Innuendo...2010 v. 1997

"Whoever controls the images, controls your self esteem, self-respect, and self-development. Whoever controls the history controls the vision." -Dr. Leonard Jefferies

So, all the young girls & now even the young boys b/t the ages of 5-21 have a new roll model!!! I don't have a problem with one's artistic expressions but when there's an agenda behind all the madness that our children are seeing visually and hearing through sound that clouds their brains and souls... It must be addressed in proper context!    

The blatantly sexually suggestive, foul language, misogynistic, and believe it or not misandrist over and undertones that permeate the music and video production today has run a muck! Our kids our absorbing this garbage at a more faster rate than they do their school curriculum. There is no buffer today--it's all on the damn table for everyone see and hear. And not enough people seem to be appalled by the downward spiral that our society is on! So, we allow this madness to continue to enter our homes and surroundings. And chalk it up as if it's no big deal and is not having an ill affect on our children today.

I know this generation is smart and very fast when it comes to technology and things of that nature. But being on the ground everyday whether it's in the hood or burbs with this cohort--the social-psychological context by which most process with is totally different today. They see nothing wrong with Nikki Minaj 'atwa' and Superman that hoe! Perhaps because they haven't been taught or perhaps because we as adults don't emphasize the degrading nature of such? Any thoughts? Or am I just getting old? :-)

Believe it or not? God's Movement & Presence is Real...

"Believe it or not there is no doubt that God is on the scene today."

The rapid degradation in society that we live in today can truly warp one's sense of hope and belief.  In this time of so-called "keeping it real or 100," there is not much that we as a society have to hold on to that is decent or morally fit today.  From youth as young as 5 years old cursing on a YouTube video to explicit music lyrics and videos, we as a society over the past twenty years have sunk lower and lower by the minute in terms of moral standard and conduct.  It has gotten so bad that we have become use to and immune to the degradation, as a normal part of life.  Back in the day, when I was a youngin' I can remember when being respectful was a thing of high priority even for those of us who grew up in the "hood."  But not today!  And it's disheartening to witness.

Residing in the great City of Chicago where you can find a church or religious institution on every block from north, south, east and west one would think it would be much different.  Because as a society we have truly fallen off and it makes one question the movement and presence of God today.  There has been much critical examination done in the area of social and moral decline which has produced many profound conclusions and answers.  But why does the condition of the people continue to worsen?




A Glimmer of Hope



Looking at it through a frame of reference that utilizes scripture is most applicable in the authors' perspective.  Utilizing scripture coupled with the good sense that grand-momma passed down gives one hope.  Knowing that God's Almighty presence still exist is reassuring in this time of moral and social degradation.  God's movement is real and He keeps it 100 with us at all times.  So, I say like Dr. King said "Don't cha get weary..." cause "believe it or not there is no doubt that God is on the scene today."

Scriptural & Literary Support:



Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. -Psalm 91:3 NKJV

Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.  There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.  Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea are swept away.  “But let no one bring a charge, let no one accuse another, for your people are like those who bring charges against a priest.  You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother— my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.  -Hosea 4:1-6 NIV
 

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! -2 Tim 3:1-5 NKJV

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. -James 4:4 NIV

On no account will Allah leave the believers in the condition which you are in until He separates the evil from the good; nor is Allah going to make you acquainted with the unseen, but Allah chooses of His apostles whom He pleases; therefore believe in Allah and His apostles; and if you believe and guard (against evil), then you shall have a great reward. -Holy Quran 3:179


Surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition... -Holy Quran 13:11

 I swear by the time, most surely man is loss, except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience. -Holy Quran 103: 1-3



Food for Thought for the Faith Community...

‎"Jesus was not Christian! He didn't come to start a religious institution. The religious idea of Jesus came later. Jesus came to destroy that system, and let the Idea of God out of the psychological box that self-righteous men had placed Him in, and the world perceived Him in.  Now we understand that NO ONE holds a monopoly on God! God is free for all to experience and enjoy. Let all the thirsty come and drink freely!"  What's more diabolical than a lie is when a portion of the truth is presented as if it were the whole thing. This is true in regard to man's experience with God and revelation. Man receives a brief glimpse of a portion of God and is so overwhelmed and impassioned that he expresses it to the world and unequivocally believes that his minuscule perception of God is all that there is of God. When in truth (as it was with Moses) He only briefly saw the shadow of God pass by, and it was dark. No doubt, there may have been no greater revelation at the time. But now, there is so much more of God to see. 

