The last couple of years have proven to be some of the most difficult times ever in recent history. The economic climate has been tense which has resulted in a myriad of other pressures. Marriages are breaking up, jobs are being lost, homes are being foreclosed upon and hope seems to be a scarce commodity. It is in times like these that it becomes very easy to just quit. I am one that understands that sentiment very well. When I was younger and things did not go my way, I was quick to throw in the towel. Now that I am older and responsible for leading a family and a congregation I have learned that greatness does not come to those who concede defeat too readily but rather to those who dig their feet in the ground and refuse to be moved. In other words, when you get to the end of your rope and you feel that all is slipping away, don't let go! Tie a knot and hold on.
I have been fortunate to experience a nice degree of success in my life and business. In the process of building my business there were some lessons God taught me. I began an insurance agency in the New Orleans area just 59 days prior to Hurricane Katrina. Things started off very well but on August 29, 2005 it appeared that all of my dreams were beginning to be swept away with the flood. In the aftermath of the storm, no one was interested in buying insurance. Everybody was trying to rebuild their homes and lives. I did not know how I would provide for my family and if that was not enough, my wife had been laid off as well. I was at the end of my rope and I began to seek God. All the Father did at that critical time was remind me of His promises for my life. Those promises was the knot that I held on to.
God impressed upon me to pen a daily confession over my business. Here is how it goes:
Father, according to your Word in Job 22:28, I can declare a thing and it shall be established for me and light will shine upon my ways. Therefore, I declare that increase, influence, overflow and favor are being manifested in all my dealings today.
Your Word also says in Proverbs 18:21 that death and life is in the power of the tongue. Today, I choose life and speak it into my business. I believe in and confess over my business the power and authority of your Word. I call all of my business goals met and exceeded because Ephesians 3:20 states that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think according to the power that works in me. Because of that, I give to you all the glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me and 1st John 4:4 states that greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. Thank you for manifesting your power and authority in me.
I now declare according to Philippians 4:19 that you are supplying all my business' needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Furthermore, I come into agreement with Psalm 37:4 and I receive into my business the desires of my heart because I am delighting myself in you.
I call all this done in Jesus' name, Amen!
Ladies and gentlemen, prayer works. I am confident that if you do what I did (pray the Word and stand on the Word), you too can find blessing beyond your wildest dreams.
Tie a knot & hold on!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The GLBT Lifestyle & The African-American Church
The African-American church is at a crossroad. We have come to the place where we must clearly define our purpose for existence or risk losing any remaining credibility we have within our respective communities. The purpose of any church that operates under the name of Jesus Christ, as I understand it, is to be agents of reconciliation for all people. After all, John 3:16 does say whoever believes in Christ shall gain eternal life. To reconcile simply means to bridge the divide between God and man. The sole divider in each of our lives is sin. Sin is any behavior that runs contrary to the Word of God. Therefore, to isolate the sin of homosexuality and demonize those who practice it is not only counter-productive to our scripturally mandated purpose, but it is also hypocritical. It is counter-productive because we have set the house of God on fire with our fire and brimstone messages against people and yet we are wondering why people don’t want to come in to the Christian Faith. Who, except firefighters, goes into burning buildings?! This is hypocritical because we have taken a hard line stand against those who practice the GLBT lifestyle without offering a hint of compassion or grace like we do for those who practice other “acceptable” forms of sin in our eyes such as fornication or adultery. Who among us does not need the grace of God?
For decades, in the African-American church, we have created a culture of hostility towards our own brothers and sisters because of their homosexual lifestyles. Historically, we have accepted the GLBT lifestyle in our churches as long as we were benefitted somehow, i.e., gifted musician, large financial contributor, or someone of fame and notoriety. It seems that it has never occurred to us that some of our brothers and sisters may actually agree with us that their lifestyle runs contrary to the Word of God. However, they dare not come seek spiritual guidance from us because they don’t know if Pastor Perfect is going to judge them and put them on Front Street. Having served as a Senior Pastor for nearly 13 years now I am beginning to wonder why only one person has ever felt comfortable enough to discuss this particular struggle with me. Maybe it is because that one person is the only person in all of these years that has ever engaged in homosexual behavior, or could it be that I have portrayed myself to be “holier than thou” and without understanding and compassion? I think the latter.
Fellow African-Americans, here is the reality that we must face. There are those in all of our congregations who practice the GLBT lifestyle. Some are perfectly comfortable in this lifestyle while others long for someone to minister to them and show them a way out of it. It is our sacred duty as Christians to understand, be compassionate and non-judgmental as we offer our own the ministry they desire and deserve. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus was silent regarding the issue of homosexuality, but He did have this to say in Matthew 22:37-40, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets.” There was a woman in the Bible (John 8) who was caught in the very act of adultery. This was not idle gossip, innuendo, or slander. It was pure fact that she was engaged in adultery. When left alone with Jesus, He neither condemned her, nor condoned her behavior. He simply provided grace and peace. At this crossroad where we now stand, let us all strive to be more like Jesus or risk losing any remaining credibility that we may have within our respective communities.
Grace & Peace
Pastor B.
