The Great Pretender-Joel Osteen

First of all, the people of the great state of Texas are motherfucking trill, survivors, resilient, and truly a great people. Hurricane Harvey has affected and continues to affect you all in various ways but your heads are held up high. I also like to say that Gov. Abbott is fucking OG as well for not putting out bullshit news in an already fucked world of news media. He continues to inform the public of what's happening and how the people of the Houston area as well as people from other parts of the USA have rallied together in this difficult. However, there is one person that has really caught the attention of the public and that's the great pretender called Joel Osteen. In case you don't know who this asshole is, he is a multi-millionaire preacher owning a building that seats over 16, 000 every time the doors of his church are open. Well, during this melee that has consumed the greater Houston area, his doors "were" closed when they needed to be open the most. It's well documented that other churches, hell, a fucking furniture store opened their doors to the people yet Osteen didn't do shit. Now that the first phase of Harvey is about over, now he wants to open his church and provide relief to the people. By the way, it's also reported that Tyler Perry donated a ton of loot to Osteen's now "functional" relief "efforts" (sounds like a cover up to me). Joel, oh Joel, motherfucker, no you did not try to save face well after the fact millions of folks called you out on your shit. What perplexes me about this situation are the amounts of other Christians defending this asshole and putting out false news that his church was flooded (it's all over the Internet, these reports were not true). In a world that increases the speed of information exponentially, these same dumb ass Christians still don't get it the message. Joel along with the other great pretenders don't give a flying fuck about people. They only care about money, they only care about notoriety, they only care about their ego being stroked by the gullible. It's a sad fucking sight (I know, I used to be one of them). This occurrence that happened within the past week shows the true intentions and concern of Joel's heart. Another sad thing I see is that millions people are still going to hear his messages of false hopes. Wow. 

Mr. Joel Osteen, buddy, dude, it's time to 'fess up to what you really are bro. You've got your fellow Christians fooled but to us heathens and sinners (as you call us), it doesn't take rocket scientist to see that you're a charlatan. All I have to say is this, FUCK YOU and when the greater Houston area rises again in more power and glory, you need to get an eviction notice (it won't happen though). You must've of forgot the slogan, DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS and boy, boy, you fucked those people over. That's the love of Jesus for you, right?

Till next time......

Sunday Edition: There Is Life After Jesus

Hello, friends, it's been a long time since I've written a blog; a lot has changed. I'll tell you now, it's taking a lot of out me to write this post because in the black community, this train of thought is frowned upon. It's sort of blasphemous for anyone in the black community not believe in or live for Jesus Christ. In my opinion, it's feels like anyone who doesn't believe is considered worse than a "sinner man." I can say this because in my "christian days", I would go ham on anyone who didn't believe in Jesus, from atheists, to Muslims, to people who experienced "church hurt." I'd "witness" to them about the "love of Jesus" and provide "chapter and verse" to support my work "in Jesus' name."
Today, I'm not that same man and very much a non believer of Jesus.

Since early 2012, my out-processing of the christian faith has been an arduous one. Many of my family and friends don't know that I'm an agnostics, hell, borderline atheist. During this process, I've taken the time to step out of the christian community and analyze things with a broader perspective. I've finally concluded that Jesus is nothing more than a deadbeat father (well, that's if he existed). I see that we in the black community have been indoctrinated to love this "jesus" with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We are taught to live for Christ, shame this "devil", pray, believe, go to church, worship him, and wait to go to heaven after we die. Well, that's all lies. I believe, the main reason why many of us believe and serve Jesus is because we are fearful of going to hell.

We are indoctrinated with this and it's caused a cognitive dissonance that muddies reality. We are taught that we are nothing with god and cannot experience success without christ. Hell, nowadays, we're told that anyone who is black with riches and wealth are members of the Illuminati and have sold their souls to Bhapmomet. Lies. Many of us are praying, fasting, worshipping, preaching, singing, and serving yet hear that voice in our spirits saying, "when are you going to give this up?" Some of us maybe hearing our your true conscience saying, "don't you think there is more to your life than doing all of this?" Some of you believe that if you have legitimate doubts about christianity that you are succumbing to the "wiles of the devil." Some of you are in church services nodding your head to the words of a preacher but deep inside you feel like your trapped. Some of you want to do great things with your life but the rules founded in the scriptures and the hypocritical Christian culture have developed mental chains from you doing this.

Many of us believe that if we don't believe in jesus that our lives are over. It's not and believe me, your life will blossom even more without jesus. Some people in my life are hoping that I'll come back home (church and jesus), forget all that my family has experienced, and get back on track. That'll never happen because I'm living a life that's far better than what I had with jesus. My career is really going forward in the right direction (promoted five times within 5 years), a son of my own, new friends who  love me without hidden intentions, and most importantly, me being what I want to be. In the christian religion, I was hammered with achieving the purpose jesus wanted me to have but it was more like me chancing a dangling carrot (and a hamster on a wheel). I had to paint my face with happiness but I was a sad sack of shit. Although I still have problems (like anybody else), I'm finally experiencing happiness.

You see, I've learned and still learning that I don't need to find strength, love, happiness, contentment, or success from somebody I can't see. All of that is in me and it's my responsibility to achieve those accolades. To be quiet honest, it behooves you to do the same. I believe your life will be more blessed without jesus than with jesus. There's no need to serve someone you'll never see in this life or the next (if there is one). There's no need for you to forgive undeserving people because you want "jesus" to forgive you (remember, forgiveness is not given but earned). There's no need for you to give your money in the church's collection plate hoping god will bless you (that money needs to be invested in yourself). It's time to take back the reins of your life and live the life you want to live. This life is limitless and religion (that includes relationship with jesus) only roadblocks your way to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

If your thinking of leaving the faith, I support you. It's not easy because people are going to come at you and try to make you doubt on the decision that works best for you. At the end of it all, there is life after jesus and once you begin living life on your terms, those same people coming at you will be jealous of you. Live the life you want to live, live your truth, live it responsibly, live it with no regrets (at least try to...). If this is you, get out of the pews, walk towards the exit door, open the exit door, and the crazy world around that's called sinful as your place of freedom.

'Til next time....

Is The Church God?

Hello friends. I'm back and I've got something to say. Over the weekend, reports from social media and news media has been covering the latest news concerning Atlanta mega church pastor, Creflo Dollar (dolla, dolla bills yall).