 Moses new nothing about God compared to the revelation that is now available.  Mankind is ready to see the paramount picture. It's time for us to get a grip! It's time to let go of old sentiments, veiled references, and crumbs that fell from the table. Embrace a greater hope and a brand new day! A day where you listen to your heart and realize that yesterday's truths can be darker than a lie. Yesterday's blessing is today's curse. Let it all go! Don't be afraid to use your brain. The Word of God is the Logos (Logic). There is a deep Logic that you know and it dwells within you. We ignore it because it threatens what we hold dear, what we cherish as most sacred. Don't be afraid. That logos is the voice of the Lord breaking past the crust of what the establishment has encroached upon our minds.  Challenge what you have always believed. Judge them on the great white throne of your mind and spirit. Does it really make sense? Does it really make Logos? Does your heart give you a resounding YES! Or, is it muffled because you are afraid to rock the boat? Don't be a coward! This spirit of truth will bare witness to the truth. Pull off those blinders! Take off those shades! Remove those glasses! You can see! Be healed!

They gave us a distorted and disfigured image. Let the water of the word wash over your eyes! Set your heart to discover the truth and dip in that holy pool, that oasis within you and come again seeing! Be courageous. You are not alone. God is THE TRUTH. And He loves and will help all those who are seeking Him. He cannot fail. He will not ever let you fall. Trust Him today. -(Dr. Nathaniel Duffey III)

                                 

The Brotha's Quotes...

A strong man is one who picks himself up when he falls--a weak man is one who just lays there! -LPC II

An exciting attitude provides exciting results! -LPC II

I realized that in life people have to go through what they've gotta go through in order to get where they are gonna get to. -LPC II

I won't quit coming until the day I die and even then I won't quit because I'll be coming into the hands of the Lord. -LPC II "(Eye to eye, Heart to heart, Never quit, never give up, never surrender)."

The element of surprise comes upon us when we are not prepared to
deal with the truth! Truth is the foundation of life as discipline has been
said to be the foundation of wisdom. -LPC II

Knowledge is power but it's also a responsibility. -LPC II

What Do Real Men Really Expect From a Woman?

 If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die. -Maya Angelou

The Ankh: Man, Woman, & Child

I and most of the real brothers I talk with desire a woman who is "all that and a bag of chips," outer and inner beauty, in fact she is a "warrior queen," a lioness who understands her role and duty to her warrior king (lion). Her duty is not solely based on her laying down opening her legs up for cheap and simple pleasure more importantly her role is to be dutiful and faithful in every aspect of his life.

Her duty is not merely just to stand by his side but more significantly her duty is to surround or circle him because she completes him; or as my Five Percent brothers would say "she is our Wisdom and Earth."  Yes, the man is the head but in order to be the head he cannot rule with his lower head--he must allow his woman not only to be his "help mate" but to be his "help meet," and "help meat."  Help meet denoting that she helps him to be the man God created him to be, by helping him to meet the expectations that The Creator has charged him with.  A help meat in the context of being the substance, the nurturer, and apple of his eye that gives him the energy and power to fight the good fight. 

Real Love

Visualize the movie the Lion King for a moment think about Musfasa and Sarabi, Simba and Nala, the lion and lioness relationship concept is exemplary in this movie.  In order to have these kinds of relationships a man must be a man and woman must be a woman in every sense of the word.  It has to be from the head to the toes, it cannot be in opposition of but it must be in harmony of.  She is the the wind beneath his wings helping him to soar to new heights, she is his backbone and rib bone--she is thus all around him as suggested above.  As he is all around her, he never has to question her love and loyalty and she never has to question his authority and leadership.  Her love and loyalty are never in question because she keeps to her duty to him as his woman through and by, how she handles him.  She is firm and no-nonsense but always a loving lady.

His authority and leadership are never in question because he puts God first thus putting her first in how he handles her because he ultimately understands two essential points.  Firstly, he understands that God took the best part of him to create his help mate who is actually his better or best half.  Secondly, he knows that his authority and leadership of her is not over her in the sense of domination or control because it has been given to him by the God whom does not error or make mistakes because He is the All-Knowing!  He thus knows and accepts the responsibility of maintaining such a treasure.  Furthermore the man knows he is never to abuse that he has been so graciously given to be a steward over--he always has her protected; and he always guards against the wiles of this world from infiltrating his camp.

