Tag Archives: No Condemnation

God’s Benefit Package 

Church Leaders, Family Ministry, Giving Thanks, Spiritual Food, , , , ,

Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV Bless (ḇâraḵ) the Lord (JEHOVAH), O my soul; And all that is within (midst, among, inner part) me, bless (ḇâraḵ) His holy (sacred-set-apartness) name! 2 Bless (ḇâraḵ) the Lord, O my soul, my And forget not all His benefits (compensation; make a mends for a wrong done unto you): 3 Who forgives all your iniquities (perversity, depravity, guilt) Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems (avenge, revenge, ransom) your life from destruction (pit (of Hell), the grave) Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies (compassion), 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed (to make anew, to repair) like the eagle’s.

So I remembered that the title sounded very familiar, so I did some digging in my notes, and back in March of 2023, I’d written 

The Lord’s Benefits Package

Psalm 103:6 The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.

So this is a Psalm of David, the “Man after God’s Own Heart.” Another powerful praise song to the Lord. Just look at the first verse: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!” I cannot read that without breaking out in song. That verse alone is powerful and could stand by itself. 

Yet he goes further in the following few verses to remind us of something which might be just as powerful: “Don’t forget the Benefits of our relationship with God.” When I heard the word ‘Benefits,’ I was struck by the thought of a benefits package that comes with some job offers. These packages include medical coverage, life insurance, dental insurance, a 401 (k), holidays, and paid time off. So in that same spirit, I noticed a couple of things: 

  1. Medical Coverage: (vs 3….Who heals all your diseases; vs 5 So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s). We receive healthcare from the Great Physician. Jesus went about healing the sick (Matt 4:23). He took the beatings, wounds, bruises, and humiliation upon Himself, then healed us with His stripes (Isa 53:4-5). Just like Abraham, Caleb, Elisha, and Samson, He will give us renewed (Renewed: to rebuild; to renew; to repair) youth/supernatural strength. Our Healthcare is covered by Jesus’ Blood. 
  2. Life Insurance: (vs 4 Who redeems your life from destruction). Life insurance is a benefit that’s only paid out after someone’s death. When Jesus died, He redeemed (Redeem:  To buy back a relative’s property….to marry his widow….deliver…purchase/ransom) our lives from destruction (Destruction:  a pit; a trap; ditch; grave); He bought our lives back from being trapped in a ditch, like Joseph. 
  3. Dental Insurance: (5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things? Jesus will fix our mouthed; we will speak faith and life (Eph 6:19). We will declare God’s goodness (Rom 2:4). He will also satisfy (Satisfies: to sate; fill to satisfaction; to have enough; have plenty.  supply (someone) with as much as or more of something than is desired or can be managed) us with His overflow of Favor (Ps 23:6). 
  4. 401 K: (vs 3 Who forgives all your iniquities). The Retirement account is designed to provide for you after you have retired. Jesus finished the work on the cross; He declared it finished (Jn 19:30). Understand what He finished on the cross; all was forgiven. He forgave our iniquities (Iniquities: Perversity; evil; mischief (Perversity is a deliberate desire to behave unreasonably or unacceptably; contrariness.   OR the quality of being contrary to accepted standards or practice).  Cambridge’s Definition of perversity: the quality of being strange and not what most people would do or expect: Sexual behaviour that is considered strange and unpleasant by most people.  Let all that marinate; His blood covers all.

The Lord’s Benefits Package is one-of-a-kind and covers everything you could possibly need. It will make you declare just like David: Bless the LORD, O my soul!

What Are You Striving For

Church Leaders, Family Ministry, Spiritual Food, , ,

Acts 24:16 NKJV This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Paul was before the Governor of Caesarea, Felix, after being plotted against by the Jews in Jerusalem. Here he is pleading (via a carefully crafted sermon) as to why he does not deserve the bogus charge the Jews had made against him, and to tell Felix and whatever audience was there about Jesus and “the Way,” that which we call Christianity. Yet as he is sharing these words to the Governor, Paul makes this statement: so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” 

So what exactly was Paul saying? 

