Noah Chronicles Part I: Building The Ark

Noah built the Ark.  In fact, Noah's Ark and the global flood depicts the most catastrophic event in world history.  One must remember that Noah building the Ark represented the end of the World as they knew it.  It was the initiation of an apocalypse and a reset for humanity.  Moreover, building of the Ark, the design of the Ark, the reason for the Ark, and the passengers in the Ark were all God’s idea.  Noah was simply a servant who accepted the call to carry out the mission.  Such is also the case with us today.  God uses people to carry out his work on earth.  Our role is to simply obey the will of God and remain faithful to the task at hand as was the case with Noah.

When examining Noah’s effort in building the Ark, the first things that comes to mind is the significant challenge that Noah faced with such a great undertaking.  In fact, in building the Ark, gathering the animals, and preparing for the flood, Noah was called to do something that had never been done before in the world.  There is not even a Biblical account of rain on the earth up until the time of the flood.   Yet Noah overcame this challenge with the help of God.  Even as we face challenges today, we must realize that with God all things are possible to them that believe. (Mark 9:23)  God can help you overcome the most daunting challenges in life regardless of whether you have faced them in times past.  We serve a God who can do anything but fail. 
A Man of Patience

God called Noah to build the Ark when he was in his early 500s.  Yet God sent the flood to destroy the world when Noah was 600 years old.  This means Noah had somewhere between 75 to 100 years to build the Ark, gather the animals and wait on the promise of God for the flood.  (See Genesis 5:32, 7:6)  Noah’s patience in waiting for the promise of rain is a great attribute he possessed and subsequently an important lesson that we learn from Noah's life.  Some things are simply accomplished over time.  Noah's ability to manage the mundane of doing the same job for several decades while maintaining patience for the promise of rain is a great example of his endurance.  Boredom, apathy, and impatience can get the best of us when we don’t see immediate results.  But Noah held strong and believed God.   Even now the Bible encourages us to "be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord for your labor is not in vain in the Lord”  (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Measurements of the Ark are Sound according to Scientific Research

It’s also interesting to observe that God gave Noah the measurements of the Ark which are listed as follows: According to the Bible, the length of the Ark was 300 cubits long which is the size of one and half football fields or 150 yards/450 feet long and the width of the Ark was  50 cubits which is 25 yards/75 feet. The height of the Ark was 30 cubits equal to 45 feet which is around the size of a four story office building. (Genesis 6:15)

Not that we need any evidence to validate what we believe to be true according to the Word of God.  However, when put to a test of sea worthiness by graduate physics students at the University of Leicester, their research confirmed that the Ark would not capsize according to the measurements provided in scripture.  (Smithsonian.com, Helen Thompson, 04/2014)  Their research further confirmed that the Ark would have been buoyant enough fit for purpose (Independent, Adam Withnall, 04/2014). Even outside of the Bible’s account referenced in Genesis, historians have identified over 270 cultures that have a story in the ancient world about a great flood that covered the world involving a man name Noah.  In fact, as recent as 2000, scientists discovered evidence of a great flood in ancient times which is validated by communities buried under water in the Black Sea (The Guardian , Tim Radford, Science Editor, 09/2000).

Indeed one of the biggest challenges Noah endured was having to survive and thrive in the midst of a wicked and corrupt world.  The Bible says that the hearts of man was only on evil continually.  And the whole earth had become corrupt.  No doubt Noah had to watch his back, guard his property, protect his family and not allow the wickedness of the world to influence his lifestyle all while carrying out the will of God for his life in building the Ark.  It is likely that he was mocked and talked about for his efforts in building the Ark.   Even now, the Bible says in Romans 12:2 “and be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  

Noah’s ability to keep himself righteous and not conform to the ways of his environment positioned him to access the favor of God. Noah had to lead and take care of his family in the midst of all his work demands.  Sometimes when doing the Lord’s work, one can easily overlook family responsibilities.  In fact, family is often the first to suffer when it comes to work and ministry demands.  But we cannot overlook or make light of the fact that Noah got his family on the Boat.   So even in the midst of a wicked and corrupt society, Noah and his wife managed to not only train and teach their sons in the ways of God, but to also shield them from the negative and satanic influences of the outward community.   No doubt Noah taught them to love and obey God and to live righteous. 

