It’s everywhere, I am constantly inheriting projects that were built in PHP, or having to tweak WordPress plugins and that’s where the hate begins. The funny thing is I teach a beginners web development class and guess which programming language we employ? You guessed it PHP, because of the sheer amount of PHP work available for beginners. Which leads me to the reasons why I like PHP.

Its Free
The investment to get involved with PHP is very minimal. There are other technologies that you can get involved with just that are free as well. But PHP has the perception of being free and easy on lockdown.

Super Open
The amount of developers willing to give away their code and sheer number of open projects is absolutely ridiculous. If you need a shopping cart, Forum, Blog, Learning Management System, Inventory Tracking System, and the list goes on simply type in PHP and the application your seeking into Google, and watch the results of free stuff role in. There are also open projects in languages that I would prefer to use (ColdFusion, ASP.NET, Python, Ruby). Some of these projects are extremely well written and nicely executed, yet the communities willing to give their time and code away are nowhere near the PHP community.

So I guess this love hate relationship will continue. #JustARant

So you see, God has spoken to my heart, through many voices today, but none ring clearer, than what His Word is speaking. I had to go back to the previous post in the How Haters Help series, to fully realize, how I have lost perspective in my current situation. I moved into the natural progression of concern, that Joseph did in the story. [I guess I should of read ahead.] Joseph finds himself, sold into slavery, accused of horrendous crimes, and placed in prison, despite being innocent. He had no advocate for more than 13 years, even though God was constantly showing Him favor. Joseph then, saw within his reach, an opportunity to get out of his present predicament. He interprets the dream, of someone in position to plead his case to the king.

14 And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place. 15 For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I’m here in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it.” – Genesis 40:14-15

I don’t know about you, but I would do the exact same thing had I been placed in the exact same situation. Make no mistake, the cup bearer could have told Pharoah, about his dream while he was incarcerated. But Pharoah wasn’t ready to hear, because he had not yet, dreamt his dream. Pharoah probably could have cared less about Joseph’s plight. It simply wasn’t the right timing. Fast forward 2 years, when no one else could help, Pharoah. Not even the wisest men in the land. When he found himself in a place of desperation, he didn’t care what the accusation was against Joseph. Pharoah, simply wanted what Joseph could provide. And, what was it that Joseph could provide? A gift given by God, to ultimately bring God glory, and save His people.

My story
There has been alot of accusation against me lately. While I might not be totally blameless in all aspects, I feel a ton of it is undeserved. Can anyone else relate to my story? I have solicited the prayers of my friends and loved ones, to help me through. I can honestly say, I feel an small inkling of what Joseph was facing. I don’t deserve, this! And like Joseph, through human efforts I attempted to turn the perception of me around. Well after an extended period, with nothing changing, guess what creeps in? You guessed it, frustration.

The awesome part about my story though, is despite the fact that I might stumble along the way, my story is not finished being written. My haters simply put me into position, that my purpose may be realized. Joseph was displaced, sold into slavery, and put into prison. All so that he could be at the right place, with the right skillset, when Pharoah dreamed a dream.

Ask yourself, are your hater’s positioning you to be at the right place, at the right time, to achieve your purpose? This is the question I find myself asking in this hour.

So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. – 1 Corinthians 9:26a

There it is ladies, and gentlemen fresh off the press, still striving to be all I can be. Yes, I have missed some steps along the way. I have lost sight of purpose, when haters have been breathing down my neck. But thank God my story isn’t finished being written, and neither is yours. I’m so grateful, for the rebound.

Previous Messages
How Haters Help
How Haters Help: Comfort Zones
How Haters Help: Character Development

It started in fellowship

My friend Ryan and I were having a casual conversation, when God showed up in our midst. (I believe the Word, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” – Mathew 18:20) Ryan began to share some things from his heart, that were a mirror reflection of the direction I feel God had been posturing me, for over the span of a few months. The more we shared and talked, the more I felt, like God was bringing confirmation, to what I was hearing in my heart. I am telling this story, to illustrate the fact that through fellowship, and transparency, God uses other believers to speak. It doesn’t have to be in a prayer line or a prophetic sermon. God uses everyday situations, to mobilize His people.

Further confirmation, through His Word.