  1. This being so:Paul was acknowledging the Truth of what he believed in and who he believed in. Jesus is “the Way,” but the Way is also what they called all those who followed Jesus. Ultimately, he was letting Felix know that everything he did was because he believed in Jesus. 
  2. I myself always strive: Paul wanted this audience to know that in every effort he made, every action he took, he took painstaking (requiring immense care and meticulous attention to detail) efforts to ensure. He did not take anything for granted or take steps haphazardly. He was very intentional in everything he did. 
  3. to have a conscience without offense: So, what was he so careful about? To maintain a moral consciousness without any malicious intent to harm anyone. In this case, not to cause offense (not leading others to sin by one’s mode of life). He did not want to cause anybody to sin because of his actions. We live in a day of constant acknowledgment of people’s shortcomings, whether in government. official, teacher, church pastor, or the President of a country. It seems that every day, someone will do something to lead others astray or cause offense. After all, these Jews were about to kill Paul if they could, but Paul wanted Felix and us all to know that he carefully chose his actions in a way to ensure that nobody fell because of him. 
  4. toward God and men: The thing about Paul is that he had lived much of his early life being offensive. Both to God and men. Remember, he was persecuting the early church so much that Jesus told him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 22:7). So then, I guess it was only right that, after meeting Jesus on that Damascus road, he would strive never to cause offense again. 

This leads me to ask: how are we living our lives? Are we living in a way to lead others to sin, or are we being diligent, disciplined, and deliberate to live lives that lead people to the Christ that Paul believed in??

Real Men Cry

Spiritual Food, ,

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,

Picture this:

1977-The movie Roots; a young LeVar Burton played the role of Kunte Kinte, an African Slave brought here to America and forced to work, stripped of his identity, pride, and family. 

1989—In the movie Glory, a young Denzel Washington played the role of Private Silas Trip, a runaway slave who joins the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He, too, had been stripped of his identity, pride, and family, now only to be in an army where he sees some of the same inequalities. 

I bring up bits of these movies and iconic scenes because everyone has probably seen them at one time or another. In both scenes, in two different movies, each character is forced to take a beating for standing up for themselves and others. For daring to say/do what everyone else was scared to do. In both scenes, the men are savagely whipped in front of a crowd, and in each case, they stood firm, looking the protagonists in the eye to say with their actions, “You can’t break me.” Then you see it, that one tear falling down their face. 

Because no matter how strong-willed, the pressure of the physical pain being inflicted, the stress of emotionally being pushed beyond human capacity, and the hurt of spiritually feeling betrayed that your savior did not step in and keep you from this all dripped 💧 down their faces in that single tear.   In a book I’ve recently started reading, The Body Keeps the Score.  One sentiment which remains consistent throughout the book is that whatever does not come up out of your mouth will come out as action in your body. This tear was coming out no matter how hard they fought but that anger it showed up in many different ways.  

Why do I bring up all of that? Because Jesus wept!! That’s right!!The most powerful man ever to walk the earth also wept…Publicly so that others could see His humanity.  He wanted us to see that Men cry and He was still the most courageous man who walked this Earth!!!

We, especially black men, have been told since slavery that it is not alright to cry, or in both of the scenes above, not to show our genuine emotions. And truly, I can say it was literally beaten out of us.  Yet, today the residue of those decades of holding back emotions and actions that lashed out in violence, addiction or other destructive habits, has lasted for centuries and were heavily reinforced as recently as in the last 75 years.  It has molded generations of men unable to display how they genuinely feel, not understanding the proper healing of a good cry. 

In both of the above texts, Jesus is seen crying at moments where we can easily see why His emotions could lead Him there (a death and a triumphant celebration). But He was the savior of the world; why would He cry? There is no need for Him to emote. He is able to change any and every situation. So why would He cry? Because He was, among many things, a teacher, and one who taught by example. It is human to cry when we are overwhelmed. It is OK to share your emotions honestly; the real lesson is that it is healing to emote. 

Scientifically, crying is a natural process that helps the body release stress hormones, reduce pain, and promote relaxation by releasing endorphins and oxytocin. Emotional tears contain unique proteins and hormones that protect and heal the eyes. 

The other great lesson that Jesus demonstrated in these two situations,  was the results of releasing pain and stress. Both times that Jesus wept, either a miracle or significant feat followed. 

In John 11:35, Jesus wept. Then Lazarus was raised from the dead. When. He cried in Jerusalem, Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, Jesus then prophesied about their future, ramshacked the money tables in temple and would ultimately become a sacrifice for us all; Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. After weeping for Jerusalem, Jesus would then turned around and die for them. 

God wants us to accomplish some major things in this life. After we release much of this stress we carry (alone) and the pain that we feel makes us “less than man,” we’ll find ourselves in the position Jesus demonstrated, allowing the Spirit of God to use every part of US (who we truly are) for His Glory.  