 His previous airplane is basically unsuitable for traveling purposes across the world to "preach the gospel of Jesus Christ." Now, he's asking for 200,000 "participants, members, and supporters" for $300 to purchase a new 65 million plane. Then, he's asking for continual support for fuel costs and maintenance. Is this nigga crazy? My tangent begins. Isn't this the same dude back in 2007-2008 who refused to comply with a  "probe" from Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa ("based from complaints of the public and news organizations")? Isn't this the same dude who said he wish he could shoot people who did give tithes and offerings? This story needs to wake "Christians" up because the system they say is "a hospital for sick people" has been for centuries an insane asylum (much like Arkham). It's become a system that's subtlety corrupt as the current American political climate. It's a system that robs the lower and middle billions of dollars and for the upper class a chance for more tax write offs. It's a system that calls itself "the body of Christ" made of different members and Jesus/God being the head. It's a system that is built on the shoulders of men and women who every Sunday feed the sheep. It's a system that robs the pockets, deludes the mind, represses the soul, and imprisons the spirit. This is open game for pimps, I'm sorry, preachers like Creflo to do these four things and get away with it. They rely on certain scriptures to up the ante on their actions and continue to exploit the people. You see, people in the same business as Creflo fly like other people in the world, coach or first class. Why in the hell does he need his own plane? To preach? Nigga please. You need to take your behind through security like everybody else. Maybe that'll humble you. That's the problem, he thinks he is a god specially anointed to preach. That's why it's so easy for these pimps from the local, state, national, and international to say and do whatever.  I think partly from the help of political assistance receiving kickbacks from these churches (money/power for votes, voted for money/power). The new thing I'm hearing in the church system is calling secular artists Illuminati members when the real Illuminati began and continues in the church system, also known as Babylon. You see, Creflo, whether we like or not, is going to get that plane. Pimps know how to get people to get and give up that money by any means. People believe that helping the man/woman of God in monetary fashion will receive more grace and blessings from God. As the Attitude Era of WWE attendees would say, "bullshit, bullshit..."

The church system has adopted the ol' American way called capitalism. The only ones who reach the pinnacle are those of top position. After the donations are given, do you think The Dollars are going to allow the people to ride in it? What is the return on their investment? Souls? Anybody can win a soul for any cause. The only return they're going to get is "thank you" (sound familiar to you church folks on church/pastoral anniversaries).  This is the reality and the church will continue to slip by answering the hard questions the public is asking. The church system promotes the world hates Jesus. They love to quote his words saying their persecuted because he was persecuted. I beg to differ. The world doesn't hate Jesus, the wolrd hates the church system. The church is under the microscope because it doesn't show unconditional love. It knows how to quote scriptures but can't look beyond faults to meet the need. Creflo is the prime example of the church's attitude, that it is God as no one can question what it does. Is the church God? Is the church the center of hope, direction, and healing? Is the church the master of our destiny? I don't think so. I think it's a system, like a dog infected with rabies, that needs to taken the woodshed, shot, before it spiritually kills more people. Enjoy your new plane Creflo, but God's got a fiery place in hell waiting on you after the "silver cord is loosed." You'll find it impossible to fly out of that predicament. Is the church God? By the actions we're seeing, I think so. For one to question the church or its leaders is disrespectful. Now that's bullshit....😡

Til next time.....

https://www.yahoo.com/news/megachurch-pastor-seeks-donations-pricey-private-jet-234234111.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/06/AR2007110601838_pf.html

http://youtu.be/NLsDNxZcOa8

Why The Black Church Is Nothing But A Failure

As you can tell from the title of this post (which I've struggling whether or not to write for months now), it's aggressive. From my own vantage point, personal experiences, and hearing of others' experiences, this is the conclusion I've come up with. Of course, not every predominant black church is a failure. There are those (very) few churches that's doing what God wants them to do, feed and clothe the homeless, take care of the widows and orphans, building up people's self-esteem, giving clear instructions, helping build people's skills for the workforce and in life, addressing social issues that need to be addressed, etc. (you get my point). However, there are many black churches (as well as any perspective predominant racial church) that are doing what God hates and harbors. Collecting tithes and offerings for the sake of building more illustrious buildings, paychecks for false preachers (which tithes and offerings are there to help those who need financial support, food, etc.), holding conferences to appease the egos of self-proclaimed "prophets", weekly emotional preaching, just tooooooo-loud singing (and wasting the flock's offering to buy a new sound system every year, that's if the pastor didn't take your money first to buy that new truck), running around the church like a crazy person in a "water-house", and rolling on the floor after the preacher-man lays hands on you (looking like an idiot), etc. (you know the rest). The majority of the predominant black church is useless, irrelevant, selfish, conniving, and without integrity/honesty, similar to the NAACP (which is nothing more than a cash-cow for its employees). The last time I've seen the predominant black church in motion was watching the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s', 1960s', and 1980s' (just like the NAACP). After the rise of the "charismatic movement" in the 1980s' hit the United States (and maybe even abroad), sensationalism of "speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance", choirs (and choir battles, don't act like you don't remember), conferences, church television programming (BET, TBN, etc.), altar calls, gospel music (but dissed hip-hop due to "the devil's music theory", no wonder you've lost 3 or maybe even 4 generations of potential Christians), eloquent preaching (deep revelations, Greek, Hebrew, etc.), mega-churches, and zillions of local churches sprouted like weeds in the Spring time. This movement really reached its climax in the 1990s and in the early 2000s' but things started to unravel. Eddie Long manipulating and sleeping with teenage boys (to name a few indiscretions he's done). Clarence McClendon sleeping with women like there's no tomorrow and pimping his congregation for money. Juanita Bynum holding conferences and selling t-shirts telling "church addicts" (or institutionalized Christians), "buy my t-shirts and you'll receive a special anointing." Other big name preachers fleecing the flock with the tithes and offerings (Malachi 3 and Proverbs 3 10% theory) mis-quotes/misinterpretations as they buy more jets, build more wealth, while the people can't pay their bills or save up for their children's college fund. Gospel music becomes the clone world with just about every record sounding the same, saying nothing, and garner hits through biting from white Christian artists (but only sing the bridges instead of the verses, wow, and can't write a good song even if Stevie Wonder tried to help them). More mega-churches and pseudo ministries using the words and phrases like "Pentecostal, Apostolic, PAW, AME, COGIC, etc."to bait the fish to the hooks they're playing. Instead of spending time to reach the lost and promote justice/truth in the USA, now prayer/pastoral/department/ministerial meetings are more about making money, keeping ministries held within 4 walls, getting more anointing to bolster on Sunday, and to create ways to become better than the next church. Hell, look at the men in the African American community, we love God but hate church because there's no truth! Look at the break down of the black family, more single mothers, single women outweigh the number of men in the black church. Why is that? Unless the men are willing to turn into a religious bigot, they shun religion and stay away from church. Why is that? Why is that the youth hate church just as much if not more than the men do? Sunday and Wednesday (for some of you, everyday of the week, and why do you do this) services are nothing more than 4-6 or more hours of emotionalisms, judgment of those gossiping about, worship songs (that fuel a "supernatural high" but God isn't there at all), and false doctrines by narcissistic leaders saying whatever to keep "their people" in line. But where's the change in the black communities? Let's see here, places like Newark, B-more, Watts, Cincinnati, N.O., Killeen (which by the way has about 2 billion churches), and Chicago (the Vietnam of America). These places have high unemployment rates, murder rates, drug charges, domestic violence, high school dropouts, and gang activity (just look it up for your research, I could be wrong). My question is, where is the black church? Why aren't the majority of predominant black churches shutting down their "country club" meetings (like Tonex said) on Wednesdays and Sundays to feed the homeless, work with other ministries in their cities to mentor kids failing in schools, or advocating against sexual molestation? Why are predominant black churches be-friending those who are struggling with homosexuality, drugs, gang activity, beating on their kids/spouses, but spend more time judging them? Why are predominant black churches defaming people who are openly expressing concerns about their operations that are to many business analysts/professors, unethical and obviously morally wrong (in whatever spectrum you can think of)? Why are predominant black churches more concerned about themselves, their mission, their vision, their ministries, than the people they are suppose to reach with love then truth? I'll tell you why....as Jesus said, "their real father is the devil and the truth's not in them." Me, I'm no longer affiliated with the black church and as a former elder, co-conspirator, and enabler of this "wicked entertainment" called black church (and some of you white, etc. churches, too, I haven't forgotten you), I can say with full confidence. If God was in your churches, you would be making a difference, "showing compassion and pulling people out of various fires" they don't see. You'd be using your air time on BET and Oxygen to show what Christians were informed to do in the world instead of singing for a contract (that's worse than one will get the secular industry), and showing lavish lifestyles of pimps. But you are nothing but a weak, powerless, hypocritical, charismatic, delusional, greedy, selfish, manipulative, predatory, ungodly, "illuminati-like", new world order-like system that Christ hates to the uttermost (as well myself and the rest of the world that knows about you). Just as the NAACP, you are worthless and as Christ said, "when salt has lost its seasoning, its' good for nothing, and men walk all over it." Ya heard?! Some of you may ask, "David, why don't you do something about?" Well, my friends, I am, it's called #1. in the Scientific Method, "Identify The Problem." Without identifying the problem, there is no way to create a solution. Another solution, it's time to go back and really look at Jesus' life, stop with all the 3rd heaven revelational bull---- and get the principles, which the "secular world" is more successful in doing than the predominant church (except pimpin' of course, haha). It's time for humility. Time for truth. Most importantly, sit your "righteous-selves" down and learn the incredible gifts of reason, mindfulness, and common sense (hello, somebody). If I've ruffled your feathers, good. If I've came off angry, good. If I've pissed you off, that's great (that's what us Williams-Overtons-Royals do, baby!). Well, I think I'm done now. I hope these words hits just one person and when the truth hits one, the truth will spread and snatch people out of the "fantasy world" that exists in the predominant black church. To the black church, you're nothing but an epic failure. In the military, we used to say a "SNA-U." Look at the world around you, look at the local community you're supposed to reach but not reaching at all,  and look at what's happening within your own churches (rape, financial impropriety, lies, affairs, etc.). It's the truth. It's time to admit it.

