Burn Bright the Candles!

   When Jesus said He was light of the world, I'm reminded of how many of us are operating without vision and certainly without clear passages to proficiency. Moreover, anything we do cannot be sufficient enough for success to manifest a sound foundation without knowing what is destined before us. The true saying that ‘nothing cannot be negotiated in darkness’ I’m sure was meant for interpretation as ways to circumvent the importance of sunlight and the illumination of that which needs to be seen. There are quite a few examples that God uses for us to see and discover who He is, and why He needs us to keep focused on His principles for quality living. Does He wants us to shine so that others can know what real Christians look like? With candles, even? Of course!

    Perfect examples to illustrate the aforementioned are the three Hebrew boys who proved to be ten times better than what Nebbacanezer would produce in Babylon; the woman at the well was much more than a Good Samaritan once Jesus exposed that which should be seen by us; he who came by night, Nicodemus, sought the truth and was given better light in what it would take to be saved; even Peter and Paul according to Theologian and author Tony Evans said that, “the crowd took notice of them as they stood out, not because of their education or position in society, but because they were reflecting Christ.” Each one of them could have walked or have been seen with a candle in hand and the light of Jesus could have been seen through them. Can anything be more revealing than when He make it plain so all to see how ordinary people can become extraordinary in Christian principle? Candles are like this and they have many different contemplative connotations.

   They represent God’s everlasting stamina where flames are constant and consistent in all things spiritual and inspirational. A good flame does not flicker nor is it fleeting when it comes to being seen in the right light. I’m sure that God didn’t intend for candles to be so insignificant that they couldn’t give us light which can represent connections between spirit and matter. This is where the Biblical examples given above means so much. To some people it may mean that they burn brightly with hopes that something is destined to be what they’ve aspired for...or perhaps it could bode ill-will if the flames flicker uncontrollably. Watching a candle burning quietly and steadily is a sign of peace of mind, contemplation and desire to look within. If the flame of a candle goes off, you may be informed about the illness or a death of a relative or somebody close to you. It also could mean the end of a close friendship or relationship. In another sense, a candle is a phallic symbol and could mean a flame of passion burning inside you in a carnal way, which is not of God. Then seeing a candle in the dream or realistic way could symbolize your desire for more understanding and enlightenment, or wisdom. The key is being able to see the bigger picture and not be influenced by surface matter.

    For me, candles go a bit deeper. They are symbols of intimacy, serenity and spiritual hope. I use them in my continual attempts to allow them to be beacons to lure the children...to teach them with internal light. My overall intent is to help light the world, even if it means one candle at a time! God has placed me in the right place at the right time for the right purpose such as this. I cannot do it without studying His Word and applying it to measures in gauging my intent. I want them to shine through me as God directs my paths, and for me to symbolize where guiding light should shine brightest. Burn bright the candles, for they shall be the way to eternal joy because we will see clearly where hope is not just a flicker but a foundation. In my mind, a lit candle suggests that there are seeking comfort and some sort of spiritual enlightenment relative to living life to the fullest. On the other hand an unlit candle suggests that you may be feeling rejection and disappointment, or can't see anything positive or effective "light" in a situation, or in yourself.

    This is the time to find and manifest illuminated light. I find it when there are dark shadows and black holes in my mind. I step out with confidence when I know where I’m going. My life should exemplify candles of hope...I want God to manifest in everything I write, including my essays, literary orientations I distribute, the stories I share, and the books I write. They are illuminations for anyone to know that there’s messages in how He guides my hand for ink to flow indelibly. I don’t want to get old and die as I watch my candle burn down to nothing, nor do I want my dreams deferred where candles are cast to the wind. Imagine the whole world praising His name and making their elections and callings surest with the gift of light! It’s all about righteous apples and all of the other spiritual gems for that quality of life to be visible when candles are placed purposely to light the world -- each to their own illuminating purpose. Now go light your own candles!