Finally, what sets Noah apart in this story is his obedience to God.  By adhering to God’s command for how things were to be done in terms of the measurements, rooms, supplies/material, and gathering of the animals, Noah demonstrates an act of faith that will cause him to be remembered throughout humanity.   Very often we fail in life, because we simply refuse to do the little things that God requires of us.  Noah did not make any adjustments or changes based on what God asked. He was careful to do exactly what God required him to do.  Deuteronomy 5:33 says "Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days  in the land that you will possess."   And in John 14:14 Jesus said "If you love me keep my commandments."

Finally, in the midst of all of his challenges and distractions, it's important to note that Noah was laser focused to do exactly what God called him to do.  Because when it's all said and done, one has to be able to accomplish what has been assigned, implement the project at hand, and finish the task that has been given.  When the rubber meets the road, one has to be able to perform and complete what God has committed to one's hands. This is one of the greatest lessons we learn from Noah.  In conclusion,  because of Noah's faith and obedience to God, He was able to accomplished a historic task.  Noah built the Ark.

Preach

Preach: Preach the Word.  Tell someone of God’s goodness.  Share your testimony with a friend.  Just preach- the good news of Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified, and how he saves, delivers and sets us free from bondage.  Preach. Tell somebody about what great things God has done in your life. 

Preach, Give someone an encouraging Word or just live a righteous life that will compel people to ask about the God you serve.  Preach, that the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life (Rom 6:23). Preach that For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Preach by inviting someone to church.  In fact, one of the easiest ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ is to extend an invitation to visit your (Bible believing, Spirit filled) church.  Just preach- in the morning, afternoon, and when the sun goes down, preach.  You don’t need a title.   So preach, your family, friends, and neighbors need to know the God that you know in order to receive the blessings that you have. 

So Preach.  Even before I accepted the call into the preaching ministry, I preached in a lot of places just by sharing my faith, giving my testimony and being a witness for Jesus Christ.   I have preached on the subway, bus, airplane, train station, elevator, workplace cafeteria, basketball court, restaurant, grocery store checkout line and numerous other places to name a few.  And so can you.  So Preach.

So whether it’s a 10 second greeting expressing God’s goodness, a 30 second passing encounter giving God the glory, a two minute word of encouragement, a 30 minute testimony while traveling, handing someone a gospel tract, an uplifting post on social media, or a lifetime of  living holy and putting God first in your life, preach.   

We all have the ministry of reconciliation. Preach.  Lend someone a helping hand. Preach.  Give Godly advice to a friend and preach.  People need to be saved, healed and delivered.  Preach, because many of the folks you come across will never step foot in church.  So Preach about Jesus Christ and the message of the Cross.

The non believer is always telling his/her story.  Hence, Born Again Believers need to be vocal and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. So let the redeemed of the Lord say, so whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 107.2) And don’t just talk about it. Be about it. Preach, as illustrated in this poem: 

Preach the Word in song and dance,

Preach the Word by happenstance,

Preach the Word emphatically,

Dogmatically and dramatically.

Preach to friends and family and all of the folks you meet.

Preach to neighbors, strangers and those who are on the street.

Preach.  Set your face like a rock,

Preach consistently like a clock.

Preach

So let me close this writing the same way I started by simply saying in my Deacon voice, PREEEEEEAAAACH.

Run to the High Place

 Genesis 19:17 “As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”

Allow me to offer some advice derived from words that Angels gave to Lot as he was encouraged to leave Sodom and Gommorah.   First of all, there is a great deal that one can say about the actions that lead to the downfall of Lot.  His first mistake was moving toward Sodom.  His second was when he moved into Sodom.  And finally, even after being taken captive in the Sodom War and later rescued (by Abraham), Lot still returned to Sodom and was later found sitting in the City gate of a place consumed with sin and all sorts of sexual immorality.  

However for the purpose of this writing, it is not my attention to focus on the sin of the city, the judgment of God to rain fire and brimstone, or the fact that Lot lingered when the Angel told him to leave immediately. The main goal of this writing is to provide encouragement by examining the four recommendations that the Angels gave to Lot and his family.