The Road from Jerusalem to Jericho

Many people believe what I have described here is not real, true, or simply does not exist especially in the current context of human life.  However I beg to differ, what I have described does exist but we have lost our way, sort of like the man in biblical scripture who was traveling down from the City or (Abode) of Peace & Justice originally known as (Jerusalem/Yrušalaym) sometimes described as (The Holy Sanctuary), to the City of Confusion originally known as (Jericho/Yareah) sometimes noted as (The Low City), (City of Spiritual Wickedness), (City of Palms), or (The Moon City); who was robbed of all his clothes and hit in his head then left for dead. (*See Luke 10:25-37)

The same thing to sort of speak has been done to destroy the fabric of male and female relationships across the board but in particular Black male and female relationships have taken the worst hit.  Do you think it is by accident or by design that 70% of Black women are single, 72% of Black children are raised in single households more than likely headed by women; "while in 2005 Black men represent 14% of the population of young men in the U.S., when they currently represent over 40% of the prison population."  Moreover these alarming numbers are rapidly increasing everyday.  *(See Young African American Men in the US-Fact Sheet and Mass Incarceration: The New Jim Crow by Michele Alexander)

In today's so-called liberated and enlightened society the roles of men and women have flipped the script; trust I have no problem with women being empowered, liberated, and independent but a woman must never take on the role of a man.  "I'm straight up old school and will never embrace the idea or believe in women taking on men's roles and chasing after them.....the biblical definition of the roles of husband and wife has been rejected as outdated and old in today's liberated and enlightened society....I'm  thinking part of the reason women struggle so hard today is because of their desire for headship..."  (*See The Man Who Finds A Wife...)

Part of the problem is not so much the empowerment, liberation, and independence of women but the over sensationalize of women's roles in mass media--it has be portrayed as if women do not need men and men do not need women.  Thus as result, an increase on the focus of rebuttal, of traditional or cultural roles and the intended public arousal of gay and lesbian relationships.  *Disclaimer: (I have nothing against one's sexual preference because it is one's choice but we all can agree there has been a media storm imposed on society because we live in a so-called liberated, enlightened, and [PC] politically correct context).   

A Warrior King & Queen

A Real Treasure

Besides many of us as Black men, including my self have fallen for "the okie doke," hence hit in the head as I noted earlier to the point where we have gotten it all twisted and confused.  We have allowed our women to be marched around, vehemently disrespectfully viewed as, and rancorously inappropriately called "BWA's" (Bitches With Attitudes), "HWA's" (Ho's With Attitudes), "VV's" (Video Vixen's) or "VH's" (Video Ho's) all over the planet and yet we act as if it is OK!  No wonder Black Women despise Black Men today and date more outside of their race and culture!  We have sold out like Scar did to the hyenas in The Lion King!  Many of us (My Brothers) have engaged in and allowed one of the most inexcusable forms of BETRAYAL take place on our watch!  By participating in and not standing up for but allowing such repulsive behavior(s) to permeate the air--has caused a deep chasm within African American community among male and female relations.  We have totally dropped "the rod and the staff," of our anointed and appointed headship and, or leadership over our woman and community.  The question is now--are we going to continue to be weak-kneed pussycats like Scar who have no damn "koˈxones (balls)," please pardon my vulgarity, or, are we going to be the lion's (men) that God anointed and appointed us to be and put an end to this cultural tragedy?  Only time will tell but to be very frank we do not have a whole lot of time left to figure it out--which is why we must get busy not now but Right Now and put an end this madness!

 .Click the links they speak for them self... nuff said!!! *Revised & Updated 11/2011

 A Black Woman's Smile

Kindred The Family Soul-Woman First

 

Rachelle Ferrell f/ Will Downing- Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This 

  Marc Evans ~ Put Something Down On It

Scriptural & Literary Support:

Listen, children, to a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight; for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching.  When I was a son with my father, tender, and my mother’s favorite, he taught me, and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.  Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.  She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”  -Proverbs 4:1-9 NRSV *Also See NKJV, ESV, The Message

Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.  I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.  When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble.  Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers.  Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.  For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.  For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.  But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.  The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what they stumble over.  My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.  Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.  For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.  Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.  Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.  Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.  Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.  Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.-Proverbs 4:10-27 NRSV *Also See NKJV, ESV, The Message 

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. -Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)

How long will you waver, O faithless daughter?  For the LORD has created a new thing on the earth a woman encircles a man." -Jeremiah 31:22 (ESV)

O people! be careful of (your duty to) your Lord, Who created you from a single being and created its mate of the same (kind) and spread from these two, many men and women; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, by Whom you demand one of another (your rights), and (to) the ties of relationship; surely Allah ever watches over you. -Surah 4:1

O you who believe! it is not lawful for you that you should take women as heritage against (their) will, and do not straighten them in order that you may take part of what you have given them, unless they are guilty of manifest indecency, and treat them kindly; then if you hate them, it may be that you dislike a thing while Allah has placed abundant good in it. -Surah 4:19

Everybody need a partner to stand right by their side. Not only down for the good times. But also down through the bad times. -Will Smith

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

I think what motivates people is not great hate, but great love for other people. -Huey P. Newton

I've got a good man. He takes care of me. I don't have to be scared of anything because I know he will kick every ass... disrespect him and you've got a problem. -Whitney Houston

Love is or it ain't. Thin love ain't love at all. -Toni Morrison, Beloved


A Nation can rise no higher than it's woman -M. Hon. Elijah Muhammad


Where there are no decent women there are no decent men... -M. Hon. Elijah Muhammad


“No matter what your race, color or ethnicity, you have never looked at yourself as a part of The Divine. That will change today,” -Min. Farrakhan


There will never be a righteous kingdom until and unless there is a righteous woman. Where there are no decent women, there are no decent men for the woman—the Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches—the Black woman in particular is the mother of civilization,” -Min. Farrakhan


***This piece contains various references that were compiled from a variety of sources.  Thus I cannot take full credit for the entire piece... I have to give credence to the words and thoughts of The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad, The Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, and many others, I have borrowed from.