For decades, in the African-American church, we have created a culture of hostility towards our own brothers and sisters because of their homosexual lifestyles. Historically, we have accepted the GLBT lifestyle in our churches as long as we were benefitted somehow, i.e., gifted musician, large financial contributor, or someone of fame and notoriety. It seems that it has never occurred to us that some of our brothers and sisters may actually agree with us that their lifestyle runs contrary to the Word of God. However, they dare not come seek spiritual guidance from us because they don’t know if Pastor Perfect is going to judge them and put them on Front Street. Having served as a Senior Pastor for nearly 13 years now I am beginning to wonder why only one person has ever felt comfortable enough to discuss this particular struggle with me. Maybe it is because that one person is the only person in all of these years that has ever engaged in homosexual behavior, or could it be that I have portrayed myself to be “holier than thou” and without understanding and compassion? I think the latter.
Fellow African-Americans, here is the reality that we must face. There are those in all of our congregations who practice the GLBT lifestyle. Some are perfectly comfortable in this lifestyle while others long for someone to minister to them and show them a way out of it. It is our sacred duty as Christians to understand, be compassionate and non-judgmental as we offer our own the ministry they desire and deserve. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus was silent regarding the issue of homosexuality, but He did have this to say in Matthew 22:37-40, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets.” There was a woman in the Bible (John 8) who was caught in the very act of adultery. This was not idle gossip, innuendo, or slander. It was pure fact that she was engaged in adultery. When left alone with Jesus, He neither condemned her, nor condoned her behavior. He simply provided grace and peace. At this crossroad where we now stand, let us all strive to be more like Jesus or risk losing any remaining credibility that we may have within our respective communities.
Grace & Peace
Pastor B.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Passing Up the Church On the Way to the Sanctuary
Luke 10:30-37 tells the story of a nameless man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. As he traveled this dangerous and winding road, he was accosted by some thieves. They stripped him, wounded him and left him half dead. As he lay there, along came some religious figures who simply looked upon this man in what may have been his most vulnerable state and decided to keep on going.
After these "religious figures" decided to "pass up the church on their way to the sanctuary", along comes a Samaritan. This man was considered an outcast in many segments of society but yet he had the love of God at work in his heart. He picked his fellow traveler up, tended to his wounds, got him to a safe haven and assumed liability for all of his bills incurred during recuperation.
This, my friends, is the real work of the church.
We are called upon by God to have compassion for the hurting and destitute. We are also called to do something about their pain.
To all who have named the name of Christ, ask yourself this question, "Am I passing up the church (God's people) on the way to the sanctuary (buildings and institutions)?
After these "religious figures" decided to "pass up the church on their way to the sanctuary", along comes a Samaritan. This man was considered an outcast in many segments of society but yet he had the love of God at work in his heart. He picked his fellow traveler up, tended to his wounds, got him to a safe haven and assumed liability for all of his bills incurred during recuperation.
This, my friends, is the real work of the church.
We are called upon by God to have compassion for the hurting and destitute. We are also called to do something about their pain.
To all who have named the name of Christ, ask yourself this question, "Am I passing up the church (God's people) on the way to the sanctuary (buildings and institutions)?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A Fasting We Shall Go!
First of, allow me to apologize to all readers of this blog who are not members of HFC Gretna. It is my intent to make the majority of my posts relevant to all people regardless of church affiliation. However, this posting is designed to provide some specific information for the members of HFC Gretna as we approach our 21 Day Daniel Fast.
We will be fasting from May 2-23, 2010. For your convenience, a specific prayer guide is being posted to the online calendar @ www.hfcgretna.org. We will also be distributing that calendar in hard copy at each service between now and May 2, 2010.
Please adhere to the following guidelines as best as possible:
Preparing For Your Fast
During the Daniel Fast you will not consume any sugar or sweeteners of any kind, nor will you have any caffeine or artificial chemicals. Many people experience a physical detoxification during the first few days of the fast including headaches, fatigue, leg cramps and other symptoms.
You can reduce these effects by weaning yourself from these foods before the fast begins and also by drinking at least 1/2 gallon of filtered water each day before, during and after the fasting period.
Anytime you have concern about symptoms you may experience, be sure to contact your health professional.
Fasting should never be harmful to the body!
Prayer
I have created a specific prayer guide to be used throughout this fast. Please adhere to it as best as possible so that our entire church body can be on one accord. In addition to the prayer guide, each Sunday throughout the fast (May 2, 9, 16, 23, 2010) we will gather for a special time of prayer at 6:30 a.m. All servant leaders are asked to make every effort possible to be in attendance.
God is preparing HFC Gretna for some special things. This time of fasting and prayer will only push us closer to His promises!
Daniel Fast Food List
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2-3
One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.
Special Note: If you have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast including the Daniel Fast. If you would like a list of the foods included and excluded in the Daniel Fast to show your doctor, just copy the contents of this page.
Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.
Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast
All Fruits:
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All Vegetables:
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All Whole Grains:
Including, but not limited to, whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds:
Including, but not limited to, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes:
These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannelloni beans, white beans.
