the most beautiful, intelligent, Godly woman I know as my future wife. She is the epitome of charm, grace, and virtue. I truly don't deserve such a gift and her love reminds me of the love that God has for the church. She is simply the best thing that has ever happened to me.
God is truly good and worthy to be praised. Thank you God for you hand in my life.

JTeverything

If I could live this...

John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and a bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Chosen

I'm yours...not because I made a conscious intelligible effort to be your friend or your follower. But your love overcame me and I was filled and taken captive by your mercy and grace. You Chose me.
Chosen to be your workers, and your likeness as we walk in your truth. You chose us.
No longer strangers, enemies, or orphans; but your children. We once exercised rebellion, but you sent love and love conquered our souls. We are confident in your love, it is more than life itself. Because of love we now know love. You have chosen rebels.
Oh the power of love to change an enemy into a loyal heir. We have been pursued, wooed, and so we stand under your constraints. Use us your chosen.
We lay down our roots of rebellion to be planted in your love, so that we may bear your fruit. Haven been freely loved, cared for, excepted, and forgiven we are free. We are now free to go for you.
All the power of our Father is at our disposal, because of Christ. He chose us, appointed us, and commissioned us.
We shall chose to love because we are loved by LOVE. We chose to give because nothing has been withheld in your love. We ask for your kingdom, because you have commanded it of us.
May we forever abide, stay, bask, sit, grow, be pruned and truly live only because of the choice Christ made. Amen



JTeverything

Bitter-Sweet

I just recently read a poem by George Hebert and it is true about the life of a Christian. It is true if we would be honest with him. Here it is:
Bitter-sweet
Ah, my dear angry Lord,
Since thou dost love, yet strike;
Cast down, yet help afford;
Sure I will do the like.
I will complain, yet praise;
I will bewail, approve;
And all my sour-sweet days
I will lament and love.

Piper quoted this poem in a book he wrote. I think this is fitting for the Christian that sees himself broken, forgiven, and loved.

JTeverything

When Sun the comes out

The problem with tragedy in the life of the believer is that we are never really ready for what God is going to allow to come our way. Its easy to serve God when everything is going good, but when the storm comes and you can’t explain what you can’t explain that’s when you are developed in your faith. I now have an overwhelming understanding of the power of God in healing and a new perspective of his blessings in my life and to the bystander my faith should be restored and transfixed on the savior. But there is always the "why" question. And there are no easy answers. As a matter of fact the reality that is true is somewhat harsh. And that truth is that apart from Christ we are subject to all kinds of dangers and we are so dead in our trespasses and sin that God is simple trying to separate that which is killing us. Sometimes God calls individuals to himself in such a way that no one can deny that it was him. But when it’s raining your sight is blurred and the vision that you once thought led you towards right and wrong is hindered through the drops of rain we call tragedy. But if there is anything that I’ve learned in life is that rain must fall and it needs to but after the storm has passed the sun will also come out. Darkness, no matter how thick it seems must hide when the light comes. God’s light always exposes the darkness of tragedy that he has allowed for the furtherance of his fame and his glory. It’s not about us, we are merely the instruments used to adorn the glory of God in this world. This world is very dark. But in this dark, cruel, dismal, decaying world there are deposits of light reflecting their Savior, and they break forth in displaying the glory of the Creator and soon all God’s elect will be gathered and light will prevail forever over darkness. I yearn for that day. Come Jesus Come, bring on the Son.

JTeverything

Breathe

Living a christian life is one of unexplainable joy and an unmistakeable awareness of one's sin. The crazy thing about living for Jesus is that the moment you fall into old ways and old habits its very apparent to you. It's funny because it is almost like an out of body experience. The little lie you tell, leads to the covering up of that lie until other more subtle sins lead up to compromising your faith and walk with things or pleasures that you gave up knowing that they don't satisfy. I really think that the stagnant impotence of the church today is from unrepentent and unmistakeble sin that has left us barely breathing as Christians. The power of the Holy Spirit to sustain our life is in overdrive because of our lack to use that same power to abstain and not just be sustained. We are committing suicide, by suffocating ourselves and all Christ asks when we except him is to breathe in him. This world has nothing for me, yet it is pretty distracting nothingness. My career, my status, my life, and my stuff always distract me from the life that Christ would have me recieve in Him. And unfortunately some of those distractions are good things. But they are misplaced trophies, and not the end all of all. There are many Christian brothers and sisters barely alive, because they continue to run after a life that was crucified. We are trying to revive a dead carcass and all the while choking the life out of our current life. I just want to love my Jesus, a fraction of how much he loves me,and just breathe.