 

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

My woman is down with me through thick and thin, Down with me till the end, Fighting for our love and our family we shall conquer any obstruction that is put in our path of togetherness, We shall fight for the right to live free with each other, The right to build a future the right to carve out our union in harmony with jumping the broom, Brings us blessings from above with GOD on our side we cant be stopped, We cant be misled into the darkness but loving our voyage to our mystic journey, We are together for infinity, We are proud and strong and pushing forward with pride we are one, Together in love fighting the good fight!

Tavis (c) 11/3/2011

For Who You Are

Made For Each Other Furthermore... For Who You Are means that I can accept that you think outside of the box, that you do not keep up with current events or trends, that you are a very specific and detail oriented person most of the time , that you need and require ME time, that you are a deeply spiritual, sensual, and sexual woman, also that you are a committed, focused, determined, and ever evolving type of Queen!  And I respect and love, For Who You Are.  I know that you know none of us are perfect beings but I get excited about how you value and cherish going beyond the norm to seek higher realms of life.  I love the fact that you are constantly seeking to Know Thy Self, Know Thy God, and Know Thy UN-I-VERSE!  I know and realize that you are truly the one who can deal with my "hetic-ness!"  Not sayin' another woman couldn't but truly deal is another story because it goes beyond the surface and delves into, or speaks to the core of my being.  You speak to my Soul Man!  I get "So High" off of the fact that you actively and subliminally push me to reach new heights.  You expect, deserve, and desire nothing but the Best; the Best of your God, the Best of Yourself, the Best of your Life, and last but not least, the Best of Me!  You are a true "Warrior Lioness Queen," you know, accept and invite the responsibility of dealing with a complex Black Man because you understand the "Game," as Erykah Badu said.  So, I just want to say Thank You and most importantly I want to Thank, The Creator, For Who You Are!  -Peace  -Lamon aka The Brotha (c) 11/23/2011

Why are people still mad at LeBron?

Negative backlash for LeBron still...

Peeps are still upset with Bron-Bron for making a business power move... that was unabashed and unselfish in Da Brotha's opinion!  He's taken heat from NBA greats like Jordan, Barkely and Magic, his former team's owner went balstic, and fans in Cleveland burned his jersey.  Which by the way reminded me of the vicious actions of the lynch mob's that Blacks endured during the 50's and 60's.  Now, I didn't wholeheartedly agree with LeBron playing the race card but I do get his point.  People need to "chill out" and let him be, he made a decision for him and his family.  As I've said before his decision in my opinion was not motivated by a pompousness.  He clearly wants to win an NBA Championship and why not win one with two of your closest friends?

Chi City!

Exceptional I am...

It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes..." All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them. -Oswald Chambers

The idea a being exceptional in the sight of God is an honorable and noble thing to achieve for those whom believe. Some of us think that achieving this feat requires us to go above and beyond the call of duty--when in fact it doesn't at all. It requires us to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life--the things we take for granted and look over because they are ordinary and plain. Are we exceptional only at Friday prayer, Sunday service or Wednesday bible study? Unfortunately for many believers we exhibited our exceptional behavior only when in front of the camara to sort of speak. But it's when the camara is off--whom and what we truly are as believers of Almighty God!

The walk of the righteous is not filled with the pretentious behavior that some of us tend to display as followers of God. Jesus (PBWH) said it best "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." WOW! A life in service to Almighty God is plain and simple but yet exceptional in that it is a life that totally deviates from the norm of what is deemed as exceptional in this world. The world has its set of rules and God has His--which one do you choose? Service in the sight of God is a daily operation for the the steadfast believer, he/she never waivers in their duty for they are always on their post!

Dear Father, above grant me the foresight and understanding to always be consciousness of my duty to serve you. Keep my thoughts, actions, and behavior consistent not just in times when I think the camara is on me but when no one is looking. Help me to be an constant and exceptional example like Jesus and all the prophets whom you have sent in your name. To God be the Glory! Amen!