One -Run for your Life: Which means that even though God has set you apart and delivered you, and although God has brought you out of your trouble times, and despite the fact that it was God’s grace and mercy that has held you by the hand and yanked you up out of some situations, you need to keep running.  Running symbolizes drive and determination. It represents a will to go forward in God.  So it’s not enough to not look back.  One must continue to run in order to reach one’s destiny.  Songwriters have a way of making the point crystal clear.  One song writer put it in this fashion:  “Lord I’m running trying to make 100,  99 and a half won’t do.” 

In order to reach your destiny in life, we must continue to run.  Run to overcome obstacles;  run to rise above haters; run to shake the devil off; run to get all that God has for your life.  Hebrews 12:1 says “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Two- Don’t look Back:  Don’t look back to bondage, defeat, despair, hopelessness, and sin.  It’s alright to remember where God has brought you from and how He has blessed you over the years.  In fact Psalms 103:2 says   “Bless the Lord Oh my soul and forget not all his benefits.”  However, we should not look back to the things and situations from which God has delivered us. 

I often wonder what caused Lot’s wife to look back. Maybe she missed her old neighborhood, or perhaps she heard the cries and screams of her village and experienced a moment of weakness as she grew weary and simply turned around.  Whatever the reason, it halted the plan of God in her life and caused her to perish by turning into a pillar of salt.  But notice that even as she perished after looking back, the rest of the family kept moving.  

Just because friends and family experience a moment of weakness and go back to a life of sin, don’t you look back.  Keep pressing and moving on.  Do not allow others to make you look back.  In Luke 9:62 Jesus said “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.  Hence let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul who said, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching for those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Don’t look back.

Three: Don’t stop in the Plain  The Hebrew word for plain is mishor which means a level place; Lot and his family could not afford to stop because it would hinder their progress and halt their overall destiny.  It is easy to get comfortable in the plains.  There is safety in the level place.  When you are out of danger, it seems appropriate to rest in the plain.  Perhaps after all of your toil and sacrifice, you may feel as though it is appropriate to stop and enjoy your labor.  

However, my advice is to not stop in the plain.  Sometimes we quit or stop serving for various reasons.  When things are easy and convenient, we are tempted to stop because we feel as though we have arrived when we obtain the new house, marriage, degree or even promotion. And yet on the other hand, sometimes it’s disappointment and heartache that causes us to quit associated with enduring struggle, loss of a loved one or even being wounded in the House of God.   

But even in the midst of all of this.  The Lord wants us to keep running. Keep pushing. Keep pressing forward because now is not the time for quitting.  Don’t stop simply because things have gotten easy.  And don’t stop if things have gotten difficult. Don’t stop praying.  Don’t stop praising God.  Don’t stop believing in the promises of God.  Don’t stop fighting the good fight of faith.  Don’t stop I the plain.  But be steadfast unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as you know your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58) 

Four: Flee to the High Place (Mountain)   God’s vision for Lot and his family was peace and safety in the High Place. The High Place was a place where righteousness abounds.  The High Place in God is a closer walk with God.  And a place of excellence where God brings out your best. It’s a place where we live above distractions.  At the high place, we walk by faith and not by sight.  God had a blessing waiting on Lot and his family that could only be found at the High Place.  It was as if the Angel was indirectly saying I will meet you at the High Place. The place of Destiny was the Mountain/High Place.  Indeed the High Place in our lives has a special distinction. 

The High Place is-  A Place of Separation- The Bible says “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 6:17

·          A Place that you can’t come down from-  Nehemiah went up to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem.  The enemy did everything he could to get him to come down.  But Nehemiah said, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it and come down to you (Nehemiah 6:3)

·         A Place of Refreshing- Jesus said come unto me all those who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)

·         A Place of Vision- We see things from a different perspective from the mountain top.  Things look different when we are in a high place.  The giants that looked so big in the valley don’t seem so tall from the High Place. 

So get to the High Place.  Come up!  That’s where the power is.  That’s where you will experience God’s glory.  We go to the High Place to be filled and refilled by God.  So run to the High Place to go higher in your service, higher in your commitment to God, and higher in your worship.  God has victory that is waiting on us when we go higher.  The prophet Habakkuk recognize this when he said, “The Lord God is my strength and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19)  So run to the High Place because at the end of the day, it’s the only place of true safety for your soul. 