You Are Not Forgotten

 Strife on the street, turmoil and catastrophe are no respecters of timing and the issues that they cause. Look beyond you, and in the midst you will see how people are struggling to maintain in this distressed economy, dealing with the aftermath of some tragedy, or even trying to cope with getting others to have just enough compassion to care. It is the passion of a giving heart and the wherewithal to get involved that fuels the notion that you can’t afford not to forget. Tsunamis, killer hurricanes, twisting tornadoes, and damaging earthquakes all have wrecked havoc on God’s people all over the world. And so has famine, the loss of whole communities, families torn asunder and financial disasters causing all sorts of problematic issues. In the wake of them all, the paths of destruction has left their toll. For the many that are affected, their plight often are acknowledged but not enough is being heralded in the form of heartfelt outpouring of loving care to lift them up -- with a sense of continuity and sustained vigor. They need to feel that they are not forgotten. 

   Can you afford to forget? Other questions remain -- what are YOU doing to help those less fortunate? Would you be sure to care and give beyond the notion of good intent? The town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama will never be the same. The poorest country in the North American hemisphere, Haiti is still struggling trying to cope. Japan and other far eastern nations live daily with the threat of the menacing seas, including monsoon maladies, and they remember, I’m sure how the insurmountable waves of water swept away some of the hopes of a people who themselves have not forgotten how adverse conditions affected them. They may have recalled the bombs of  Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The world knows strife among the less fortunate, and hunger in America exists! Will you REALLY work for food...how about giving to those who will? The next time someone approaches you with their hand out, you may want to search your heart and think of what Jesus would do...and while you’re in that thinking mode know that God knows the heart and wants you to be a cheerful giver. This way, your blessing would not be compromised by what you see on the surface. You would give knowing that God will know your REAL intent. 

   The gist of this essay has a lot to do with reaping what you sow and harvesting the fruit of spiritual value with compassion for others. It reverberates with vigor and awareness letting those with adversity that there’s hope as long as faith is an initiative while giving with a caring spirit! For those that are party to all of the above they are not forgotten because the Harvest is nigh. Check out Minister Israel Houghten accomnpany this essay: http://youtu.be/kjRQZ-xwSUI

AppleSeeds!

    AppleSeeds is a new installment to my evangelical work but not a new thought to spiritual growth in my opinion. With this in mind, subsequent content pertaining to The Righteous Apples Ministry will provide inspirational and motivational mindsets and short analogies from biblical sources that promote positive attitudes, and development of holistic human dignity–from tiny seeds to ripened fruit. I feel that every beginning is embryonic with hopeful seeds, and if nurtured faithfully can grow exponentially. Life is like this when we search for the things that would sustain meaningful growth. In my personal quest to better my achieved value, and to allow happenstance to be much more than a whim, I’ve researched what is available for people to attain success and be progenitors of good intent in achieving and living quality lives. I’m planting seeds along the way, and feel blessed that I’m here to share in the growth of whom it may concern that has optioned my life. 

   In order to  manifest my quest I’ve allowed my life’s experiences to gauge how far I’ve come, what I’ve gained and how I can share it with the masses. ‘Of Righteous Apples and Other Spiritual Gems’ is my dissertation on how one can actually find that quality of life missing, or what may be waiting for them. Spirituality through works and wisdom has a special meaning when faith initiatives are realized and reasonably adhered to when both are flowing. We all should live purposeful lives where the previous statement is much more than a cliche, or something wished for but never attained. God has given me talents and a gift for writing that through the years has been much more than something I do well...it’s a livelihood! 

  I’ve positioned myself via God’s timetable to take discernible options for better observation, and for deductive reasoning to fuel my knowledge, logic and common sense.  And with pen, paper and a mind that I didn’t want to waste, I’m endeavored to write. I wanted and definitely needed to give something back to those that may not be inclined to write, or for those who are occupied with no vision for spiritual worth. It wasn’t until the epiphany that was given to me through a broken state that I heard God’s voice for the very first time. It took a stroke with me lying flat on my back to realize that I was called to write even better, and through it all The Righteous Apples Ministry was born, which will subsequently allow three books to manifest itself to The Righteous Apples Series which will be available Summer 2012. The gist of the books evolves around Biblical significance on what ‘thus sayeth the Lord’ expounds on, and in how we should go about living life while we’re here on borrowed time and in a place that is temporary at best! In all stages of life the standard of living in all of us may not be to that which we’d want it to be, or that which we aspire it to be. Circumstances and fate are two formidable situations that usually dispel where we are and how we’re living. Here’s hoping that the ministry, and the book Series, and this blog will truly be the genesis of Appleseeds that would spur your growth!

