The Morning After

 The election is over. Barack Obama has been re-elected and obviously there are tears of joy and elation in favor of the outcome and tears of disappointment from the supporters of his opponent. As much as I or many others may say that this election was not about color this statement continues to be tested on a daily basis. It doesn't help when congressional senators openly express their disdain for our President in words that should be considered downright illegal. Recently the government has taken swift action against active duty uniformed soldiers for attacking, (whether verbally or in writing),  our Commander-in-Chief. And there remains those  political bobble-heads, such as Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh, (to name a few), who daily disperse the fuel of hate, racism, and separatism on the eyes and ears of millions of Americans from their self-fabricated thrones.

  I suppose the only valid question which remains is "Where do we go from here"? For both Democrat and Republican I say "It is time to stop crying over spilt milk". Do we continue to haggle over differences which are not worthy of the walls they have built between us and our neighbor or do we call a truce and recognize that we are all Americans and are in this soup together. Will we ever accept the truth that we need each other to regain our footing from tragedies such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the recent wars and 9/11?We must bind together as one if we are to obliterate such dire issues as poverty, homelessness, crime, sub-standard education, and other impacting topics.  I do not gloat in President Obama's win and I shy away from others who do so; but for many reasons, both personal and public, I am extremely glad about it.  But now I am very ready to get on with "Nation Building"; healing our internal wounds, helping the Veterans and soldiers re-connect with their lives, and seeking to be a right example to the world.  As a people we must cease to view ourselves as just The United States and start viewing ourselves as Planet Earth. After all, climate change, natural disasters, genocide, disease and environmental concerns have no political affiliation.

  I love you all.
  Dennis

Remembering Our First Lessons

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing".

Deuteronomy 10:18

 

  There's something about the political season that brings about a certain tension among people; particularly the last two elections. I believe this is primarily because our nation has successfully elected the first African American to the nation's highest office in the person of Barack Obama. While this was an unprecedented and historical event, four years later the idea of a black man being the leader of the free world does not sit well with many people. I can sincerely say that I always vote my conscience and not according to what is popular among others. In truth, if the ideals of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney were completely reversed I would vote for Mr. Romney without hesitation. But that is not the case.

  When I was in the military I strove to attain the highest rank because I believed that I would be more successful in initiating changes that would better my soldiers and the entire unit as a whole; however, I soon learned that the higher one may go in position the more ugly the view becomes at the top. I discovered that decisions were not always made fairly or for the betterment of a particular person(s), but rather, for purely political reasons.  I did not always fare well with my counterparts because I had a knack for standing up for my soldiers and against what I perceived to be acts of prejudice, racism, favoritism, or just outright evil to a certain caste. Nevertheless, I fought to maintain my learned morals and would do so again, if necessary.

  When I study the actions of both President Obama and Governor Romney I can clearly see the contrast in their views and aspirations for America. Undoubtedly, President Obama is at a huge advantage due to having served a term in office and has heard, seen, and dealt with issues that Governor Romney can't begin to imagine. What I do find remarkable is how in the face of the the many blatant attacks Barack Obama has suffered regarding his race, education, place of birth and every other negative distraction directed at him, he has steadfastly argued for quality education for all Americans, the proper distribution of wealth, the discontinuation of horrendous wars which have robbed so many of their loved ones, aiding corporations, (i.e. banks, auto industries, housing markets), so that our American way of life would not need to be farmed out to other nations, health care which favors the needy over large conglomerates, and a stimulus plan which many states have benefited from.  

  Our president is not popular among some because of some of the things I have mentioned beforehand, but I believe that his adherence to solid Christian values such as charity, truth, the command to live peaceably with all men, caring for the poor, the disenfranchised and the powerless is what truly causes so many to attack his person and his presidency. How easy it can be for the rich to get richer and for those who do not fight to advocate war.  I am proud to have a leader who empathizes so openly and sincerely with the common man; a leader who has not forgotten his own humble beginnings.

  I can only pray that whatever the outcome of the next presidential election, that we, as a people, will not allow our hearts to become cold towards our fellow man and that all men will keep God at the forefront of all their actions and decisions with the sincere belief that after this life there will be another.  

Love thy neighbor.
Dennis

Staying In The Fight To Do Right

 

 

"For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want."

