My Call to Ministerial Leadership

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 be 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

Flying Towards the Call!!!

My call to the vocation of ministry has been quite an interesting one like many who are called to say the least. It has seen its share of doubt, trepidation, and reluctance. I received a sense of my calling when I was a pre-teen in the late 80’s. I knew I had the gift of public speaking but I did not know in what capacity. As time went on life experiences began to shape and influence my thoughts about race, religion, and culture thus I began to establish a context for my gift. I have always had a fondness for people and helping others but little did I know how far I would take it. I began coaching and mentoring youth as a teen which also began to influence my call. The voices of Martin and Malcolm would provide to be the earthly model(s) for my call. However the ultimate model for my call is Jesus Christ. But how to exactly model the Christ would prove to be the ultimate dilemma because being a minister of the Gospel/Holy Scriptures is not an easy task.

     The shear fears of the high standard(s) this vocational calling requires, scared the mess out of me! Who in this life could possibly want to run towards this call? Because I knew that a life in ministerial leadership requires a life that goes all out and gives its all just as Christ did. I admire and see the tireless work various men and women of ministry and leadership such as Louis Farrakhan, Jeremiah A. Wright, Cornel West, James Cone, and Vashti McKenzie, I know that they have all made the ultimate sacrifice and give the utmost dedication to their craft. So why would I possibly want this headache? 

For me coming from an athletic background having competed in football both collegiately and professionally a life of service through ministry was one of the furthest things from my mind. I knew it would require me to make sacrifices, give my time, and become selfless characteristics in which the world of professional sports shuns in many regards. Although I have been a leader in a variety of settings throughout my life nothing I have done compares to the level of leadership required to emulate a mythological super hero such as Jesus. However once I began to realize that life of Jesus was not based on a fabulous tale or that he was not a milquetoast being who went to his death without putting up a fight—I fully understood what this high standard of leadership would mean for me. Around the time when I was in my mid to late twenties, is when I finally stop running and accepted my fate and vocation into ministerial leadership.


I understood that it would require me to become a servant leader which means I have the humility to serve others versus being served. It would require me to have a heart for humanity regardless of race, creed, color or gender. I would truly have to exemplify Matthew 22:37 where it says “And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Furthermore it would require me to have a strong prayer filled life, speak the word of God, and seek theological knowledge and training. “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” Those words from the gospel of Luke are so relevant even more now!

We ask the question of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) but instead the question should really be WDJD (What Did Jesus Do?). Jesus set the bar high for those called to ministerial leadership. He is the ultimate example and standard because he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Especially when he could have not travelled that way but he ultimately knew it was not about his will but that of the will of the Father. Jesus’ supreme sacrifice showed the highest form of love which is agape love—this love is what one who is called to ministry must emulate at all times.

   Furthermore one must show them self approved at all times because life in ministry will not be an easy road to travel. Jesus’ walk will be the measurement(s) of how I constantly check my walk in ministry and if I am not living up to what he did then I must seek God for revelation in my service. God recruits ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Things that are not of man’s doing but of His divine will for our lives that deify the human realm of things. These are the things that Christ did which is why his ministry was so effective—he spread his message of agape love to humanity through his flawless example of doing God’s will.

Ultimate Sacrifice!

     The life of Christ was the supreme sacrifice—it means that all the cards were on the table and that he held nothing back. The life Christ lived gave all that he had of himself –my call means I owe it my “ALL!” I must not give up when times get tough or when the finances are not there, or when it seems the entire world is against me. “A man that stands for nothing will fall for anything.” I must always remember Jesus’ supreme sacrifice throughout my journey. I must never allow my fears to unnerve me or make me waver in my stance. The life of ministerial leadership challenges one to measure up to the life of Christ daily. Something in my opinion that is highly impossible but with the help of Almighty God we that are called can be the best flawed examples we can be.

All The Cards On The Table...

      Understanding that we are imperfect and blemished vessels even though we speak the Word of God, challenges us to remember our humility and never become full of ourselves. We are in constant servant leadership mode. The life of Christ influences the understanding of my call by being the model or example of what the goals and objectives of my call are—am I doing what Jesus did? Did I give all of myself? If I can honestly and wholeheartedly answer those questions then I am truly imitating Jesus and exemplifying proper ministerial leadership. I am not being one of lip service but one who is constantly putting all the cards on the table!

