Who's Your Daddy?

It's no new thing to know:"Many have been raised without a physical father figure in their life." They have been labeled as coming from a single-parent household. And mom was forced to play the role of mother and father simultaneously---a double role she's incapable of performing and one that was never designed for her.

This is a debatable discussion for those who feel feministic in their views and devalue the role of males in society. Should the male role even be valued in the home, community or society at large? Regardless of my opinion or yours, God's perspective is what's most meaningful. And He highly values the role of father figure. Better yet, He chooses to fulfill the role of father figure Himself.

We have all seen the void boys and girls experience from the lack of this role in the home. They tend to spend much of their lives trying to fight off the feelings of neglect and abandonment. Or the over-achieving dissapointment they feel from seeking to measure up to a dad they never knew. Some even go throughout life with a spiteful determination never be anything like their father. And others are longing for a father's love and acceptance; so they go from relationship to relationship searching for that desired love.

Again, God has made it clear where He stands on the matter...

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5 NIV

Former NFL player and present pastor Freddie Scott, II has written a book dedicated to this entire ordeal. He helps provide some pertinent background for the cause and solutional remedies for the cure to the problem of fatherlessness. Check out info on his book at the link below:

http://www.thedadiwishihad.com/ 

They Really, Really...Like Me!

Unfortunately, there's going to be those 10 people that can't stand you. The 8 individuals who wished you'd just shut up. Those 5 critics who usually speak about you in a negative light. And the 1 friend or family member who would rather not hear about Jesus, especially from you.

"Likability is overrated!"

Let's face it; people just don't want to hear the truth, even the tactful, loving and gentle truth. But they would prefer, "Just tell me what I want to hear...and be done with it! Or, if you entertain me a lot; I might come back to hear more!" Many churches today have very selective audiences that rarely want to be challenged. So don't be surprised or become shocked when everyone doesn't love you. When they could care less about what you're telling them, no matter how life transforming it may be.

Speak the Word boldly, obey God and be the best you that you can be. People are responsible for their own actions; what they choose to or not to believe is their decision. So if they intentionally choose POOR DECISIONS after hearing truth, that's on them not you. Don't always feel like people are rejecting you when they're actually rejecting God. Remember, God is the One keeping score.

"Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God." (1 John 3:19) NLT

Pastor, Christian leader or Jesus follower your confidence shouldn't rely on people but rather on God. So instead of focusing on the hand few of people that rejected you; your attention can be more focused on the many that didn't. The ones that are being truly ministered to by the voice of God. The ones who are having their minds renewed, hearts touched. Keep letting God use you for His glory, not yours. 

Again, everyone doesn't love you! And everyone doesn't like you! Matter of fact, everyone doesn't even care for God! Let's realize that on a continual basis and stay away from approval addiction. A great sign of a growing follower or good leader is when they fully start to understand:

"Life doesn't revolve around me!"

Joyce Meyer's book Approval Addiction brings many of these points home. Check it out here:

My First Book...!

Well, well, well...God is simply amazing! I have just officially published my first book---A 308 page step-by-step guide to a better Christian life. It highlights a faith journey to be walked upon by the brave and daring, as well as the clueless and fearful.

The book is entitled---FAITH, FOOLISHNESS, & FAMILIARITY: Why so many Christians are struggling with their walk.

Purchase a copy while supplies last...!


click on the link to order:https://www.createspace.com/3433834

College Impact

I'm originally from Miami, but live now in the ATL. I was first introduced to Atlanta around my college years while attending Clark Atlanta University. College can become a daunting place for many and it embarks you onto a whole new world. Yep, sex, parties, frats, drugs, and a whole gamut of influential avenues are out there. All one has to do is step out and experiment with just one---it can become a whole world of hurt or burdensome lessons learned the hard way. Regardless of the hype and hard times, college can actually be some of the best years of your life. It's all in your preparation before ever stepping one foot on campus.

Campus life, for most, should just be a reflection of growing experiences within your home. If you were spoiled rotten then you'll become easily disappointed with hard work. If you were lazy the long hours of studying will frustrate you. If you were egotistical then you will pout when professors or resident directors refuse to give you your way. The list can go on and on.

Eventually, you get my drift!

Parents could have dropped the ball in readying you for college. But, there is another side...

Everyone may not be ready for college, but they can become ready for life. If you are a Christian, well, you have tools available to help fix (in your life) what parents may have left undone. You have the AVAILABILITY of direction from the ultimate parent---GOD! He can guide you through every hurt, each pain, obstacles, sleepless nights, starving days, relationship failures, etc. He can even support you through spiteful professors and extremely confusing coursework.

My friend Damian L. Boyd wrote about this dilemma precisely within his new book College Impact: check it out at this site...
http://www.damianlboyd.com

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