Unmasking the Chain of Fools and Loosening Yokes of Bondage

Teneisha Ward-Finney 

            Recently for four spirit-filled days in September, members of Koinonia Worship center was given a testament and worthy testimony in breaking strongholds of perpetual bondage. The occasion was the annual Joshua Empowerment Conference.  The 2013 fare (September 27-29) added a new flavor to the mix. I say this because Divine intervention cannot be denied when the enemy is not given time to deny if you’re rooted and ready for the right message to be sent to you by God’s messengers. God uses a sense of timeliness promptness to allow light to shine where it would illuminate best. The Outlet, Koinonia’s young adult advisory team and the Kingdom Building Youth Ministry jointly wanted to make sure that the favored light and flavor not only would be different but pack a punch that would be noticeable, accepted and understood. They wanted a viable teacher tenable and tenacious enough to be taken seriously...someone who wouldn’t be rejected, and certainly one who’d be approved without reproach. They wanted a female preacher, Yes, THAT type of preacher! 

     She came with her own brand of fire and brimstone, ready to expose the chain of fools, and breaking other bondage that young and old folk alike are struggling with. The female pastorate often are much-maligned for equal parity in the pulpit, but one particular night of that week was an exception. Her name? Teneisha Ward-Finney. Write that down! She is the Youth Pastor and Assistant Fine Arts Director at the Boynton Beach Church of God House of Kingdom Worship. The holder of a Bachelor’s of Business Administration & Management degree as well as a Masters of Science in Education Leadership which gives allowance to her being well-endowed academically...but it’s her acumen for divinity and Christian fortitude that stood out most.

       The theme for the conference bordered on Isaiah 58:6 where there’s a basic example of how and why fasting is important where preparation for discernment in living right should be foremost. The verse is telling: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen, to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Pastor Finney was most astute and adamant in interpreting this scripture simply and with clarity. She gave examples of reason why people align themselves making the wrong decisions which precipitates failure. Moreover, she was most emphatic explaining recourses detailing rebuke, while aptly describing the difference between false and true religion; how someone can look "good" on the outside concerning religious ritual, but not have a right relationship with God. 

      I can honestly say that the audience was spellbound where the drop of a pin could have been heard. A chorus of amens and hallelujahs could be heard intermittently throughout her sermon, but the one constant theme she embedded was the need for deductive reasoning, logic and good common sense to  strengthen a bond in Him, loosen all chains, and eliminate the fools who would keep you from being the person not oppressed and free of yokes. If it was up to me, I’d have no reservations in coercing the pastoral leadership inviting her back, for she has shown through her message that she has a heart to preach and proclaim all that’s needed to make an election and calling surest. She admonished to pre-teens, young adult, and quite a few gray heads alike, postulating that it is the younger generation that has the strength to carry the vision of the wise into the future!

Key Opportunities and Challenges for Positive Changes in Youth Ministries

Are you as concerned as I am in reference to how a greater number of the youth of this generation regard attendance in church, and all other things spiritual? Suffice it to say, youth in growing numbers across the nation in all of our churches are in a dilemma. If they’re not leaving the church they are definitely not in tune to keeping their attention span alert and invigorated to stick and stay. This essay dwells on essential opportunities that should be initiated for greater appeal with emphasis on keeping our children motivated and on point; it also delves in addressing the many challenges where change of habit concerning spirituality and other inspired choices for a positive spin on studying the Bible, participating in youth church and allowing them to become the leaders of tomorrow. A tough task in the making? You betcha! But all is not lost if certain things are dealt with to insure a modicum of introducing new ideas, embracing ideals that inspire, and of course, making sure salvation is not lost among the essentials to change mindsets. 

    After all, it’s still our job as responsible adults to train them up and show them the way to go. Of course, and issue to deal with is how we’re capitalizing on where students are in their mindsets on a whole and how they can become involved without boredom surfacing. Several children and young adults have always told me that they really want to have an impact on their world and live a life of significance, but doing it without rancor and reprimand. They’re concerned because they feel parents and grown folk always use parallel and ‘back in the day’ analogies...and that adults don’t respect their opinions. This gave me the wherewithal to think that they are looking for leaders that they can identify with in helping them find answers that they can’t always get from their peers. They are seeing that our world is not functioning in the way they would hope it would function, and because of that, I see youth not being discouraged but rather encouraged about how they can make a difference.

