The Pushers

On March 1, 2014, I posted this on FB: #Relationship101 (Part 7): 

Now if a man really loves a woman who's been battered, beaten, and suffered much pain via marriages, relationships, rejection, he will pray for her that she be complete in Him so when she thinks of her "exes," it won't be painful (meaning, she can think about it or talk about it and it won't be painful). She can move on and recognize that these men were nothing more than a demonic spirit who was trying to seize the woman (like Shechem seizing Dinah, or the serpent pushing Eve). 

I indicated there that I would do a blog on The Pushers. So here we go with this lesson:

When most people hear the word "Pusher," they will usually think of a drug pusher or someone trying to sell illegal things to someone else. But The Lord showed me something in the middle of the Relationship 101 series (if you want to read that, here's the link: http://mayneman.blogspot.com/2014/03/relationship-101-unedited.html?m=1)

Satan is the ultimate pusher. He looks for willing participants who will push his agenda; he looks for those who are naive - those who can get blindsided and not know that his agenda is pushed if not forced on them; he looks for those who are a threat to the Kingdom of God - he pushes those willing participants on those who are his threat; he also looks for those homes where there is no spiritual covering - this is where the devil pushes through the house (granted, he can easily walk in the house) and wreak havoc on entire families (parents and children). 

This can be broken up into many sermons just from what I said above, but I only want to focus on two things in particular.

1. If you go back to the first paragraph, what we find is a man named Shechem (a willing participant) pushing (actually forcing) himself onto Dinah. Delilah was a willing vessel but the men surrounded her were pushing the devil's agenda to destroy a man of God so they could worship their god. Now let's take those scenarios and set the scene in the time we're now living in. There are men (and women) who will push themselves onto someone of the opposite sex for the sole purpose of destroying their target's self-worth but more importantly, their target's identity in Christ. Yes, those men and women can be impostors (saying they love God but serving their fleshly desires).   In lieu of the first paragraph, if you are doing their utmost to live holy, and you run upon someone who's trying to get with you, first determine if they are a pusher (or if they are truly sent from God). One question to consider is this: how do you feel about sex before marriage? If they say they're ok first, then he or she changes their demeanor and starts pushing you (or mocking the fact that you're waiting), that's not a red flag, it's a black flag! They are a pusher. If these willing participants don't repent, be assured they have an end. 

2. This one is sensitive to my heart because I've seen this a lot in my life. This is where the home has no covering and the devil pushes right through the door and everyone is hooked (to the point of destruction). Parents and children are caught in this web and for many of them, all that's left is anger, depression and suicide. My prayer is for all infected but especially the children, for many of them have so many questions and they're not given correct answers. Some of their questions are:

1. Why are my parents denying what I went through?

2. If what I went through puts me at a risk for heart disease, why did God choose me to get it?

3. What can I do now considering I didn't know this was wrong though I'm reaping the consequences? 

4. People tell me to forgive and let the abuser get off with clean hands!

They are legitimate questions. Now here are some legitimate answers. 

To #1: Remember the devil is behind this and he pushed his agenda on an uncovered house. You now have the power to get covered, clean and live a victorious life. 

To #2: Your sickness does not lead to death. Now you have the power to take cautions to turn your situation around. Don't give up.

To #3: Part of it is for your testimony. Turn all of it over to Him and He will reward you double for your trouble. 

To #4: The first part is true, and I'm going to end this blog by answering the second part of the statement.

The pusher has an end (especially if he does not repent). You have so much to live for, so live. These pushers (and those who know they are doing wrong), are living without a care (and are probably unaware they are going to the lake of fire - and could care less about that). If you have broken from the pusher's stronghold, live! Don't let their strongholds keep you from living the abundant life you're supposed to live (and get this, as you're living the redeemed life, there's an assurance you will receive crowns in glory)!

Blessings:

The Mayne Man

Go And Sin No More (a FAMU Archive)

I originally wrote this lesson January 30, 2001 (during my final semester at FAMU). I don't know about you, but I've been convicted of this recently. With that, I want to share this with you all (and you will be reading it in its original format). Hope this blesses you.

Hey everybody:

If this seems depressing, forgive me. When the Lord convicts you, it should serve as a wake-up call. Throughout this E-mail, I will point out some people for a reason. On that note, let me begin.

John 8:1-11 says this (But Jesus walked out to the Mount of Olives.  Then early the next morning he went to the temple. The people came to him, and he sat down and started teaching them. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn't her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd.  Then they said, "Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn't her husband. The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?" They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger. They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, "If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!"  Once again he bent over and began writing on the ground.  The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore.")

