"Dreams Deferred No More"

“Dreams Deferred No More"

Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

Langston Hughes

Similar to Langston Hughes, I too have often wondered not only what happens to our dreams that are deferred, but also why have they become deferred in the first place. Many of us have aspirations and dreams that actually come to fruition at one point or another. However, there are those of us who have yet to catch a glimpse of anything that resembles a piece of what we had once hoped to see. Could it be that our dreams or our aspirations are nowhere near God’s dreams or aspirations? Or is it that the realization of these dreams never materialize because we are bound by fear, which has caused us to move no further than where we are… no further than the land of the familiar.

This reminds me of the book “The Dream Giver”, by Bruce Wilkerson. Bruce shares with us a simple yet profound story about a character and his challenges with living in the land of Familiar. Ordinary is his name. Ordinary had a desire to become more than just ordinary, but his fears had the potential of keeping him from discovering the dream that awaited him. Like Ordinary, I wonder how many of us never reach our full potential in life because we have allowed our fears to talk us out of “becoming”.

If it’s not fear of the unknown, it’s either our own limitations, or the voices of those around us that influence our decision not to move forward towards a dream. And most of the time those that have influence over us are afraid to move beyond where they are. Yet these are the ones who are persistent in making sure that we never out-do them. It is sad to say, but its true. Some folk cannot stand to see you blessed. This sounds a lot like young Joseph and how his brothers and his circumstances attempted to kill his dreams, but failed (Gen. 37-50).

Was it that young Joseph was a risk-taker; he was young and did not have much to loose while in pursuit of the dream? Or was it that Joseph understood that the dream wasn’t his? The Dream Giver, God, had revealed to Joseph His plan and purpose for his life. God spoke to Joseph through his dreams, and disclosed to him what the future held in store for him and his people. Joseph believed the dream and shared what he saw, which lead to the dream unfolding in his life.

What dream has the Dream Giver given to you that lies dormant? What are you afraid of? Is it your age, your financial situation, or is it just fear? If God has given it to you years ago and it is still in your mind and heart today regardless of your age, it means that you have not outgrown it. If you still have the dream but no finances, if its God’s dream, He will provide. And if you have fears about the dream, don’t let them stop you from pressing forward. Often times our greatest discoveries or blessings are in the directions where we would most likely never travel.

If God has given you a dream, go after it... Because its waiting to explode in your life!

Sean John, Christian Audigier, Enynce... What About the Kingdom?

I'm not mad at the latest styles and designers who are largely influenced by the multi-million dollar industry, or shall I say culture, called Hip Hop.

Some of the wears ain't bad. The t-shirts, polos, mens, and women apparel is stylish, cute, and cool. At least the jeans that stay up on your be-hinds and the women's gear that leaves much to the imagination. But for the most part, I'd pay $35 to $50 for a name brand piece done by a well known designer. If I could get it from TJ Max... I'd much rather pay less. (lol)

The only issue I have with wearing some of this stuff, even though I don't mind supporting "some" of these designers, is that I'm walking around advertising for them. If I push it a step further, I'm witnessing for them and whatever message they're communicating. I know, some of ya'll are saying you have over spiritualized it. That's cool if that's what you think. I just need more clothing that has a message I know I'm in agreement with and it looks good too. As long as it looks good, I won't have to worry about my crew looking at me funny while they're wearing the latest "whoever" and I have some cheesy "I Go to Sunday School" stuff on. I'm not saying that I'm scared to "rep" my Lord. I'm not like those who only express their allegiances to the Lord on Sunday's. If I'm going to stand bold for Him it needs to be tight! Not that I want to blend in and conform in any way, but it needs to be able to take my witness and my wardrobe to the next level. A level where believers and non-believers want to wear it. Now wouldn't that be powerful!

I could be wrong, but one thing I do know is that I need some stuff that not only expresses my personality, but it has to also represents the Kingdom of God! I know of a few Christian clothing labels and they're not that bad. I'm just praying for more! And the Lord can do more than I can ever ask, thing, or imagine... So look out! Some Rapper or R&B songstress may be in the next video rocking some wears that rep the Kingdom. And you never know... after 30 seconds of watching the video, you may hear that their lyrics and their lifestyles rep the Kingdom as well! (Romans 4:17). That may not be relevant to all as most don't watch videos anyway. Nevertheless... its still an interesting thought.

