YGT: Thank You, Dr. Watson

Tonight, I attended a retirement dinner for Dr. Donald Watson, who was retiring from his position as a professor at St. Augustine College in Raleigh, NC.  During the dinner, many people gave warm remarks about his life and legacy.  

Among the notable:

• His birthday is tomorrow, February 27 (He will be 69)
• He earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh
• When he is excited in church, he runs, dances, and shouts (if you've been around Dr. Watson for any length of time in a service, you know this is true)
• His favorite song is "Nobody Greater" by (six-time Stellar award winner) Vashawn Mitchell
• He has four brother, three sisters, and five children
• He played basketball in high school

The most moving part of the evening was when his children acknowledged the place he had in their lives.  They said he was consistent, faithful, quirky, loving, and giving.  One of their daughters, Rachel, danced to the song, "Your Joy" by Chrisette Michele (below).  

Dr. Watson and his amazing wife Sis. Cathy are wonderful examples of what it means to raise children in the admonition of the Lord.  Having someone like this as a model is important for me as a young father and husband.  I thank God for Dr. Watson and his family.  Their uniqueness and service to God reminds me of the Butlers (and Abraham from Genesis 18).  I pray his life continues to bring transformation to all those around him.

Lord, thank You for the power of an example.  You have given us servants to show us how to walk in Your ways with grace and humility.  We love You and need You more than ever.  Please continue to raise up fathers, mothers, and friends that are ambassadors for you.  Let us be counted in that number.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Watching,

j.a.g.

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Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Genesis 18:19

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

YGT: A Prophetic Vacation Home

Never forget where you came from…

This week, Ashley, Jocelyn, and I are in our hometown East Chicago, Indiana. Coming to EC is always a mixed blessing.  In the midst of the reunions and irreplaceable people, is the reality of change.  I’m no longer who I was when I lived here, but I’m still connected in a way that can never be changed.  I love the community even though it’s hard to see it flatlining in some areas and declining in others.  Somehow, I don’t feel I’m alone in this.  Even Jesus felt that it was difficult to go home (Mark 6:4 below)

Today, I attended Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago and heard a powerful sermon by Bishop Horace Smith.  He preached about having “Prophetic Vision”.  In the message, he remarked on the many ways we limit ourselves in what we believe.  One of the ways we do this is by looking back and becoming satisfied with what we've become.  God is doing a “new thing” (Isaiah 43), he exclaimed.  This encouraged me not to become complacent in the vision God has for my life. 

Another great word from the Bishop - “God doesn’t give you more Holy Ghost”.  He only renews the Holy Spirit that was lying dormant in a believer.  I surely felt the spirit awakened in service.  Today was a day of renewal. 

As I was saying - Never forget where you came from... but never forget where you're going.

Lord, thank You for the power of going home.  Please bless the city of East Chicago, it's leaders, and it's children.  I'm grateful to have a place to return and be revived.  We await our final vacation home with You.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Enjoying,

j.a.g.

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Mark 6:4
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”

YGT: Lin-thusiasm, Baby Carter, and More Syria's Matters

I don't tweet. Just can't seem to get into it yet. However, if I did, this week would have provided many topics to ponder about. Below are the topics that have been trending this week. Have you tweeted about them?


The week began with Super Bowl Sunday (in INDIANAPOLIS!) where the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots thanks to a great catch by Mario Manningham...

While the Super Bowl was going on, the people of Syria were enthralled in super lows as they continued to battle a government that is killing it's own people. This situation is simply inhumane. Sadly, the international community is debating whether or not to intervene...

Blue Ivy Carter's photos are released. (I don't really feel comfortable posting pictures of people's baby's, so I haven't here.  I kinda assume you've probably seen them by now).  I pray their parenting adds another level of love to their marriage. From Jay's song, it seems like Blue is already changing them (as children undoubtedly do)...

