GODLY ANGER

Think of this: Every person on the planet has a temper. Why do you think that
is? Do you think the devil created anger? No way! Satan never created anything.
He doesn't have the power to create. All he does is pervert the godly things God
created.
It's God who gave us the capacity to get angry. Anger has a godly function. But
with most of us, it's been perverted. We don't need to get delivered of a
temper; we need to learn how to manage that anger and direct it the way God
intended — not toward people, but toward the devil and evil.
There is a well-known passage of Scripture that talks about a positive use of
anger. Yet this passage is most often interpreted in a way that loses the true
intent of what Paul was saying. Ephesians 4:26-27 says,
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give
place to the devil".
This is usually interpreted as, "God knows you are only human, and you will
sometimes get angry. That just happens. But it doesn't become sin unless you let
it persist. So make sure you confess and forsake your anger every night before
you go to bed."
There is no doubt that getting over anger quickly has great benefit. Confessing
and forsaking anger before you go to bed every night is a good thing to do. But
that is not what this verse is teaching. It's nearly the opposite.
Paul is saying there is a godly anger that is not sin. God gives us a command to
get angry with a righteous anger. Then he says, "Let not the sun go down on your
wrath". What happens when the sun goes down? Typically we stop working. The day
winds down, and we rest and go to sleep. Paul is saying, "Don't let this godly
anger ever stop working. Keep it awake. Stir it up and keep it active!" Then
verse 27 continues, "Neither give place to the devil". If we don't keep a godly
anger active within us, we are giving place to the devil. What a revelation!
There is a righteous use of anger. Not understanding this has rendered many
Christians so passive, they don't get mad at the evil in this world. Therefore,
Satan is having a free shot at everything we hold dear and holy. Our society is
under attack, and our righteous anger that God has given us as a weapon is kept
in its sheath and not used. This needs to change.

Immigration Reform ?

All people are created in the image of God, and this biblical truth should be the guiding value for immigration reform. Our immigration system must treat people fairly and provide the opportunity for people to flourish as God intends. The president and senators from both political parties have called for immigration reform that would reflect this principle.
 
America has always been and still is a nation of immigrants. For hundreds of years, hard-working families have come to the United States for the chance to better their lives and contribute to our society. Scripture speaks loudly and clearly about the response required of us: God calls us to welcome the stranger (Deuteronomy 10), and our faith demands we love the least among us (Matthew 25). Supporting immigration reform is an opportunity to put our faith into action on behalf of 11 million new Americans.

There are hopeful signs that politicians from both sides of the aisle are finally ready to pass immigration reform, but those opposed are already mobilizing to try and stop progress from happening. The voice of the faith community is needed now more than ever.

Positive Thinking..

Now, is it possible to think positively all of the time? Perhaps not. Nevertheless, if a person  cultivates an excellent grade of good mental soil, any nasty weed that sprouts without welcome can be readily purged from his head. But it is necessary that you begin with good fertile ground from which positive ideas, good behavior, and honorable character spring abundantly. It starts with positive thinking. It starts with you. It starts today.

http://pass-theball.blogspot.com/

Father's Day Questionnaire Results - Mocha Dad

Father's Day Questionnaire Results - Mocha Dad

More Fathers Seek to Spend More Time with Their Children - BCNN1

More Fathers Seek to Spend More Time with Their Children - BCNN1

Father's Day 2013

Father's Needed

Black Fathers Hall of Fame

Black Fathers Hall of Fame

A Father's Eyes

A Father's Eyes
by Rev. M.D. Rogers
Jonathan's mother died when he was very young and his father brought him up. Both of them shared a very special relationship. Jonathan loved to play football and his father made sure that he was always there to cheer his son at every match, even if Jonathan wasn't a part of the playing team. Jonathan being small sized, wasn't allowed to play in the main team. Nevertheless, he continued with his practice with full determination. Everyone thought that Jonathan would never be able to make it into the team, though somehow, his determination carried him through. The coach seeing his diligence and dedication decided to keep him on the roster.

