What The Future Holds (Part 2)

I’m reading off & on a book called Unfair Advantage (released at the end of March 2011), and it brought up some very good points:

This is what’s happening in 2011:

1. Kids still go to school, learning nothing about money
2. Kids still come out of school looking for a job, anxious to get married, buy a home, and raise a family
3. The national debt is out of control, and foreclosures take homes from millions of homeowners
4. Our wealth is being robbed via higher taxes to pay for this debt, debt that goes to the rich
5. Kids who find jobs are only too happy to have taxes taken from their paychecks before they get paid
6. Kids are only too happy to have money deducted from their paychecks with the illusion they’re investing for their retirement
7. Legislation is now being passed making it legal to take a larger percentage of your wealth when you die.

He continues with these facts: This is why we’ve seen a second tea party in America.

This is what’s happened in 2010:

1. A new tea party movement protested America’s taxation of Americans.
2. The British government announced that 500,000 government workers will lose their jobs. Those on welfare will see their benefits cut.
3. There were riots in the streets of Paris as the French protested against increasing the retirement age from 60-62
4. Japan, a nation with a great education system that produces hard working people who save a large percentage of their money, is the biggest debtor nation of the world with their debt at 200% of GDP (gross domestic product)
5. China & Russia, once our mortal enemies, traded not in US dollars, but in their respective currencies (the yuan and the ruble).

This is no different than a banker refusing to lend money to a person with a poor credit score. What does this all mean? It means the party’s over and the sleigh ride has stopped. It’s also horrible news if you’re someone who wants the government to take care of you (if you’re living that way, you are the problem). If you’re expecting the government to solve your problems, YOU HAVE A PROBLEM! The problem is that the governments of the world are broke. Now there’s nothing wrong with having socialist ideas, we need people who care about others. But when you believe in a “free lunch,” that now becomes greed! There are greedy people on both sides of the spectrum. Always remember, a wise person focuses does more with less therefore bringing products at better prices (from an environmental perspective, prices come down as productivity goes up).

Now there are some people who are so focused on their political agenda, playing the race card to get their way, even at the cost of their spiritual life. Not to worry, if you’re focused on anything but God, remember that you can’t serve two masters. So, if you want to continue to focus on anything but God, your wish will be granted but it will cost you your spiritual life in the end. Another problem that occurs in the church world is we have a habit of linking political leaders to the devil (when they really are commissioned by God) or saying they are chosen by God (when they’re doing everything wrong). I say to that, we need to pray regardless of who’s in office (not our will for once, but for God’s Kingdom to be done). My greatest concern is that some people see what they want to see because their flesh, not their spirit, wants to be satisfied. We need to pray for the truth to be revealed across this land. It’s a tragedy when you’re so rooted into a Presidency that it takes over your spiritual beliefs. We need to pray for the office, irrespective of who’s in it.

I want to encourage you to not lose sight of what’s to come in the future. Now is not the time to rest because your death or the day of the Lord hasn’t arrived yet. We will face adversity, let it come. We need to stop rebuking adversity. There’s a saying: gold without fire can’t become pure gold. The problem is we don’t want to go through the hard place. We want our way now, like Burger King. My editor has told me at times (and I’m thankful for that), to go through my hard places, because they will make me stronger. Now I truly see it being a writer, some good writing can come from the hard place. While we are here on earth, the righteous might be stomped on like a roach (and never get the justice they rightfully deserve), but God said the righteous will never be forsaken. This may not happen while you’re here on earth, you will go through hell at times, but God will give you peace when your spirit is with Him. Be on your guard at all times, because there will be no peace until Jesus cracks the sky. Read any one of these passages: Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21. As I think about it even further, within those passages, you’ll find where it says (and I’m paraphrasing): no man will know when the Lord will return. There’s a looney toon out there who first said May 21, now he’s saying October 21. Here’s the travesty, many people will believe him and the looney toon will make a profit. This is what you call “fleecing the flock.” Anyway, keep your eyes set on the heavenly call and you won’t go wrong!

What The Future Holds (Part 1)

At the beginning of this month, many people were celebrating the death of Bin Laden. Some of you might be wondering why I waited for almost a month to say something about it. Well, the wait is over (if the truth be told, the honeymoon for celebrating is also over).