Scriptural and Literary Support:

I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. -Leviticus 26:19 NIV

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. -Psalm 25:9 NIV. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. -Psalms 149:4 NIV

The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, -Isaiah 2:17 NIV

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger. -Zephaniah 2:3 NIV

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. -Matt 11:29 NIV. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -Matt 19:26 NIV
 
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. -Jude 1:20 NIV

And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones, Who know that they shall meet their Lord and that they shall return to Him. (2:45,46) Al Quran

"And remember your Lord by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words, in the mornings and in the afternoons, and be not of those who are neglectful.'' (7:205) Al Quran

Surely (as to) those who believe and do good and humble themselves to their Lord, these are the dwellers of the garden, in it they will abide. (11:23) Al Quran

And whatever creature that is in the heavens and that is in the earth makes obeisance to Allah (only), and the angels (too) and they do not show pride. (16:49) Al Quran

Surely the men who submit and the women who submit, and the believing men and the believing women, and the obeying men and the obeying women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women and the humble men and the humble women, and the almsgiving men and the almsgiving women, and the fasting men and the fasting women, and the men who guard their private parts and the women who guard, and the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember -- Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a mighty reward. (33:35) Al Quran 

 

The Dating Game...

The Black dating dilemma... What is the reason(s) many Blacks choose to date outside their race? Money, education, incarceration, psychological effects of slavery, etc. Why?  Whatever the reason(s) many seem to think that it is a dilemma and perhaps it is.  Dating in general is very perplexing to most but in the African American community it seems to unvail various social-psychological factors that hender the process on a more broader level.  The opinions of why there is a Black dating dilemma can invoke a variety of emotions and cause much heated discussion.  Nonetheless, the dating game continues...  http://atlantapost.com/2010/10/03/as-black-income-rises-so-does-our-break-ups/

5 Simple Rules to Have Joy...

1. Put God first.

2. Free your heart from hatred.

3. Free your mind from worries.

4. Live simply.

5. Give more.

Chicago Senior citizen shoots 12yr old boy...

I'm not mad at Ms. Matthews for defending her livelihood... I'm upset with the community--that this senior citizen had to "go there," in order to see some justice done.  Where are the men in the community who stand up for folk like Ms. Matthews.  There are to many people like her who are sick and tired of being harrassed and embarrassed by the actions of unruly youth and adults in our community!  And they're not going to continue to stand there and just take it!  We're tired of the dope dealing, gun play, and violence that has overtaken our community and City!  This must end now! Or else we will see a Nat'l Guard on the streets laying down martial law...and that will be complete choas!  Elderly woman shoots...

The Bishop Eddie Long scandal ... Only God can Judge him!

The scandal of Bishop Eddie Long has brought up many questions, opinions, and thoughts that have invovked heated debates all over the Black and religious community.  Those in leadership and especially those whom have a high-profile tend to be looked upon closely through a microscope evenmore.  Whether he is wrongfully accused or not, it something that has to be addressed but addressed with caution and clarity.  We must deal with it truthfully and honestly with unabashed emotions if at all possible.  Moreover, we must not address this situation lightly just because Bishop Long is prominent to the community.  Nonetheless, I say this with total deference to the victims and families, for the pain and emotion(s) that they have to endure, is not to be marginalized. 

As critics, our critical examination has to be thorough in it's assessment and not juxtapose critical examination for contempt that is derogatory and disrespectful despite how we may deeply feel regarding the matter.  As inexcuseable as these accusations may be, we must allow for things to take there proper course.  In having said that, I'd like to offer some of the dialog that has been taking place between myself and others pertaining to this matter.  I leave you with these words... ...“He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye.” -Budda

Bishop Long addresses his congregation...

The Journey of Preparation: "I've been there and done that before..."

The experiences, trials or tests in life we as human beings face help us through the journey at hand.  They are a fact of life that we must learn from and endure.   They provide us with a blueprint that we can study over and over again that prepare us for what may come.  In addition, we all have moments when the blueprint feels like "deja vu."  We say things like, "I've been there and done that before" or "it's no big deal cause stuff happens,"  or "there's nothing new under the sun."  However true, we must never allow life's experiences, trials, or tests make us become immune and dull individuals just because "stuff happens.'"  Why? Because, "It is dangerous to become settled and complacent in our present level of experience."  We must always have a keen sense when it comes to the experiences of life we face because they are on-going. 

Striving for a life of high moral standard and continual growth requires rigorous preparation and them some.  The spritiual journey which is an intricate part of the overall journey teaches us to never become settled, complacent, or dull with our present level of experience and development in life.  It forces us to become fully aware that life's experiences, tests or trials prepare us continualy inspite of the fact.  It doesn't allow the notion of "just because we have been through some things," keep us from reaching higher levels of continual growth.  In other words, "they keep us on our toes!'" 