I like this particular version of this. It's interesting to see (and I can speak on this, because I fall guilty on this myself) that Christ can forgive us, but we can hold people's past against them. Now, let's look into this for a moment. Many people in the world and in the church like to quote he who is without sin cast the first stone. Granted, we are all sinners, but we do have a mission: to please Christ and to shun evil at all costs, BUT REMEMBER IT GIVES YOU NO EXCUSE TO SIN, and some people use it to justify their sin which is wrong. But if a person is weak, we should help them; however, we are to let a person know that their sin is wrong and we should see that a person repent, never to return to that state again. Off tangent for a moment: (Remember that our salvation demands responsibility. A problem develops however when people start to think that they don't need to show any responsibilities towards God's gift of salvation). Even though Jesus didn't really deal with her sin, it's easy to imagine how this woman felt in the presence of Jesus. We can easily assume she felt condemned and we should too when we come into His presence and we've done wrong. If not, we (including myself) might want to check to see if we're really regenerate. And sometimes, we may have to come to that point to where we just break down and say, "Lord, forgive me, I've wronged you." Much like David in Psalm 51 and if we've wronged the Lord, this should basically be the prayer using verses 1-14: (You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt. I know about my sins, and I cannot forget my terrible guilt.  You are really the one I have sinned against; I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. So it is right and fair for you to correct and punish me. I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born. But you want complete honesty, so teach me true wisdom. Wash me with hyssop until I am clean and whiter than snow. Let me be happy and joyful! You crushed my bones, now let them celebrate. Turn your eyes from my sin and cover my guilt. Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. Don't chase me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me. Make me as happy as you did when you saved me; make me want to obey! I will teach sinners your Law, and they will return to you. Keep me from any deadly sin. Only you can save me! Then I will shout and sing about your power to save.)

I like the latter part, and that's what I believe we should do. But remember, if we pray something like this; know that anyone who keeps on sinning belongs to the devil. He has sinned from the beginning, but the Son of God came to destroy all that he has done.

God's children cannot keep on being sinful. His life-giving power lives in them and makes them his children, so that they cannot keep on sinning - according to 1 John 3:8-9.  For me personally, this lesson is a bitter pill that I have to swallow. Sometimes it comes down to this.

How We Act When We're Offended

On my way to work this morning, my spirit was so full and/or heavy. With that, I need to empty it because my life is to be poured out. God was showing me how we act when we're offended. Eight scenarios appeared to me and they capture the essence of how we act when we're offended.

1. Some people will be offended by what you say & do, but will overlook it if they are able to use you for their self-seeking purpose.

2. There will be those who will be offended by you & they will get their friends and your friends to betray you (because of pride, maintain their status quo). 

3. Many people will be offended but they won't vocalize it until you get real close to their face with what offends them.

As I'm typing this, The Lord dropped this. You get offended when others are going through, but expect others to drop what they're doing to cater to you when you're going through. Because you're offended, you don't bother to pray. This is nothing more than a Pharisee attitude. 

4. Just because you have a certain elite group doesn't mean that everybody has your best interest at heart (Judas Iscariot was part of an elite group and He turned on the Leader because he was offended).

5. We run quickly to the next biggest event (because a man/woman is in our area) than we do the Word of God. And we will take offense if we point out an action that man/woman does is a sin against the Bible. We will really take offense if we call out his or her teaching (even if he or she says we are our own god).

Back to point 4. There are modern-day Judas' around. They stay silent until you say something that offends their personal agenda. Once you say something, they come out of nowhere and unleash every demonic spirit within them. Now, I'm not saying they are demonic, just pointing out the action.

6. We love Jesus though He came to bring division (offense), but we hate our brother/sister because they offended us over something so minor.

7. When a believer says something you don't like, you take offense! But if someone with a title says the same thing the believer said, you welcome it with open arms.

8. Now watch people take offense to this one: God does not base your status in heaven based on your earthly title!

The Mayne Man ... dropping the mic!

Lost In The Wilderness

I initially started typing this near the end of 2011 when I was going my dark spell (in fact, part of ties directly into the epilogue of my novel Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Stupid). Of course, I had to stop working on this blog to deal with my issues and complete the novel. But now it’s time for me to pick this back up. Everything that’s in red is what I typed at the end of 2011 and 99% of it is kept in its original form.