…And You Say You Were Called?

"Deacons are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as Deacons!" 1 Timothy 3:8-10

  What do James Jones, Jim Bakker, Ted Haggard, Jimmy Swaggert, and a certain Pastor at a megachurch in Atlanta, et al, have in common? What about other church leaders, most notably Deacons who claim that God has called them to be be proactive in building the Kingdom but fall short because of apathy and not adhering to His precepts? This essay is a general theorem and not conducive nor designed for any situation that would castigate or cast aspersions on anyone’s character closest to me. Then again, no one is exempt from the truths emanating from this opinionated matter. I’m speaking generically and concerned more with how certain leaders are usurping the pulpit, leading God’s people astray, and showing blatant misconduct apart from the ‘calling’ they’re supposed to be honoring. I’m aware that whenever a high-profile Christian leader falls or fails, the effects are far-reaching...likewise for Deacons in any church that shirk duties and don’t exemplify what 1Timothy 3:1-3 says leaders should embody.

   On a personal note, it bothers me when I see my brothers not doing what can be done to better themselves, the church and the parishioners they supposedly are praying for. I’m not perfect and without fault, for there have been times when I’ve failed in the eyes of the Lord as I continue to profess to be a sinner. I feel embarrassment for the name of Christ and for His church. Anytime when negligence is prevalent, it would be one more opportunity for mocking Christians, for pointing out the hypocrisy within the church and leaders notwithstanding. And then there are times when I especially feel ashamed for judging my brothers, for overlooking my own hidden sins, my own failures and short comings. Something like this can happen to any one of us if we do not remain vigilant in our walk with Christ. When anger and shame subsides I feel comfort reemerging. For I know when sin is kept hidden in darkness, it flourishes, entangles and become blinding as it grows in strength. But once exposed, once confessed and ready to be dealt with, sin loses its grip, and a prisoner goes free!

   Nevertheless, the Bible is rife with personalities that fell short of their calling...Saul continually disobeyed God; Habakkuk rebelled; Jacob was a cheater; Peter had a temper; David had an affair; Noah got drunk; Jonah ran from God; Paul was a murderer; Gideon was insecure; Miriam was a gossiper; Martha was a worrier; Thomas was a doubter; Sarah was impatient; Elijah was moody; Moses stuttered; Zaccheus was short; Abraham was old and Lazarus was dead. Now what is YOUR excuse? Can God use you or not? He doesn’t call the qualified, He QUALIFIES the Called. Though not all of the above were ‘called’, they at one point had God’s ear with certain realization that further placed them in rarified air. I close with a message to leaders and laymen everywhere: doing the Lord’s work is serious business. The key is to stand up and be accountable, and not getting caught up thinking you can do on your own without God’s approval and anointing. Anything beyond this would invite failure and consequences. 

Are We REALLY Free?

They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity -- for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 
2 Peter 2:19 (NIV)

Know that a person is a slave to whatever controls him or her. Are you really 'free' doing anything you want to do? In my opinion no one is ever completely free thinking in that mindset. The bottom line is if we refuse to follow God, we will follow our own sinful desires and become embolden to the carnal nature of having no self-control. Submitting our lives to Christ is the only answer. He alone loosens our shackles, frees our minds and gives usnew leases on life. People don't realize how they are burdened and ladened with obstacles that are weighing them down, thus rendering them prisoners to their own whims. Witness the fact that living in a world full of ungodly practices, apostasy, backsliding and other maladies not of Christian value will send us further from the Truth. I'm wondering how things would be if your sins were worthy of you spending time in jail! Paul had every reason to be stressed out and full of angst. But guess what?! He wasn't. Rather than succumb to ennui, he made the most of his time there…he planted (apple) seeds for all of the churches he established, hoping that new converts wouldn't be unfaithful to God with the messages he sent by Timothy admonishing them to stay the course. My alluding to 'appleseeds' is a way of pointing you to the righteous apples that only quality living can give you!