    For sure, we KNOW that the village is not the same, and it’s a new generation with real problems. What can be done to introduce and emphasize positives in anything changed for greater participatory initiatives? How many of them can we condition to evangelize and allow peer-to-peer synergy to bubble to the surface? Challenges abound when it comes to our youth, but I’m going to wrap both of those questions up into one concept—that of making disciples. God wants us adults to be accountable. We should be judged by how many disciples we made, how many people are still in the kingdom five or 10 years from now and beyond. Moreover, helping kids to develop spirituality is one element that makes all the difference in the world to me. 

   It continues to be a struggle for churches to involve students into the full life of the church without losing them to the streets, and/or to other more ‘so-called’ dynamic churches in their way of thinking. You have kids who have pretty extensive responsibilities with things they do at school, whether it be their involvement team sports, clubs or other leadership things they do. Then when it gets to the church, it’s kind of like, “You’re really not quite ready to do something significant here because you’re not involving me” idea. So the tendency for most churches who don’t have regular youth services, or a replica of the main church under their own participation is to keep all the youth of the church locked up in the teen room or have them unwillingly attending the big church uninterested, uninspired and undisciplined.

    

   In closing but certainly not least, we as adults have to do a better job of parenting and teaching Biblical principles so that they are galvanized an accepted by those same principles as the genesis for change. Of course we will be challenged on all fronts, but there’s no better challenge where we would be able to see the fruit of our labor. And speaking of ‘fruit’, we can start by feeding them great doses of Galatians 5: 22-23. On that note, there are a few things that I feel would make a difference in our youth that I’d like to see happen in their lives. Moreover, I think of that 12 year-old Jesus who grew exponentially when challenged to make decisions when he witnessed wrongdoing. Look no forward to the scripture that I based this essay on -- Luke 2:52. I honestly think  that all of us need to know God in personal ways. We can give our youth new leases on life where they can move to an ownership of their faith, where there are opportunities to make their faith known. These are essential pillars of my strategy for the spiritual development of students as they determine by destined value the positive changes that challenges them!

Do We Really Have to Pray for Our Enemies?

The short answer is yes: as difficult as it can be, each of us must take special care

to pray for our enemies. In fact, if there is anyone in this world for whom you

really should make a point of praying, it’s your enemy. Here are some reasons why:

1. Jesus unequivocally told us to.

you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you … .” And in

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “But I tell

Luke 6:27-28

do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those

who mistreat you.” So. There it is.

2.

us.

have them do to you, …. ”)

3.

you and your “enemy.”

understand, prayer creates miracles. One of the miracles it creates is

emotional and mental clarity on the part of the one praying. Praying for

your enemies creates in you that clarity, that wisdom, that perspective

you're often otherwise lacking.

, Jesus says, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies,We’re supposed to do unto others as we would have them do unto(Matthew 17:12 : “So in everything, do to others what you wouldIt greatly enhances your understanding of the situation betweenFor reasons and in ways we mortals will never

4. It relieves stress.

say everyone knows, stress is positively lethal.

most stressful things you can do to your body.

with whom you’re in conflict? Pray for their health and well-being. You’ll end

up being healthier and living longer. That’ll show ‘em!

This one’s connected to #3. As these days it’s safe toBeing angry is one of theReally want to irk someone

5. You want to be a good example of Christianity.

great personality when things are going well for them. It’s when things go

sour that a person's character really shows. Non-Christians -- and

especially non-Christians with whom you’re in conflict -- will notice every

measure of discrepancy between your professed values and what you

actually do and say. Praying for your enemy allows the Holy Spirit to figure

into your relations with the person you’re praying for, which then allows you

to behave toward that person in a way that will mark you as someone they

can, at the very least, respect. More importantly, it allows Christ to see you

as someone he’s proud to have representing him here on earth. The way

not to let Christ down is to pray for your enemies.

Anyone can have a

As the Bible has it:

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one

another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love,

which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your

hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful

(

anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

(Colossians 3:13-15). And when you stand praying, if you hold anything againstMark 11:25)

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.