The children of Israel in Numbers 13 & 14 were a perfect example of what it means to be lost in the wilderness. Instead of relying on God that they could take this land, they chose to have a pity party. In fact, they thought they could live on top of the world by going back to Egypt, so they said amongst themselves to choose a leader and then go back to Egypt. Joshua & Caleb were the only 2 out of the 12 spies that said that the children of Israel could take the land. And what do stubborn/selfish people do, they do what’s right in their own eyes (and they said to stone Joshua & Caleb with stones). As a result, God forced them to suffer in the wilderness for 40 years. But there was one problem; Joshua & Caleb were to also suffer because they were part of a team.

Now let’s define what wilderness means: it means barren area, or it could mean an uncomfortable situation (that makes somebody feel confused, overwhelmed or desolate). So, the children of Israel were to remain lost in the wilderness for 40 years and they would die. Now, let’s fast forward to today. Many people are lost in their personal wilderness and if we don’t minister to their needs, they could die there (but there could be blood on our hands if it was in our power to pull them out).

Our lack of sympathy for those who are hurting is going to cause a lot of casualties. I believe in the future that many will sacrifice their lives to save a soul and some will die in misery to their own selfishness. We need to stop focusing on health and finances for self-glorification and start caring for others. I’m sure if an issue attacked your home, you’d call your cousin and your family for prayer. This selfish spirit needs to go! In Acts, healings and miracles occurred when the church was on one accord. We need a shakedown! It’s sad that we can’t agree on what’s right and what’s wrong (example: is abortion a sin or not). Can two walk together except they be agreed? And we’re allowing the devil to create this division.

To say that the body of Christ is perfect, is called being blind to reality. We are sinful people and we’ll never be perfect. It’s our job to ensure that we push each other to holiness for the glory of God. To pick on people who nit-pick the problems within the church (especially if it’s legitimate – such as pastors sleeping with little boys), is defending sin. We can’t afford to be lost in the wilderness like the children of Israel.

2 Cor. 4:3-4 in summary says if the gospel is hid to those who are lost for the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe. I could plant a seed, but when 99% is swarmed in darkness, it's going to require more than a seed plant - the seed has to be watered with prayer and possibly fasting. These are tools that the Christian has, but are failing to utilize unless it's for our own loved one or for someone in their closed circle (that's fine, but what about expanding it as well). What about the lost people, we need to pray for them. Translation: we need to get out of the - what's in it for me prayer!
Part of the reason why we as a church get an F minus is because of selfishness and lack of togetherness. I pray this for me, me, me and this is why we're losing its effectiveness in the world. People don't need to remain lost in the wilderness to end up going to the lake of fire with the help of the church.

If the church can’t come together on one accord, what chance does the world have? If the leaders within a church can’t come together on one accord, what chance does the sheep have? If we don’t change and care about the things that matter to God; people are going to die with the help of the church. As a result, there will be a lot of blood on our hands. Maybe I should become selfish and focus on the needs of my family. We have forgotten within the book of Acts, healing and miracles occurred when people were on one accord, and one mind. I would like to believe that the apostles dropped everything to ensure they were on one accord. In other words, their lives were not their own. It was all about serving and not to be served. Christ came to serve and not be served. It’s a tragedy to even think that we can’t even do that. Our lives are for the glory of God and He doesn’t want anyone to perish. We can quote John 3:16 back and forth, and we should have a burning passion within us to not see anyone perish.

Someone needs to stand up and say “enough is enough. I can’t continue to leave in the ‘it’s all about me’ mentality.” Think about this: when we have a crisis in our lives or within our circle, we’ll stop what we’re doing and ask everyone we know for prayer. It’s a grave concern when we don’t think about someone we may not know who needs to experience the love of Christ. We don’t want to take the time to understand what’s going on in their lives. We’ll just shake our head and say “I’m sorry, I’ll pray for you.” We need to seek God and intercede for people in need of love, healing, etc. In order for us to make a major impact in the world, we can’t afford to stay in our comfort ones. Yes, we can encourage each other, but what about the lost sheep. I hope we don’t get so caught up on the 99 sheep that are found that the lost sheep stays lost and ends up lost forever. What’s the point of staying a Christian if we’re staying in our own bubble?

This is why the world doesn’t want to come to church. Why come to church and be divided when I can stay home and be divided?

In summary: the wilderness is not a fun place to be. Looking back between May 2011 and February 2012, I was in my personal wilderness and I’ll be the first to tell that it is not a fun place to be. I do thank those who stayed with me through it, and now that I’m out, I’m obligated to help somebody else out of their wilderness.