For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died;
And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

This was the opening scripture at a recent lunch, designed to equip volunteers for an upcoming mission trip. Our friend Courtney, used the scripture to lay the foundation, for the afternoon’s training session. Your’s truly had the honor of reading the scripture for the group. I have read 2 Corinthians umpteen times, but never have these verses resonated on the strings of my heart so powerfully. Especially the section that says, “so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him“.

Okay, duh! If you have been a believer, for more than a year or two, you should have come across, some scripture that has urged you to lay down your current life, and pick up the one that is yours through Christ. But, how often must we be reminded of this pivotal truth. That the sacrificial presenting of ourselves to Him, as yielded vessels is the ultimate act of worship. Romans 12:1. Oh what an awesome truth that is.

Transparency Time

I find myself often reflecting, on if I am continuously living for Him. There are times, that I know the Spirit of God, is keeping me near. Yet, at other times, I have found myself straying from a life of giving myself wholly to God. Okay before you call my senior Pastor and tell him that I am a huge heathen, or in his words, “Pagan Swine”, let me explain a little further. It’s not that I am living a life of willful sin, it is more along the lines of getting too busy focusing on the earthly things that will perish. My heart is always to do the will of God, but there seems like it’s not enough time in the day. So here is the point of this entire post, “Make time for what matters most!” Discipline yourself, to daily “Give Yourself Away”.

Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. – Dietrich Bonheffer

If the soundtrack of my life was presented in the form of an old school mixtape, this Medley from William McDowell, would definitely be one of the first tracks in the rotation. I pray that you take a moment to reflect on your life as you listen to these songs, and find yourself, with hands lifted, and heart in position to receive instruction. Ask God a tough question. “Lord am I truly living a life that is yielded to you?” You may be surprised at the answer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Shout outs to @mrnow & @4milkmoney thanks for choppin’ it up with me, and your heart to serve

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ —for this will bring much glory and praise to God. – Philippians 1:11

It has been a while since my last blog entry, on “How Hater’s Help”, where we used the story of Joseph’s life to show how haters help us get out of our comfort zones. Now we want to further delve into the reason why getting out of our comfort zones are so important. God often uses uncomfortable situations to develop Godly characteristics in His children.

Psalm 105:16-19
16 He called for a famine on the land of Canaan,
cutting off its food supply.
17 Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
18 They bruised his feet with fetters
and placed his neck in an iron collar.
19 Until the time came to fulfill his dreams,
the Lord tested Joseph’s character.

The scriptures show us that Joseph had great opposition after his “Haters”, sold him into slavery. As if being a slave wasn’t hard enough, we then see Joseph go through a series of tramatic events. I wonder if Joseph asked, “Can things get any worse?”. He went from slave, to being accused of rape, to prisoner and when each event was triggered Joseph had done nothing wrong. Talk about trying a persons character. I know if I were in his shoes, I would have wanted to scream, “I’m Innocent! You Idiots!”. How do you react when you are wrongly accused? When people misunderstand your intentions, would you say you exude Godly characteristics? When people intentionally try and misuse you do you bless them like the scriptures say we should? In our story we see that in each situation Joseph found himself, he represented his God well.

The epitome of Godly character is displayed to us by Jesus¹. Think about it. He came to His creation and was accussed of being the devil, a drunk, a blasphemer, and eventually executed. One of the rewards for receiving Him into our lives is the promise that the Spirit of God, will work in us, to develop Godly characteristics. Unfortunately, those characteristics don’t come without testing and more importantly our faith grows through these trials. So when things get difficult don’t throw your hands in the air and think, “Why Me Again” as if God has a thing for causing you mental pain². But instead ask the Lord, “How are you trying to grow my character, today Lord?”. Take it as an opportunity to understand how Christ must have felt, and embrace the fact that you are being conformed into His image³.

Don’t allow “Haters” or lifes situations to get you to take your eyes off the prize, which is found in Christ. (Philippians 4:13)

Previous Messages
How Haters Help
How Haters Help: Comfort Zones

Upcoming Messages:
Haters Help Us Achieve our purpose.