The spiritual journey requires preparation and more preparation because, those who choose to serve God and live righteously, know that being under complete subjection to the Almighty is the order of the day here.  And it is a position that we can't escape!  Well, I suppose we can escape if we choose to, and we often do throughout the process because of our humanness.  Nonetheless, the fact that one's spiritual journey will require preparation and more preparation is wholeheartedly true because ultimately, our experiences, trials, or test will automatically hold us under complete subjection.  Because they are the keys that prepare us rigorously, that produce continual growth, which also give us a keen sense beforehand that we must endure the experiences, trials, or tests to the end and fight the good fight! (2 Tim 4:7-8)

God puts this charge before us and, we know that our spiritual journey is on-going because God is using us as He pleases.  He is the "best Knower", and He understands our nature fully, He knows what we are capable of through Him and without Him (Holy Quran 67:14).  When we allow Him to be the Head of our exsitence, our life's experiences, trials, or tests will never be in vain because we are in total submission to Him and His Christ.  We never dismiss His authority over us because He is Lord!  Through our experiences regardless if they have been painful, positive, or negative--God always gets the Glory!  Because, He substains us in advance with His mercy, grace and peace always!  For He knows the journey that is to prepare us... so continue to Fight the Good Fight and See It Through so you can receive your Crown!  For God is Love!

Scriptural and Literary Support:

Ps 1:6 (NIV)  For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Ps 25:8,12 (NIV)  Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways... Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.  Ps 32:8 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.  Ps 37:39-40(NIV) But the salvation of the [consistently] righteous is of the Lord; He is their Refuge and secure Stronghold in the time of trouble.  And the Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they trust and take refuge in Him.  Ps 73:24 (NIV) You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Prov 15:3,9 (NIV) ³ The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.  The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

1 Nah 1:7 (AMP) ⁷The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him.

1 Cor 8:1-3 (NIV) ...We know that we all possess knowledge.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. ²The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. ³But the man who loves God is known by God.  1 Cor 9:25 (NIV) ²⁵Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Tim 6:11-16 (NIV) ¹¹But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹²Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

2 Tim 2:21 (NIV) ²¹If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.  2 Tim 3:10-17 (NIV) ¹⁰You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. ¹²In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Tim 4:7 (NIV) ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

James 1:2-4, 12 (NIV)  ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  ¹²Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Holy Quran (2:12) The life of this world is made to seem fair to those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe, and those who guard (against evil) shall be above them on the day of resurrection; and Allah gives means of subsistence to whom he pleaseswithout measure.  Holy Quran (2:142) The fools among the people will say: What has turned them from their qiblah (Kabba) which they had? Say: The East and the West belong only to Allah; He guides whom He likes to the right path.  Holy Quran (2:231) ...and do not take Allah's communications for a mockery, and remember the favor of Allah upon you, and that which He has revealed to you of the Book and the Wisdom, admonishing you thereby; and be careful (of your duty to) Allah, and know that Allah is the Knower of all things.

Holy Quran (4:70) This is grace from Allah (God), and sufficient is Allah (God) as the Knower.  Holy Quran (4:172)The Messiah (Isa/Jesus) does by no means disdain that he should be a servant of Allah (God), nor do the angels who are near to Him, and whoever disdains His service and is proud, He will gather them all together to Himself.

Holy Quran (5:72)  Certainly they disbelieve who say: Surely Allah (God), He is the Messiah, son of Marium; and the Messiah said: O Children of Israel! serve Allah (God), my Lord and your Lord. Surely whoever associates (others) with Allah (God), then Allah (God) has forbidden to him the garden, and his abode is the fire; and there shall be no helpers for the unjust.  Certainly they disbelieve who say: Surely Allah (God) is the third (person) of the three; and there is no god but the one God, and if they desist not from what they say, a painful chastisement shall befall those among them who disbelieve.

Holy Quran (67:14) Does He not know, Who created? And He is the Knower of the subtleties, the Aware.

My Utmost for His Highest; Online Ed. Sept 24, 2010 http://utmost.org/the-go-of-preparation/

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved. -Helen Keller

The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences. -St. Augustine

A man is born alone and dies alone; and he experiences the good and bad consequences of his karma alone; and he goes alone to hell or the Supreme abode. -Chanakya

Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. -Henry Ford

     The most instructive experiences are those of everyday life... -Nietzsche

Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of; they just turn up some of the ill weeds on to the surface. -C.H. Spurgeon

When you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, whate'er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through! -Edgar A. Guest

TGIF!!! The path we all must take...