      The idea a being exceptional in the sight of God is an honorable and noble thing to achieve for those whom minster the word of God. Some of us think that achieving this feat requires us to go above and beyond the call of duty—when in fact it does not at all. However it does require us to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life—the things we take for granted and look over because they seem to be ordinary and plain when in fact they are not. Are we exceptional only at giving the benediction, preaching Sunday service or teaching Wednesday bible study? Unfortunately for many ministers we exhibited our exceptional behavior only when in front of the camera to sort of speak. But it's when the camera is off that shows who and what we truly are as imitators of Christ!


The walk of the righteous is not filled with the pretentious behavior that some of us tend to display as ministers of God. Jesus said it best "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." 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 the standard “modus operandi” for the steadfast servant leader, he or she never waivers, for they are always on their post of duty and service—thus constantly modeling the life of Christ. 

One God, One Faith, One Baptism... One Love!

The Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings

One God...

Abraham/Ibrahim (PBUH) the Father of all Religion... was said to be the friend of God...He was neither a Christian or a Jew but an Upright man... Don't you and I want to be the friend of God." -(HMLF)


"I wanna talk about Jesus... they say now Minister you's a 'Moslum, you can say that 'but I'm a Christian too and I'm a Jew too, O, Farrakhan how could you be all of that unless your are confused. I'm not confused at all, the God we serve is One God, it is not God that created the confusion that divided the house, God is not the author of confusion but of Peace. So, if we are divided we are not then under the One God because if there is no love of us for one another, if there's no peace among us but you in your denomination and I'm in mine, you in your sect and I'm in mine, you in your religion and I'm in mine. God don't have many religions, if He only has One Faith, He's One Lord and there's One Baptism to that God! Now, let's deal with it!" -Farrakhan

I believe there is one Supreme most perfect being. ... I believe He is pleased and delights in the happiness of those He has created; and since without virtue man can have no happiness in this world, I firmly believe He delights to see me virtuous. -Ben Franklin "Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion" (1728)


Interesting conversation piece! Breaks down many notions indeed! "There is but One God!'"





Do Muslims Worship A Different God of Their Own?


Muslims do not worship a different God Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Allah for Muslims is The Greatest and Most Encompassing of the Names of God, it is an Arabic word of rich meaning, denoting the one and only God and ascribing no partners to Him. ...    By:George X Lampkin






Marvin Gaye "What's Going On / What's Happening Brother"

Coexist

An excerpt from the recently released DVD of some of Marvin's greatest live performances on TV and film, "Real Thing: In Performance 1964-1981," This live performance comes from the long out-of-circulation 1973 film, "Save The Children" with James Jamerson on bass.  

 

KRS-One - The Truth
KRS-One!! (c)1995 Jive Records  

"The cross was created by the Roman Gov't..." -KRS-ONE

Goodie Mob - Inshallah
Goodie Mob - Inshallah From Still Standing Inshallah = An expression meaning "if God wills," used to suggest that something in the future is uncertain.....


Abraham/Ibrahim, Moshe/Moses, Yeshua/Jesus, and Muhmmad Ibn Abdullah (PBUT).... If these great men were on this stage today not one of would be at variance with the other--they all belonged to the same school..." -HMLF


Abraham/Ibrahim (PBUH) the Father of all Religion... was said to be the friend of God...He was neither a Christian or a Jew but an Upright man... Don't you and I want to be the friend of God." -(HMLF)

"The whole house of religion has to be cleansed because Satan has gotten control of religion"~HMLF

Although, we look towards the hereafter of heaven and our mansion in the sky that has been prepared for us... Let us not forget our duty while on this earth of helping God to heal our Land by our works and deeds!!! -Bro. Lamon

Put your faith and trust in the Most High One. If HE is on your side your enemies can't gain an inch against you. -HMLF

How Far Are We Gonna Go People?