Go ahead and get in a good cry 😢

I’m Going Fishing

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John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing…..

If you’re unfamiliar with this story, I encourage you to read John 21:1-14 (which can be found at the bottom). I, however, was stopped right here two weeks ago when I read Peter’s declaration these friends and confidants. “I am going fishing… He didn’t have to say another word. So, I share these thoughts:

1. What does this scripture SAY about me, Lord?  

I’m not much different than Peter; I have the same trauma response.   

OK, Let’s paint this picture quickly of what has Peter here at this point of the text.  The Disciples have just been through a world win of emotions in a short period of time.  They had walked the streets of Jerusalem behind Jesus, the Messiah, the King who had chosen them by name to be with Him and to reign with Him in His Kingdom.  The entire city was a blessing, praising, and honoring Him as they entered Jerusalem, and they were there to witness it all.  It was finally coming to pass. They had been with Him for nearly 3 years, and they were about to see the thing they had been waiting for: Him to be Proclaimed King and them to be raised up into leadership, probably the highest positions of power they’d ever been in.  

Only to see that entire dream be crushed, ripped away, and completely destroyed in a night.  The arrest, the beating, the humiliation, and ultimately death of Him who they were following, Jesus.  What a turn of events; now they are on the run for having the same relationship that was about to put them in charge of everything.  Not to mention, their friend and mentor, their Messiah, was gone.  They are completely devastated.

Then now, in the midst of their grief, they find the grave is empty.  Confused but excited because this would Signify that Jesus has been raised from the dead (they remember what He did for Lazarus).  Or is someone playing tricks? Is this all a lie?  They are not quite sure what is true and what is hopeful imagination.  They hide in this room, where they are scared, they will be killed next.  Then appears their savior, Jesus.  He is alive; what relief, what joy, what confusion.  Oh, let us hug you, only to be told no, I’m not here for long, leaving, and putting you in charge.  Wait What???

2. What ATTITUDE in my heart do You want me to change?

It is OK to be overwhelmed, exhausted, and out of sorts.  You can be human!  We feel like we have to be Superman because we are Christians with a growing relationship with Christ.  We have to power through.  

Look at Peter, his emotions are all over the place.  There is so much to process; maybe he should see his therapist.  Face it: Peter is overwhelmed and does not have the answers.  Everything he thought to be true was just flipped on its head.   In that situation with a broken heart, an unsure future, and a new position he didn’t think he would ever be in… Peter does what we all often do when physically, spiritually, and emotionally overwhelmed.  We go back to that thing that brings us a sense of normal.  That place, that person, that poison, whatever it is, whether healthy or dangerous.  It is an Escape from the present chaos.  Often, that place we went to before we met Jesus.

3. Abba Father, what lesson do You want me to LEARN from this?

For Peter it was Fishing, what is it for you?  For me, it used to be women (familiar or random) or maybe food and never really alcohol or drugs because I watched that damage many around me growing up.  I sought the women for the affection I needed (and never really got as a kid). I sought someone to hug me, maybe rub my head, and tell me it would be OK.  But back then, it came at a cost because that affection was associated with sex, porn, or masturbation.  The other go-to was having a favorite food or meal (that reminds me of a time when life was joyful/peaceful).  Both actions proved to be damaging to me, my relationship with God, and the purpose He’d created me for.  For Peter, it took him back to the place where he had no faith (toiling all night and catching nothing).

4. How do You want me to APPLY this scripture to my life? 

When we find ourselves in the same situation as Peter, it is normal to feel it in our flesh first.  However, our response should always be to get to Jesus.  There is a song by Stephen Hurd, a gospel singer who used to be my first real church’s praise and worship leader.  The title was Lead Me To The Rock.  The song’s first verse said “When my heart is overwhelmed, my prayer is, lead me to the Rock (my solid rock).  We need to get to Jesus so we have a safe space to be truthful.  Peter was going through a difficult time, but his mindset was to retreat to what was familiar.  Fishing was what he was doing before he met Jesus; what was I doing before Jesus?  What brought me peace back then?  Why go back to satisfying my flesh when I have a Rock to settle myself on?  The above-mentioned song goes on to say, “Lead me to The Rock, that’s higher than I, oh Lord.”  Jesus will remind us that His ways are not ours, not His thoughts like ours.  His plans are trustworthy even when we cannot understand what is happening.  We need to lean on the firm foundation of Christ, the Solid Rock.  