Through The Roof

Mark 2:3-4  ^“Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” 

In this Bible verse, four friends heard that Jesus was ministering in a house in Capernaum so they decided to take their paralyzed friend to see Jesus.  But they obviously arrived a little too late because the place was packed.  So when they could not get in through the door and when they could not get in though the window and seeing that all of the entryways were crowded they went to their last resort:  They went in through the roof.

If you find yourself facing closed doors or barriers to your breakthrough, and if you feel that you have been crowded out of opportunities for your success, allow me to encourage you to go “Through the Roof.”  Usually the phrase through the roof represents a significant increase or rise in a person, place or thing.  For example we may say, “Man when mom comes home and sees how messy this house is she is going to go through the roof.” Or “have you seen his grades this year, they are through the roof.”  Or  “nine years ago, gas prices were through the roof.”

Hence for the sake of this blog, Through the roof suggest an out of the box worship; a crazy praise; and an unyielding form of determination needed to obtain a breakthrough blessing from God.  Go through the roof in your worship and worship the Lord in a spirit of truth and holiness.  God through the roof in your praise and bless the name of the Lord regardless of the circumstance.  Go through the roof in your service to God and “be steadfast unmovable always abounding in the work of Lord for as much as you know your labor is not in vain in the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Go through the roof in your witness and go tell somebody about what great things the Lord has done in your life.  Go through the roof in your pursuit of Jesus (If you want to be blessed) and seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Sometimes we are too easy to give up in instances when the Lord has a blessing that can only be obtained by going through the roof.  So the next time you find yourself facing closed doors, blocked entry ways, and fortified barriers in  life - if you want to be successful; if you want to reach your goals, if you want to see the favor of God, there really is no other alternative, so do yourself a favor:  Go Through the Roof. 

Cana of Galilee- The Wedding

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. (John 2:1-2)  

I was blessed to visit Cana of Galilee and witness five married couples -husbands and wives (with whom I was traveling with) renew their wedding vows at the historic location where Jesus performed an astonishing miracle.  Being at this marriage renewal help me realize that Jesus thought so highly about marriage that he used a wedding ceremony to launch his ministry and perform his first miracle where he turned water into wine. 

In fact Jesus was so intent to making sure that the married couple got off on the right foot that not only did he attend the marriage with his disciples,  but he gave the couple a marvelous upgrade on their wine (thanks to the encouragement of his mother Mary). 

Likewise, we ought to invite Jesus into our marriages.  Husbands and wives ought to invite Jesus in the manner in which they communicate, love, support, and forgive one another. Marriage is a beautiful thing.  The Bible says that What God has joined together, let no man put asunder (Mark 10:9). And that Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13:4). And Husbands should love their wives even as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25); submitting themselves one to another (Ephesians 5:21). 

Pastor James E. Jordan, Jr. presided over the wedding ceremony at the historic site as each couple recited their vowels and rededicated their love for one another.  The Elder Keith McGlown sang a beautiful rendition of “You are So Beautiful to Me” replacing the me with “Us” at the beginning of the ceremony.  And Sister Linda Clark Greenfield brought the house down when she sang “The Lord’s Prayer” to help close out this beautiful renewal of marriage vowels at at a small chapel placed on the original location where Jesus turned water into wine in Cana of Galilee.  

Sea of Galilee

The absolute coolest place that I have ever preached at was on the Sea of Galilee during my recent pilgrimage to Israel with Pastor James E. Jordan Jr. and 39 other Believers in Jesus Christ.  On a beautiful but chili sunny day with still waters and clear skies, we set sail for what turned out to be an exceptional time of fellowship. 

In Isaiah 9:1, the prophecy is made that Jesus would come to the Sea of Galilee. And some 700 years later, Jesus earthly ministry was centered around this (13 miles long, 7 miles wide, 150 feet deep) lake that is also referred to as the Lake of Gennessaret (Luke 5:1) and the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1).  So while important events occurred in Jerusalem, the Lord spent most of the three years of his ministry along the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  In fact, Jesus gave more than half of his parables and performed most of his miracles along the sea shore and at times on the Sea of Galilee.  Hence, the short message that I preached was based on four events that happened on and around this body of water as listed below in the following summary.