The blatantly sexually suggestive, foul language, misogynistic, and believe it or not misandrist over and undertones that permeate Hip-Hop and R&B music and video production today has run a muck! -The Brotha's Corner (Inuendo2010 v. 1997) Click link for full blog

“If you can control a man’s thinking, you don’t have to worry about his actions. If you can determine what a man thinks you do not have worry about what he will do. If you can make a man believe that he is inferior, you don’t have to compel him to seek an inferior status, he will do so without being told and if you can make a man believe that he is justly an outcast, you don’t have to order him to the back door, he will go to the back door on his own and if there is no back door, the very nature of the man will demand that you build one.”-Carter G. Wodson, Mis-Education of the Negro

Nicci Minaj at BET Awards 2011

This has gone way too far people!!! Mother Sojourner, Harriett, Lena, Betty, Dorothy, and Coretta are all turning over in their graves behind madness like this... how long are we gonna allow this degenerate behavior to continue people?  This young lady is talented indeed, but she is using the art of free and creative expression in a very deplorable and foul way.  Obviously she is aware of what she is doing beyond just being a creative marketing tool for the proverbial “shock value moment.”  A former mentor once shared with me “Many people tell you what you don’t know won’t hurt you but I’m here to tell you what you don’t know may kill you.”  The mental death of a people is now the order of the day among the African American community, or as some scholars suggest the "dumbing-down" effect.  We are no longer in the grasps of chattel slavery; we are now in the abyss of mental slavery; and it surely is not the “white man’s fault" or doing.  Mr. Willie Lynch's plan is being carried out in full effect today by-US!

92' LA Riots

I do not want to put sole responsibility on Ms. Minaj because this deplorable and disrespectful behavior has been brewing since the polarizing images of the proverbial black male went across the world through print, film, and television media in the early 90’s.  The images found in movies like Boys -N- The Hood, MenanceIISociety, television coverage of events like the OJ Simpson trial, and riots that followed the Rodney King verdict all showed black men in a negative, scary, and demon like manner.  These events scared the mess out of white America and painted young black men as predators that needed to be locked down or killed.  This is why we have seen a rise in what is now known as the prison industrial complex-MASS INCARCERATION.  It also projected an image of us across the entire world; an image not of high esteem and beauty but one of disgust and immorality that allowed our women to be called "bitches and ho's" and our men to be seen as "thugs, gang-bangers, and dope dealers."  These ills of Black urban life have been accepted as the norm and are reflective in every aspect of urban culture today.  We see young men with saggin’ pants, wearing caps indoors, young ladies practically naked on the streets, and adolescents belting out offensively foul language or reenacting the overtly suggestive sexual innuendo of the latest rap song or video.  Today, we find these kinds of antics very funny and amusing.  Our level of tolerance and acceptance today has been diminished from the high moral standards those of old once held us to.  We just do not find these kinds of artistic expressions unsettling or appalling, so we tend to just over look them versus addressing them for what they really are.  We have taken a blind eye approach to the fact and reality of the matter!

Father taking his kids to school.

We have to stand against this in every way possible.  This cannot be just written off as free or creative expression.  Yes, we that are aware can shield our young one’s ears and cover their eyes but we are not always with them.  With the flooding of mass media, it is hard to fully control what their delicate eyes and ears hear and see.  The best thing we can do is train them up in the way to go and hope they remember their training and not give in to the madness that surrounds them constantly.  We are at war and we must realize and recognize the art of war where ever it rears its ugly head.


Forever Forward, Never Backwards

-Bro. Lamon

Who are "they?"

The history of an oppressed people is hidden in the lies and the agreed myth of its conquerors. -Meridel Le Seuer

Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.” – Frantz Fanon

In the African American community the term used to describe white people or those in power, control, and domination is, "they." One has often wondered who "they" actually were, apart from the sole belief that "they," were only a people or race. One engaging in conversation(s) over the ill effects of socio-economic, political, and racial issues and concerns where blacks, Latinos, and other racially discriminated groups are involved, most likely would invoke the notion of "they did it," or "they caused it" or "they set it up," alluding to "the white."

People Talkin'

Looking at "they" in the context as systems or

constructs puts a clearer understanding of the term in play for me. When we define "they" as systems of control, domination, power, and oppression, we tell the whole truth of the matter versus just saying "they" meaning "the white man did it." There is no doubt that "they" have been the leading architects of these systems of control, domination, power, and oppression. But to suggest that all white men or people are solely responsible for the effect(s) these various systems of control, domination, power, and oppression have and still present are not fully just.


