http://bible.us/1/JHN6.67.KJV Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Bible.com/app
When we experience hardship or have to deal with a hard teaching from God, we are faced with a decision. Leave God or stay with Him.
We get troubled and think we should bail on the one who saved us and loves us. I see it all the time.
But the answer is easy. Jesus’ Apostles realized that from Jesus there is nowhere else to go. That He indeed had the Words of eternal life.
Hang in there. Stay with Jesus and He will stay with you. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Just a quick thought from your friendly Christian Music Pusher.
How about some music? Reach records hip hop artist KB with Be Alright
Stumbled upon this Christian dance producer on Pandora now I’m tuned in. David Thulin has rocked dance remixes for folks from Beckah Shae to Group1Crew. I can’t wait to hear more!
Check him out and dance like nobody’s watching! Lol!
Well it would be out of place if I didn’t address it. The Trayvon Martin case. But I promised myself I would be brief on these blogs for myself and for the readers (we just don’t have time these days to read dissertations. Lol)
I fall in the category of the mildly informed bystander who passively paid attention. So what do I know in my narrow scope of knowledge? A young black boy was coming home from a store with some food and drink in his hand, somebody profiled him as a criminal of sorts and followed him, he got wind of him and a scuffled ensued which resulted in gunshots and the death of a young black man.
Details from both sides conflict. One pointing out that it was self-defense. The other saying this man started it by following him and eventually killing him after the scuffle. Something happened and again, a young man is dead. A 17-year old. Immediately I saw pictures of Trayvon placed in the spotlight with intentions to paint him as a thug who probably deserved it. Well that’s not right. Zimmerman continued to scream self-defense.
So the case begins. Then the case ends. The jury says there is not enough evidence to prove against Zimmerman’s plea for self-defense. It’s over. Zimmerman wins. Trayvon loses.
There are now several ways to look at this right? The justice system is flawed. The self-defense law is flawed. That was my take. Something didn’t and still doesn’t feel right. In my narrow view of things, I don’t think Trayvon had a fair shake. Perhaps his prosecution team was weak. They couldn’t build a strong enough case. Perhaps, the jury was swayed to believe this young black man was in the wrong. I didn’t see that. Perhaps the defense was just too good. Maybe. But where does the media and the public go?
RACE. COLOR. RACISM. Perhaps…
But the media have jumped on it like ravenous wolves. People are taking the streets. But Zimmerman is Hispanic…right? But he looks white – wait! No, this can’t be a racial issue could it? As far as we’ve come?? Nah! Could be. But if it wasn’t, would somebody still try as hard as they can to make it one?
YES.
Let’s me pull this all together. To Trayvon’s parents. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that some resolve can come to you in some way. It’s not fair. You raised a child and love a child only to lose him this way. To Zimmerman, dude you didn’t look too concerned about what you did — whether on accident or on purpose. I pray that you are sorrowful for taking a life under whatever circumstances and take into consideration the magnitude of what you did. Remember, I’m an outsider, but this is how I feel. To the outsider, if you are uninformed and Black, don’t picket and post comments on twitter to incite racial tension.
What we need to do right now is pray. Pray for Trayvon’s family, pray for this society not to become volatile and ready to fight for something that they barely have knowledge of. There are people who simply want a reason to act up. Let’s pray for peace.
Don’t get sucked into a “fight the power” situation if you DON’T KNOW JACK!
Our work is to teach Jesus. Teach the Word. Teach peace. Teach us not to show partiality. Teach society not to get to this point. I guess I’m worried. I guess I am uninformed and scared that I will be an uninformed picketer. What Trayvon Martin became was yet another victim of many things– for sure gun violence. Let’s pray and make efforts to curb this epidemic. Let’s be sorrowful for that and let’s be smart. Only heaven knows what truly happened that night.
As I posted when I first heard the verdict, we have a righteous Judge in heaven that will make the right decision, who will examine all the evidence, who will not be faulty and there will be no one to dispute His judgment.
I leave you with two scriptures regarding living peaceably and not showing partiality…
Romans 12:17-18 NIV
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
James 2:1, 8-10 KJV
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
I think this song by Lecrae from his album “Gravity” really captures the crux of this situation…violence should stop.
Once you get passed the fact that we are not the product of chance or a big bang theory explosion, you will understand that God created us. And he didn’t just leave us here to fend for ourselves. He has always given His creation instructions. Where He one spoke directly to His people, in these latter says, God has given His Son and then the Holy Spirit which is His Word. The Bible.
Consider… Ephesians 6:14-17 KJV
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
2 Timothy 3:14-17 KJV
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
We therefore must be diligent to read, study and obey and LIVE the Word of God. In it lies our purpose, our strength, our hope and how to get through this life. It’s peace.
Trip Lee made one of the hottest songs I’ve heard and it really highlights this point. It’s called Know Me from his latest effort The Good Life
Without giving too much away, listen closely to this song…
Our God is amazing for so many reasons. Yet one of the most important of these is His grace.
What does that mean? Grace.
It is something given to you although you do not deserve it. Nothing you or I can do merits this favor, mercy, grace.
We sin. Sin deserves death.
Consider the adultress in John 8
John 8:3-11 KJV
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
This woman deserved death but Jesus stepped in and saved her. I feel this parallels the way Jesus stepped in and saved us by dying on our behalf. Powerful!
But go and sin no more! Grace is not a free sin pass!
I am guilty of that and I’m sure we all struggle. But thanks be to Christ for His wonderful plan and grace…amazing grace indeed.
Music time! One of my favorite Kirk Franklin joints!
Okay I think this is one of the most inspirational artists I’ve come across. Sometimes you just need to hear that everything us thing to be alright. This song does that.
Get to know Collision hip hop artist Dre Murray. His new album Gold Rush features wonderful production that create a backdrop to life stories.
Not big on direct Christian commentary, but definitely recommended for the Christian that wants that good street hop without the profanity and negative content. Give it a listen.
I relate to this song so much. As I get closer to Jesus I find that rappers and artists I used to be into don’t move me anymore…
I grew up perhaps. idk. As I listened to the newest Jay-z album, I’m impressed yet I’m over it. I can’t enjoy the negativity. No disrespect, but the content doesn’t match with my spiritual mindset.
Sho Baraka hit the nail on the head with this song Peter Pan . He talks about how he and his favorite rapper fell apart.
Hip hop, you’re close to fifty. When can we grow up?
Teaching your kids how to be godly is a worthy undertaking. You can teach them by living the life Jesus teaches in His word in their presence. But it’s nice to have tools like this book. It teaches great concepts like thinking before you speak. I bought this from Family Christian Stores in Mission Hills. My son is five and he is grasping the concepts.
Parents check this out! Good spiritual food for your children. Just a tip from your friendly Christian Music Pusher.
Enjoy my personal fave from Capital Kings. Blessings!
Christian Music Pusher 