I remember 9/11/01, I was at work and I’ll admit I was nonchalant about it when it hit the towers. My world stopped when it hit the Pentagon. I won’t belabor all of my feelings about 9/11/01 here, but I’ll say this – don’t forget those who died. Today, if you’re reading this and feeling like there’s now peace & safety in this world now that Bin Laden is dead, I need to remind you of 1 Thessalonians 5:3. It says (from the Message Bible): About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other—"We sure have it made! Now we can take it easy!"—suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.

The problem with us as a country, we love violence. We love the death of guilty people, death in movies (granted, we love horror movies), the death of innocent people, but we don’t like the death of animals (dog, cat, etc.). Granted, we care more about pets than we do the unborn. But here’s a thought: what happens when a death happens to someone close to you (a brother, sister, a parent, a child, etc.)? We must’ve forgotten about that. I could even extend that further, the world loves violence. The world was rejoicing when Christ was crucified, the majority of the world when civil rights leaders were murdered. The world rejoices over death whether the person was in the right or in the wrong. We don’t glorify life anymore.

I posed this question on Facebook (and it came from a book entitled Unfair Advantage). Think about this:

1. What would an ounce of gold cost at the end of the next decade (12/31/20)?

2. How much will a gallon of gasoline cost in 2020?

3. What will food cost in the next 10 years?

After reading some of the responses that I got on those questions on Facebook (Sister Lori: I thank you for provoking my thought), I have this to say:

Yes, these things are temporal. The last thing we need to do is be laissez-faire about it and live your life like a flake. We need to be intelligent while we are here on earth while still looking to God who is our ultimate source.

What do I foresee? I foresee more government control over our lives. Here’s the travesty: because the majority is so naive putting our political views over our spiritual views, they’ll vote for more government control. The end result will be a loss of identity (who we really are on God is loss to who the government says we are). It’s foretold that there will be a one world government, one world economy and a one world religion. Anyway, I believe our borders will not remain secure, and our agents will not be supported, US laws won’t be enforced. I also foresee those who say they are for peace, will really be for war. We need to stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong; let all that we do be in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). People will also link political views with spiritual views, so if you don’t agree politically, you will be considered anti-spiritual (and you will be attacked). If you are being attacked because people are considering you anti-spiritual, remember 2 Timothy 3:12, all those who will live godly shall suffer persecution. This will increase the more as these days progress (in fact, you trying to live godly will be considered a hate crime). The question I pose is this: are you going to bow the knee to the world? As I think about it, this post will be considered hate to some. It will only be hate to people who only want their flesh satisfied and not their spirit. It will be love for those who receive this in a loving spirit (and this I pray). I foresee people are going to want their mouths fed by somebody (like a baby still needing to be fed) and they don’t want to feed themselves. We want to be told by another human being how to conduct our lives and we as passive people will do what they tell us to do, as long as we can stay in our complacent comfort zone. There’s a part of me that wants to say to that (yes, again), you’re an adult, GROW UP please! It’s also recorded in Scripture that people will betray and hate one another. Love will be a thing of the past. I can imagine that the government will turn around and betray us intentionally. The question I pose to that is this: where will your faith rest on?

Now I don’t want to play devil’s advocate when I say this: it’s interesting that we police other countries and we assist other countries when they have a disaster (such as tsunami’s, etc.); I’ve yet to see other countries help us during Hurricane Katrina. It’s also interesting that we’ll sing songs that state “we’ll go through the storm and rain,” but when they come (I believe we’re going through it now), we want to rebuke & complain about it. This is really going to upset some people: it’s interesting that US citizens can be charged for sending money to Pakistan, but it’s OK for the government to send money to Pakistan. What’s up with that (and why isn’t that being questioned)?

Sitting on Talents

This blog post might reflect back to a prior blog I wrote entitled “Complacency & Talents"; however, I want to focus this specifically on those who are sitting on talents because of pressure around you. Sometimes the church you attend, your family, your place of employment can cause you to sit on the talents that have been bestowed upon you.