References:

3. Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [a]aware and [b]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. – Amplified Bible++

Daddy’s favorite, nice clothes, and big dreams is where our friend Joseph’s story begins. He was poised to be “The Man”, in Canaan. His father had given him a garment of distinction. This gift magnified what Jacob felt in his heart about Joseph, and further distinguished him from his brothers. While his father’s gift was cool, it was his God given gift that was going to separate him, and cause him to be a integral part of the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was an awesome honor, with a catch. He had to move from Canaan do what he was created to do. Jacob was given the dream but God didn’t give the blueprints on how He would accomplish his purpose. I think if Jacob had known this path was a rough one he might have not been wo quick, to share it, or maybe he would have even chalked it up to being a nightmare. Canaan represents a place of comfort for Joseph. Everyone knew he was gifted, and heard the dream. Jacob was a big fish in a small pond. If he was going to fulfill Gods purpose for his life, he needed to swim amongst sharks. He had to move out of a comfortable place, to find out what God already knew about his character. Jacob had no clue that the fulfillment of the dream would happen away from the place he called home. His Haters literally forced him out of his comfort zone. Would he have left otherwise?

Human nature often gravitates toward the path of least resistance. We must learn that the resistance is necessary for growth. No champions are birth in comfortable situations. Are you going through a tough situation, and those around you seem to be making matters worse? Ask yourself, “Am I being forced out of my comfort zone?”

Once I learn that God values character over comfort, my comfortable places seem really unimportant. So let’s shift our sight to becoming people with character. We will explore “How Haters Help Develop Character” next time.

A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown. -Denis Waitley

Previous Messages

How Haters Help

Upcoming Messages:

Haters Help Develop Godly character.
Haters Help Us Achieve our purpose.

The haters eventually became so outraged at the young man, they figured that he would be better off dead. They plotted to kill him and cover their tracks with an elaborate lie. You may be able to tell bye now that the life story I am writing about is of “Joseph” from the Bible. (The story can be found in Genesis 37-50 ) As if everything I have written till this point was not bad enough, Joseph eventually was sold into slavery, wrongfully accused and thrown in prison. It is estimated that over a 13 year period, Joseph lived a life that most would call, down right horrific. I can only imagine that he prayed like the psalmist:

O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? – Psalm 10:1; O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” – Psalm 3:1-2

Have you ever found yourself praying those words, or something similar? I know I have. “Lord help me to shake these hater’s off.” The term “Haters” is used very often in our society, and I am sure Joseph could definately identify with those of us, who have people who “Hate on Us”. I have an opinion that some of us are overly sensitive, and categorize others as a Hater prematurely, but that’s for another post another time. I want to address today, and in the coming weeks, those who have legitimate Haters in their life, and expose the fact that God actually uses haters in our lives, to accomplish for our benefit. My prayer is by the time you have read all of my posts about “How Haters Help”, you will embrace the Haters in your life, as a way to draw you closer to God.

One of the great mysteries of God is His ways, and although mysterious they are always successful. (Romans 11:33, Psalm 10:5) Sometimes He appears to be turning His head, or giving us a deaf ear, but God doesn’t do anything without purpose. He is purposed to mature our faith, and transform us into men and women who live like Christ. He is more concered with our character than our comfort. – Chuck Swindoll. Character is built as we go through dark times. Anyone can curse and yell, when Haters, do what Haters do. But someone who has had their character developed, can find peace and wisdom in the midst of chaos that is all around them.

I am reminded of the scene from the Movie “Ray”. When Ray Charles was a young boy, not long after he lost his sight. He ran into the house, tripped, and fell to the ground. Immediately he began to yell for his Mama. Fighting back her motherly instincts, she continued to do what she was doing prior to him falling. After being in that dark place, for a bit he began to identify familiar sounds, heightening his awareness of the things around him. The slight sound of a grasshopper on the floor, which a person with sight would probably ignore, peaked his curiosity. He then noticed, that his mother was present the entire time. This is just like with God, in our dark hours, like with Joseph, God is ever present, he is simply preparing us to see with our spiritual eyes, and hear with our spiritual ears.

I hope that you will check back as we move through the story of Joseph. Allowing his life story to teach us How Haters Help.

Upcoming Messages:

Haters Help Us Get out of our “Comfort Zone”.
Haters Help Develop Godly character.
Haters Help Us Achieve our purpose.