We further see Paul, the imprisoned apostle not worrying about his condition. He doesn't compromise and doesn't worry about if he'll ever get out…and we all know that in that dungeon he was beaten, lied about, tossed every which way but right, and totallg neglected. His chains never come off. The Roman guards never left. But what does that tells us? Are we REALLY free? I bring to you the status of Paul because despite it all, he stayed true to his beliefs, and knew that God would deliver him -- because he believed! We too, should be like this, knowing that freedom is precious…a commodity not to be taken for granted. Worldly compulsions and pressures for conformity stifle our creativity and erode our dignity. As we grow in our relationship to our Higher Power, we get stronger and more balanced in our unique qualities. Albeit, some of us have a talent for empathizing with others, some for writing and other facets of the humanities, but if there is no recipe that prescribes exactly what kind of faith we should exhibit, then what price freedom? 

I've always felt that freedom means the right to be different, the right to be oneself, and of course the right to live a life of quality doing the right thing. Reading what Paul went through and the consequences of being deprived of freedom, I've come to believe wholeheartedly that nobody can really give you freedom but yourself…if you are a person of convictions you take it! Claim the right to serve one Master. Real emancipation can't come at someone else's initiative or as a gift. It can only begin from within -- deep in your soul. You will do so by saying, "I will take my independence and not be burdened by the weight of sin." Then we will become responsible people because we own it on the inside. I'm not perfect, but I'm striving to be rid of what's holding me back. My prayer will resolve around not waiting for others to set me free, though. I will do what is within my own power to be free…thus, I am grateful for the need to be uniquely and fully myself! Will you think on this?

Facing the Temporary Taunts of Temptation -- Don’t Be Pulled In!

The devil led him up a high place, and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours,” Jesus answered, “get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, thou shall worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”  NIV (Luke 4:5-8)

We’re creatures of habit, prone to succumb to that which is pleasing to sight, soothing to touch, savoring to taste, and melodious to sound. All around us are reminders that carnal spirits are most acceptable when  they are so prevalent and pervasive. What we worship is what we serve. There’s a saying around my household when any family member is about to fall prey to an ill-advised act or wrong-doing, the first thing that comes out of the mouths of anyone in close proximity to the culprit would be, “don’t get pulled in!” The meaning of that statement is clear, but the deeper meaning is not to let the devil steer you into areas that are not Christ-like -- in other words, stay within the margins of goodness. 


In the scripture paraphrased above, we find Satan trying a tactic in a temptable scheme to get Jesus to denounce all that He created for the good of mankind. Imagine Jesus, after 40 full days of famine, fatigue and self-denial, facing the evil one before him with the audacity to be tempted! Satan’s attempt in my opinion is shallow and couldn’t hold up to Jesus’ original plan. Know that Satan is a master at making the things of this world look so grand, so beautiful to the eye, which is why we so readily fall for the deception and lies that this world presents. 

Don’t be pulled in! Resist being taken out of spiritual context for fleeting moments of bliss. When I read that scripture it reminds me of times in my adolescence the need to always go for, and accept the things that looked good in my eyesight no matter what prior warnings were given to me not to indulge. We’re gluttons for punishment when there’s no discipline keeping us out of harm’s way. The power that Satan wields is not to be ignored or taken for granted. He can give you illusions of grandeur in a heightened state of euphoria because he knows what’s pleasing to you -- a mountain top experience, if you will...just like what he attempted to do with Jesus. 


The key here is knowing that every spiritual vision comes from God. It’s best to approach every inspirational experience with due caution, especially those that offer you instant gratification. Not every mountain top experience is breath-taking -- in fact, it can take your breath away into thinking that status quo is the ultimate without going deeper. Satan can definitely offer you things of great value, albeit in a false sense of security. But can you tell the difference? The Lord Jesus has given us an example to follow when temptation comes. yes, do not be pulled in! Let’s resist the devil by imitating Jesus in constantly renewing our total commitment to God and God only!