1.  Remain Calm in the midst of your storm (Mark 4:35-41)  In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples, let us go over to the other side and while on the boat, a great storm arose yet Jesus was sleep at the bottom of the boat.  The disciples woke up Jesus and said “Master, Carest not that we perish.”  Jesus wakes up and kindly rebukes the storm and says peace be still.  So we need to know that even as Born Again believers with Jesus on board our ship, we too will face storms.  But God is in control.  And he will rebuke the storms in our lives.

2.  Get out the Boat of Do Nothing and Trust God for your miracle (Matthew 14:22-33) When Jesus came to his disciples walking on water, they were afraid and assumed he was a ghost.  But Peter was the only disciple that had the audacity to get out the boat and walk on water to Jesus and experience a supernatural miracle.  The other disciples who stayed in the boat remained bound by their own insecurities and limitations.  So get out of the boat of underachievement and playing it safe, and trust God for your miracle.

3.  God Will Provide (Matthew 17:27) Jesus needed to pay his taxes so he sends Peter on an important task to go fishing for a four-drachma coin.  It matters not what the need is- God will provide.  You may not know how, where, when, or through whom he would use- But God will provide.  The first fish that Peter caught had enough money to pay the Temple tax for two people.  God can use any means to meet your need.  God will provide.

4.  Stay Focused on What God has assigned you to do  (John 21:4-22)  After the resurrection, Jesus once again appeared to his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and he asked Peter three times, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep."  Peter answered, you know I love you.  Yet after the 3^rd time, Peter responded to Jesus and said "What about him?" (pointing to John).  So we must remain focused on what God has assigned and called us to do without worrying about the role of others.  God has a destiny and a purpose for your life, and in order to reach your destiny, we must stay focused on our assignment without worrying about anybody else.

While on the boat, we prayed, worshiped, sang hymns, praised God, danced in the spirit, snapped photographs, and fellowshiped with one another.   And just like the four Bible stories that I shared, it all happened on the Sea of Galilee.

Thy Will Be Done- The Garden of Gethsemane

I was blessed to travel to Israel recently with Pastor James E. Jordan Jr. of Refreshing Spring Church (COGIC)  along with 39 other Christians.  One of the highlights of my tour was a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives where I snapped a picture in front of a 3,000 year old tree that is said to be the place where Jesus told the disciples (Peter, James, and John)  to wait while he went to pray.  Wow.  What a great Experience.  While touring the grounds, I was compelled to think about all of the events that followed the prayer of Jesus in the Garden that night. 

Before His resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven; Before conquering death, hell and the grave and taking captivity captive; Before being crucified on the cross and dying for the sins of the world, Before the nails in his hand, and the crown of thorns on his head, before being beaten, spit upon and scourged,  

Before being questioned by Pontius Pilate and falsely accused by the Sanhedrin counsel, before being betrayed by Judas with a kiss, before being arrested by a multitude of soldiers, before healing the ear of the High Priest’s servant who Peter cut off  with a sword – Jesus Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me;

nevertheless not My will but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) 

And because of this selfless act, we now have access to everlasting life.  So let us live like Jesus and seek the will of God in our lives above all else.  In the midst of challenge and despair, comfort and prosperity, in the good times and the bad, let this be our rallying cry: "Not my will by Yours be done." 

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter so “Let Justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a might stream.” (Amos 5:24) For many of us in the African American Community, justice has seemed like an elusive concept in regards to unarmed Black Men being killed by the Police in recent months including the shooting deaths of Terrence Crutcher on September 16, 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Keith Scott on September 20, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina among others.  And while it’s true that more whites (581) are killed by the police than Blacks (306) in 2015, when one considers the proportion to the population percentage- 62% White to 13% Black respectively, these figures are very troubling. 