If you feel the same as I do, pray with me! Every item doesn't have to have a tag or scripture on it, but to know that the motives are pure and its worth sowing into... I'm rocking it!

How do you feel about it? Let me know what you think!

-Another Wilderness Perspective by John a.k.a "The Baptist"
Kingdom Minded Clothing

Spinning "In" Control

Within the charismatic or more progressive church you may find ministries that provide opportunities for individuals to express their adoration, worship, and praise through the medium of dance. Liturgical Dance ministries at the turn of the 21st Century have set in motion a new way to reach the masses. A ministry that provides illustrated sermons with precision and grace. All executed with the purpose to change lives. And I must admit that experiencing a spirit filled dance ministry is life changing.

Liturgical dance ministries have not only captivated numbers within the congregation, but they have also captivated me. In fact, the experience is so incredible, when done under the anointing, it is exhilarating. I shall never forget a time when a dancer went into the long spin as if they were a propeller on the helicopter turret preparing for lift-off. At the rate of speed and velocity that dancer traveled, revolution after revolution, you would have thought that they were going to spin out of control. The crowd was praising God for this major spin that was in sync with the words of the song, but I was praising God for simple fact that they did not lose it, spin out of control, and launch into a pews.

How in the world did the dancer keep this spin so tight, so perfect, and so concentrated that even in what looked to be a disaster turned into a major move? Well, I had to ask the dancer after the moment how in the world they did it. And they explained that to avoid losing control of the body while spinning like that you must find a focal point as you spin and keep your eyes on it. Find something and focus on it until the spin is over. Wow…

Can you image what would have happened with Peter if he stayed focused on Jesus when Jesus told him to walk on water (Mt 14:28-30)? In the stormy seasons of life when the waves overtake our boats, and the dark clouds have blocked out any possibility for hope, find that “One” important point to focus on. While the currents of life – bereavement, stress, overloaded work schedules, bills, crime, gas and food prices, cutbacks, downsizing, and foreclosures – fix your eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfector of our faith (Heb 12:2)!

“LORD! Please Stop this Irresistible Urge… ...At Least for Now”

Does this prayer sound familiar? Come on… Tell the truth and shame the devil. I know I’m not the only one who has prayed this prayer. Especially when it comes to honoring God with our bodies through celibacy. Oooh… that word, “celibacy”. Yes, the struggle with “shutting it down”, “going cold-turkey”, or “retiring from the game”. This is what I would like to share as a word of encouragement. And through a discussion, we can learn from all of our experiences. So please feel free to comment.

I have observed over time that most believers try not to act like this is a problem for them. Yet, the truth of the matter is that a good number of believers have struggled with this at one point or another. Some are struggling now. And I am here to tell you that abstention from sexual relations without crying out to the Lord is not easy to do on your own. As much as we desire to please God in every area of our lives this is certainly one area that requires the strength of the Lord. (Can I get an Amen?) I know… I hear you saying to yourself “It’s hard to just stop when you’ve started”, “the curiosity and sensibility are killing you”, “your significant other is pressuring you”, or “you justify it because you are convinced that they are the ones you want to spend the rest of your life with” …at least that is what they tell you in the moment.

The moment. What do you do in the moment? One would suggest not to put yourself in the moment and you won’t have to worry about what to do while in it. Nevertheless, most of us have lost the battle at the threshold and have taken the leap through the doors without realizing the temptation has seized us. Paul tells us this in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and he says that God provides a way out. The question is how many of us are looking for it before we enter in? It is at the door that many us must realize that we have power over the urge to walk in.

The power over the urge stems from the realization that the devil is trying to destroy us while using our own desires. James writes about it in 1:14. The ultimate goal of the adversary is to corrupt the original design for this and to launch an on-going assault on the body and the mind of the believer until the day we say “I do”. Instead of praying, “God, take this away… because I’m trying to live right for you”. We need to pray “God give me the power over this thing to control it instead of it controlling me”. And might I add… Please do not pray for God to take it way. Praying it away is not always good, because you’ll be running to your pastors asking him/her how to reverse the prayer now that you’re getting married.