Til next time, "Disco-Disaster" Dave (with the disco ball spinning around my head like a halo)....

Don't Let Life Pass You By

There's nothing worse than an unfulfilled life. That's nothing that my momma or daddy told me; it's something I've learned. Many of us let grand opportunities for personal, financial, educational, career, and spiritual successes slip by because of fear. Sometimes, we fear of being successful because of what others will say or think about us. Or maybe that these successes require much work after achieving to maintain them. So many factors we can weigh in to make since of our foolishness. That's including me. I remember growing up how I used to see the old schools play with us young bucks countless games of 21. Back then, I used to wonder, why are they scrounging to make ends meet for themselves? Why are they providing or attempting to provide a better life for themselves and their families? Easy answer, they let life pass them by. At that time, they were trying to relive their glory days through pummeling us at games of 21 taps (dudes from Raleigh know what I'm talking about). Lately, I've found myself thinking and thinking hard about my own life. God, haven't I let my 32 years of life pass me by. Being caught up by foolishness around me. Being distracted and embattled by drama. Allowing fear, doubt, and procrastination hinder various forward movements to obtaining the five areas of success. But today, I've made up in my mind be and do what God has laid out for me. As I learned earlier, you can't be afraid to be you because God has predestined you to do and be something above all you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Wow, what a statement. Here's the kicker. We've got to make the choice of not letting our lives go to waste. As Paul would say, not frustrating the grace of God. Jesus is the perfect example of not letting his life pass him by. Every opportunity, every moment he took hold of and became extremely successful. No matter how the Pharisees tried to throw him over cliffs. No matter how many times the disciples said or did things out of selfish ambitions. He continually moved forward and became the greatest success story of our world history. My question is to you, will you let life pass you by? Or will you waste and later on be filled with regrets? I hope this makes you think. I know it does for me.

Til next time (and not a long time from now, my friends, I promise) dgwo

References:

Acts 10:38

Coming of Age: Drama Free

Anyone who knows me know I hate drama with a passion. I remember back in the mid 90s how the word drama became related to the word mess. Here is the definition of the word, drama:

Drama -  an exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events or set of circumstances.