There will be little minds around you (even in your church, etc.) that will tell you that you’re not gifted in this or that because they’re not doing anything except complaining that they can’t get ahead. The local church can be a hindrance to your true talents due to politics and favoritism. Don’t kick too hard against the local church, and don’t try to change it; however, don’t let the collective talents bury your individual talents. Also keep this in mind, I’m not saying that every church has a selfish motive (and there are some good churches in your respective areas).

I also need to be a bit sensitive when I talk about this: When you deal with churches, sometimes individual talents are sacrificed for the church's agenda (and it comes from leadership). Some leaders will say that your talents are to be used ONLY for the local church and its mission (the question I would raise is: who else other than the church is going to reap the benefits)? When a leader says that, then people will sit on their talents, become complacent, individual talents are buried and the end result is not only does the local church miss out, the body of Christ at large and the world misses out. Local churches should be able to back those who have individual talents (especially when it's part of God's agenda - where it ministers to the local church and to the body of Christ at large). What I see that's very common is that churches back up those who have talents that benefit the leadership of the church or makes the image of the church look good (or they can only glorify the talents of the leadership). Some leaders might be aware and some may not be aware that everyone has gifts and talents for the local church and for the body of Christ at large. This is where people need to know the Lord and the Word for themselves, stay in constant prayer (and fast if necessary). Now here's the other side, some people in the congregation will intentionally sit on their talents for selfish reasons (or they aren't seeing instant gratification). They want all the glory for themselves and want those around, inside and outside the church as a whole, to recognize them.

A little side note: I deal with churches that are selfish a little bit in my third poetry book (on the verge of release). I made up a fictional church where the pastor is controlling, he feels the talents belong to the church, he supports alternative lifestyles, and because the congregation is so naive, they sit and their talents go to a total waste.

I mentioned little minds earlier, let’s deal with them specifically. Some of those little minds can be your family & friends, but because you chose to fulfill your talents, they are now jealous. But they’re rejoicing when you’re not fulfilling your talents because they love the company. Misery loves company. If you fall for that feeling, your sitting on your talents and you’ll give an account for that. Here’s the other side of that: people around you are fulfilling their talents and you’re jealous, griping and complaining. I ask you, why aren’t you fulfilling your talents? There’s a saying that goes (the scripture reference being 1 Corinthians 15:33): you show me your friends and I’ll tell you what you think of yourself and what you’re capable of accomplishing. If you hang with people who are complacent and complain, you’ll be one of those people. If you hang with people who want to change the world and fulfill their talents, you’ll be motivated to do the same (hopefully that's the case, unless the root of complacency is planted deep into your spirit). If you hang with people who sit on their talents because you're allowing other people are controlling them, you will be miserable and complain why others are succeeding and you aren’t. You might need to change your friends (not kick them to curb, or maybe you might have to), but you don’t have to let their actions and especially words deter you from where you’re going - this sentence is mandatory if you really want to fulfill your talents.

Don’t be discouraged, because you have a lot to offer to someone. Here’s the other side of the coin. Sometimes churches and families will thrust you into roles that you know are not your calling. The reason why that sometimes happens is because the church or family is just selfish and looking out for themselves. Example, a single mother has multiple children and thrusts them all into athletics with the belief that at least one of them will go pro and I’ll let them take care of me. I’ll be able to live the rich & famous life.

Now many people are saying, “You’re advocating people should start a business, but not everybody should start a business.” I agree with that, if that’s not your calling, then don’t start one. Don’t let your job overshadow your talent. Some people will use that as a crutch (my job is enslaving me and I’m always tired) as to why they’re not putting their talent to use. I believe God gave you a brain to put to use and to not sit and complain. Several months back, I posted this quote on Facebook, if we spent more time working our talents as we do complaining & blaming, we can make a difference in this world. If you don’t fight for your talent, you’ll lose it (as mentioned in one of my prior blogs). I'll say this again (from "Complacency & Talents"), you're an adult, GROW UP & GO FOR IT!

I want to encourage you to not let others dictate what your talents are (especially if you know what they are and not what they say they are). Remember, you will give an account for your individual talents that you don’t utilize. I’d hate to see you forfeit your talent and stay complacent in your comfort zone. A little reflective of the children of Israel where they didn’t want to go to the Promised Land, instead they wanted the complacent life.