Praying is the beginning. And praying for power over sin will see you though. Similar to the ad campaign for the “war on drugs” during the 80’s and 90’s, pray that you can just say NO! Pray that with the authority (In the Name of Jesus) you can say NO to the devil playing you like a play station, NO to your flesh, NO to the voices saying you can’t wait any longer, NO to your peers who pressure you because of their mistakes, NO to the consequences, NO to self-guilt, NO to disappointments, NO to sin, NO to grieving the Holy Spirit, NO to missing the fullness of a relationship with Christ, and NO to missing out on what God has for you. Just Say NO!

Lord, don’t stop it because I’ll need this urge when I’m married. But while honoring God and the marital bed (Heb 13:4)… Give me the power to say NO to it right now!

"Pass the popcorn... Please"

“…you perceive my thoughts from afar…” Psalm 139:2b

Minutes before show time, the lights dim and the crowd pours in rapidly to obtain preferred seating. The place fills with excited onlookers exuding with anticipation of viewing the movie they had long waited to see. All lights are out and the movie trailers begin. Advertisements of the upcoming films and various notices prompting viewers to refrain from talking or to keep their cell phones from ringing play simultaneously. Last minute wrestling to find seating or scurrying to the restrooms prior to the start of the film lessens. Finally, the movie begins… “Can you please pass the popcorn?”

Housed in the clandestine confinements of our minds is a setting similar to this great place of entertainment. Playing across the canvas of our memories, our sub-conscience, and our conscience are thoughts and/or ideas that seldom do we realize we are not the only ones viewing them. In fact, David, the son of Jesse, received a divine revelation that God knows what we are thinking before we think it.

God literally sits in the theatres of our minds right there with us as we view those thoughts that we know we should not be thinking. Can you imagine sitting in the theatre and someone finds their preferred seating directly between you and the person you came with? Not only do they disrupt the film that you initially hoped would entertained you, but also they have a nerve to reach over and to ask, “Can you please pass the popcorn?” Well, either God is sitting right in front, behind, or on the sides of us waiting to see how long we choose to quench the Holy Spirit by entertaining stuff that needs to brought into captivity and made obedient to Christ.
(2 Cor.10:4-5)

According to James 1:14-15, most of the temptations and/or evils that we face throughout the course of a day can be avoided if we prevent our minds from becoming breeding grounds for bad thoughts. We are equipped with the Armor of God, but the Armor will fall from our bodies if we do not fasten it with the belt of Truth. The truth in the message of God’s redeeming Love keeps our minds thinking good thoughts. Moreover, it transforms our minds! Paul puts it this way, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)

So remember, when you enter to the movie rooms of your mind to view thoughts and memories you should not be viewing, please be sure to rebuke it and repent… and please be sure to bring enough popcorn for God.

Copyright © 2008, Kingdom Minded Coach. All rights reserved.

Blossom Where You Are

“Let both grow together until harvest...” Matthew 13:30

Watching a small child endure their first medicated shot is undoubtedly a gut wrenching, heartfelt experience that any parent, legal guardian or family member must encounter. Despite the desire to intervene and displace the small, frightened child with you, this natural occurrence is one that the child and the parent must come to grips with. In fact, the parent is aware of the appointment, but the child has no knowledge of what will occur, yet their trust rest solely in the parent. What an interesting place to be in when the one whom you have found security has shortly terminated your protection for a worthy cause.

Can you imagine the thoughts spawned in the mind of the child as the parent has released their authoritative covering into the hands of the physician for this miniscule task? As the parent stands there the child’s face becomes a canvas of expressions painted with fear. The body interprets a language of pain, and the endless cries for mercy leave lasting impressions on the walls of the parent’s heart. Nevertheless, you and I both know that the procedure will last a few seconds, but the child is unaware neither do they understand that it is for their own good.