For anyone who has been through childish games with people, drama only stresses out the nerves and destroys patience. Drama destroys relationships. Drama destroys destiny. Drama destroys vision. If you're a person who's about something, I think you hate drama, too. Drama happens when one or some people are going somewhere in life and their supposed "friends" begin to hate on them. Or maybe there's a minor conflict at the job and someone who lacks maturity or foresight takes the conflict to a level where it shouldn't go. Wow. Drama occurs when someone walks too much in their emotions, which leads to selfishness; therefore when someone is trying to "help" them, they get into their emotions. Now everyone is the enemy. Everybody is against them. Everybody is trying to tell them how to live. Drama occurs when people don't communicate with one another. Matter of fact, one side has their arms wide open to the other party. However, the other party (from being a hard-head) refuses to come to a common (meeting) place to handle the situation. Hmmm. Just as Isaiah said, we should come and reason together. People who are addicted to drama start lousy arguments and say stupid things that ignite beef; thereby births drama among two or more parties. I gets real messy. I guess in this day and age, reasoning isn't a part of everybody seasoning (if you feel where I'm knocking). It's sad man because drama in our lives doesn't have to be so. We shouldn't have all these tribal and cold wars amongst each other but we do. We shouldn't be tearing each other down because of lack of communication but we do. Within the past 6 years of my life, the amount of drama I've experienced supersedes what I experienced in all my years in middle school as well as high school. A couple of months, drama made me mad but now, I'm like Shawn Carter; brushing my shoulders off. Nothing good from people who start drama ever comes to the forefront. It's messy. You'll always see people forsake others, even in the time of need and encouragement because they can't let go of drama. If we would learn to be adults (this even go for you kids in the latter part of high school), sit down, humble ourselves, and come to an agreement (even agreeing to disagree -thanks Mrs. Overton), drama becomes nonexistent. Drama loses its place in our lives and allows maturity to settle in our spirit. When the Pharisees were hating on Jesus out of their selfishness and lust for power and fame among the people, they started drama. Everywhere Jesus went to effect change in the lives and thinking of others, here go the Pharisees starting drama. To put this into layman's terms, every time a father is trying to support and be there for his kids, the baby momma is finding some way to sabotage his efforts. Every time an executive of firm is warning his or her conglomerates of poor financial decisions, their out to kill them. Every time a politician stands up to Congress and calls them out for their inappropriate decision-making, other politician cook up dirt from their long buried past to keep them quiet. Drama and trust me, Jesus faced it (and still facing it), too. One day, He stood up in boldness and told the people the time of their spiritual and mental freedom had come through the move of God in Him. Thereafter, the Pharisees stood up  and tried to kill the man. But Jesus was a smooth dude, escaping their clutches, moved through the crowd and disappeared. How did He do this? Through His years of observing maybe what His parents went through and His surrounding society, He knew how to handle drama. Sometimes, we have to learn how to bow out gracefully and let those who continue drama hang themselves. THAT'S RIGHT I SAID. The other side of loving people is allowing them to learn from their mistakes. Sometimes, watching a bunch of Pharisees killing themselves (not literally) doesn't feel like an act of love but it is. That's who we learn; its through our experiences. So, as this blog comes to a close, I'd like to tell all me people out there who are ready to move forward in life, travel the world, start a business, getting married, writing that book, and running that ministry, be drama free. It's the best thing to be. And when you start thinking like that, no type of drama will harm thee (get it, it's a rhyme). As for Mr. and Mrs. Overton, we're going to do just that, be drama free. And to all you haters and drama-makers, grow up already, stop keeping drama going, and let God set you free. This is what coming of age is all about, being drama free.

Til next time, dGwO

Reference:
Luke 4:16-32

Be Honest With Your Predilections

Some of you may look at this word predilections and are saying, what the? But, I'll break it down for you. It means a favoritism, a liking, a fondness, a proclivity, an appetite. No matter who we are, we've all got them. We all have a knack for something that feels good to us. Truth be told, we have a liking for so many things, we don't care what harm they may bring us. It's like that one song from the old school, "if loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right." That seems to be the lingo (the language, lifestyle) for many of us today. We don't care who we hurt, we don't think first before we act, and the list goes on. A lot of us don't admit we're struggling with things until they rise to the surface. Whether it's us being fed up with our spouse, frustrated about our job, unforgiveness towards an enemy, or dealing with pornography, we all deal with our predilections. The only thing that keeps us from dealing with them is our pride, which is the veil of our ego blinding us from the truth about us. Sometimes, we let the praises of men keep us from dealing with these predilections and we never get free from them. We just a bunch of human chains from the rooter to the tooter. Now that's a "holy pig feet" shame. I see it all the time, especially within myself. We love to play the part of the mask; saving face in front of everybody else around. We're the go to people when others need advice. We're the people who others know we'll get certain tasks done. Deep inside, past all of our awards, accomplishments, talents, and fame, there's something abominable crawling inside of us. It's that predilection. That one predilection leading us to keep sleeping with married men. It's those predilections of rappers selling their souls to gain fame in the music industry, becoming an industry puppet. It's those predilections that has many of us sexually abusing a minor that a part of our family or a kid of a neighborhood. It's those predilections that some pastors have using the word of God to fill up their own fantasy world of luxury and fame. It's those predilections that religious leaders use to start wars to see how much influence they have over another person's mind. I could go on but I think you guys get the picture now. Unchecked predilections lead to death of ourselves and others. David said it right, that we are all born in sin and shaped in iniquity. The life we live outside of Jesus Christ is going to allow predilections to have free reign in our lives. The goes for the lady who wears the longest dress in the church in COGIC to the hardest thug running the streets of Viz Valley, California. My friends, we've got to come to grips our the innate issues we are dealing with inside of us. It's better to expose and deal with them now before they destroy everything later. I know for a fact. Pornography, hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, and regrets are my predilections. But through the power of God's word and His Spirit, I overcome them. This doesn't mean that everyday I wake up they're not knocking at my front door. Actually, they're knocking on my door everyday but I don't let them come in. My prayer for us is that we get real with ourselves and that we allow Jesus to come into lives to help us with our issues. Remember this, we can try Allah, Buddha, New Age Theories, Meditation, weed, and sex all we want to. They all have one thing in common, they are temporary highs to get us from dealing with our issues head on. Jesus is the only force that drives us to places where we have to meet face-to-face with our issues and overcome them. Jesus said it best, that the only way we're going to have power over our predilections is through His word. Think about it as you throughout your day. Don't take my word for it. Study it.

Til next time, dgwo

Reference:
Psalms 51:5
Matthew 4:4

The Stretching Game

We are in a new season and a new day. Some pastors, prophets, and wise men in the business world would call this the 7th day also known as the day of rest. But to enter in this rest, we have to live, speak, think, and walk, by faith and not by sight. I'm learning this y'all, and the more I yearn to walk in faith more of my "stinking thinking" has to go. The more of me has to go, the more my "fleshly nature" has to be burnt up in the sight of God. Now, I'm not trying to get all spiritual, I'm just being real. These past 8 to 9 months, maybe even longer has been a stretch for me. It hasn't been easy. From my days of just being spoiled by Momma Royal to being a snot nosed punk in the Army, to being born again, to having to mature in many levels of my life, it's been a stretch. Right now, having a new job (and will be in training for the next 6 months), to going back to school this Tuesday for an MBA, to family duties, to ministerial duties, and most importantly keeping my relationship with God fresh is a stretch. Even now, one of my good friends has asked me to work on a musical project for him (not boasting but just giving an example) because he saw something in me that I've been afraid of. Maybe because I didn't want to disappoint him or maybe I was afraid of failure (of facing good criticism). It must be the latter, I tell you. But the good thing is that I'm learning to allow God to stretch me. To be stretched is have the willing mind and heart to go through change, a transformation, a metamorphosis. This is what life is all about and for us to reach our full potential, our manifest destiny, we have to be willing to be stretched. I've been listening to a "purple tape (hip-hop heads, you know the lingo)" by Bishop Tudor Bismark about a wise saying from Solomon.