In conclusion: I believe the majority sit on their talents because they either want instant gratification or they didn't realize how much work is involved. Once you count the cost as to how much work is involved and make the decision to go for it and put in the work; you will have adversity and trials, but the Lord will sustain you!

Review of Take It From Him

This review was written by my brother & fellow author, Davis Prime.

Ok, Men: when was the last time you picked up a book of poetry? If you’re like me, it may have been quite some time, but I highly recommend you change those ingrained habits and get Tremayne Moore’s new book, Take It from Him. Frank, and insightful, Mr. Moore bares his soul in such a way that other men can benefit from his life experience, while at the same time, giving women a clear vision for the male enigma. It’s no easy task, but within the pages of his latest release, he pulls no punches, dealing with the issues of men: whether it be determination, fatigue, love, fear, or even perversion. While some poems speak directly to the black male experience, the issues he addresses and gives voice to are shared by all mankind. Tremayne is obviously a man of faith, and as such, his beliefs shine forth, in poems like My Mind on the Word. This book reaches lofty places and it can take you with it because the author permits a level of transparency and vulnerability, exhibiting both his strength and humility. Here is a book that suits itself to the busy day-to-day lifestyle of men and women. It does not demand that you consume it in one sitting, or even several. Instead, it can be sipped and digested at leisure, alone, or in a group setting. You can find a quiet spot, sit down, and read one or many of its gems; it doesn’t matter. As for me, I think the combination of a cool sunrise, a cup of coffee, a chair on the porch and this book might just prove an unbeatable combination.

The Untouchables of the American Church

Prelude: before you read this post, I want to inform you that I agree with this 150%. This was written by my editor & fellow author Shantae Charles. I remember her telling me a month ago she was planning to write this, and I was waiting for it. She released this on her blog page last week and it was fire! I'm with her when she says, "if you can't tell it, let me tell it!" Most of you know, that's how I am (especially if you went to FAMU with me between 1998 - 2001). With that said, you will probably get offended by this, but I'd advise you to pray about what you''ve just read.   

 

        As I begin this blog, I want to make it clear: the Pastoral calling, and indeed the calling to 5-fold ministry (Eph 4:11-14) is one of the most daunting and rewarding calls one can recieve from God. As a minister who is called to 5-fold ministry, I count it an honor that God counted me worthy putting me into ministry. I am also blessed to have been discipled and trained under pastoral leadership both past and present that has been full of integrity and full of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. I know that many people complain about their church or Pastors, but this is NOT a complaint. I hope to encourage the 5-fold ministry while at the same time provoke my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to good works and greater relationship with Jesus Christ.

         Jesus said that those who are not saved, are already condemned. He came to provide good news, news of salvation and deliverance, news of healing and forgiveness. Once we have recieved that message, and been grafted in to the Body of Christ, the fold of God, through justification, we emark on a lifelong journey with God in fellowship, in discipleship, in community with other believers, and along the way, we mess up. We screw up royally. We confess, we repent, we ask for God's forgiveness, and faithfully God provides it (I John 1:9).

But, what happens to us when we no longer want to hear the message of the cross? When our walk becomes comfortable and we take a laissez-faire, "let it be" approach to sin? What happens when church becomes just another thing "to do" instead of another opportunity "to change", to be renewed in the spirit of our mind, to understand what it means to put on Christ and not fulfill the desires of the flesh/carnal man?

Well, we come upon what I call The Untouchables: things that many pastors are inceasingly having a hard time addressing over the pulpit or have stopped addressing altogether for fear of losing membership, social or political reprisals (losing a pastorate), economic reprisals (decrease in tithe and offering to support church ministry), and as our laws becoming increasingly "anti-Christian", time in jail. Though there are many more, here are 8 of what I call The Untouchables of the American Church and the attitudes that go along with them.

1. "Don't preach to me about music."

"Yes, I will sell my soul for a Jay-Z, Beyonce, etc. concert ticket, and don't expect me to show up for service if the concert is on the same night as Bible Study...So what if their lyrics mock/deny Christ, and make fun of all that is good, glorifies sex outside of marriage, hustling, drugs, gang violence...the beat is thumping, you can't deny that.

2. "Don't interfere with my love/Sex life."

