Reading Time: 3 minutesGod gives us all assignments in life, and he wants to empower us to accomplish those tasks. I believe we truly desire to achieve the tasks that God gives us. But, though we have a desire to achieve that purpose, there are four letters that can keep us from accomplishing his purpose in our lives.
Reading Time: 3 minutesViolence! Violence! Before I pronounced the benediction in our first worship gathering yesterday, it had happened again. Someone said to me: “It happened again. There has been another police shooting. This time in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Three officers were shot and killed and three more wounded.” My only response was, “Lord, please have mercy on us.” What do we do? How do we move forward?
Reading Time: 2 minutesI think it’s a blessing for a husband to put his hands on his wife. If a husband tells me he has never put his hands on his wife, I would ask, “Why not? You must not love your wife.” If a wife tells me she has never put her hands on her husband, I would honestly question her love for him. It is unfortunate that more spouses aren’t putting their hands on one another. I think there is a benefit to spouses putting their hands on one another.
Reading Time: 4 minutesAfter I had become a believer in Jesus, I wrestled with many questions. However, the one issue I dealt with more than any was: Can I lose my salvation? This question haunted me and dealt a severe and vicious blow to my spiritual confidence. Why did I think this way? Were my fears justified?
Reading Time: 3 minutesTwenty-two years ago, today, a beautiful and smart woman named Tonia, said yes to my proposal and agreed to marry me. I was nothing special. But, she said yes. And, two decades later, we are still together. I often think if I had to do it over, would I bypass all others and take her hand again? So, I dedicate these lines to my fine wine.
Reading Time: 4 minutesI had scheduled another blog post for today – Village Talks: Advice I Gave My Black Sons Regarding the Recent Police Shootings. But, when I woke this morning the horrific news that snipers had killed 5 Dallas police officers last night, troubled me deeply. So, I called an audible and am releasing this post first. In light of what has happened in the last several days, how should we respond?
Reading Time: 7 minutesAs I ambled into the house Tuesday night, I was met with: “Dad, it happened again.” Out of curiosity, I queried: “What happened again, son.” With a tinge of anger, shock and sadness, Marvin Jr. said: “Two white police officers shot another black man.” Inherent in his relaying this information was a cry for a village talk – wisdom in the midst of confusion and questions. What should and could I say to my 19-year-old black son?
Reading Time: 3 minutesI believe when God’s people pray, he hears and answers. I believe God is a good, good Father, and when we ask him for bread, he doesn’t give us a stone. I know he gives good things to his children. My trust in God and you is the reason why I am asking you to pray for Micah and the Williams Family over the next 28 days.
Reading Time: 3 minutesI am an imperfect pastor. I make mistakes. I hurt people with my words and actions. And my parents, pastors, and mentors taught me that if you hurt someone or offend someone, you say: “I’m sorry” and ask the person to forgive you. The other morning I was impressed with the thought of how I have hurt and offended my Heavenly Father, and how I needed to tell him, “I’m sorry.”
Reading Time: 6 minutesDiscipline is important in the parent-child relationship. Yet, the way parents discipline their children has always been a controversial topic. The national spotlight shone on issue again last week when police arrested thirty-year old Shaquana Spears for physically disciplining her children after they broke into a neighbor’s home. Was Ms. Spears right or wrong in the way she disciplined her children? When does parental discipline become abuse?