Spiritual Growth Through Challenges and Change

It doesn't happen all at once…you become. It's not an overnight transition. The birth of a nation took time. The audacity for change is being challenged as you read this, but God has already ordained the process to bring needed results for this sin-sick society. The division among us has heightened, but timing and circumstances are destined for a collision course that will change your life and mine as well. Change being the by-product of time -- that ever evolving spectrum of space where we have no control, is inevitable and needed. True growth demands that you take on other Challenges as you step out of comfort zones to reinvent yourselves. You must believe that you are capable of becoming anything you’ll be depending on how you’re living. Thus, one should be aware that the potential to become much more than what is being manifested by outward appearances is par for the course and can be detrimental without deepening spiritual manifestation. Effective change starts with the mind and take positive steps for change, but to BELIEVE it you must THINK IT. Make appropriate adjustments without compromise!

You wasn't made to stand still, nor can you be rendered stagnant where your muse is not inherent; You are a vibrant spirit, destined to wander and roam to create that muse...and as you wonder, know too, that the friends and family that know and love you best wouldn't have it any other way -- the YOU that light up their lives! Endeavor to embrace the inevitable. Go with the changes that God has in store for you and count your blessings!

I’m reminded that meaningful change and sustained Growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experiencing new challenges to fuel new beginnings. Better rewards in life go to those that are risk takers! Are there things for which an uncompromising stand is worthwhile in your life? Challenge the status quo in your life to insure spiritual growth! 

When Trials and Tribulation Refine Character

You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. NIV (Psalms 66:12)


What blessed assurance it is knowing that no matter how broken, battered and bashed we become there's much more than light at the end of a tunnel. There's a strange sense of competence when faith is your greatest weapon and that persevering against all odds is rewarded with breakthroughs and full baskets…but struggle is inevitable. We all face face swirls of strife when still waters suddenly rises forcing you to higher ground. I found out long ago that in each of your lives, in one way or another, you will face times when you must answer satan's charges and prove that even if you can't swim, He is still God! Early times of change and challenge sorely tried all that was in me. I learned with great trepidation that if you can remember where you started from while continuing to establish a rapport with God to honor and obey, great things can happen.  


Your character through storms usually do not lie. It will betray you if and when you're not armed adequately. This is when the evil one is most busiest! It reminds me also that God is our sole protector and no one else should come before Him when you seek nurturing. But let's look at struggle from a deeper perspective -- in order to really know and be appreciative of God's mercy and grace there must be faith initiatives to get to know him better. Establishing a relationship, keeping His Commandments and studying the Bible is par for this course. You will have to be broken to be made whole again. A brand new you will guarantee you that new lease on life you seek as you struggle to refine your character.


I must confess that I'm not all that I should be…that I err in the face of tempting vices that are carnal and contagious, but I know where I am and what's expected of me. It's all about a new and deeper wisdom, helping me discern truth from lies and giving me the necessary discipline to do what's right. Moreover, these trials helps me to realize that tomorrow isn't promised and that survival traits that are characteristic of finding peace in the storm shouldn't be taken for granted. What are your opinion on this subject…how are you coping with your stormy weather? Your comments are welcome!  

A Case for Authority and Accountability

How accountable are you in standing up for, and enhancing in some aspect self, family and (your) community? I'm in awe of how God uses submissive attitudes to utilize even those who are not perfect, and others with ulterior motives not pleasing to Him. Perfect examples of this happened during the time of the Judges when the Israelites lost their spiritual commitment (again!) and motivation; where you had leaders misleading and missing opportunities for accountability-- an assassin, a sexually promiscuous man, even a person who broke all the rules and laws of hospitality. Look them up! But in the end they eventually became submissive to God, and He used them.


After saying all of that, He certainly can use you! Authoritative value rests with all of us to validate whatever it takes to claim victories, step up in all phases of our lives. This, despite the fact that repossessions, foreclosures and defauls are common in these trying times. You may have missed lessons, ignored blessings, or denied truth of where you are in life…you may have been just sitting around afraid to make another move because you're afraid to fail again, or have experienced bouts of impatience, doubt and regret. But guess what?