Proverbs 22:13:

The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

This is saying that some of us are stuck in our place of comfort because we don't want to grow up. We don't want to go to that next level in life because we know it requires many sacrifices. It requires maturity. It requires us to lean on God instead of our own crazy man understandings. I'm just saying. God wants to enlarge our territory but are we willing allow Him to do so? We're so happy with a thousand bones (dollars) but when we just go ahead and get stretched we can gain so much more. So many of us are frustrated and weary but don't want the Lord to stretch us. Time out for that cuzo. It's time enlarge our territories and strengthen our stakes (Isaiah 54:2). Jesus did and be as successful as He, we've got to be stretched. That's what I love about Him, He don't give me know rest until I've yielded and let Him have His way in me. It's not easy but like CeCe Winans sang a long time ago, it's worth it.

Til Next Time, dgwo.

References:
Proverbs 22:13
Isaiah 54:2-5

Moving Forward: The Ascension

For me, today is the closing of one door and the opening of another. I know today that I am changing and shifting to another place in my life. I know that I'm not the only one going through such changes. Change is good and rocks your entire world. Time,  money, character, the whole nine yards. This is what ascension is all about. It's not a place where pride should dwell (though it can happen if not careful of ourselves) but where humility and opportunities dwell. It's pressing towards a higher mark and leaving behind things are of no use to us. As I've said in past blogs, we're in a time of change and transition. A lot of us are faced with tough decisions, what to take on, what to go after, and what to leave behind. Today, I have no other choice but to leave behind selfishness, envy, jealousy, lust, pornography, anger, bitterness, frustration, doubt, unbelief, temper tantrums, which are the forms of adolescence, not the characteristics of maturity. Maturity is adulthood, not a state of perfection (that is free from making mistakes or having faults) but being complete, thorough, and strong to handle whatever situation we find ourselves in. I remember my dad used to tell me, that we should consider our lives as an airplane. To reach to higher heights in the air, the airplane has to be at a certain weight. If a plane has exceeding weight in its carrier, then that plane can't go to the level of height to reach it's destination. Can you imagine a plane flying low to the ground near a interstate highway because those in charge allowed excess baggage to be carried in its cargo area? A lot of us including myself are carrying too much weight yet we expect to ascend to newer heights in life. Homie, that's not how ascension is designed. It's designed for people who are willing to let go of whatever it is to get to that next level. Ascension is for people who are willing to change whatever it is in their life to move forward. This is why the Bible says that we are to lay aside every weight (distractions whether it is people, places, or things) and every sin (bondage, etc.) that will keep us back from moving forward (Hebrews 12:1). Think about it. Professional athletes can't be the best unless they rid themselves of regimens that will keep them from being champions. The same applies to us, especially to those who profess they have faith in Christ. What I'm sharing is applicable; that's the whole purpose of the Bible. It's not made to control us but to instruct us as well as convict us to be better people pleasing only to God's eyes (I'm saying this to everyone, believing or unbelieving). Today, I truly believe God is doing some miraculous for those who take heed to His word and allows Him to order their steps by His word (Psalms 119:133). He's freeing us from all this mess we've picked up in this journey called life so we can experience the richness of abundant life in Him (John 10:10). This is the purpose Jesus Christ came and died for. It's simple if we would only just believe. So please, take heed to these words from this 31 year old scrawny scruffy faced war-torn yet getting healed day by day dude from Raleigh, North Carolina (go N.C. State Wolfpack). Much luv to everyone.

Til Next Time, dgwo.

References:

Psalms 24:3-5
Psalms 119:132-133
Philippians 3:4-14
Hebrews 12:1-2

The Risk Takers

Today, I wasn't going to do a blog today but my boss was spitting some knowledge on to me today. She said this,
"I love humanity in this world because there is so much diversity among us. We have two types of people I see, the risk takers and the cautious ones. The risk takers are those who push pass their fears and venture out. They are ready for the journey before them and are the trendsetters. The cautious ones are those who don't like situations being out of their control. They are planners and think first before they act."

Usually, I'm always talking about us humans being cautious but today, this blog is about us taking risks. Risk takers are those who take chances to become successful no matter what the cost may be. They ride on the hills of hope and faith, not in themselves or their own abilities, but in the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. They allow the hand of God to pull them to fresh and new dimensions and will give up whatever and whoever to achieve this plateau. Risk takers go down in history as people who change the very course of mankind. There are many risk takers today but very few who are taking risks in the name of Jesus Christ. Even Himself was a risk taker and did all the Father had put in His heart to do. He was determined, motivated, and only had desire to see His Father's will accomplished (John 4:34). However, most of us aren't there yet. We're very reserved and worry about what other people will think of us once we step out on the boat. To become successful in this life, we're going to have to be like Peter and we will fall at times, but Jesus is right there to pick us back up. The beautiful thing about taking risks is that it pulls us out of our comfort zone. We learn not to be satisfied with the condiments of complacency and normalcy. We get tired of the same ole same searching the very heart and mind of God for what's new on His horizon. This is the beautiful thing about the Lord and what separates Him from every one and everything else. He pushes us to go forward and not backwards; to do great exploits that will honor Him as well as accomplish His perfect will in our lives. When we purpose in our hearts to become risk takers, we won't half step but we will give it all we've got. Paul is probably one of the most exhilarating men in world history. No matter what he faced or what challenges came his way, he take risks. When people said he would be chained and even die for what he purposed in his heart to do, he just said bring it on. This is the beautiful thing about being a risk taker. Risk takers go all the way in. They place their lives in God's hands and go for the gold. Even if they don't accomplish what they seek after, they have made the path straight for those after them to walk in the path and do what they couldn't (Moses to Joshua). As risk taker, we have to be wise in every decision we make but we don't let the fear of tomorrow nor the regrets of our past hold us down. Oh no, we've got to keep moving (sorry, I'm an 80's baby!). I hope these words of our good friend Paul stirs something within us to what God has called us to do:

Philippians 3:14:

I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

No turning back my friends, it's time for us to move forward.