No Need to Be Afraid

Perhaps the saddest thing about the rising tide of police killings of unarmed Blacks is the creation of fear of the police in the hearts of many African Americans, both young and old.  During a recent lecture I had with several African American young men, nearly 100% expressed fear of casual interaction with the police.  In fact, some expressed extreme terror at the thought of even being pulled over for a traffic stop. It’s a shame when a certain sector of human beings in America feels like they are being hunted. This is a terrible way to live. It’s one thing to revere the police as authority figures; This is appropriate. But to be scared of their interaction is an ominous sign.  But there is really no need to be afraid. 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7).  So instead of being afraid we must first recognize the power we have to advocate, strategize, organize, listen, and trust God. The second reason we can’t be afraid is because of the love we have for ourselves and our fellow man including our enemies. Because "there is no fear in love. Because perfect love cast out fear. Because fear has torment. . ." (1 John 4:18)  And the last reason we should not be afraid is because God has given us a sound mind which includes wisdom and knowledge of how to handle ourselves in every situation. So relax, stay calm and don’t be afraid of the police. Because walking in fear is a life of bondage.  

Statistical Analysis

Black lives Matter, not only or exclusively but equally.  And the fact that African Americans are compelled to proclaim the statement is a sad commentary for American Justice. The statistics tell the true story.  A 2015 report by the Guardian Magazine “The Counted,” indicates that the rate of death for young black men killed by the police was five (5) times higher than that of young white men of the same age.  In fact, when paired with official U.S government mortality data, the findings suggest that about one in every 65 deaths of a young African American man in the U.S is a killing by the Police. (The Guardian, 12/31/15).  

And Of all of the unarmed people shot and killed by police in 2015, 40 percent of them were black men, even though black men make up just 6 percent of the nation’s population.   Moreover, Black people have been disproportionately killed by police, at a rate of twice that of White and Hispanic/Latino people (The Guardian 7/1/15).  

To be clear, we don’t want to see anybody of any race or ethnicity treated unjustly or killed by the Police. Not only that, some of the action taken by the police may have been undoubtedly justified in the context of legitimate crime fighting.  Yet and still, the alarming rate in which African Americans are killed, particularly in situations in which they are unarmed is extremely disturbing. Unfortunately, these police killings of unarmed Black Men are not exceptions, but symptomatic of a broader set of racial disparities that speak to the way justice is dispensed in many communities throughout the United States.  

Further studies suggest that African Americans defendants are 75% more likely than whites to be charged with offenses carrying mandatory minimums; 30% more likely than whites to be pulled over by police and three (3) times more likely to be searched after being pulled over (Fortune.Com, July 7, 2016: Obama’s Speech “We Can Do Better”)

The Police

Moreover, criticism of a few bad police departments is not an indictment of all police.  Without question, Police are to be respected and obeyed as law enforcement officers.  Nevertheless, the Police are not above reproach.  And the small percentage of police who fall in the category of crooked, trigger happy, and racist/abusive- make it bad for the majority of good policemen who should ultimately be viewed as heroes and not villains.  However, until changes are made in police policy, it appears that innocent people will continue to killed by corrupt police departments.

Black on Black Crime

What about Black on Black crime?  How can African Americans complain about the police when they are killing themselves? First of all, 84% of Whites are murdered by other Whites, yet we rarely here the term- White on White Crime.  Secondly, the propensity of crime in the neighborhood in which one resides, should not be a prerequisite for equal protection under the law and fair and just treatment by the police.  Thirdly, Black people are responsive to crime in their communities.  There are hundreds of rallies, stop the violence campaigns, anti-no snitch movements, community protest against street violence, vigils, and neighborhood forums that occur in urban communities throughout the U.S every year in response to crime in the Black community.  Unfortunately, these events rarely make the evening news.  

Historical Perspective

The Black Lives matter theme is not new to American history.  In 1851 Sojourner Truth, an African American Abolitionist sent a profound message when she declared in her celebrated speech, “Ain’t I a Woman.” She was essentially saying, although I’m a Black female, should not my life and opinion matter and be valued in the American feminine experience.   Dr. Martin Luther King’s last public speech before his assassination was in support of the Memphis Sanitation Strike in which protesters declared, “Am I Not a Man.”  Or shouldn’t my life matter in regards to a decent wage.  And who can forget James Brown famous song in 1968 that lifted the spirits of Black People all of the world as he declared: “Say it out Loud; I’m Black and I’m proud.”