One day during practice, the coach met him with a telegram. Jonathan was shocked to read the message contained in it. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Will it be all right if I miss practice today?" The coach gently put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son, and don't even plan to come to the game on Saturday." On the day of the game, Jonathan's college team was losing badly to the rival team. The coach and the players had all lost hope when they saw Jonathan coming towards them. Jonathan ran up to the coach and pleaded him to allow him to play this match. At first, the coach wouldn't allow him to play. However after a lot of persuasion, the coach gave in.No sooner Jonathan joined the team in the field, their scores started to improve before both the teams were on a tie.

However, the real cheer came during the crucial closing seconds when he intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. His team members were ecstatic. The crowd came running towards him to celebrate the win. After the match, the coach went up to Jonathan, who was seated alone in the corner of the locker room and asked, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?" He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

When God Created Fathers

When God Created Fathers

When the good lord was creating Fathers, He started with a tall frame. And a female angel nearby said,"What kinda of father is that?If You're going to make children so close to the ground, why have You put fathers up so high?He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending over or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."

And God smiled and said,"Yes but, if I make him child-sized, who would children have to look up to?"

Father's Day Quotes: 23 Great Sayings About Being A Dad

Father's Day Quotes: 23 Great Sayings About Being A Dad

Black Fathers Not A Complete Anomaly, New Book 'Dare To Be Extraordinary' Demonstrates (EXCERPT, PHOTOS)

Black Fathers Not A Complete Anomaly, New Book 'Dare To Be Extraordinary' Demonstrates (EXCERPT, PHOTOS)

Obama On Fatherhood: 'It's The Best Job I've Got'

Obama On Fatherhood: 'It's The Best Job I've Got'

What I Really Want for Father's Day | NOLA.com

What I Really Want for Father's Day | NOLA.com

I CAN SEE MY FATHER SINGING | NOLA.com

I CAN SEE MY FATHER SINGING | NOLA.com

Governor Jindal Signs Juvenile Justice Reform Legislation

Governor Jindal Signs Juvenile Justice Reform Legislation

Dwayne Wade and Lecrae Join Forces for "This Is Fatherhood" National Campaign - Church Leader Gazette

Dwayne Wade and Lecrae Join Forces for "This Is Fatherhood" National Campaign - Church Leader Gazette

Half of First Born Children Born Outside of Marriage, Says New Study | Black Blue Dog

Half of First Born Children Born Outside of Marriage, Says New Study | Black Blue Dog

The Standard #1 « The Gentlemen's Standard

The Standard #1 « The Gentlemen's Standard

In My Father’s House These Were The Rules :

In My Father’s House These Were The Rules :

Chicago Schools Chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett To Reveal Five-Year Education Plan - BCNN1

Chicago Schools Chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett To Reveal Five-Year Education Plan - BCNN1

There's No Place Like Home

Mark 6:1-6
Rev. M.D. Rogers

We have a tendency not to appreciate or applaud that which is close to us and near us. A great chef comes home and is just another cook in the kitchen. A great physician comes home and is just dad. A great teacher comes home and is just "mom." A great philosopher comes home and is just a roommate. A great television reporter comes home and is just a friend. But what happens when the Lord comes to his familiar surroundings? After all, he was born in Jerusalem. He was raised in Bethlehem of Judea. He lived in Capernaum. And he performed great miracles. He raised the dead. He healed the sick. He saved souls. He stopped death. He turned water into wine. He opened the eyes of the blind. However, now Jesus is coming home. To what you would think would be friendly environs. He is coming home – to patris in Greek – to his native place of origin.

 This time when he comes home – he is different: He has an established ministry. He is becoming a spiritual celebrity by the word of mouth. He is on the watch list of the government. He is a noted theologian and preacher. He now travels with 12 disciples. He has been known to go to Synagogues and teach teachers. However, when He comes home to his own country with his entourage in tow, he goes to the synagogue and begins to teach. Can you imagine, that Jesus, who matriculated through the Jewish system of study and experienced a youthful upbringing in that community has returned home and is now the guest teacher in the Sabbath Day service.

 You would think that they would be glad about. You would think that the crowd would be excited to hear and would have a hint of pride as one of their boys has come home. However, the Bible says that as Jesus is speaking they are astonished or ekplesso in Greek. This usage does not mean astonished as used in other portions of the text. It means that they were struck with terror, like of a sudden alarm has been sounded. They don't know what to make of it. They are terrified, they are fearful, they are trembling. They are afraid of Jesus.