Til Next Time, dgwo

References:

2nd Samuel 7:3
John 4:34
Philippians 3:14

Grace Is Given Not Earned

Today, I'm speaking from one who knows how life is when it's at the bottom of the barrel. Broke, busted, and disgusted, and trying to do things his way to make life better for him. That's what I've been doing for a long, long time. I've been trying to earn something that's a gift, a free gift from God because of His generosity. It's like a man trying to earn the heart of a woman he loves dearly through buying expensive gifts and other things. However, the woman just wants the man to love her for her and not to earn her love through his "works." It's like a daughter-in-law trying to earn the love of her mother-in-law by showing how perfect she can be. However, she's showing herself not to be true and doing all this extra that isn't earned but given. This is how we are with God, my friends. We show up to every church function. Every day, we go out our way to help everybody or to be at everyone's celebration. We're always having to prove ourselves of being this or that. Inside, we hope that God will bless us because of our works. But when the bank account is about empty, when your family's home life is disparaging compared to your family's public life, when your thinking crazy thoughts in your head, those works done ain't worth nothing. We have all of these accolades, achievements, outings, and schedules, and we think that this makes us worthy of God's grace. But in all actuality, this makes God laugh not because He's happy with this in humorous terms. He's laughing at us because we're silly to think that we can earn His grace and favor with our works. If that's the case, we would boast, I did this and made God give me His favor. What time of mess is that? It is what it is, mess? I'm beginning to realize as I learn to trust God, reconstructing my life to become more balanced, and to be real that I still fight with unbelief (I'm just being honest but I have victory in the midst of it), that nothing I say or do earns me His favor. His grace is unmerited favor meaning a gift given freely not earned. It's given to those who are humble and think nothing of themselves. Grace is given to those who others deem as dirty, filthy, and unworthy to become anything productive in their lives. Look at Rahab, a prostitute. Look at the publican who came to the temple of said to God he's nothing but a wrench. Look at David, a scrawny yet handsome field boy tending to the sheep. Look at Joseph, a young man stripped of royalty to become a slave. Look at Abraham, a man who tested God's patience when the going got tough when his wife wasn't getting pregnant. All of these people were recipients of God's grace. They believed God and in various times of their hang-ups, God's grace was still on them to be and do what He predestined for them. The beauty of God's grace is that we take our hands off of God's business; that is to take care of us. He says in His word in the latter part of Matthew 6 that He's more thoughtful of us than the animals. He says how much more will He take care of us. The animals don't worry because they know their Creator is going to take care of them. We who have children and pets, they don't worry about nothing because they know their "source" is going to take care of them. This is how we need to look at God today and stop trying to earn His grace. He isn't concerned about our accolades, our titles, our degrees, or our works. He's concerned about the heart and mind of His people. Every day, He's loading us with benefits (Psalms 68:19) but many of us including myself miss out because we're working ourselves half to death. We're out here trying to appease everybody when we should be lamping (Philly term for resting) in God's arms. We worried and bothered about everything and trying to figure everything out. But when is the last time we took our masks off and came clean with God about our doubts and unbelief. Trying to earn God's grace is a form of unbelief and doubt. But laying it all before Him is the moment we experience His grace. No longer will we have to prove to others, to ourselves, or even to God who we are because He's already validated us. His grace is experiencing the love that surpasses fear, healing in our spirit, soul, and body, financial blessings that we didn't have to work for, time restored that we thought we lost due to circumstances of life, our lives covered by His blood when death is looking to knock on somebody's door, and relationships mended that were once torn apart. As many are saying now, the heavens are open for His people. Let's stop working in the boundaries of unbelief, doubts, and being busybodies. Let's love on God as we study His word, worship Him, and thank Him. When we do that, the grace of God moves in our lives and the unexpected, the miraculous, and the abundant will be released. People of God, it's our time to experience the free gift of God called grace.

Til Next Time, dgwo (and pray for me that I learn to experience His grace every day in every area of my life as I do the same for you)

References:
Psalms
Ephesians 2:7-9
Hebrews 4:1-11

Do You Hear The Sound Of Change?

My friends, my question for you today is, do you hear the sound of change? As being the homo-sapiens that we are, we are born with resistant measures to change. We don't like one bit especially when we have to mature in our character and thought process. Change is a part of our lives and we can go through it happily or grudgingly. Life, as the fictional character Forrest Gump says, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." I've found this saying to be very true. We don't always have the answers about tomorrow. A lot of us make plans about the future but when they don't come to pass, we feel disappointed. We expect things and people to be a certain way all the time. A lot of us who are quote on quote traditional are very resistant to change. We love to say, back in the day, this was this and that was that. Face it, those days are long gone. The root principles of things are the same but the implementations of them have changed dramatically. Look at how we're paying our bills or doing a job search. Mostly everything is performed online. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on billboards for advertising, we can post videos and other media to promote our businesses. Things around us are changing everyday. The one true change that I'm alluding to is how God (whose name is Jesus Christ-ya heard) is moving throughout this planet. He's not moving through just a sect or a denomination anymore, He's moving through people who hear the sound of change. Only those who walk in faith, have His Spirit, and study His word is hearing the trumpet sound. This sound isn't going to be recognized by anyone who's resistant to change. People who are still stuck on women not being called to preach and teach, men should have three piece suits, the saints staying at church all day, judging people who aren't saved, and unwilling to help others isn't welcome in this change. I really do believe there is a "rapture" going on because only those who hear the voice of God, saint or sinner, once they hear, will be changed. They'll be caught away to a place they've never been before, a place of destiny, purpose, and position. Those who are resistant will miss the mark like so many people as the older generation of Israel did. They refused to obey God and let Him guide them by the hand. They were swallowed up because they kept looking back instead of going forward. As human beings, when faced with the challenge of change, we tend to look back instead of look forward. We don't like to mature.  A lot of us are adults well into our 20s, 30s, 40s, and above and still want to wild out in the club. We still bed hopping, coke sniffing, and hanging out with people more than half our age like we're still in high school. Shoot, I'm looking at my closet now and it's time to let all of those baggy jeans go because I'm not a thug (well, God is still working on my "Peter-ish" ways, pray for me). A lot of stay wearing  the same winter clothes when it's summer and summer clothes when it's winter. When the season changes, we have to change. Why don't we get that? The animals do. Listening and responding to the sound of change is scary, frightening, exciting, and adventurous all at the same time. Embrace what God wants to do in your life. Yeah, there are definitely going to be some ways, thoughts, lifestyles, and habits we'll have to give up. But that's what separates Jesus from all of these "teachers" and idols. He changes the whole person from the inside out that will last for eternity. Hear the sound of change and walk in it as Christ desires us to.

Til next time, dgwo.