With this vivid portrayal of an episode that many of you reading this message may have experienced, can you image what God sees as He watches us go through some of the trials and tribulations that we endure? Similar to the child, we too cry out for mercy in search for relief or an end to the madness. Yes, we know God to be Omniscient, but the natural response to a God who knows all is why He does not stop what we go though before going through it. To some, the hallmark of their questions is “why me?” To others, the understanding is that God often allows certain circumstances to enter our lives. Moreover, I have discovered that these “God Allowed” situations enter our lives for two reasons; to bring the best out of us and to bring God the Glory.

Jesus, in His strong yet subtle way, shared with the disciples the knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of God as a crowd gathered intrigued by this life-changing message found in the “Parable of the Weeds.” In the explanation of this parable and its significance relating to Kingdom living, Jesus helps us to understand life as a Kingdom Citizen here on earth. Similar to the Sower’s instructions to let the weeds and wheat grow together, God allows weeds to grow in our lives without removal to show us that He uses evil for our good and as long as we’re planted in the right fields we have the power to fully develop in Him.

If you are “planted” in God and He in you, that which grows around you will not hinder your growth or deter you from your destination. Furthermore, the weeds of life, those complainers, the doubters and the negativity that grows around us, cannot stop us from becoming. When opposition arrives in an attempt to discourage you, know that God’s purpose for your life is in effect. This is only a part of the process and an opportunity for you to develop the character of Christ in the face of adversarial issues. In fact, if God is in control of your life, you have no choice but to blossom where we are. Similar to the doctor rewarding the child with a piece candy following the shot, one day both you and I will receive these words… “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Copyright © 2008, Kingdom Minded Coach. All rights reserved.

Private Moments

“He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” Mark 4:34


Living life as a resident alien–a Kingdom Citizen in the world, but not from this world–we often encounter moments when it is hard to stay focused. Staying focused is a hard task when life bombards us with overwhelming issues that command our undivided attention. Even though we have absorbed the preaching and teachings from Sunday to Sunday, the application becomes challenging when the rubber meets the road. At times, shrugging our shoulders is the best remedy because the matter at hand is something we cannot comprehend. Endless prayers and supplication are employed, but by that time, we are way off course trying to get back in line. “Straight and Narrow” (Mt. 7:14) is path that we must travel, but life in all that it has to offer does not make this journey easy.

In fact, many things in life warrant our full attention. If it is not fulfilling the daily roles and responsibilities that we assume on our jobs, it is fulfilling the same, if not more, at home. If it is not trying to keep up with the time and the vastness of technology, it is trying to keep up with our culture and its diversity. If it is not the constant and consistent evangelism from the world of retail attempting to lure us to scribe to the “Religion of Consumerism”, it is the constant concern of the debt we benefited from the god of Consumerism that consumes us on a daily basis. Nevertheless, throughout all of life’s distractions, God is speaking to us.

God speaks to us through the common everyday activities of life; we just have to catch Him when we can. To hear God in the everyday experiences of life requires focus. Moreover, what a better time to center you focus when you have a private moment with God. Jesus often used parables to explain the mysteries of the Kingdom, but He never left his disciples in a state of confusion. When they were alone, Jesus would then share the hidden truths to the ones who yearned for insight and revelation. We will never discover the messages God is sending during a busy, chaotic day if do not take the time to be still. It is in the private moments with Jesus that He begins to share with us the mysteries of the Kingdom. He will explain to us those moments in life we could not comprehend. He will begin to show us why He did what He did and when it was already done.

If you are looking for answers to why you are dealing with what you are dealing at this season in life. Or you are always asking “what in the world is going with my life…” Take note of what is happening around you. Observe what speaks to you and how. Then take advantage of a private moment for God to make it plain for you. For this life is filled with many parables, yet Jesus will explain everything to His disciples once He has us all alone.

Copyright © 2008, Kingdom Minded Coach. All rights reserved.