Conclusion

So let us press forward for change in police policy and hold our legislators accountable.  And we can’t be satisfied until legislation is introduced and laws are passed to address a comprehensive retraining of all police officers with specific reference to a mandated use of Body/Dashboard Cameras, revision of deadly force policies, elimination of racial profiling, and the ability to curtail federal and state budget allocations based on documented evidence of police brutality. Indeed we can not rest until “justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

By This Time Tomorrow

By this time tomorrow, God is able to turn your situation around.  Let’s examine 2 Kings 7:1 “Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.”  The context of this passage surrounds the fact that Israel was under a siege by the Syrians.  And during the siege, no goods came in and none went out.  So as their food resources ran out, their economy hit an all time low.  And every single economic indicator showed a very dim picture. 

In fact, a donkey’s head which was ceremonially unclean for the Jews was selling for 80 shekels which is $1600 today.  Even worse, Dove poop (that’s right Dove poop) was being sold for five shekels which is $100 in today’s market.  And some had resorted to cannibalism as evidenced in 2 Kings 6:28-29.  And then Elisha delivers a wonderful prophecy that told them that By This time tomorrow, things would change for the better in their economy and food would be affordable.  What a difference a day makes. So don't count God out in your situation.

By this time tomorrow, God can give you the miracle for which you’ve been waiting.  By this time tomorrow, you could be planning your own wedding, opening your acceptance letter, or walking out of the hospital with a good bill of health.  By this time tomorrow, the case against you can be thrown out, the charges dropped and the whole situation reversed. By this time tomorrow, you can sign a contract for your new house, answer a call for a new job offer, or negotiate a multi-billion dollar business deal.

I’m keenly aware that you can’t rush God.  In fact the Bible tells us in Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength and mount up on wings like eagles.”   And patience is a virtue.  However, I’ve come to realize that sometimes we get so tired and jaded in waiting, that many are very often unprepared for tomorrow’s blessing.  Now, if it does not happen tomorrow, continue to trust God and hold on until your change comes. 

But keep hoping and believing that your blessing is on the way.  Your deliverance is right around the corner.  Continue to expect your breakthrough.  Or in the Words of Shirley Caesar, just know that  “You’re next in Line for a Miracle: Today is your day.”  Make the Lord Jesus your choice because he owns tomorrow and He is able to turn your situation around in an instant, suddenly, and in one moment’s time or at a minimum: By This Time Tomorrow. 

Give Me This Mountain

 Give Me This Mountain!  God’s true destiny for us is beyond our wildest dreams.  But it can only be accomplished by asking for the Mountain.  Asking God for the Mountain is the type of request that others will laugh at because it seems out of reach.  It is the type of breakthrough that will reveal your haters and change the course of your life for the better.   

God wants us to have the courage to ask for the Mountain.  Such was the case with Caleb who 45 years earlier had surveyed the land with 11 other spies sent by Moses to bring back a good report for the Children of Israel; But with the exception of Caleb and Joshua, all of the other spies brought back an evil report and convinced the people that they were not strong enough to conquer the land. And as a punishment, God made them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years.  

So Caleb finds himself in the same place 45 years later.  And this time he refused to allow anything or anyone to hinder his blessing and so in Joshual 14:12  Caleb decrees “Now give me this mountain (hill country) that the Lord promised me that day.  You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”  It is important to note that Caleb wholly followed, and depended on God.  He was also willing to separate from the crowd.  Here are a few things to consider when claiming your mountain:

• Be willing to ask God for a Hard Thing: Mountains are difficult to conquer during war because they are easy to fortify.  They are a convenient defense for the enemy.  It’s easy for the enemy to hide and spy you out from afar while on the mountain.  God has certain blessings in store for us that require boldness, and a willingness to ask Him for a hard thing.  

• Be prepared to face Giants:  The Mountain that Caleb was asking for was inhabited by  the Anikans who were a race of Giants.  And even in our personal lives, when we are asking God for a mountain blessing, there are giants that we must overcome.  Giants today come in the form of huge obstacles, intimidating circumstances, and insurmountable barriers.  But God is able to help you conquer your giants. For with God all things are possible and you can overcome the giants.

•  Be ready to overcome barriers:  Not only were there giants on the mountain, but the cities were  “great and fenced.”  This was a huge barrier.  If you are seeking to accomplish something grand, be prepared to go through, around, over, and under fences.  And we are more than conquerors through Christ who gives us victory over the mountain. 