References:

1st Corinthians 13:12
2nd Corinthians 4:15-17

Wake Up: Racism Is Still Prevalent In America

My heart really goes out to the families of the people slain by the late Wade Michael Page, a white supremacist. I started to think about this very hard and came to the realization that racism is still prevalent in America. Racism is a belief held by an individual or group hating another individual or group based on color, religion, creed, age, appearance, or background. I hate to say this but I need to say this. Racism is still prevalent in America today. Just a couple of weeks ago, a black couple's wedding had to be held at another church because the predominantly white church were mortified to have another race on it's premises. During my days of living in North Carolina, I remember going to a school in Princeton where the staff including teachers and principals were racists. I remember people of my own race shared racist comments about Caucasians and Mexicans (oh yeah, African American can be just as racist as the most hateful KKK member). Shoot, I've made various racist comments in my time in the Army and thereafter ("I ain't lying, I ain't lying"-Madea voice). Racism has been here since the beginning of time and the beginning of the U.S.A. Over years, we've experienced slavery, Jim Crow laws, laws against the Native Americans, American concentration camps of the Asian population during World War II, and of course the civil rights movement. In the late 20th century to this present time, it "seems" racism is nonexistent. Various people from all walks of life are working together in the workplace, studying in the universities, playing in professional sports, and chat with each other on social networking sites. We think that it's all good and we've learned from the late Rodney King, "to all get along." However, this recent shooting should raise a red flag for us today. Has racism really gone away? I say that it hasn't. Yeah, some of you may say, Dave, you're entitled to your own opinion. But here are the facts I see in everyday life. Matter of fact, let me pose some questions to you and then let them marinate in your conscience for a while:

• Why are there still white supremacist groups still hateful against other races?
• Why are there still "black power" movements still taking aim at the white man for what happened to their ancestors centuries ago?
• Why are black people still thinking all white people are "the man" and blame them for all that's wrong in their lives?
• Why do Americas look at all Mexican workers as robbers of jobs in the marketplace?
• Why are churches who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and God still separated based on race, color, creeds, worship styles, and background?
• Why are there stigmata between the various groups of the Latino culture such as dialects, country, etc.?
• Why do us"native" (anyone born in the US) Americans hate on other races/cultures coming here to the US to attain a better life?
• Why are there many cities across the US still "silently" promoting divisions for different races to live?
• Why is there a prevalence of injustice toward Native Americans?
• Why are people still systematically teaching racism to the up and coming generations?

Why, Oh why, my friends? What happened to the community in Wisconsin should be a reminder and wake up call that racism is still prevalent in America. People are going to various extremes like mass-murder, monetary corruption, gang activity, political corruption, and fanatical religious crusades to destroy another who they deem as impure. This is what happens when our hearts aren't congruent with the heart of God. God loves all people. He doesn't like our sin (as many try to justify) but loves us all the same. When He came and died, He did it for all mankind. The great write Paul said in his testimony to the Greek philosophers in Athens that God made us from one blood all nations of the earth (Acts 17:26). Because of sin and just human nature (as Michael Jackson perfect examined), we hate each other. My thing is, everyone from the atheist to the Buddhist envision a life after this, some sort of heavenly place. No more crying, no more sickness, and for us who hate working everyday, no more bills ( smile). But we're still on this racism tip, which is mostly now undercover (hello). This is a point I must get across to  us all. Who do you think is going to be in heaven? Is it going to be God, the angels, and one particular number or race? I think not. John who had a vision in the isle of Patmos had a vision of heaven and the constituents living there. He saw God, the angels, and an innumerable amount of people of all nations, kindred, and languages there whose lives were washed in the blood of Lamb (Revelation 7:9). They all were seen worshipping the King together in harmony and in unity. Racism isn't a thought of love or maybe constructive criticism, it's a thought of hate, separation, and evil. Believe you me, God ain't down with it. My friends, I'm just as guilty of racism as Wade Michael Page because I've done some racist stuff in my 31 years on earth. But thank God for massaging my heart and to raise awareness of racism in the US. 

Til next time, dgwo.

References:

Acts 17:22-33

Revelation 7:1-9

Don't Be A Slouch, Be Productive!

I was starting to write something else earlier but it looks like I'll be making a book out of it (stay tuned). But I guess today's blog will focus on being diligent. Solomon says this to us from Proverbs 12:24:

"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute."

So, what is diligence?  Here is the definition of diligence:

diligence: careful and persistent work or effort. 

Diligence is not only starting a project but seeing it through until finished. Diligence is moving forward no matter what comes against us. Diligence is always seeking innovative ways to make things happen. Diligence is keeping tuned to what's going on around us and maneuvering through the channels of life. 

When we are diligent, we will be presented before people of great status and given opportunities before many people. One of my favorite characters in the Bible is Joseph. He was a man betrayed, lied on, and cheated out his latter teenage years and his twenties due to slavery and prison. During these times, Joseph learned to be diligent where we was placed. He could have  been like us these days in American society who shut down every time things get rough. He could have been like us blaming people who did us wrong and left us to die in our situation. He could have hated God for allowing all those things to happen to him. But He bloomed where He was planted. One of two things are going to happen. We're either going to sink or swim. We're going to sit on the couch and let life pass us by or make the best out of every situation. He chose to suffer and be productive. He made it happen and was given leadership positions in his master's house as well as in the prison. He diligence led him to become ruler of all Egypt and fed many nations. In this time of recession, emotional depression, and moral regression, this is the hour God is calling us His people to be about their Father's business. He's calling the prodigal sons and even those who don't believe in God to become a part of the greatest revolution of change the world has ever seen. However, there's the end of the bargain we must fulfill and it requires us to be diligent. Hard work pays off. If Jesus never put in work in working miracles and dying on the cross for the eternal salvation of mankind, this world would be worse than what it is now. If Joseph became a slouch, all those nations during the famine would've died of hunger. What if I don't write these blogs everyday? I would increase the process of internal frustrations and miss the blessing for me that will bless countless others around the corner. Diligence is more than just us, it's about others who God wants to insert in His perfect plan. Well, I guess that says it all. To all those who've been diligent for what Jesus has called them to do, keep doing it. Just hold tight, your time is coming and coming very soon. To all who've given up, it's time for you to dream again and ask God to restore your hope in Him and to do what He's called you to do. To all who are diligent but whatever it is not pleasing God, consider Him and His ways. Change your will over to His and learn to be diligent in the things He has for you to do. 

Til next time, dgwo.

Reference:

Proverbs 12:24

Bound In The Prison But Free In The Mind

Yesterday, I watched American Gangster, which is a documentary of various people intertwined in the drug game. The show talks about various people from The Chamber Brothers, Melvin Williams, the original Murder INC, and Frank Lucas. Although their stories are intriguing, the most intriguing is the stories of Leroy "Nicky" Barnes and Guy "Radio" Fisher. Now, these names aren't probably recognized by this present generation today but those from the old school know what I'm talking about. Back in the 70's, these two men were a part of a criminal organization called The Council. In all, there were five men who pledged an oath of allegiance with various stipulations to the rule. On June 5 (or 6) 1977, the New Yorker printed a magazine with Nicky Barnes on the front page called Mr. Untouchable. Of course, this was a slap to the face to the authorities and within a period of time, he was given a life sentence without the opportunity parole. As Nicky sat in jail, the leadership role of The Council was laid on the shoulders of Guy Fisher. I didn't even know The Apollo Theater wouldn't be open today if it had not been for Guy Fisher. Yeah, he was still pushing heroin in Harlem and other parts of NYC, but dude had a heart. There was one part of the documentary talking about how a rapper DJ Hollywood was trying to get into the drug game and Guy Fisher almost lost his cool. Guy knew what he was doing was wrong. The murders, the drugs, the people strung out, and breaking the law. Fate had it for him when word got to Nicky about Guy having an affair with his girlfriend and wife on the side (is it true-?). But what we know is true, Nicky felt the oath was broken and he ended up taking all The Council  members down, especially his protege, Guy Fisher. All were given life sentences without the possibility of parole for continuing drug trafficking operations. Guy and of course the others were devastated their leader would turn on them from "allegations" sent to him. But that's not the main point of this message. Prison has been Guy's residence for the past couple of decades. He's probably in his mid-50's, maybe early 60's. But this is what the documentary showed about him. He said in one his letters that the prison system has his body but doesn't have his mind. He stated that his mind was and still is free. He turned a bad situation into a situation full of promises achieved. The man went to school, something he shunned in his younger days. He kept going to school until he achieved the highest honor, that is, attaining a Ph.d in Sociology (wow, in prison). He has published 5 or more books including novels, screenplays, and other types of literature. He is outspoken about how the young needs  examples and a direction in life. The young man who had the potential to help fix up broken places like the Apollo used it to destroy the lives of many people. However, his prison circumstances changed his mind as well as his heart. His heart was already malleable but now he was in a place where he couldn't run from his true purpose. He had to embrace. Being a drug kingpin is great but it's nothing compared to speaking about issues through literary art. So, why would I be praising someone who most people in the past, present, and future feels to be a scumbag? Here is my reasoning, prison situations are made to propel us to our purpose. There are many of people in prison in America today, up to millions of people. Some have light sentences, some life sentences, and some commuted to death sentences. Many of these people who are in prison are walking free today. They go shopping, hit the clubs, extort the poor, and can sleep in their cozy living quarters. However, they are bound in the mind but free to walk around. Bound by bitterness, bound by lust, bound by homosexuality, bound by lies, bound by greed, and bound by manipulation. These same things are found in physical prisons. However, there are a lot of people there who are free from bitterness, free from lust, free from homosexuality, free from lies, free from greed, and free from manipulation. They write poems. They preach great messages. They teach others how to handle their circumstances the right way. And when they say they're blessed (lifestyle approved by God, sealed by the Holy Spirit) and highly favored (because they don't work to gain His favor, but by grace they don't deserve), they are sincere. I've gone to one prison each 1st and 3rd Monday and I feel like the one who is prison yet I see they are free; in their mind. 7 days a week, I go to various places and I see 99.9% of people aren't free. I read posts from Facebook and Twitter and people aren't free. It disturbs and baffles me how these inmates I visit are free and serve God with their whole heart, and do what God calls them to do without hesitation but we are full of chains and hate God?! I know the answer...The Apostle Paul said it plain as day, that he learned to be content no matter what state he was in. He was locked in prison until the day he was executed by Nero the Roman Emperor. Yet, he continued to write messages to people who were free in body but bound in the mind. He learned the secret to having freedom in the mind; he accept the perfect will of God over his life in his prison situation. My friends, these times will get no better as far as the world is concerned. We already know the last days are here. We're facing so many prison sentences in our lives and we accuse God of doing us wrong. But He's commuting us to prison sentences for one reason, to get our attention, wake up, learn from Him, and fulfill our true purpose in life. Is Guy Fisher saved? I don't know. But it had to be God to wake his mind up to fulfill the accolades he's accomplished. So to all my fellow prisoners on the outside as well as the inside, what has God called you to do and be? And to all those who know, have you accept the perfect will of God in the midst of your prison situation? Think about it over the weekend. much luv, y'all.
Til Next Time, dgwo

Reference:

Matthew 26:36-42
 Philippians 4:11

Enough Is Enough!!!

Dudes and dudettes, enough is enough. "What are you talkin' 'bout, Willis? A lot of us are in situations, relationships, habits, belief systems, and attitudes for an extended period of time. We're basically stuck in a tunnel of madness and have become comfortable. There's an old saying that when we lay down with dogs we come up with fleas. Thank God we have products available to eliminate fleas out of our skins (and our pets, too). However, we stay in a position laden by the fleas of our lives. We stay in jacked up relationships with people who physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally abuse us. Every time we're trying to do something productive, these people always got to open their mouth of negativity. All of a sudden, we're chained down in depression. It's so sad. We're stuck in situations where God continually makes ways of escape out of the cage but we stay there. A lot of us are still performing habits that are wrecking our present as well as future lives like greed, cheating, lying, adultery, bitterness, lust, and hatred. A lot are still believing these lies men have taught us (that go against the perfect will of God) and we're wondering why American society is what it is today. A lot of us are still got bad attitudes ranging from treating others with little to no respect to living as conniving wolves. Yeah, I said it. I said all that to say this. It's time for a change, not Obama's type of change that's throwing punches at God but God's kind of change that first changes the heart then the rest (Peace to John "The Tonic" K. Wells from Cross Movement). Yeah, I said that, too. We'll continue to be in these places in our lives until we say enough is enough out of our own mouths and seek God to help us do some rearrangements. Like growing up, cutting away people, places, things, belief systems, habits, and attitudes is going to hurt like crazy. I know this for myself but it's needed. To be honest with you all, I'm tired of some my own attitudes, situations, belief systems, and even relationships that don't do me no kind of good. One thing I've learned from Jesus is that when you're going to do something, you better do it all the way. Now, that's what I love about Him, He does things with completion in mind. Before I close this thing down, I'd like to show you from scripture how it's not a sin for us to get frustrated with something not right and do something about it the right way. The Apostle Paul, regarded as one of the top writers in our world's history, visited a certain place alongside Silas. For a period of time, there was girl nagging the both of them. She kept saying, OMG, there's Paul and Silas, two great men-d of God (for all you church folk who love to say this). She kept saying this on top of other things and Paul got fed up. Deep inside, he knew she was mocking them and was trying to hinder him from going somewhere in life. So one day, he turned his frustration into something meaningful that would not only free him but the girl possessed with a devil, and later on a jailer who was about to commit suicide. He said through his authority and trusting in Christ in a paraphrased street dream version, enough is enough! It's time for us to live peacefully, meaning we are freeing ourselves from things and people that are dragging us down. All it takes is believing God's word and be willing to take that step of faith. It's time for us to live and be happy as my dad would say. Enough is enough with the lies! Enough is enough for all our frustrations! Enough is enough with Satan reigning in our lives like he's a god! Enough is enough trusting in men whose intentions are to strip us of experiencing life to the fullest (that's pleasing to God, of course). Enough is enough with the pride monster that thinks we can do what we want without correction or consequence! I myself have had it with pettiness, excuses, and bondage! Enough is enough, so what about you?

Peace and blessings, dgwo

Reference: Acts 16:12-40