Discerning God's Will & Divine Appointments

I wasn't planning on writing this blog today (most of my blog posts are sporadic), but "divine appointments" has been a recurring theme in my heart for some days now. One thing that every Christian struggles with is knowing God's will for their life. Being a recent college graduate, current seminary student, and part-time campus ministry intern, I hear this question more than anything. Young adults are stressed because they don't know what God's will is for them concerning careers, classes, marriage etc. Now I'm sure much can be said concerning this question, but instead of focusing all of my blog post on this question, I've decided to expose the sin that can SOMETIMES hide behind this question. This is a good question, but the motives behind it may be sinful and ultimately send the Christian into a spiral of self pity while at the same time robbing them of the discernment needed to answer the question.

The main problem with this question is the word "my" that lies within the question. Does God have individual plans and callings for individual people? Yes! Scripture is clear about this (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). But the biggest problem with the word "my" is that it can SOMETIMES reveal a selfish and sinful individualistic spirit that is so focused inwardly that it tends to neglect the opportunities for ministry that are surrounding you.

The Christian must be very careful. Christ said, "...love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind....love your neighbor as yourself. On these commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-39) These two commandments are great places to start when it comes to figuring out God's will for your life. But notice they are completely outward focused. The focus is God and other people, not you!

Now if we disobey this commandment I'm confident that we are in sin and therefore conforming to the world which, based on Romans 12:1-2, will prevent us from gaining discernment to discover the will of God. The passage says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." When we are in unrepentant sin, we blind ourselves and therefore lack discerning eyes. Perhaps God's will is directly in front of your face, but you're so blinded by your sin and focused in yourself to see that will.

So readers, I challenge you to look at every person that you encounter and every place that you go as a divine appointment for your life. Learn to serve faithfully those in front of you wherever you are. S/O to all my singles! Don't allow yourself to be so consumed and obsessed with finding a mate, especially when it causes you to neglect opportunities to love God and the people in front of you. Perhaps, your love and service for God and people will be the quality that will attract your mate to you. Perhaps your selfish attitude is what is running potential spouses away. Love God and man, but hate sin!

So I want to hear from you guys. Any divine appointments lately? How has faithfully obeying the two great commandments impacted your life? Go!!!

Lecrae (not LACRAE) and the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards

If you're on Facebook or Twitter and especially if you're a friend or a follower, you've heard the buzz about Lecrae being on some type of Hip Hop Awards show on B.E.T. Many will hear about this and respond, "What's the big deal?" But there are a few of us who know how big of a deal this is and we're excited!

Why? I grew up watching B.E.T. and I know how big of an influence it is in the black community. Sadly it's not a good influence. It portrays the life of many professed believers in our community in it's viewing schedule. Monday-Saturday B.E.T plays all types of garbage that is not becoming of a Christian and then on Sunday it plays gospel music and preaching. See the pattern? Live how you want to live Monday-Saturday but on Sunday mornings go to church and you're good. B.E.T. has influenced our culture more than most realize. I'm not blaming the spiritual state of our culture completely on B.E.T., but I will say they are part of the problem along with the parents and the Church.

Nevertheless, it's a HUGE platform specifically in our community that desperately needs truth and last night Lecrae gave them a taste of truth by faithfully proclaiming Jesus in a way that was offensive (which means he did it right) without sacrificing beautiful art. Our culture who has repeatedly called Christian Rap corny, lame, silly, and wack are now exposed to a rapper who is a phenomenal artist but most importantly an excellent and faithful communicator of the true and offensive Gospel.

So are you are still thinking, "So what? A song won't change anyone." I would beg to differ. Lecrae and other artists in his camp are some of the first individuals to challenge my bible-belt Christianity. God used music to challenge and expose my doctrine, philosophy, worldview and lifestyle as faulty and sinful. Music shapes our WORLDVIEW! Even the people in the world realize this. One guy, in so many words, said this last night as he introduced Lupe Fiasco, a Muslim rapper.

Ultimately, Lecrae can only plant seeds but God must give the increase. Lecrae is simply a instrument in the Redeemers hands and I find comfort in this truth. I'm confident Lecrae will use this platform to point men and women to Jesus. I'm excited.