Because last month is set aside for Black History, I thought it would be a great idea to get “Amistad” through Netflix. I had forgotten how good of a movie this was. My absolute favorite scene has to be when the one guy was showing Cinque (Djimon Hounsou), what he understood of the Gospel message through the pictures inside of the Bible. However, this time as I watched the movie with my family, I couldn’t help but linger on a particular scene that took place after the second round of trials had been won. It should have been a time of celebration, because the abolitionist had finally seen justice. These brave African slaves found liberty not once but on three different occassions, only to have freedom snatched from them yet another time. Then, Tappan (Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd) who was a champion of the cause for the African’s said to Theodore Joadson (Morgan Freeman) himself a former slave, “They may be of more value to our struggle in death than in life”.

My jaw dropped open again, as if this was the first time I had saw this scene. This idiot, I thought. Then soon after a spiritual context camped out in my brain, these are what I call a “David & Nathan Moment”. These are those moments, when you throw your hands int he air and say, “I’m guilty”. I’ve found myself making a similar statement not with my words, but with my lifestyle.

The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:6b)

It’s a tale of two sacrifices. The old covenant called for many sacrifices, death was imminent. Death is demanded. But, the new and greater covenant that we now have in Christ, brings life through the Spirit. His sacrifice was the final sacrifice. Why do we insist moving towards the old, when the new is better? I can only reason its because the new, is much more difficult. In our human thinking, we sadistically, hold onto and try to fulfill the law. Help us Lord! Why do we feel as if we have to die for Christ and not visa versa at times?

Death may be scary, but once it’s done, its final. However, to live for someone other than yourself, is not an easy task at all. It’s a decision that has to be made every day of the rest of my life. Each day we need, say and mean “Today Lord, I chose to accept your sacrifice, and live for you”.

“The problem with a Living sacrifice is….. it keeps getting up off the alter” – unknown

Ever feel like you are overwhelmed by life, and all the adversity that’s associated with being on planet earth? Tired of fighting what seems to be an endless battle, that you may never win? If you’ve ever been at one of these places or anywhere in their vicinity, I encourage you to take a moment to gaze at the bigger picture.

As a true Christian we can declare that we are one with Christ Jesus. Think about that for just one moment. Being one with Christ is an awesome reality associated with your Christian lifestyle. Believers all over the globe are seated with Christ, in heavenly realms. It’s amazing how understanding certain truths can place a new perspective on your current condition, situation or circumstance.

So when you feel like you have come to the end of your strength during the various situations life throws your way. Take a load off, and have a seat. In your rightful place! The situation doesn’t change, but the view changes when there is a heavenly perspective.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Pray for Me”. These three words are heard very often in Christian circles, as they should be. The scripture is clear that we ought to pray for one another (James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18). There is a certain comfort that strengthens believers when we know that our brothers and sisters are petitioning God on our behalf. However, there is no greater joy than knowing we serve a God who “Lives Forever”, and prays for us foremost. What a comfort to know when I am without strength, and quite frankly don’t know how God is working things out. There is an intercessor who knows exactly what I need.

Peter is one of the most colorful characters in the New Testament. Many are able to relate to his passionate outbursts, that seem to back fire on him. Just think about how many folks would not be able to quote, “Take up your cross and follow me”, if he had not attempted to reprimand the Lord for going to the cross. Tons of folks who quote that scripture leave off the part about self-denial, but that’s another topic for another time. Also, consider had Peter not cut off Malchus’ servants ear, how we would never see, “Live by the Sword, Die By the Sword”, tatoos all over the place. As you can see Peter has had some pretty significant things happen in his walk with the Lord, that have impacted lots of people, but none stand out to me more than his denial of the Lord.

How tramatic that must have been for Peter to have denied the Lord, who he followed with so much fervor. But even in his weakest recorded hour, we see that Jesus had already made provision to keep Peter’s faith in tact, through prayer.

Luke 22: 31-32
“31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” – NLT

Thank God for the prayers of Jesus. After the period of turmoil Peter was restored, and became instrumental in the founding of the Church (God’s people). Despite, what the situation looks like, and our inability to see our way out. God is still sovereign.

Prayer: Father, thank you for being sovereign. Help me to realize that you are in Heaven praying for your Church. And that you live forever, and don’t get tired of praying. Reveal yourself in a life changing way to someone who is reading this blog. Lord, I pray that it will cause your presence to rest upon someone in a life altering way. In Jesus name, Amen.