"So what if I want to be with more than one partner? That wait until marriage idea is archaic. Besides we both agreed to this open marriage...its what's in right now. You've got to try the relationship out first before you settle down with one person, right?"

3. "Don't preach to me about "rights to life."

"Its my body and I can do what I want with it...despite the fact that most abortions are not occuring because the mother's life is in danger, or because of incest or sexual abuse...so what? If I want to use abortion like its birth control, who are you to tell me what to do?"

4. "Don't tell me homosexuality is a sin."

"Look, you just need to get over this, okay? People have been doing this for centuries and its not going to stop. Besides, my Mom, BFF, Uncle, Grandpa, and favorite singers are gay and they're nice to me, so, what's the big deal? You should be able to be with who you want to, right?"

5. "Don't tell me my political views are wrong."

"My president is black, and that's all that matters to me, and if you say another word, I'll shut your mouth for you...besides, faith shouldn't play a role in how you vote and what bills you support, right?"

6. "Don't tell me my appetite is out of control."

"Look, you're not Richard Simmons, so don't even try to tell me what to eat...so what my blood pressure is a little high, and I'm ignoring all the medical advice I have recieved from medical professionals...I'm going to eat, drink, and be merry. End of discussion."

7. "Don't preach to me about my social life."

"You're on thin ice,now. I've sacrificed to join this organization, I've given my time, money, blood, sweat, and tears, I've got too much invested and I'm not giving it up...besides, if you just give me some time, I know I can win them over."

8. "Don't preach about my vices.(Drinking, Obscene Language, Gambling, Smoking)"

"I know, I know, they're bad for me, but everything in moderation, right? My habits aren't really hurting anybody, as long as I only socially drink, and I don't smoke around my kids...so what if I fly off the handle? Everybody gets angry and has an off day, right? Oh, and if I hit the jackpot, I fully intend to donate to the church, okay? Just, leave me alone! I'm only human."

The above attitudes may surprise you, but what surprises me the most is that these attitudes are reflected by Believers in conversation and demonstration. When you have attitudes like this, it is no wonder 1,500 Pastors daily on estimate leave the ministry. If Pastors can't address the things in our lives that fuel carnality and unrighteousness, then where does that leave the church? We have to be a body of believers willing to hear the truth regardless of whether it is socially or politically correct. Our main concern should be whether it is Biblically correct. Is this for my spiritual good? Is my lifestyle leading me to eternal life or eternal death? Pastors have a serious charge to provide us with truth, to mature us in righteousness, and to give account for our soul, if we have been placed in their flock.

The Apostle Paul and other apostles throughout the letters to the church (not unbelievers) addressed some of these very same issues: sexual immorality, reveling, unnatural affection, sobriety of the saints, filthy language & communication, and so forth. Yet, at a very critical time in world history, and indeed church history, it appears the church is still needing milk. We must go on to maturity, but we must be a church committed to holiness, righteousness,truth and purity, which by the way are required of all church regardless of denomination or non-denomination. God is coming back for the  Church, His Bride without spot and wrinkle, not a church that excuses or makes excuses for a stained garment.

I encourage you, as I was challenged by the Lord, to examine yourself and see if you are in the faith. I encourage Pastors to not back down from the hard issues, the "untouchables" and preach the unadulterated Word of God. We're counting on you!

Blessings, Peace, and Church Love

The Freedom of Sex (a FAMU Archive)

I wrote this E-mail lesson September 30, 2000 while I was a FAMU student. As I look back at this lesson, I took a lot of heat for it and people were complaining that I'm this, or I'm that. But it also confirmed my theory that Biblical issues are less important than political issues to some people. And to me, that's a tragedy. Here's the lesson:

This is probably one of the boldest E-mails that I’ve ever sent, and I might make some bold statements.  This is an E-mail that might cause some division, but I’m at a point that I don’t care.  I hope this E-mail makes you vomit because of the content of this.  This is the direction that I’m going because we as Christians need to wake up, smell the coffee, and stop playing church and just having some form (if any) of religion.  I also want you to think about this up and coming election.  I’m not telling you who to vote for, but I want you to think about some statements coming from our future president, whomever that may be.  We as Christians need to evangelize this world, because this country (in particular) is going to hell in a handbasket, and we are not fulfilling the Commission of Christ (I admit, I’m not moving like I should either). 