The path of life from the time we are born and until the time we die--is a very interesting quest that we all will walk regardless of race, creed, color or culture.  Throughout life we will learn many lessons from the places, people, and things that we encounter along the way that help influence that path(s) we choose to take, whether positive or negative.  Moreover, the path(s) we choose for better or for worst are usually correlated to how we think, feel, or act in our everyday life.  Futhermore, the path(s) we choose may cause conflict between those who care for us such as our family and friends--especially when those path(s) oppose how we were brought up or taught.  Essentially, everyone around us may not agree with how we choose to live our lives.  And in some case their disagreement may be rightfully so but, as individuals we are entitled to make our own choices and decisions. Nonetheless, for better or for worst the path(s) we choose and there consequences are reflections of one another.  So, one must careful of the path(s) he or she walks upon!

In the life of a God fearing person regardless of what monotheistic religion one studies or practices.  The duty of every believer of Almighty God is to walk a path of righteousness that is morally upright in accordance to God's law and commandments.  Moreover when one lives a life that adhears to the moral principles of God their life is fullfilled in accordance to God's promise.  However, when we choose not to adhear to God's moral principles, we ultimately choose a life of pain and suffering.  


Now, one might say but "we'll go through pain or suffering whether we choose to live upright or not." True indeed we all do!  But for those who choose to live the life of righteousness--the pain and suffering that life tends to bring will be less detrimental.  Less detrimental from the stand point that God will always deliever and restore us with His grace, mercy and peace.  In which our lives then become, true proof that God loves those who truly believe in Him.  This is why we sing songs like "I've Got a Testimony" and "Helen's Testimony aka Praying Grandmother," because they are the living proof that God indeed does deliever us from our pain and suffering.

Choosing to walk a righteous path may cause you to seem peculiar in the eye's of some but do understand that this comes with the territory.  When we look at those whom have lived a life based on high moral standards throughout history--they all have been seen as strange or odd in some type of way and the world opposed them vehemently in every aspect of their walk.  But they kept on going; living a life of high moral principle(s) inspite of the pain and suffering they endured.  This was reflective in the eyes and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he gave his last speech in Memphis, TN, "I've been to the Mountaintop."  In doing God's Will, we need not worry because although everyone in your life may not understand or support the path you walk, do know that God does!  Your journey is not for man to understand for it is between you and God! Keep on rising to the top! God's gotcha!

The little choices we must make
Will chart the course of life we take;
We either choose the path of light,
Or wander off in darkest night. —D. De Haan

Scriptural and Literary Support:


What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. -Deuteronomy 4:7-9 (NIV).  And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness. -Deuteronomy 6:25 (NIV)


The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD's anointed. -1 Samuel 26:23 (NIV)


The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. -2 Samuel 22:25 (NIV)


What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless? -Job 22:3 (NIV).  I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live. -Job 27:6 (NIV)


For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. -Psalm 1:6 (NIV). The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pastures he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. -Psalm 23 (NIV).  Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! -Psalm 32:11 (NIV).  The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. -Psalm 33: 5 (NIV) .  The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; -Psalm 34:15 (NIV).  The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. -Psalm 34:17 (NIV).  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; -Psalm 34:19 (NIV).  The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. -Psalm 145:17 (NIV).  The LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. -Psalm 146:8 (NIV)


Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. -Proverbs 2:20 (NIV). Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. -Proverbs 10:2 (NIV). The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked...Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. -Proverbs 10:3,6 (NIV). The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land. -Proverbs 10: 29-30 (NIV). Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead. -Proverbs 11:4,6,8 (NIV)


So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him. All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them. This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. -Ecclesiastes  9;1-3 (NIV)


Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. -Matthew 5:6 (NIV). Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. -Matthew 5:10 (NIV). This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous -Matthew 13:49 (NIV)


For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. -Romans 1:17,32 (NIV). This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, -Romans 3:22-23 (NIV). "because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." -Romans 8:7 (21KJV)


Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. -James 4:4 (21KJV)


For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." -1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)


And convey good news to those who believe and do good deeds, that they shall have gardens in which rivers flow; whenever they shall be given a portion of the fruit thereof, they shall say: This is what was given to us before; and they shall be given the like of it, and they shall have pure mates in them, and in them, they shall abide. -Holy Qur'an 2:25


Indeed there have been examples before you; therefore travel in the earth and see what was the end of the rejecters. This is a clear statement for men, and a guidance and an admonition to those who guard (against evil). And be not infirm, and be not grieving, and you shall have the upper hand if you are believers. -Holy Qur'an (3:137-139). But as to those who are careful of (their duty to) their Lord, they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding in them; an entertainment from their Lord, and that which is with Allah is best for the righteous. -Holy Qur'an (3:198)

"And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path". Holy Qur'an 6:153


And He answers those who believe and do good deeds, and gives them more out of His grace; and (as for) the unbelievers, they shall have a severe punishment. -Holy Qur'an 42:26


And when Isa (Jesus) came with clear arguments he said: I have come to you indeed with wisdom, and that I may make clear to you part of what you differ in; so be careful of (your duty to) Allah and obey me: -Holy Qur'an 43:63

The essence of the Power of prayer... That secret place!