-Romans 7:19

  War is inevitable. Somewhere somebody is fighting over something. It could be a matter as small as a parking space at a crowded mall or something as monumental as one culture desiring to dominate another. Wars have even been "justified" over religious ideals. Blood has been shed over the desire to possess a specific woman or lord over large herds of livestock, persons, or riches. And just when we think we have extinguished one fire another emerges from the embers.  But these wars are usually fought outside of the body; sometimes not even touching our own being. They may have been fought before our time or may be occurring in a faraway land. However; there is one battle; one conflict; one dreadful war that pierces every man and woman from deep within where scars are not seen with the natural eye. That is the war to do what is morally right.

  When I was first introduced to "religion" it was all about following the rules of conduct.  You know them; don't drink, don't smoke, do not engage in the use of profanity and partying and late night carousing and sex before marriage.  Yes, sir. I practiced those rules and soon I was able to easily point out the sinners from the saints as easy as pie. Never mind that I had a temper or that I did not like certain people or I had no patience for things that did not go my way. (It's easier to talk about myself because if I tend to point out a flaw of another I will only be attacked or worse; so this is better. Let every person examine their own heart). As a young minister I did not recognize that a person's actions were nothing more than human nature. Oh, how often I quoted King David as he lamented " Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me". Psalm 51:5 , but was oblivious to the fact that there was no one, save Jesus Christ, who could and would ever walk free of sin. Yes, even on my best day my good deeds were no more than filthy rags. I began to change as God would have me to be when I traded my religious garb for a spiritual cloak. I clearly was able to see the faults in myself and others; but now I had a genuine love for everyone and a desire to see us all make it in to God's Heaven.

 I also discovered that I was able to practice doing what was right even though I had to borrow a page from the Apostle Paul and "die daily". Yes, I made many mistakes; some more than once.  I am a man who is not unlike many a man. I have desires and appetites but I can either accept the age-old adage that "All men are dogs" or I can attempt to walk as righteously as I am able through Christ who is within me; regardless of what others may say about me. Women, this pertains to you, as well.

  In my youth I believed in "an eye for an eye". You kill my dog I will slay your cat. You hurt me and I will repay the pain. This sort of attitude nearly caused me to lose myself and more importantly; my relationship with my God.  Years of living has shown me this very truth: "...that  the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God". Micah 6:8

  Let us strive harder and be more diligent to make the devil a liar. Stop allowing your past mistakes to give you an occasion to stumble and utterly fail in your quest to live a blameless life. Just remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength.
 I Love you all.
 Dennis

 
 

Real Treasure

"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods". Luke 12:18

  “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”  This was true when the late poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said it and it certainly remains true today.   In our modern high tech world one can barely resist the snare of the latest gadget, the flashiest screen, the sleekest model or the most eye-appealing product. If we can't purchase it new we will readily buy it second hand. And it's not as if we actually need the coveted contrivance, fashion, or edible entree; sometimes we just want to be able to say "I had it".  

  But surprisingly, I am not about to rain on any one's parade concerning getting your latest gadget groove. (At least not today). I do believe that one should enjoy their life to the fullest extent and that there are no rules save to do no one else harm.  No, today I am in a different mindset and it primarily deals with benevolence; the desire to do good for others; charitableness; good will.  Like many of you, I watch television and movies. I watch programs about the life styles of the rich and famous. Through these mediums I have learned about the luxury of a Bentley and the sexiness of a Maybach without ever having laid my hands on them. The Housewives of Atlanta have shown all of us how to get a house on the hill and furnish it with things you can't even pronounce. And, of course, Kim and the rest of the Kardashians have given most of America that "I want to be so filthy rich that I can do anything and it will be right" attitude.  But when it's time for bed because you have three kids to get off to school in the morning and you are a single parent or you have 4 hours of sleep before getting to your second job or you are 31 years old and you still live with your parents or you are doing all that you honestly know how to do and you simply cannot get ahead; you know you have to return to reality. 

  I guess the simple fact is this; stop trying to get your million dollars here on earth and be more concerned with storing up treasures in Heaven by practicing compassion and unselfishness to others. Truth be told; if I had it to give a thousand times a day I most likely would. I wish the world would sing the same song of LOVE.

 Have a great week.
 Dennis

Wrestling With My Mind

 

  I've been at a stand-still lately concerning blogging. Notwithstanding, the past month has accelerated with activity and the Winter months are also upon us. I mention this because I am not a great fan of cool and cold weather. Because of my medical condition(s) I take my flu shots regularly but that does not keep me from contracting the occasional sore throat and/or head cold. since I'm complaining, let me also tell you how the cold makes my joints and my bones ache. I don't like being ill at all.
  I heard from a very good friend today and I was, once again, reminded of how some relationships will remain with me for my entire life; and in a very positive way.