We must continue to tell the whole story of the matter and not omit portions we are unconformable with, ashamed of, or offer up an adulterated version(s) that demonizes or attributes effects or outcomes inappropriately or solely. As African Americans, we must own up to the fact that there were other Africans involved in the ushering in of the "Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade." Perhaps not to the degree of those who carried it out and received a huge benefit from it, like the Portuguese, the British, the French, the Spanish, the Dutch, and Americans. Which by the way, from a theological perspective suggests that these people were perhaps Jews, Christians, and Muslims in many cases. Moreover, when we allow ourselves to be transparent, we allow the spirit of Christ the ability to free and renew our hearts and minds.

PBWY

Bro. Lamon

Your faith is... Do We really understand what faith is?

Your Faith is...

In all of the monotheistic religions, faith is the source of all belief in God's word and promise to those whom believe in Him. From a Biblical perspective we understand that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things, which are seen, were not made of things, which are visible. (Heb 11:1-3 NKJV). Most of us live our lives based on the above scripture; it is the substance of our trust (hope) in what faith truly means to us. One's faith can be the lone catalyst that produces understanding, courage, knowledge and vision, which are the core components of faith that keep us on the straight path towards victory!

Japanese Symbol for "Faith" Kanji

However, faith that does not have definitive understanding, courage, knowledge and vision is forever fading and has no backbone. For example, the required core components of faith are explained throughout scripture. First off, we need an “understanding” of our faith. Having an “understanding” of our faith allows us to stand on the word of God in that we believe that He will do everything that He said He'd do for us! Furthermore, our “understanding” of our faith produces “hope” and the definition of “hope” is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is a feeling that something desired might happen, when the outlook may or may not warrant it. (Farlex Free Dictionary)

"Pistis” root word is the Greek is faith, which also means to come to trust or believe. For man to move forward he must believe and trust that the vision he has comes from God, thus allowing him to move forward it complete faith without hesitation. “Faith that moves mountains is first of all focused on God. The objective of your faith is God. 

Larry Poncho Brown "Window of Faith"

The objective of your faith is whatever mountain you are dealing with. However, without faith it is impossible to please God." (Salas, T June 2010).  This is “such a powerful description of what 'courage' looks like. With it we lay hold to eternal life, we overcome, we become more Christ like. Faith is the catalyst for apprehending the intangible. I always like a man with vision. A man or woman with vision means that they are not limited to what they see in the natural but they reach for what is in the eternal realm of the Spirit and pull it into NOW! I trust God and I know something about Him, He is faithful. Having faith in the originator of faith can only produce a positive result..." (Seaton, J June 2010)

As we journey along the path of life it is wise that we surround ourselves with people that have a spiritual backbone. Because those are type of Believers that will never leave you on the side of the road like the traveler whom was hit on his head while on the pathway from Jerusalem to Jericho. Those are type of Believers you will want with you in a dark alley. This is the kind of faith that Yeshua (Jesus) displayed during his time among people of his day. The reason why we honor and love him so today is because he was the greatest example of what “faith,” truly is. Simply put one can say Christ’s “faith” was very courageous and exemplary especially when we study the scripture and learn of the trials and tribulations that tested his “faith” daily.

Most of us have heard the saying "Without vision there is no progress,” however many of us tend to forget that the above saying was coined from Biblical text. In the book of Hosea 4:6, it says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” and Proverbs 29:18, it says, "Where there is no vision the people perish; but he who keeps the law blessed is he." When one has a vision they are able to proceed forward in making progress of being a good steward of faith.

The above paragraph makes a great segue into another component required on the faith journey and that is "knowledge." What is "knowledge" according to the Farlex free dictionary; knowledge is the state or fact of knowing. Paraphrasing Min. Louis Farrakhan "Knowledge compliments faith... In other words what good is faith if one doesn't have the knowledge to back it up." Moreover, faith can therefore be gained through reflection and the acquisition of knowledge, and not by blind and irrational commitment.

The Holy Qur’an lines up with the Biblical teachings of faith as it states true faith is that which is based on knowledge and supported by argument. Any belief that is not based and supported is considered by the Qur'an to be mere caprice and whim, which a thinking person must avoid. (Sheikh Idris, J,). Jesus taught: “If the blind lead the blind both fall in the ditch." When our faith is definitive in understanding, courage, knowledge and vision in it will never allow us to be impulsive and cowardly followers of Almighty God! When we stand on the truth of His word--we are unapologetic and unwavering in our stance against the wiles of opposition towards His word! So, the knowledge and understanding that we have in God supports our faith, which builds our courage and grows our vision in what has been promised. 