All quality oils:
Including, but not limited to, olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages:
Spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other:
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products:
Including, but not limited to, beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products:
Including, but not limited to, milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners:
Including, but not limited to, sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread:
Including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products:
Including, but not limited to, artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods:
Including, but not limited to, potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats:
Including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages:
Including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
Please remember to READ THE LABELS!
Peace & Blessings...Pastor B.
Adapted from Susan Gregory’s Blog: http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/
For your convenience, this information will be distributed in hard copy at the church as well.
Victorious Because of Christ,
Pastor B.
We will be fasting from May 2-23, 2010. For your convenience, a specific prayer guide is being posted to the online calendar @ www.hfcgretna.org. We will also be distributing that calendar in hard copy at each service between now and May 2, 2010.
Please adhere to the following guidelines as best as possible:
Preparing For Your Fast
During the Daniel Fast you will not consume any sugar or sweeteners of any kind, nor will you have any caffeine or artificial chemicals. Many people experience a physical detoxification during the first few days of the fast including headaches, fatigue, leg cramps and other symptoms.
You can reduce these effects by weaning yourself from these foods before the fast begins and also by drinking at least 1/2 gallon of filtered water each day before, during and after the fasting period.
Anytime you have concern about symptoms you may experience, be sure to contact your health professional.
Fasting should never be harmful to the body!
Prayer
I have created a specific prayer guide to be used throughout this fast. Please adhere to it as best as possible so that our entire church body can be on one accord. In addition to the prayer guide, each Sunday throughout the fast (May 2, 9, 16, 23, 2010) we will gather for a special time of prayer at 6:30 a.m. All servant leaders are asked to make every effort possible to be in attendance.
God is preparing HFC Gretna for some special things. This time of fasting and prayer will only push us closer to His promises!
Daniel Fast Food List
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2-3
One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.
Special Note: If you have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast including the Daniel Fast. If you would like a list of the foods included and excluded in the Daniel Fast to show your doctor, just copy the contents of this page.
Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.
Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast
All Fruits:
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All Vegetables:
These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All Whole Grains:
Including, but not limited to, whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds:
Including, but not limited to, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes:
These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannelloni beans, white beans.
All quality oils:
Including, but not limited to, olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages:
Spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other:
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products:
Including, but not limited to, beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products:
Including, but not limited to, milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners:
Including, but not limited to, sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread:
Including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products:
Including, but not limited to, artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods:
Including, but not limited to, potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats:
Including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages:
Including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
Please remember to READ THE LABELS!
Peace & Blessings...Pastor B.
Adapted from Susan Gregory’s Blog: http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/
For your convenience, this information will be distributed in hard copy at the church as well.
Victorious Because of Christ,
Pastor B.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
In just a few short hours, people all over America will gather in their respective houses of worship to celebrate and commemorate the Resurrection of our Christ. However, as I grow older and ponder the state of our nation and the world, I can't help but wonder do we really get it. Do we really understand that Christ's death on Calvary's cross was to make the world a better place? Do we really accept the responsibility that comes with having the privilege of being called Christian? Are we living each day like it is our last and with the purpose of leaving this planet a little bit better than how we found it? Are we striving to get rid of our own pride and prejudices so that we can be an example for somebody else?
Jesus' selfless and righteous acts at Golgotha is deserving of more from each of us. Regardless of who you are, a seasoned Christian, a new babe in Christ or just one of those annual "Easter" spectators, make this Resurrection Celebration more meaningful than it's ever been. Take this time to commit to becoming better so that our world can become better.
I don't know about you, but I'm starting with the man in the mirror.
Selah
Jesus' selfless and righteous acts at Golgotha is deserving of more from each of us. Regardless of who you are, a seasoned Christian, a new babe in Christ or just one of those annual "Easter" spectators, make this Resurrection Celebration more meaningful than it's ever been. Take this time to commit to becoming better so that our world can become better.
I don't know about you, but I'm starting with the man in the mirror.
Selah
Friday, April 2, 2010
Putting Betrayal Into Perspective
As we approach the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, stop and wonder where would we be without Judas betraying the Christ. Judas was a major player as it relates to getting Jesus to Calvary. In essence, he pushed the Savior to his ultimate destiny.
As you think about all the people who betrayed you (and those you betrayed for that matter), release the bitterness and offer up a praise to God for them. It's because of them that you are able to soar.
Thank God for Judas.
As you think about all the people who betrayed you (and those you betrayed for that matter), release the bitterness and offer up a praise to God for them. It's because of them that you are able to soar.
Thank God for Judas.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Come Grow With Us
Great things are happening @ HFC Gretna. Our church is growing, lives are changing and the best is yet to come! We will be launching our new website shortly. You will be able to check us out at www.hfcgretna.org. You will not be disappointed. However, you don't have to wait for the site to come up to experience the blessing of Hosanna. Come celebrate the Resurrection with us this Sunday @ 9a.
400 Weidman Street
Gretna, LA 70053
504-367-8824
Peace & Blessings
Pastor B
400 Weidman Street
Gretna, LA 70053
504-367-8824
Peace & Blessings
Pastor B
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