Sometimes, things happen in life that seem to defy the odds. Modern miracles, they make us less cynical and more hopeful. That is what is happening currnently in the NBA with the story of Jeremy Lin, an Asian-American Christian who has gone from the end of the bench to starring for the New York Knicks in a week! A Lin-spirational story...

Then, just yesterday...

The world lost Whitney. A timeless voice and perhaps the defining singer of the 1980's. Her death parallels Michael Jackson's in it's shock and tragedy. Big ups to LL Cool J for praying for her to open the Grammy's.


Life is fleeting. The highs are high and the lows are low. Be comforted that God is available in both. This week, consider the power of communication to strengthen, comfort, and tear down. Your tweets are your words. Your words are power.



Lord, please remind us of the power of our tongues and our hands to communicate life and death. We observe the power of words when we realize how you created the world. We also see the strength in words from scripture. Let's pray for those who have faced super moments this past week, from moments of exhilaration to moments of extreme despair. Please especially comfort the family of Whitney Houston and the people of Syria. We look to you when all seems broken. In Christ's name, Amen.



Cautious,
j.a.g.










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Proverbs 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

YGT: 5 Ways to Confront a Friend in Sin

Ever know someone who was engaging in sin and you didn't know how to talk to them?  Ever been confronted about sin yourself?  (Shhh, come closer)  Ever wanted a friend to confront you about sin?  This can be one of the most challenging parts of living a Christian life.   How can I live faithfully in love and yet speak up when friends and family sin?  Such tender topics require special attention to scripture.  We can see John 8 for Christ's classic confrontation with some stoners (read it below).  From it, we see that Jesus spoke...

• After Waiting - Jesus didn't say something as soon as he was told about it, he paused and began to write.  (v.6)  Don't be "trapped" into responding quickly - ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what and how to approach the situation.

• In Private - Jesus waited until he was alone with the woman.  He never mentioned her sin until they were in private.  (v. 9)  Making a scene shows pride and self-righteousness - a friend wouldn't reveal someone's sin in public.

• In Person - Jesus didn't let the men make the decision about the woman, he did it himself.  He stood up and spoke to the woman.  (v.10)  Speak directly to your friend - no one deserves to hear about themselves from others.

• In Grace - Jesus didn't condemn the woman, he defended her.  In fact, he challenged those who didn't realize their own sin.  The word of God wasn't to be used to stone people, but to liberate them. (v.10-11)  Always examine YOURSELF first and express God's forgiveness, compassion, and love.

• In Truth - Jesus knew the word of God, and because of that he did tell her she was living in sin.  He told her not to sin anymore. (v.11)  Know the Word before you make conclusive statements but don't shy away from telling the truth as you know it.*

Thank You Jesus!  From his actions, we know we should be very careful in this matter, but not careful enough to avoid it.  Conversations about sin can be powerful moments in a friendship.  Yet talking without considering Christ's example can be disastrous.  Let us all be willing to discuss sin and also to be confronted at times we don't meet the standards God has called us to.  Let's always remember, Jesus defended a sinner and gave his life for a whole bunch of them!

Lord, please forgive me for times when I have not lived according to Your Word.  Thank You for friends, mentors, and family members who are courageous and Godly enough to confront me.  Please give me the same conviction and grace in approaching those I love in areas of sin.  Let it strengthen our relationships and bond us together as we embrace the fulness of Christ's sacrifice for us.  Thank You for Jesus!  Amen.

Looking in,

j.a.g.

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John 8:3-113 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 

4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 

5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 

6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 

7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 

8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 

10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

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*Some of these are not universal.  Sometimes, you have to respond quickly (cases of abuse).  Sometimes, sin needs to be reprimanded publicly (social injustices come to mind).  Sometimes you may feel the Spirit urging you to talk to someone and you may still be figuring out exactly what the Word is saying to you.  However, each time you talk with someone it should be done in love and grace.  We should approach each conversation from the perspective of "How will God get glory out of this person's life (including their current situation)?"