You do understand that some people can become afraid of you? They can see you grow up and make it and become afraid of you – even in the church: They can watch you move from new member to Bible Teacher – and become afraid of you. They can watch you move from stuttering student to profound preacher – and become afraid of you. They can watch you move from background singer to lead singer – and become afraid of you. They can watch you move from alcoholic and drug abuser to a Worshipper who lifts up holy hands – and become afraid of you. They can watch you move from quiet and unassuming church member to a leader in the church – and become afraid of you. They can watch you move from a rough cut as a preacher to a profound proclaimer who God uses – and become afraid of you. They can watch you move from a struggling saint on welfare to an overcomer who the Lord blesses on every hand – and become afraid of you. The text says that they began to talk among themselves. Notice here that there conversation is not even centered on what He taught – but more so how he taught it. Check out their conversation – where did this teaching come from? What wisdom is this? After all, in our opinion, Jesus shouldn't be this deep. Jesus shouldn't have this kind of profundity.

 He shouldn't have this kind of power. He's one of us. Look what they say – He ain't all that. They never refer to his father – which means that they go back to the old rumors about him being conceived out of wedlock. Isn't he Mary's boy? Ain't he just a carpenter? Isn't he James' brother? Isn't he Joses' brother? Isn't he Simon's brother? Don't his sisters live in the hood? And this group becomes "offended" at him. The word in Greek here is scandlizo, which we use today as "scandalous" or "scandal." They thought Jesus was scandalous!!! How dare he claim to be the son of God! Scandalous! How dare he teach in the church! Scandalous! How dare he try to show how deep he is! Scandalous! How dare he try to show some spiritual insight! Scandalous! I have discovered that some people never accept that God can work in somebody's life.

We cry about the Lord can make a change – however, we just don't want him to change other people. We don't want to see God do great things in other people's lives: We want the drunk to stay drunk. We want the playa playa to keep on playing. We want the bad singer to keep singing badly. We want the preacher who can't preacher to still preach badly. We want the slob to stay sloppy. We want the sleepy deacon to keep on being sleepy. But I have discovered that God is able to make ways for people in spite of what the crowd has determined.


 


　

 

Milwaukee Community Journal » WISCONSIN'S LARGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER » Keep kids busy, learning this summer

Milwaukee Community Journal » WISCONSIN'S LARGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER » Keep kids busy, learning this summer

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

“Promise Yourself"

“Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them

The Lord's Supper

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you. That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:23-24)

What is to be had at the feast of the Lord's Supper? What is to be had that is not to be had in other places and in other means of grace? I believe part of the answer is - the felt presence of Christ; not always, I grant you, but sometimes. Sometimes at the Lord's Supper, there is a special communication of grace to those at the Table; it registers in a sweet inward quietness of soul. It issues sometimes in tears of unspeakable gladness.

 Dear Christian friends let us not allow the troubles of this world to cloud our joy as we prepare to come to the Lord's Table. It is a very evil world, a very evil generation and there are many things to trouble us in church and state. Why should these things spoil our enjoyment of Christ? He lived in a troubled time, just as we do. Christians have, more-or-less, always lived in a troubled time. When was this world not a troubled place since Adam took from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; it has been troubled ever since. Therefore, let us seek to lay aside our anxieties, fears, worries and troubles. Let us seek to forgive one another and to love one another, and to realize that very soon, you and I, by grace, will be feasting at another table.

There are churches where everybody takes the Lord's Supper without a thought or qualm, because nobody ever told them that it is for believers only - for born again believers only. It is for those who are justified and sanctified, and kept and preserved by Christ, for those whose lives are holy, for those who live by faith in Scripture, who are dead to the world and whose hope is Christ crucified. Some congregations are never told these things; they are, tragically, eating and drinking to their own condemnation as the apostle Paul told us was happening in Corinth. It is a terrible thought and the principal cause of their ignorance is the preacher himself, and he will answer to God for his errors one day.

We mustn't carry a good thing too far. We are always in danger of extremism as fallen men and women. Whilst it is true that the Lord's Supper is for believers only, yet, at the same time, it is for all believers - not just a few choice elite believers. It is not just for strong believers or advanced believers. It is for all believers.