May I truly Be In Christ Alone,
JTeverything

Long Time

It's been a long time since I've posted a blog. I guess my life has been so up and down that I'm not sure what to share. I had a previous post called "Newness" and I can assure you we must be careful what we pray, because God is faithful and he will give us the desires of our hearts. This of course follows a grueling transformation process, sometimes or most times we are unawares of the idols in our lives that we mistake for desires. So our God, strips away the idols leaving us naked and truly seeing what we need and thus beginning to desire that which is satisfying for our soul. There are so many things that God hasn't unleased in my life. Probably the same is true for any readers, if I have any readers. But hold tight to your faith, because we serve a God that knows us better than we know ourselves and understands what we can take, and boy oh boy gives us a test of faith that is designed specifically for us. I said I've been through a lot this season of my life and I've been faced with many obstacles. I have a fear of not knowing my future, but God is teaching me that if I hold on to him (because he knows the future) then I have no need to worry. Afterall, he knows what lies ahead. Our life is our witness, and we must speak up and speak out. Seasons of life come and go. But faith gives us the grit to keep going.

Yours in Christ,
JT everything

Looking to Him

God is truly allowing me to hear from him lately and it is such a sobering feeling with all that seems to be occurring in my life. I recently picked up a copy of "Knowing God," by J I Packer and it is a very intriguing look at the life of the person who aspires to know God. I say aspire, because it is a endless journey (yet a good one) to have a desire to "know God." This task should be the livelihood of every Christian. And it's not just about knowledge of God. Because to know God is to be drawn to him in his majesty and his glory. It also involves the experience of God. There is no other place we should rather be than obtaining a understanding of God. Time has no value, and food loses its taste apart from knowing him.
Often since I started this reading God has been invading my sleep. Last night he spoke and the verse came to my mind, "God is not a man that he should lie, nor the son of man that he should change his mind. Does he speak and not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" This verse is located in Numbers and it is an explanation of the character of the one we serve. He is indebted in faithfulness to his people. Not because of us, but because of his word to us. God promises. God fulfills. I am so glad I know him. I don't completely understand his will, but his character is sure and I can trust him. I look to HIM.

JTeverything

Newness

The new year has come and newness in American is very apparent. Some of the societal ills that have plagued this country has been confronted with hope, and a new vision for change. However, this new vision for change does not come without trials. As a christian one has to understand that there will always be trials or storms if you will. But our eyes are not to be fixed on those storms, but on Jesus. As I grow in my relationship with Christ I am perplexed at the storms that I find in my life, but I am also amazed at the provision he provides and the ways of escape.

Its a new year for new mercies with a new understanding of God. The Word says, "that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." May I learn to have a reverent fear for God that would drive our complacency this year. I pray that I grow exponentially. I will trust in him, and his Word so that whatever comes my way I'll be safe within Him.