Many of you have heard of this controversial abortion pill called RU-486.  This comes from the weekend USA today paper (dated September 29th to October 1st, 2000).  Here’s the big headline: FDA approves abortion pill (controversial RU-486 could be available within a month).  So what is the world saying to the world (and us): that sex/fornication is perfectly all right and we can kill our child (and/or evidence).  You can truly say that Satan has a hand on this (we can fornicate – which is detestable in God’s sight; and we can murder – which is also detestable in God’s sight).  This is just giving people to up and have sex and not have a child.  We’re just enabling people to link with Satan.  I personally feel if the world can kick up their wrongs, we need to kick up our stand for what’s right and not try to be like them and be all things to them!  Hello somebody! 

Let’s keep this going, the article continues.  Here’s what George W. Bush had to say on it: “The FDA’s decision to approve the abortion pill RU-486 is wrong.  As president, I will work to build a culture that respects life.”  Al Gore (who praised the approval of Mifeprex – that’s what it’s called) had this to say: “Today’s decision is not about politics, but the health and safety of American women and a woman’s fundamental right to choose.”  And there you have it people.  Some people may say that it’s a lesser of the

two evils, how far do you plan to take that?!  Now we as Christians have the right to speak against the wrongs (that’s what Jesus did) and state and tell them what’s right.  Yes, we’re in a period where people will die for doing that, are you willing to do that or remain silent.  I’m at a point in my life that I’m willing to die for this.  I believe that in a few years, the words Christian & Jesus will be banned. 

Here’s some more information on this: It first appeared in France in 1988, the drug has been used by more than 620,000 women in Europe, China and Israel.  It will be available in clinics and doctors’ offices in four weeks.  The patient is required to have three doctor’s office visits over a two-week period.  It can be used as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant up until seven weeks after her last menstrual period started.  Almost all women experience at least one of the drug’s side effects, which include bleeding, cramping and nausea (to include vomiting and diarrhea).  In U.S. clinical trials, 5% of women still needed a surgical abortion after using mifepristone, and 2% nrequired surgery to stop heavy bleeding.  Only doctors who can accurately detect the age of a pregnancy and whether it’s ectopic, or tubal, will be allowed to administer the drug.  The drug blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy, and can be used from the time a woman knows she is pregnant until seven weeks after the start of her last menstrual period.  The drug, mifepristone, will be sold in the USA under the trade name Mifeprex.  Women will be able to obtain Mifeprex through doctors’ offices and clinics.  It will also be distributed only through physicians who can accurately determine the duration of a patient’s pregnancy.  The steps to terminating a pregnancy consist of this: (It requires three visits to a doctor’s office or clinic over a two-week period.  At the first visit, a woman will receive counseling about the process and an FDA-approved medication guide explaining how it works.  She then will swallow three tablets, each containing 200 milligrams of Mifeprex.  In two days, she will return to take two 200-microgram tablets of misoprostol, a prostaglandin sold under the name Cytotec.  About 12 days later, she’ll return so her doctor can make sure the pregnancy has ended). 

If you want any more information about Mifeprex, here are two websites:

www.earlyoptionpill.com

www.earlyoptions.org or call (800) 772-9100.

If you feel that we should depart ways as a result of this E-mail, let me know.  I still love you, but I hope that I didn’t cause any form of animosity.  But I believe this is a Biblical truth (which is coming to pass according to Matthew 24:36-39).  This states But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.  For as the days of that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.  

God bless you all and I love you all.

Your brother in Christ:

T-Mayne

P.S.  Excuse the length of this!

Complacency & Hebrew Slaves

Complacency: the thief that robs us of our identity and causes us to stay in bondage.

In Exodus 1, Jacob & Joseph had died and there was a new Pharaoh in town (who disregarded God's chosen people). God's people were slaves in Egypt and were treated horribly. They were treated so bad that the Egyptians wanted the Hebrew women to kill the baby boys but let the girls live.

Now fast forward a few chapters into Exodus, after Moses gets the children of Israel over the Red Sea, the children of Israel do one thing that's interesting: complain and want to go back to Egypt and be Hebrew Slaves. They said that they got food to eat, notice they neglected to say they got beaten and cruel treatment. God was trying to test their faith and rely on Him but they failed horribly.