  I did sing in North Carolina at a good friend's church for his morning and evening service. I don't relish travel as much as I used to, but the attendance of several family members and friends made the occasion very sweet.

  There is something on my mind which I am not sure how to properly dispel in words. It is concerning some repetitive dreams and thoughts. When I was a church pastor my format for conveying "A Word from the Lord" was easily recognized and accepted more willingly. Although I recognize that "God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn" (Romans 11:29) , I no longer operate from a pulpit and therefore am less forward about offering someone advice or warnings. My situation is this in a nutshell; I see the need to convey a warning to someone I know very well concerning their behavior, but I have been hesitant. However, we must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29). It won't be the first time I was disliked for telling the truth.

  Pray my strength in God,
Dennis



 

Diverting Your Passions

  

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"

-James 4:1

 

 

  I slept in this morning. By the time I had awakened David had boarded his school bus and the wife was also getting ready to leave for work. The past few weeks have been extremely busy and I was appreciative of the extra hour of sleep. As I bid the wife farewell, I decided it was a good time to get back into my walking regimen. I donned my shorts, T-shirt, my reflective vest and shoes. As I was about to apply my leg weights I became cognizant of the sound of running water. I opened the front door and was greeted by a heavy downpour of rain that was not present just seconds ago.  I was more surprised than disappointed; perhaps because the television forecast had predicted rain and they actually got it right.  "Oh, well", I thought, "I may as well use the morning productively."

 

  Walking in the Spirit has taught me to be aware of my surroundings at all times. I am quick to hear, slow to speak on things I do not readily understand, and I am much better at preventing myself from getting angry at life's many situations.  This attitude not only helps me to be less stressful throughout my days, but it also helps me to be the man I need to be in my home for my family.

 

   Have you ever wanted to have your cake and eat it too? Did you ever try to convince yourself that you could handle all that was on your plate and more?

Men do not like growing up. When life calls us to the unavoidable responsibilities of work, parenthood, husbandry, and sober thinking we often do not respond to it as we should. Besides, who said I can't play before I pay bills? And who was it that started the rumour that I had to sometimes miss my football games to spend time doing adult things like ensuring my bills were paid and gas was in the car and groceries were bought and time was spent with the children and the wife?     



 

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." - 1 Corinthians 13:11

 



   I have learned that the hardest thing about living a sincere and wholesome life, (you know, the kind of life that will reward you to spend eternity with Jesus), is learning to tell myself "No". Although it is a fact that the Spirit is willing but our fleshly nature is very weak, it does not negate the fact that we must bring our flesh under subjection lest we become double-minded and unstable in every decision we have to make. (See James 1:8). 

 

  Today I strive to continue to seek a balance in my life; knowing that some of my decisions will not sit well with some others but my concern is that my decisions do sit well with God and my family.  Besides, haven't we learned by now that living your life to please someone else is profoundly impossible and exorbitantly overrated?  Sometimes our biggest battles are fought within our own bodies.

 

Do what you know is right.

I love you all.

Dennis

 

 

 

Go Get Your Blessing

  I'm back after a long break from my page. The past few weeks have been very busy, and even life-changing, for me. I will not go into detail as to what all I have been involved but I can say that it has been nothing illegal, immoral, nor ungodly. Knowing this, some of you will probably skip the rest of my blog. We all know people love a good gossip. Life; who can anticipate it from day to day? No one but God. Who will agree with me that prayer is essential to keeping oneself grounded, sober, courageous and in their right mind? Our everyday lives are surrounded by mountains but that should not deter us from trying to live victorious at every turn. Remember when the disciples of Jesus needed money and He told them to go fishing? They did and by doing so they found money in the mouth of a fish they caught. "... so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us." Matthew 17:27.

  I don't intend to hold you hostage with a sermon today. I suppose I only want to encourage you with the same encouragement I give myself. I went walking today after so many weeks off. I fought the notion to sleep in because I awoke at 2 a.m. for an hour and I pushed myself out of my warm bed, donned my gear and took off. On my return home as I was nearing my driveway I noticed a glimmer on the street before me. It was a perfectly shiny dime which I secured and gave thanks. In this little act I realized that if I had not persevered I would not have received my "blessing". Who are we to measure our blessings as if we own anything? Get up, fight through the depression and drudgery of the new day and  push on through the heartache, physical pain and unnecessary worry which stands before you. The bark of this world is worse than its bite!

  I pray for you today as I know you pray for me.
God bless,
Dennis