That secret place... Prayer is the one unavoidable act that one practices--that is a testament to one's belief in God Almighty.  In general as children we learned that prayer was a way for us to ask God for our most basic desires.  Such as praying over our food, thanking God for mommy and daddy, and asking for that new bike. However, as we grow in our walk of faith, we learn to become less basic and more specific in our request. Moreover, the concept of prayer is an interesting phenomenon because it provides us with an outlet to consult God and make manifest our inner most desires. For the seasoned believer, prayer becomes less focused on one's own satisfaction. But more focused on showing total reverence and building an unbreakable bond with God. Prayer indeed allows us to be reverently willing (To show awe, respect and often love; acting or ready to act gladly; eagerly compliant: "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" -Matt 26:41) towards God for providing us with (To furnish; supply. To supply with subsistence) and giving (blessing) us our ample desires. And through its outcome we are able to be living witnesses of the effect (power) it has on our lives!

Establishing a bond (a uniting force or tie, a link; A duty, promise, or other obligation by which one is bound; a fellowship) through prayer is indeed a wonderful friendship to have with the Almighty! The latter statement reminds me of the old time gospel hit "What a friend we have in Jesus!'" Through prayer, Jesus (GPBUH) displayed the love, respect and unbreakable link he built with God, that I speak of above, for he sought God for his every need and want. Moreover, Jesus (GPBUH) shows us how to perfectly establish a wonderful friendship with the Father by how he taught us to pray. He not only prayed out in the open but he often prayed and met God in that secret place. Prayer for Christ was more about "coming into perfect fellowship and oneness with God," than it was about anything else he did. And that's how it should be for us. We must constantly strive to seek God's face for our inner most needs and desires. For the faith walk lies in one's heart and not on the surface for man to say "Job well done my servant" but for God to say "Job well done my servant!'" -Glory be to God!

Scriptural & Literary Notes:

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

The LORD has heard my supplication; The LORD will receive my prayer. -Psalm 6:9 NKJV

Hear a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips. -Psalm 17:1 NKJV

When You said, “Seek My face,”My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
-Psalm 27:8 NKJV

[Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God ] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High. Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. -Psalm 91:1 NKJV

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. -Matt 6:6, 7:8 NKJV

[The Model Prayer ] Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” -Luke 11:1 NKJV

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." -John 15:5-7

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
-James 4:10 NKJV

And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones, Who know that they shall meet their Lord and that they shall return to Him. O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations (Holy Qur'an 2:45-47). The life of this world is made to seem fair to those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe, and those who guard (against evil) shall be above them on the day of resurrection; and Allah gives means of subsistence to whom he pleases without measure. -Holy Qur'an 2:212

And that you should keep up prayer and be careful of (your duty to) Him; and He it is to Whom you shall be gathered. -Holy Qur'an 6:72

Allah amplifies and straightens the means of subsistence for whom He pleases; and they rejoice in this world's life, and this world's life is nothing compared with the hereafter but a temporary enjoyment. -Holy Qur'an 13:26

Surely I am Allah, there is no god but I, therefore serve Me and keep up prayer for My remembrance: -Holy Qur'an 20:14

Successful indeed are the believers, Who are humble in their prayers, And who keep aloof from what is vain, And who are givers of poor-rate, -Holy Qur'an 23:1-4

Say: Surely my Lord amplifies the means of subsistence for whom He pleases and straightens (for whom He pleases), but most men do not know. Say: Surely my Lord amplifies the means of subsistence for whom He pleases of His servants and straightens (them) for whom (He pleases), and whatever thing you spend, He exceeds It in reward, and He is the best of Sustainers. -Holy Qur'an 34:36,39

(As for) those who fear their Lord in secret, they shall surely have forgiveness and a great reward. -Holy Qur'an 67:12

The primary thought in the area of religion is— keep your eyes on God, not on people. Your motivation should not be the desire to be known as a praying person. Find an inner room in which to pray where no one even knows you are praying, shut the door, and talk to God in secret. Have no motivation other than to know your Father in heaven. It is impossible to carry on your life as a disciple without definite times of secret prayer.

Prayer is not simply getting things from God— that is only the most elementary kind of prayer. Prayer is coming into perfect fellowship and oneness with God.

We pray religious nonsense without even involving our will, and then we say that God did not answer— but in reality we have never asked for anything. Jesus said, “. . . you will ask what you desire. . .” -Excerpt(s) from My Utmost For Highest (Online) Sept 16th, 2010 by Oswald Chambers