A Bunch of Leaves

“Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.” Mark 11:13

One of the worse feelings one could ever experience is when you enter the kitchen with a major taste for something that no longer exists in the pantry, cabinets, or refrigerator. All day long, you had anticipated the satisfaction met by that special snack only to find that it was all gone. Whether it was your favorite bag of chips, cookies, or ice cream, it did not matter as long as they were where you last placed them. Sometimes you find yourself hiding them to avoid the other occupants within your residence from devouring them. Nevertheless, there were times when you reached the location and searched to find that your favorite snacks, which stimulated that craving all day, were gone. “Time to find something else…”

How disappointing it is to settle for less and displace the initial craving with something that never entered your mind in the first place. The thought of this crossed my mind as I read about Jesus and the altercation with the fig tree. When I first read this story, I felt sorry for the fig tree and thought how mean Jesus seemed to a poor defenseless tree. Yet, the more I read the more I began to hear God. Can you image how God feels after peeking in on Worship services that leave Him starving because they do not meet His needs? Then imagine God on an all out search for that special something, or someone for this matter, to fulfill His desires. However, when He finds that special someone, the one who comes to Worship week after week to Worship Him, outside of a Worship atmosphere… there is no fruit to be found.

Imagine how God feels when He sees us giving the appearance of fruit-bearing trees when our leaves mask the emptiness beyond the surface. How easy it is to blend in when other trees are around, but what happens when it is just you and God. What type of appearance do we give once our surroundings change from a Christian environment to that of the world? We give God great Praise and Worship in service, but what does Jesus find when the curtains of our private lives are drawn back? Do we look like trees with fruit while participating in service, but change between benediction and dinner? What would the outcome be if Jesus reached into our lives just because we appeared to be in full bloom? The fig tree was in full bloom, which gave the appearance of the season, but it was the wrong time to produce fruit.

The season in this story not only refers to the time as it does the state of the tree. The fig trees around Jerusalem would not produce fruit unless they were full of leaves. When Jesus approached this tree, it was in the right state to bear fruit, but it displayed full leaves at the wrong time. In other words, how disappointed God must feel when He sees us at our best in season (or shall we say in church), but finds a bunch of leaves out of season. When God reaches in the trees of our lives outside of the church, on our jobs, or at home will He find fruit or will He find a bunch of leaves?

Copyright © 2008, Kingdom Minded Coach. All rights reserved.

Fighting the Right Fight

I would be telling you a lie if I say that every marriage will be void of "fiery fellowships"...arguments, disagreements, and misunderstandings. This is a normal process in the life of a growing union. The problems arise when the two fail to realize that it is within the marital institution that God created, where the development process of the individuals does not cease. Some newly-weds either thinks once they are married they are to spend the first few months training and changing their spouses. Whereas others are convinced that once married they no longer need to be developed in the things of God. And either of these two thought processes will lead to major fights.

I will share more on the seeds that spawn from these two thoughts, but for now, I want to focus on fighting the right fight when it comes to expressing the wrong emotions towards your spouse. Yes, we will at times disagree, but things are so much better when the two can agree to disagree as they continue to move forward. However, when two disagree and then exhaust more energy trying to get the other to hear/agree with their perspective you've lost the primary battle with the one who is pleased that the two of you are now fighting the wrong fight.

Paul writes to the church at Ephesus that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” In other words, these moments of frustration, anger, and emotional distress are not about returning an all-out offensive assault on your spouse. And no, I am not saying that you are to refer to your spouse as a demon (that’s another “Something to Ponder” – because if they are saved, it’s not an issue). What I want you to understand is that the devil seeks to destroy marriage by causing to the two to turn on each other until the marriage eventually implodes.

Once the marriage turns inward instead of fighting outward, every little thing will blow up into major problems. Fighting the right fight starts within. Getting over “self”. Being Christ-centered as opposed to self-centered, and then the fight will be easier than before. When it’s no longer about self-preservation or self-promotion (fear & pride), and now it’s about protecting what God has established in your life and the gift that He has given to you to share the rest of your life with, you will learn how to fight… You won’t learn how to win the argument, but you will learn that if you call on Jesus together, He will fight your battles. You and your spouse will spend more time shouting in the devils face than you will in each others face!

In the book "Sacred Marriage", by Gary Thomas, he talks about how marriage is not only about finding happiness, but its also about becoming holy. God uses the marital institution to develop in those who enter holy matrimony the ability to see things in life the way God sees them. The process is not easy, but it makes for a better marriage when the two realize that God is still working them. Check our the Recommended Reads to pick up this book. Its a good book to have in your spiritual library.