Jteverything

Some Chip on my Shoulder

Well this post may not be very informative about the ways of God and man. I just think it will be a little of my rambling. So I was confronted today while I was watching a clip of a documentary "Jesus Camp." And while watching the guy that works here says that he sees nothing wrong with it while proceding to give me a diatribe of his influences in the church camp world and the products of the "jesus movement" of his day. I don't know how we got there, but I proceeded to ask numerous questions about, "If they were so changed in his day, 1.)where is the residue of his movement, 2.)why is it he blames the culture now of the area he lived (Denham Springs) in on all external things except that movement he was a part of, 3.)Did all involved in said "movement" become impacted by this movement and if not, why. I don't know how it got here, but it did. And I was left with unanswered questions, yet the answer to those questions are so abundantly clear.
The title was because he said that I had a chip on my shoulder and he had nerve to say he reached this assumption because I walked out on a Debate "they" not me were having about the current political structure. Firstly, I must admit I do have what Dubois called a "Veil". I have lived with it all my life and all individuals of color have this 'veil' and we pray to God that we can just get home or to comfort were we can be ourselves behind that 'veil'. Its not easy smiling when you are raging mad. I just want to be out of this sin filled body, world, etc. So I can be where there is perfection. Jesus offers that perfection and frankly I probably need to be a little more repentant of the way I approached the situation. Do I have a chip on my shoulder. Probably do. Do I want this chip, absolutely not. But here I am.
The sad thing is in the midst of all this no one said anything. I guess it was probably a stupid argument anyway. I need to pray, but so does everyone in that so called jesus revolution so that they could understand fully what God has called us to. Not a life of isolation from a tainted world. But he has called us to be "salt" and "light". We've got so far to go, and we've come so far also. But he still ticked me off.

Consistency

This is a true lesson that I have to learn. If insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results, then I must be the most insane person in the world. But isn't this true of all of us that are stuck in a continuum of time that allows us to follow the exact same methods to solve problems or not solve problems. I wish that I could make all the mistakes of my past disappear. I really do. But I can't and I can't seem to get it together enough to began to heal for the life of me. Is that insane? I thought so, too.

What I do know? God has always provided in the midst of my stupidity. He always provides for fools and babies. He has always been gracious amongst my disobedience, and he continues to allow me to exist, when most assuredly I deserve a guilty plea of death.

May he help me to be consistent. May he help me to be strong for the future of ministry, in Jesus name. Amen.

Not perfect, just forgiven

It would be such an incredible weight if we had to "gain" God's affections. I certainly would have absolutely given up a long time ago if I had to set my sites towards reaching the bar that would be set for us toward perfection in God. Can you imagine the stress and anxiety it would be to have to gain right standing before God? But what if one, other than Christ did reach perfection. I imagine that the way that we are as idolatrous humans, we would make monuments for this person. He would be our leader, because although we didn't make it he or she did and can tell us how that was. We would worship this creature, rather than the creator who is blessed forever(Romans 1:25). This person would in turn accept our worship, deifying himself and forgetting why he ever pushed so hard to reach his goals, which in our eyes was perfection. It would also be a constant struggle to stay at the top. One thing is certain for us as humans and that is that there is always someone bigger, better, and brighter.

In my opinion this has always been the beginning of newfound religions. Can you see it? Can you see how all others religions and/or beliefs differ from Christianity? They all represent a false hope that through a fallible leader, prophet, intellect or lifestyle that somehow you will reach a euphoric oneness with that said leader. It's a half-truth, because in reality there was one sent in our place, he was a ransom for many and he lived a perfect, sinless life. He was a revolutionary thinker, pioneer, he is wisdom, and he is knowledge, he created history and history and future is obedient to only him. Through this one man who was God and man, we can have forgiveness of sin and he cannot and will not forget who he is, because he is "the Great I Am." Can you believe this? God could only send God to be worshipped and glorified. All other religions at best are imposters, leading men toward destruction. For you see, knowing ourselves is the basis for perceiving who we are what we are about. Understanding our design to worship that which is beyond us God sent his Son to free us from sin. And we all are the same, "For all have sinned and fallen short," (Romans 3:23) and our verdict is guilty. However through Christ we have forgiveness and substitutionary atonement which is simply his righteous imputed to us. So, as I grow I have a proper grasp on who I am; not perfect, just forgiven.