Did you miss the awards show? Watch Lecrae's cypher verse here:

BET Hip Hop Awards - Lecrae's Cypher

Want to know more about Lecrae? Watch his story here:
Lecrae - I Am Second

Ashes in my Mouth

Perhaps some of you have heard of either Russell Brand or Jeremy Paxman, but it's quite possible that some of you have heard of neither. I'll give you a brief description of both. Jeremy Paxman, according to Wikipedia, is a British journalist, author and television presenter. He has worked for the BBC since 1977. He is noted for a forthright and abrasive interviewing style, particularly when interrogating politicians. His regular appearances on the BBC2's Newsnight program have been criticized as aggressive, intimidating, condescending and irreverent, yet applauded as tough and incisive.

Russel Brand, however, is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter. Brand is noted for his eccentricity and his controversies in the British media, including his dismissal from MTV for dressing up as Osama bin Laden and controversies while presenting at various award ceremonies. The 2008 prank telephone calls he made to Andrew Sachs while co-hosting The Russell Brand Show with Jonathan Ross led to his resignation from the BBC and major policy changes in that organisation. His prior drug use and promiscuity influenced his comedic material and public image. He married American pop singer Katy Perry in October 2010.

Jeremy Paxman interviewed Brand in 2010 and it was an interesting and quite profound interview. Paxman talks about how between now and death he would like to obtain something worth wild. He discusses how the world influences and basically sells us a a bill of goods about fame and fortune. Brand goes on to say that it means nothing and now that he is famous it's "ashes in my mouth" a phrase that is straight out of the Bible. Brand has discovered something that is quite profound. But sadly, although he has discovered some amazing truths, he has yet to come to the conclusion that the answer is in Jesus.

Nevertheless, I would encourage EVERYONE to watch this 6:00 minute interview. Pay close attention to what he says.

#1 Killer of Black Americans in the USA (Pt. 2)

Here is yet another video that gives us some facts about abortion. Please think and reflect. Think about what is actually taking place in African American culture. I'm sure years from now people will be asking how did the masses let a tragedy like abortion take place for so long without ever addressing it.

The Bible called Paul a murderer for approving the stoning of Stephen and anyone who is pro-choice or passive about the matter of abortion is guilty of the same.

#1 Killer of Black Americans in the USA (Pt. 1)

I guess the old saying is true, "When you point a finger at a person, you always have three pointing back at you." Well America should be reminded of this.

With all the drama and anger surrounding the infamous Casey Anthony and her trial, I watch and wonder how many of her accusers and enemies are pro-abortion. I want to expose you guys to three short videos over the next three days concerning abortion, specifically in the black community. Take a look...




Also check out my friend Scott Moore's blog "The Rest of Sunday" and view his latest post on abortion.

Forgiveness that Gives!

Check out this amazing story of a Christian woman that truly forgave the man that murdered her son.

Jason Terry: A Caution to Him and the "Superstitious" Christian (Revised)

After discussing this issue with a friend and brother that I highly respect, I've decided to edit my post and change the title. So instead of even discussing if he is or isn't a Christian, I want to address the act but leave the question of his salvation out of it because I really don't know. Although I thought I made it clear that I couldn't say for sure whether or not Terry is actually a Christian, apparently I wasn't clear enough and this was irresponsible on my part. 

I think this issue hits home for me because, as an athlete and African American, the theology of God in our churches (I speak specifically to the Black church because I have almost 10 years of 'ministry' experience in it and 15 years as a member) has become very shallow where as many athletes who are professing believers tend to use God as a "good luck charm". I've seen it over and over in the locker room as a ball player. Some of the most ungodliest individuals are the first to say "give glory to God". 

So when I hear JET give glory to God and at the same time say he's superstitious, I want it to be clear that this act, in the words of Bryant Taylor, isn't becoming of a Christian. The same way that lying, stealing, worrying, sexual immorality, and other obvious sins, all of which I have been guilty of at some point in my walk and still struggle with, aren't becoming of a Christian. So don't misunderstand me and assume that I think that one sin or struggle condemns you to hell or that I'm claiming perfection. Faith in Christ alone is the only thing that can save us and if JET truly has this he is a brother and there is grace available for his superstitious acts. I pray someone close to him addresses his superstition. We'll call out sexual immorality, murder, and stealing but we shouldn't let superstition and other sins that our culture deems acceptable slip under the radar. All should be addressed and handled in love.