Guess where Peter was now: in the same boat that he first met Jesus.  It was where he would first encounter Christ and find his faith. It was where Jesus knew he and the other disciples would be.  Jesus knows us, what we do, where we go, how we respond, and He always shows up for us.  People don’t always show up, but Jesus does.  Even though they were lost and unsure about what was next, Jesus showed up!!!  Share what you are feeling, where your heart is at that moment, what your emotions are feeling like, what you are afraid of, because when you do, like for Peter, you will find Jesus is waiting for you, arms wide open and with the very thing you are “fishing for!!!”

John 21:1-14. https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/john/21.html

Brothers In Christ (BIC) Golf Tournament 

God Loves You, Self Care, Spiritual Food, , , , ,

Thoughts from the weekend…

So, if I had to sum up the weekend I spent at Myrtle Beach for the BIC (Brothers In Christ) Golf Tournament, it would be this: To God Be the Glory. 

This Tournament is about God and golf and how, when these men prioritize God correctly, they can be used to Dive Deeper in our walk with Christ, disciple those looking for encouragement and practical steps, and draw those who are on the verge of dynamically changing their lives. 

Dive Deeper:

Matt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled. When we come together as men, we are a powerful force. When we show up in numbers, the whole world takes notice. (Everyone wanted to know what was happening when these 70 men were together on one accord; they were fearful, frustrated, and then fascinated by our presence in the different courses and restaurants over the weekend). 

When we search for righteousness, the Lord is eager to remind us of what He did to provide it. He reminds us that it is free because He paid the cost and of the power when we walk in it. 

Those who come to fellowship with other like-minded individuals are always blessed. When they are opened to hearing from Christ, they will not be disappointed because He inhabits a group of men who praise and honor Him. This is when we can dive deeper into Jesus. 

Disciple Men: 

Ps 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

There were men at this tournament that were not committee to God. Some were curious about what total commitment looked like, and some were saved brothers who just needed some encouragement & practical steps that would help them apply the word to their everyday lives. They needed men who could walk with them during this short time to build relationships and would take some practical steps with them as they returned home. This is when these men who may work on their gold game pretty regularly can now work on their walk pretty regularly. Discuss practical steps that help produce discipline in areas of life that were missing. 

Lastly,

Drawing Men to Christ:

John 12:32-33 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

The consistent focus on Jesus throughout the weekend helps to distinguish the gap of life without Jesus and the eternal promise of hope that only comes with a relationship with Jesus. The real area of passion I could see is the men who showed up just for the golf and to bang out away from home. This is where God is really excited because many of these men were not thinking about Jesus, yet the atmosphere of every event and group setting is to lift up the name of Jesus. When that atmosphere is set, many of these men meet Jesus face to face and have the opportunity to say yes to a God who has been drawing them for some time. 

The week excites me, and I am looking forward to attending in the future and taking a more active role in prioritizing Jesus so that He can execute these three steps in men’s lives. 

It’s Not My Past I’m Worried About…..What About My Present?

God Loves You, Spiritual Food

Rom 8:1-2 “Free from Indwelling Sin” 8:1 there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

I was all set tonight, I got a lot of work done earlier in the day and evening so I could sit and watch the game unabated. Then I received a devotional with this text and was reminded about not being weighed down by my past. I thought that was pretty cool, but as I read more, I thought I’m good with my past, as a matter of fact I embrace that I was a mess and have been redeemed by Jesus’ blood. My concern and struggle at times is my present….I still mess up and fall. I know that I’m by myself because everyone else that is saved keep it all together. J But I will share why this text is so valuable to me.

Even the heading; “Free from Indwelling Sin” speaks volumes. Indwelling means to be permanently present in (someone’s soul or mind); possess spiritually. We are free from the indwelling of Sin, sin is no longer present in us when we are saved. Jesus died on the cross for all of our Sin, past…present… and future. This is the blessing, God provided a way for all of the guilt and regret of sin to be destroyed forever. On The Cross

We no longer have to deal with the guilt and regret of Sin because Jesus took it from us and placed it on His shoulders. God then destroyed them both and put them in their place….Hell with Satan. Which is why Satan always attempts to give it back to us. When we sin, Satan tells us we’re dirty, filthy and deserve to die for what you did. BUT GOD tells us to “look at the cross and remember what Jesus did,” He goes on to say “you’re Holy, Anointed and greatly loved.” When we know this to be true, “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”

Be Blessed!!