• Some blessings have to be Taken:  Although Caleb asked, “Give Me This Mountain,” In reality he had to fight the enemy, climb, endure, persevere, and wait to secure the mountain blessing.  Put simply, the mountain had to be taken.  In fact, Jesus said “the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force (Matt 11:12).  We must be bold in going after the blessings God has in store for us.  And nobody is going to give it to you. The mountain blessing has to be taken by faith in God with prayer and devotion, planning, preparation, education, personal sacrifice and effort.    

So if you are tired of settling for the valley experience and are no longer satisfied with status quo, it’s time for you to take the mountain.   Stay strong in the faith, stay connected to Jesus, and stay positive about the direction of your life.  

And go get your mountain.  It’s yours for the asking.  Go get your breakthrough.  Nobody is going to give you a helicopter ride to the top of the mountain.  But I declare if you wait on God, he will bless you in due season.  And just like Caleb, you can declare: Give Me This Mountain. 

Highways, Hedges and Basketball Courts

But Go ye into the highways and hedges and basketball courts and compel them to come! Actually the Bible encourages us in Luke 14:23 “to go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in that my house may be filled.”  Moreover, Acts 1:8 goes further to say that “ you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Hence our witness for God should go beyond the church walls, and extend further than church conferences to include our communities while doing various activities. So for the past 2 years, once a month, every 4^th Friday Night at 8:30pm, Excel Church hosts an event we call Friday Night Hoops at a local gymnasium in Bowie, Maryland. 

We started this ministry as an initiative for the youth of the church but it soon blossomed into an outreach to young men from around the city between the ages of 13 and 25 who for the most part- do not attend church.  Half way between our full court games, we stop playing basketball, and ask everyone to join us in a semi-circle and take a knee as we lead them in prayer and share an encouraging message from the Word of God.  Afterwards, we resume all basketball activities.  We also encourage these young men and provide godly advice on variety of subjects throughout the evening in- between games.

The participation has grown to a point that we no longer advertise.  It’s just word of mouth that they come to expect it every 4^th Friday night.  I can definitely notice a change in the young men that attend.  I love this ministry because it allows us to reach a segment of individuals that never attend church.  It has grown substantially since we first began and I expect God to continue to do great things. 

As a former high school and college basketball player, basketball remains a great passion of mine.  And I consider it a blessing to be able to use the game to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. So as we endeavor to be witnesses for Jesus, let us remember to use our interests and the things we enjoy doing to go into the highways, hedges, and even basketball courts and beyond (depending on your passions) to  reach souls for Christ.

 

Watch Your Mouth

James 3:2 "We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check."

When I was a child, I was often corrected for the things I said. When I complained because I could not get my way, or if I said mean things about others, or if I appeared disrespectful in my tone, or if I was bold enough to talk back (before she spanked me), my mom would say with a stern voice- Watch Your Mouth. But as adults, it is very rare that we have someone actually tell us to watch our mouths.

So today I would like to make an exception and ask everyone to watch their mouths.  Be careful what you say, when you say it, how you say it, and to whom you say it.  Put simply, Watch your mouth.  Without question, the slip of the tongue can cause damaging effects. In the 1988 Republican primary for president, the Vice President at that time and candidate George Bush said these words “Read my lips, no new taxes.”  He won the 1988 election but the statement likely caused him the re-election in 1992 because he did raise taxes.  Indeed the slip of the tongue can erase a lifetime of preparation if we are not careful. 

Such was the case for Greek Tripper Jumper Voula Papachristou who was prepared to realize her life long dream of competing in the 2012 London Olympics.  But what halted her participation was not an injury or competitor.  It was her mouth through a negative tweet.  

So Not only must we watch what we say, we must be careful what we say in writing, by email, place on facebook, twitter and all other forms of social media.  If we heed the recommendations of the Bible, we can make better decisions about our words. The following scriptures give sound advice on what comes out of our mouths.

James 1:26  Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. (NIV)

Proverbs 6:2 you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. (NIV)

Psalm 34:13  keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. (NIV)

I Peter 3:10 “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.

Proverbs 21:23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

So think before you speak.  Even in situations where you are right, choose your words carefully.  And by all means:  Watch your mouth.