Accountability and authority is nothing for God not to make right in you, especially for men who should have an increased sense that our actions make a difference as sons, fathers, husbands, uncles, lovers and friends...it is the understanding of ourselves that makes it possible to fulfill potential for growth and to be Dominion over our families. It's about keeping our eyes open, our ears closer to the ground and our nose deeply in the Book!  My prayer is your prayer, where we individually and collectively can devote ourselves to the art and science of persevering… of endeavoring to see life as a function of spiritual truth. Remind yourself that you won't fail again without being accountable for keeping straight on point. For you are blessed still and supported by life, which knows that your success is assured!

For a related article written on this subject check out 'Adam Where Art Thou'?  http://authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=8887&id=20800

Miracles for the Master

   Recently one of the students I mentor asked me did I believe in miracles. For a moment I stood spellbound because at the age of twelve, I too, once hedged on the belief whether miracles actually existed...and here it is more than 40 years later I’m faced with dealing with a subject that I’ve since learned more about. I sat the youngster down and we had an earnest heart to heart talk about it. I first had to define the word ‘miracle’ to him in a way where it would be understood without adding exaggeration to truth. After talking to my young charge, I asked myself -- did I really give him the right defination of how I interpret miracles? It only made me more inquisitive and prone for more research. Just what IS a miracle? Do the average person really believe that miracles are apropos...and most notably, does the adage that ‘God works in mysterious ways’ are akin to the essence of miracles in its simplest form?  

    According to some people, a sudden stroke of good luck for something deemed unattainable, mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, or a newborn baby is a miracle. While all of the aforementioned are unquestionably marvelous in context, they in my opinion are not relative to miracles in the true definition of the word. To wit: Let’s look at it academically per what the dictionary defines a miracle as. It specifies a miracle as “an extraordinary occurrence that surpasses all known human powers or natural forces and is ascribed to a divine or supernatural cause.” WOW! Can this be refuted? Believe or not, there are some who still feel that miracles doesn’t exist at all. The purpose of this short soliloquy is to show the legitimacy of Jesus’ miracles and the evidence of his Messiahship and divine authority over people, nature, and even death itself. He informed his disciples that they would do greater signs and 'miraculous' things than they had seen Him do (John 14:12).

   New Jerusalem is not further away today than when Jesus walked among us. There’s no shorter distance to His Divinity, nor is He less willing to take notice to our human necessities than He did 2000 years ago when He administered to a woman at a well, a rejected leper, or a desperate mourner. To that effect, the requirements on us are less today than it was to those in the past. It’s essential that we remain faithful, live quality lives, and be willing to tell others of the Good News. The flip of this rests on the principle that miracles are always timely for a purpose, but should not be seen as a cure-all for apostasy and anything else reverent to doing all things righteous. God’s provision is never given in order to let us rest upon it. Why is this you may ask? Because we need to depend on Him as each new trial and tribulation manifests. After all, Satan performs miracles too and known to usurp God’s people leading them astray.

    In closing, I’m a firm believer that the Bible is authentic in how Jesus walked and in what manner He made His presence known. Moreover, we live in a fallen world where seeing is not always believing and where effective change is not always rewarded with a habitual sense of logic for truth. Therefore, there has to be something that would allow deductive reasoning and common sense for people to see things in a different light. If God took all things relative to dependency on Him for faith, suffering or any other reason for difference, we would follow Him for comfort and convenience and not out of love and devotion. In this analogy, miracles and the parables He evoked throughout, were done to illustrate just how much of a Light He was for illuminating value. Check them out for yourself. Of the thirty-five recorded miracles of Jesus, twenty-three were of healing; three times there were those to raise the dead; twice there was a miracle of a large catch of fish; and on four other occasions He: 1) stilled storms; 2) walked on water; 3) cursed a fig tree; and, 4) provided temple tax money. What more is needed to give acknowledgeable presence of miracles! But people often are oblivious of Providence. When you rid yourself of stubbornness, look closer...you may be surprised by abundant evidence of God’s work, and loving intervention in your life. Miracles happen all the time, but we must make the Word of God be the basis of our faith!