The Bible calls Christians to be discerning and loving. The only way we can truly have discernment is through scripture meditation and prayer. I’m writing this not because I’m a Miami fan or a Jason Terry hater. I’m writing to create dialogue and ultimately to challenge Christians to be more discerning, so that when they meet individuals like Terry, they’ll be more discerning and know how to better love and minister to them.

So now that I’m given you my preface, let address the topic at hand. Did you know that Jason Terry is considered the most superstitious basketball player in the NBA today? One article ranked him #6 in their “10 Most Superstitious Athletes”. Why does this need to be addressed?  Superstition is completely unbiblical and the Bible is clearly against it. The portion of the article written about Terry says this:

“Easily the most superstitious player in the NBA, Dallas Maverick shooting guard Jason Eugene Terry's list of quirks includes eating chicken before games like Wade Boggs and wearing five pairs of socks while playing…The night before every game, Terry goes to bed while wearing the shorts of the next day's opposing team. This compulsion has left JET desperately tracking down the right trunks on a bad night….”

Source: http://www.mensfitness.com/sports/athletes/10-most-superstitious-athletes

Along with this, Jason Terry has admitted that he is very superstitious.

So here are some reasons biblically why I think superstition just won’t fly if you’re a professing Christian. First, it takes away from the sovereignty of God. God is in control of everything and He either causes or allows everything to happen (Acts 4:28; Ephesians 1:10). Secondly, it’s a form of idolatry. You’re putting your trust in a man made practice or an object. The Bible is clear that those who practice such things won’t enter the kingdom of God (Revelation 21:27). At the end of the day, God wants you to trust Him, not man made practices or objects. Your life on this earth and eternally is completely in His hands.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:8-10).

What Myself, Lebron, & Most Black Athletes have in Common (Revised)

Recently, I was given the opportunity to be a guest blogger on "The Rest of Sunday" where I wrote about growing up without a father and how this affected me growing up. You can find that post here.

Everyone viewing the Finals is asking the same question, "What the heck is wrong with Lebron?" Recently on Twitter, Adam Thomason (Pastor), Amisho Baraka (Rapper) and it was later tweeted that Colin Cowherd (sports radio personality)  all made great points in saying that historically athletes with strong fathers succeed more often than those that don't have fathers in the home. So when you look at the careers of Brady, Manning, McNabb, Kobe, Jordan, Magic, Bird and others who had fathers and compare them to A Rod, Iverson, Lebron, and Vick, all athletes who were extremely talented, you'll find that the main uncommon denominator is a father in the household.

Now I realize that the athletes mentioned above are from a variety of backgrounds and aren’t just blacks. When I announced that I would be writing about this someone asked, “What are you talking about and why can’t Caucasian athletes be involved as well?” Although I realize that issues of single parent homes have an effect on every single ethnic group, it has affected the black community more than any and sometimes I think individuals are unaware of this. So the purpose of this post is to highlight this issue.

Notice the statistics below:

·       In 2000, among White mothers about 27% of all births were out-of-wedlock, among Hispanic mothers about 43% and Black mothers about 70%.

·       In 1990, almost 5 million children lived in neighborhoods in which single mothers were head of household in more than half of all families in those neighborhoods, 80% of those children were African Americans.

·       African American children are 9 times more likely than White children are, to have an incarcerated parent.

Source: http://www.percy-ricketts.com/stats.php

These statistics are startling to some, but to me and other black males it’s simply reality. I grew up in a single parent home. My mom, grandmother and some aunts all had a part in raising me. So I longed for a male influence and later realized in college how unprepared I was for manhood.

Basketball was tough for me on the next level. Although I had the talent to be a solid collegiate athlete, I lacked confidence and composure. My coach pointed out the day that I quit “you just don’t seem comfortable in your own skin” and the truth is I wasn’t. I was very insecure and if I felt unappreciated for too long, I crumbled. I was looking for significance. I was a little boy in a grown mans body.