Your faith is the protector of your destiny this is how we are able to truly acknowledge God's word when it says, " For we walk by faith and not by sight." (2Cor 5:7 KJV). “And but my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." (Heb 10: 38 NIV). "Faith is deeply and firmly implanted in human nature in that, it is not like a plant which has sprouted from dung which has no root and a slight calamity can uproot it like the word of disbelief about which can be uprooted from the very surface of the earth; it has no stability” (Sheikh Idris, J, Pillars of Faith, www.islamm.com, Holy Qur’an 14:26).

"A person with a good experience is never at the mercy of a person with a good argument. You have an experience that is building a foundation that cannot be moved. And it will also be a place for others to build on--I know you can't have faith unless you're being challenged. So the courage you're exhibiting let's me know that it is only matter of time." (Seaton, J June 2010). Although we may not have the physical sight to see what is in store for us God gives us the knowledge and understanding, which produces the hope that builds our courage that provides us with a vision for us to truly see the spiritual realm of His word and promise. Furthermore, this is why we are able to bear witness to the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) and all the prophets that have come from Abraham to Muhammad. Because their faith ultimately was the protector of there destines!

Life is challenging and seemingly impossible in itself and without faith it is even more perplexing. We cannot expect to proceed forward with any certainty unless definitive understanding, courage, knowledge and vision are at the forefront, which are the tools given to us by our faith that causes us to move forward. It is our faith that allows us to soar high and run towards our personal pursuits when we may have our doubts and others deem us unwise. Furthermore, we are never in total chaos or loss when we have faith to move us forth during our dark moments. It is our straight path to victory!

More next time God Willing...

Peace & Blessings,


Bro. Lamon -Chairman Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings


Scriptural and Literary support:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ep 6:10-20 NKJV)

There is no compulsion in religion — the right way is indeed clearly distinct from error. So whoever disbelieves in the devil and believes in Allah (God), he indeed lays hold on the firmest handle which shall never break. And Allah (God) is Hearing, Knowing. (Surah 2:256 MMA)

Copyright June 2010 The Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings-Revised August 2011

Not so optimistic?

People that know me know me to be a fairly optimistic person but lately I'm not feelin' so optimistic about the things that are going on in the world today.  From the strange natural disasters to the insane acts of violence to the unusual weather patterns to downfall of world economies to the politicians ready to hang one another, etc...  It is obvious that we are in that Day of Judgment the scriptures speak of and have been in it for some time now!  Whether or not you're a religious or spiritual person it is very apparent that something is going on in our world as we know it and that very powerful forces are at work on both sides of the coin.

‎"You have to create problems to create profit.  There is no profit under the current paradigm in saving lives, putting balance on this planet, having justice and peace or anything else.  There is just no profit there."- Michael Ruppert

Here's A Thought... aka "Academic Workout"

Here's a thought... As a people who have been enslaved, taken from their original land, forced to live in a strange land with a new name, religion, and way of life. Do we make concessions for the initiators of our torment? Or is just forgiveness?

To my historical and scriptural scholars... Who was Constantine theGreat? He is revered as the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and issued the Edict of Milan that promoted religious tolerance. However, he is the initiator of many of the pagan traditions practiced that have nothing to do with Christ or so-called Christianity. 

Such as: The mythical and preposterous version of the Virgin Birth of Mary, Jesus' b-day as December 25th, The symbol of the "Cross" representing Christ instead of the Fish, The belief in the Trinity as Father, Son, & Holy Spirit are all One and last but not least Sunday as the Sabbath instead of Saturday. None of this is true so-called Christianity, it's a version just like the King James Version of the Bible is a reinterpretation, translation, or revision of the Original.

"Every aspect has a an affect on the other." "Anytime something has been translated or revised from its original form it looses something in the process."

Dr. Josef A. A. Ben-Jochannan, in his book “The Need For A Black Bible,” states, “…magical (esoterical) religion has been one of mankind’s greatest emotional achievements, equally mankind’s greatest creation against peaceful coexistence between socio-political groupings.” He further states, that we must remove from ourselves the “mental shackle of esoterical religion.”