Now, there's a better life for us, are we longing for someone to tell us what to do and be cruel to us? Are you willing to step out on faith or do you want an easy way out? The easy way out is simply complacency and your life withers away.

In my prior blogpost, I briefly mentioned about people on jobs and they are so complacent because it's easy even though their working hard like a Hebrew Slave. But when things go wrong, such as insurance costs go up, retirement is getting cut, salaries are getting cut, everybody wants to complain, but won't step out and cross over to their own Promised Land. They'll still endure the Hebrew Slave treatment and remain complacent.

Think about this: has complacency gotten you to the point where you have amnesia? If so, what do you intend to do about it? Also, why is it that people who are truly complacent remember the insignificant things but ignore the hardships endured to acquire the insignificant things? Think about it, the children of Israel had their backbones beaten just for food. What they should have been thinking about was stepping out on faith to have freedom as well as the horrible treatment endured by the Egyptians. Now, let's bring it to us: are we being told to love your job and being fed from our employer that we should be thankful that we are working for them (just to ensure an ESP - I call that an Economic Stimulus Paycheck, or to ensure insurance, retirements - which for many people those are now in jeopardy)? Are you afraid to take a leap of faith and pursue the freedom and talent that God is calling you to because your employer is telling you that nobody is going to take care of you like we do? Remember, misery loves company. Now, those things (ESP, benefits and paychecks) are really insignificant; however, we ignore having our jobs threatened, having no raise and/or bonus, having our salaries reduced, and having our retirement funding be reduced in order to have the insignificant things. If we're smart enough, we should remember the horrible treatment more than the insignificant things given to us (which aren't even guarantees). That should in itself cause you to want to break free from complacency.

Another thought, remember when I mentioned above that misery loves company? Think about people on your job, and how bitter some of them are because of their complacency and want you to be bitter as well. I’m sure there are people who you work with will complain about you (especially if you refuse to give in to complacency) and then they run to their supervisor and say, “he or she is not conforming to your rules of complacency.” The moral is simply, the subordinate is getting beaten (by threat of loss of job security through termination or demotion, etc.). Again, that should in itself cause you to want to break free from complacency.

When you decide to step out from complacency and you're breaking the chains of Hebrew slaves, I promise you it won't be an easy road. You will have death staring at you (cause the enemy wants you killed). In fact (a little side note), on April 10th, on my way home from church, the light turns green and I'm preparing to make a left turn, a car jumps the divided median and if I hadn't slammed on my brakes, the car would've hit me directly on the driver's side. But the Lord said, not this day, I've got work for you to do here.

There's one more thing I need to bring up. There could be another group that's complacent because they stepped out and faced a setback in the way (whether it be minor or major). To this group, did you forget that setbacks are inevitable? Why did you throw in the towel and willingly go back to the life of complacency and Hebrew Slave treatment? You'll hear some people say when they're in their promised land, "Yes, when I was working for someone, I had a steady paycheck, had a little free time, not too much work to do at times. Why is it so difficult here in the Promised Land? I have to work harder now than I did when I was complacent. Nothing is given to me like before!" How many of you know what I'm talking about? One of my good friends would say, "You're already in your promised land! Yes, you're not going to be eating the same food as you did when you were complacent. Now is not the time to complain and quit (saying, I like having things handed to me)! You have more peace in your spirit and you have freedom!" Another good friend would say this, "you are in your harvest, but most people don't reap the harvest because everybody doesn't put in the necessary work to reap it!" As I think about it, some people quit because they are trying to get rich quick (or they want that instant gratification). No! You are going to have to work, give up some sleep. But it's all worth it. Think about it, most millionaires/billionaires got rich because they made sacrifices, went through discomforts, and a lot of failures. And we have the nerve to sit up and complain they need to give us their money, when we could have the same thing. My brother Darrell would say, "God can bless you with harvesting ideas (to make you a millionaire)." Now what's so difficult about that?

Are the chains of complacency worth breaking? Absolutely. You will feel so free that people will want to experience it also. Let's go to the Promised Land together and let those who want to remain complacent and be treated as Hebrew Slaves stay in the wilderness.