Ultimately, I left the team and sought counseling from a College counselor. I soon realized that the main problem was what my campus minister had been telling me all along. He would say, “Phillip you’re longing to hear your father say he’s proud of you. Well guess what, he is. Your heavenly Father is proud of you.” I had daddy issues.

When I’m reminded of the Gospel and the fact that I’m loved because of the works and sacrifices of Another, it amazes me. I find myself crying tears of joy because in the midst of my struggles with porn, bitterness, anger, envy, insecurity and so much more, the Maker of this world is saying, “This is my beloved Son with whom I’m well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Some may deny that this has anything to do with why Lebron, Iverson, Vick, A Rod, and others have yet to live up to their full potential. But most, especially those who have grown up without a father, will say that we’ve hit the nail on the head, if they’re honest with themselves. Fathers, your presence matters more than you think. But for those of you that don't have a earthly father, turn to the Heaven Father. He'll love you better than any earthly father can. Forgive the father that wasn't there and turn to Jesus.

Love Comes Natural

I've had a chance to observe myself on this Christian journey and I've noticed that there is a direct correlation between my love for God and my love for people. Some reading may say, "Well duh, Phillip. Jesus makes this in clear His teachings." This is true but how many of us actually believe that if we are consistently lacking love for our brother, sister, or enemy it speaks volumes about where we are with God in that moment. 

Now I'm not saying that when the Christian is struggling to love it means that he or she isn't saved. But I do believe that in the moments we struggle to love, we are at the same time struggling to believe and abide in Him. I've found that when I'm truly seeking his face and killing my sin it's a lot easier to love people and be compassionate on individuals that I normally wouldn't think deserved my compassion. 

Do you remember what Jesus said in John 15? He tells us that if we abide in Him and He in us, then and only then are we able to bear fruit. So it's obvious that the two are connected, so much so that in that same chapter Jesus goes from teaching on abiding in Him to loving one another.

When I neglect the reading of scripture, prayer, meditation, and community my love for the world increases, love for Christ decreases, and love for people ceases. I've seen it happen over and over again. So I find myself using, manipulating, and neglecting individuals that I should love. The scariest part is that most can't even tell it's going on unless they really dig into me and ask questions because my actions can be very deceiving, to the point that sometimes I don't even realize what has manifested.

Why have I written this? Because I want to see Christians examine themselves instead of walking in deception and darkness. It is vital for us to see that when we do not love all men and have compassion on those who are considered low in our society, it speaks volumes about how much we really love God and if we actually love Him at all. We don’t get to choose whom we will love and whom we won’t. Jesus says love all. So if you’re a racist, bigot, or classist you’re saying something about your walk with Christ, if one even exists at all. Read the Gospels and listen carefully to Jesus’ words on love and how that same love was manifest among mankind. You should leave the Gospels realizing that you fall short on your best day (thank God for the Cross) but return to scripture constantly praying to be able to love like He did. Abide in Him and love will come natural. I hope you respond in a “Hands Up, Man Down” sort of way.

Hands Up, Man Down

"Hands Up, Man Down" is a blog that seeks to point men and women to a God who draws sinners and causes us to live a life of worship (Hands Up) while humbling us as well (Man Down). Throughout scripture we see men and women humbled at the sight of God, due to his beauty and their ugliness, and this humility leads them to worship because they see someone who is greater than themselves. But this act of worship isn't confined to a Musical worship service nor is it a one time experience, but it is in fact a lifestyle. So one purpose of this blog is to expose people to Jesus in hopes that they will see his beauty and their ugliness and respond in worship!

Another purpose of this blog is to simply be honest and open about my struggles and shortcomings while also discussing the evils of this world and the solution. Ultimately, I want to show that the solution to my problems and the world's is Jesus and also people who will put their "Hands up" (in worship) and themselves low in submission to the person and work of Christ!

I hope and pray that this blog challenges, rebukes and encourages it's readers by simply putting Christ on display. I want him to be pleased ultimately.