Blessings:

The Mayne Man

Our Attitudes As Christians

I would like to extend to a huge thanks to two authors for inspiring this blogpost (Danielle Taylor & Cynthia Lamb). I believe that our attitudes as Christians need to change for the better; if we don't, we will have a lot of blood on our hands and perpetrate the fraud thinking we're doing Kingdom business. I have a lot of topics to cover on this topic, so I will get directly to the point. You see, our selfishness attitudes, our pride and egos as Christians is why we are failing at Kingdom business.

I hear this phrase quite a bit from Christians, "I'm cutting people off cause they're not adding growth or I can't be around them cause they have too many issues, or cause they don't support my favorite preacher, gospel artist, etc." Here's a rhetorical question: Did Jesus ever cut anybody off? Many people would look to Judas, but the truth is that Judas cut himself off. God never cut anybody off (He pronounced judgment only because they cut themselves off from Him). So how dare we think that we're bigger than Jesus by cutting people off? What makes this even worse is that we cut people off due to minor issues (such as the things mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph). Now I did cut one person off by blocking them (this was a stalker case and due to her mental state). Now that doesn't mean that I won't stop loving her or praying for her. See, when we tend to cut people off, we do it with so much malice that we act no different than the world. Here's a question worth considering: have you ever prayed for anyone you've cut off, or did you frown your nose when you cut them off? In all seriousness, it shows that we are on the throne and not God. Let me make something clear: I'm not saying that you don't use discernment when you deal with people, you MUST do that.

Our attitudes actually aid to the number of agnostics and atheists. If we were to show love and compassion towards them (because God loves them too), they would see how real Christ is. Yes, they ultimately make the final decision, but we don't want to hinder them with our pride and ego. Sadly, there are times they get it better than we do due to our behavior.

One of my dear friends made this comment: when you have Christians going overseas to preach the gospel versus preaching in their own state (due to fear, burned out), that's a sign that we're not heeding the New Testament (thinking on scriptures such as bearing one another's burdens, and pairing up in twos - to witness, and pray in agreement). But at the same token, another sister friend said that missionaries overseas are coming over to witness to us because we're too complacent with the gospel (I would even add the fact that we are so partial to the gospel, that we would rather hand around our respective cliques - you must go to my church to be a part of my circle - and the 99 found sheep). So, what have we shown to the world? How to be fragmented and divided. Now how's that for Kingdom business?

How did we ever get to the place that we will attack those who are truly God's anointed versus those who are perpetrating a fraud? We will tear down those who God put up, and we lift up people who we KNOW are living foul and will cover it up cause they itch our ears? What does that show? We're selfish (and heaven forbid that we call it out, then we have to hear "you're judging." And don't let me tell you that I'm in sin, for you would end that friendship with me quickly - but then you want me to show love and compassion when you slip and fall). Also, how did we get to the place where we base our friendships and associations based on who gives us goosebumps, itches our ears, and supports our personal agenda? What about God's agenda and what He wants us to do? And the last thing for this point: how did we get to the place where we tell people who are going through to "Talk to God" but then turn around and want them to stop what we're doing to pray for us? That is not only discrimination, but it's also hypocritical and we need to repent for our behavior.

There are things that people will want to debate you over such as "how come you don't defend my pastor, or my church?" and we Christians will get mad (and scholarly I might add) if we don't defend their pastor, their church, etc. I'm not saying this is arbitrarily a bad thing, but when it takes precedence over the Bible, then it's a major problem!

The last thing I want to touch on is "titles." When we put our title over the fact that we're a child of God first (and you drop your sanctification if you're recognized for your title), then we have a serious problem. Now, you can call yourself what you want, I still consider you a child of God first (but I will respect your title and your position). And granted, I may have a title, but I also know that my title is not who I am ultimately. I'm a friend/child of God (and a brother in Christ) first.

Yes, I know that we're going to be hated by men, but it's a travesty when hatred comes from those who say they're in the body of Christ. If we keep pride, egotism as our attitudes in the body of Christ, we'll be doing more harm than good when it comes to Kingdom business.

Now, this post is really out of love and concern, and really a plea that we've got to get back to being on one accord. If we really want the signs and wonders in Acts 2 (as well as seeing many get saved), we have to be on one accord (of course, not solely for the signs and wonders, that's what God wants from us anyway). It's been said, we will be known by our fruit, not by our prosperity!

Blessings.

The Mayne Man