Jteverything

Reality Check

There are numerous situations in our lives where we can chose to play the blame game. "My mother didn't hug me enough." "I didn't have a father to show me nothin'." "Life's hard,and on and on and on." But reality always surfaces in the mind of the sober and that person must realize that "he" or "she" has to make there own choices in what direction they are heading with there life. Being a man of many excuses some valid and others not, I understand that its easy to be defeated. I feel defeated all the time, lonely, depressed, dejected, unwanted and unloved. But I also know the truth. I am the captain of my feelings, although real to me stained with sin and not laced with the truth of God's word. Healing starts right now. Tomorrow is to far away and today is slowly fading, now is the time for change. I arrived at this conclusion from many thoughts that have been swimming around in my mind. Sunday morning at church we had the pastor's son speak and he did a tremendous job, and last Wednesday at Vintage Church I was convicted on being dedicated to your church family. However in each instance I couldn't help but see the faithfulness of God in the lives of both speakers. They both are dynamic speakers, both pk's and both next generation leaders. A foundation was laid that would cause both these individuals to see their potential early on, and a glimpse of what they could become because of the heritage that is presented before them. And then there is me, unsure what my father was like and afraid to be what my mother is like. I feel inadequate and fearful, because I never had a guideline laid before me of the man that I could become, or what did my father, grandfather and great-grandfather submit to. Do I have anything in common with my half brothers and sisters I don't know. Am I bound by the same mediocre life that brings wasted dreams and unlocked potential. Unfortunately , I don't know what my father believed. Obviously not taking care of me, but other than this tidbit I know nothing of him. My Lord and my God has lead me towards repentance and I pray for peace in my heart that I can find forgiveness in my heart. I honestly feel nothing and I don't know if that good or bad. God has been so good to me and I have a long way to go until I've learned how to obtain wisdom. He has allowed me to be influenced by a gambit of men, however none can have the impact or would have had the impact that a father would have. Proverbs 15:33 tells me that the fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom and humility comes before honor. My reality check is that before salvation everything thing I thought was enmity towards God, and I have allowed some of the disdain of my father spill over into my new life in Christ, not knowing how to trust God and his infinite will. I must decrease, and he must increase. My life although sometimes tough, is but a vapor and my hope is built on my Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that whatever state of humility God wants me to be at that he can allow me to get there soon.

In Jesus,
JTeverything

Ode to the "Big Mouths"

Well if any of you know me, you may know that I sometimes have a tendency to have a slighty extended vocabulary when it comes to certain issues. I honestly don't want to come across as if I know it all or have it all together because that would be a complete fallacy, but at any rate it happens and I'm guilty as charged for always having an opinion on some things. I was reading in the word tonight and low and behold there was a 'Word from the Lord' just for me.(It's for everyone but you get the drift.)

I'm currently reading Proverbs. Today's reading was Proverbs 15-19. Proverbs is a book written by Solomon to his son about wisdom, righteous living, good vs. bad and about having a healthy fear of Yahweh (God). To some this would mean that the words in Proverbs are not promises from God but suggestive life patterns from the King Solomon. In my opinion, there is much to gain from these points from the king, mainly because this knowledge or any knowledge from one of God's agents comes directly from Him. This would only stand however, if you hold to the conviction that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God, which I do. At any rate things were going good until I got these few verses, "Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent." Prov 17:27-28 (ESV) OUCH!!!

This is good advice. Think about it. Some people always have something to say, about everything. They seem to be an expert at everything. And they appear to have a sociological scholarship towards all cultures, theologies, educations and careers.
They always have an opinion. However, I learned that knowledge comes from having restraint. Our culture doesn't handle restraint very well, and can we even formulate the words 'I don't know.' For me, I just need to shut up, be quiet and listen. I got two things from this passage tonight. 1.) I need to learn to have restraint, and 2.) Be cool. It really does say "be cool". "And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." I like being cool. I don't think that I was ever cool growing up. It's good to see that God gives me the "cool" spirit, or the ability to discipline myself to have a 'cool spirit.' It even goes further to say, "even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is counted prudent (or intelligent)."

So all my fellow "Big Mouth" men and women, lets try to be a little more restrained and cool. Maybe more people will like us. Or more importantly, we'll bring the Father glory by actually going into a situation sober minded enough to listen, analyze and then respond or don't respond at all. Then people can think we're wise. Amen to that.

May God grant us wisdom through humility, (Proverbs 15:33b)
JTeverything

This is truly a great a step in the direction of the glory of God revealed in our church...