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

When I Dance

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens::...a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
   

    For as long as I can remember I have always loved to dance.  If my mother were alive she would no doubt have stories of when I first began to bounce up and down to the beat of music while still in diapers. There is something that happens when I dance. It's as if I become infused with the music I am listening to. I can clearly distinguish between music and lyrics and to me the two are distinctly different. Lyrics engage my mind but music commands my body.  When I was younger and sang in a local R & B band in Fayetteville, N.C. I remember how I would dance all night. As long as the music moved me I knew nothing of tiredness.  Here are some of the things dancing did for me:

• Dancing kept me in shape physically
• Dancing made me feel free and alive
• Dancing made me happy
• My dancing often made others happy

  I don't dance too often these days. It's not that my love for music has diminished, but I do believe that it's primarily because I do not have a dance partner.  My wife is not a dancer but she likes to see me move, (you figure that one out). I stopped going to clubs years ago because of the unwholesome atmosphere found inside and among some of the patrons and also because I greatly altered my lifestyle.  Every now and then I may hear an old funky song from years gone by or simply get a thought and then I am off to a few seconds of spinning, strutting, and feeling downright.....awesome. (That's the safest word I could find at the moment). 

 I have been encumbered about much these past few weeks.  There have been the passing of friends, loss of relationships/friendships, senseless killings throughout our nation, racial issues, family and friends who have recently been hospitalized and much more.  I have to sometimes turn off my car stereo and television because of the constant stream of depressing news. Yes, I understand the need to stay informed concerning current events, but enough is enough and sometimes we just need to hear the deafening sound of silence.  Because I keep in contact with so many of you I know you have been burdened by a seemingly ceaseless turn of events so I will make this short and to the point:

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.." Proverbs 17:22 

Today, or sometime this weekend, I want you to turn off the drama, turn on the music and shake off your burdens.
See you on the dance floor.
Dennis  

     

Too Small To Be Loved

"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people." -Psalm 22:6

"The more you think that way, the more people will feel the negative vibes from you and your body language. I never trusted anyone even family members, they all got tired of my depressive mood and did not enjoy being around Mr Misery. I looked pained most of the time, until I came to the realization that I had almost no one to confide in. It was very lonely and sad to see others with so much family and friends to enjoy company with.

It took a total stranger to make me realize what it was I was doing to my self. I will never forget being told.

(You have to love yourself and be your own best friend first before you can expect others to like you and be friends with you.)

When I started seeing the good in me and what I had to offer others, I felt I had a good chance at surviving the life that I felt caused me so much misery. I began selling the good of myself to others and some have bought into my friendship. From those friendships I have connected with others and has been growing like a pyramid scheme."
-Anonymous 

  I came across the above article this morning and was reminded as to how often we all are subject to falling into self pity and/or utter hopelessness; especially when things are not going smoothly with some personal aspect of our life. It could be our health, our children, our marriage or significant other. Perhaps it is that seemingly never-ending negative situation on the job or you are just tired of living from paycheck to paycheck.  I know just how insignificant we can seem in such a big and busy world; not to mention this vast universe.  Sometimes I have felt as if God was watching me go through my tests and trials I wondered why He didn't just step in and fix it for me. I'm going to be real with you; sometimes I get tired  of trying to be "Mr. Right Kinda Guy" and I don't beat myself up when I do. Not anymore. Only a fool will describe himself as perfect. I'm glad that there are times when I do get angry. I don't even go to church every Sunday. Sometimes I want nothing but peace around me and no madness. God, the years I have wasted trying to be someone that I wasn't because someone wanted me to be like someone they felt they wanted me to be. But guess what? That was all for nothing because people don't always know what they want their own darn selves.

  It's time to rejoice in the God within us. We have been created with a uniqueness which makes us more valuable than any Rembrandt or Picasso painting. To those who love us, the mere sound of our voices are more melodious than a Beethoven symphony.  

"What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?" Psalm 8:4

  So, please, go on being you today and always. Not that mean, depressed, isolated person that the world has forced you to become, but be that full-of-love person that you desire to be daily. Be real and I guarantee you will make it to the other side.
  Love yourself today,
  Dennis