A Thousand Words

Is there any relationship between the spiritual state of a man and a tree? Countless times in the Bible we see Jesus using trees in parables to teach and explain his relationship with us. For example in Matthew 12:33 Jesus tells us, "Make a tree good and it's fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and it's fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by it's fruit". Here you see the direct connection between a man and a tree. Again in John 15L4-5 Jesus say's:

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of its self, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me you can do nothing".

So it is no surprise to me in Mark 8:22-25 when Jesus heals the blind man in Bethsaida that the first thing the blind man says he sees men as trees walking. Let's make no mistake about it, Jesus makes no mistakes! Is there something here that Jesus is trying to show us? Is it possible that this man who was once blind, after Jesus spit on his eyes was able to see the spiritual state of man? In learning about tree is there something we can possibly learn about the nature and spiritual state of a man?

The movie "A Thousand Words" gives us some insight on the relationship between a tree and the spiritual state of a man. We get to see how Jack McCall's words effect not only his spiritual and natural state, but other people as well. At the beginning of the film Jack McCall is a book agent and often lands his clients through deceit and persuasiveness, which comes from his gift of gab. He doesn't understand the effect of his words, neither does he consider the damage they do until an unexpected tree grows in his backyard. This tree is representative of Jacks spiritual state. Whenever he talks or writes a leaf falls off of the tree. When all the leaves fall off this tree Jack McCall dies in the natural. This experience teaches him to watch not only the words he says, but also the words he writes.

The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 17:28 "Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding". Jack McCall held his peace because he understood every word he spoke led closer to his death: "For by your words you shall be justified and by your words you shall be condemned" Matthew 12:37. Up until the final scenes of this film, Jack McCall's words were condemning him. With this level of awareness came a great level of responsibility, but even with this responsibility somehow Jack is still able to be irresponsible and waste his words.

Let's fast forward to the scene where Jack seeks to find his answer to life's problems in a bottle of liquor. The more he drank the more he became drunk. The more he became drunk the more he began to talk. The more he talked the more life he lost. (This moment in the film directly reminded me of the times I would foolishly sin knowing that the wages equalled death). Just as he was about to commit suicide with his foolish, careless, and reckless words, his assistant said to him "What are you doing? Stop! You're going to die!". This scene is so powerful because as Christians it shows us the importance of accountability. The Bible tells us in Ecclesicates 4:9-10 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up". We must begin to realize that Jack made his problem known to his assistant. Without knowing Jacks situation how would have his assistant known to stop Eddie from talking? Since Jack was stiff-necked like so many of us Christians can be and are, he didn't want to stop talking. His sin blinded him and the consequences of his actions. Jesus let's us know that sin is deceitful! Since his assistant was there he balled his fist up and knocked him out cold! As believers we sometimes need some faithful brothers and sisters to straight up knock us out when necessary! A wise man when rebuked will become yet the more wiser.

The morning after Jack's deliberate sin or deliberate talking he see's his tree...his spiritual state. It is now that he finally realizes what he has done. It is now that he is remorseful and feels sorry for his sin. He realizes this tree is for real. He understands in the depths of his soul there is nothing that he can do to add leaves to his tree...add more time to his life. Have you ever been in this place before in your own life? That place where you you are completely naked and vulnerable before God. You messed up so bad you realize there is nothing you can do in your power that can save you? Everything you did usually led to more problems? More heartache, more disappointment, and more pain? I know I have.

One thing that Jack did was take a hold of what Bishop TD Jakes calls the NOW Moment. Paul say's it like this in Philippians 3:13 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" . It made no since for Jack to be stuck in the past over the words he wasted, so instead he chose to forget those things that were behind him and reach for those things that were ahead. I have come to tell you if your still alive then those things that are behind you, you have to forget and those things that are in front of you reach for! Grace and salvation are in front of you! It was now that Jack chose to tell those close to him that he loved them. Pointing to his soon to be wife and his child he utters this phrase: "You, me, baby, Eternity". He chooses these words wisely and as an effect it's the most powerful dialogue he's ever spoken. While standing at his fathers burial site, the man who abandoned him as a child he uttered his final words from his heart: "I forgive you". These words, which took his life are the same words that God used to restore his life. Consider Matthew 6:14-15 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses". Luke 6:37 "...Forgive and you shall be forgiven"

...and by your words you shall be justified...

God Uses You to Represent Him

While at a meeting I had the privilege of meeting this great photographer. He has lived an accomplished life: Author of 10 extraordinary books and fantastic artwork. After the meeting we still had some things to discuss so he suggested that I stop by his studio. I believe the Lord allows things to happen for a reason so I accepted his offer and I followed behind him in my car.

I parked my car and entered the front door of his studio. I wasn’t surprised to see tons of breathless artwork and a desk filled with many papers because after all, this guy is well known in the town. Our discussion continued on to his office where I took a seat. To my far left over my shoulder there hung a picture of the last supper. Directly in front of me where the Artist sat there hung a picture of Jesus Christ. Seeing this I rejoiced in the spirit and asked the man if he believed in Jesus Christ. Hearing this he replied, “Yea I think he was an alien”. I laughed because I thought it was a joke. So I ask him if he was serious and he say’s “Yes I’m serious” and explains to me his reasoning.

While he spoke I looked up at the picture that was placed directly above the chair he sat in. Jesus stared directly at me, but the photographer didn’t notice him because he had his back toward him. It all came together after that. I thought to myself “Hey I’m Gods representative”. My friend don’t you know you are God’s Representative! He doesn’t have to part waters for every one; he showed you his might so that you may have the faith to bring another to Christ. Truth be told, God led me from ENYFA to Binghamton in part to share my faith with this elderly man. Isn’t God Good? He is the director of all steps. We both though we we’re going to his studio to discuss art and future plan, BUT GOD had another Idea. It was a DIVINE APPOINMENT!

I did a silent prayer and asked the Lord to give me the words to minister to this man without coming across as proud or having a spirit of ‘I’m right your wrong’. The Lord placed parables on my tongue to minister to him with. Not only that, but he also placed on my heart to share some of my testimony with him.

I told him that since I was in foster care the Lord has always placed people in my life to get me to the next level in where God wanted me to be. I spoke to him about a woman whom we both knew named Laura, a woman whom he had just met. While in the meeting earlier he complimented her on her dedication and enthusiasm. She then went on to say she’s the only one at her job with it. I explained to him the first time I met her I said to her, “I know you’re the best at what you do. I know you go above and beyond for your clients because God places these people in my life”. I was able to call it right off the back because of God’s Grace. Needless to say she goes out of her way for her clients beyond the job description you name it. Not only that she tells me that she doesn’t take walk ins, but decided to take me before her way out. DIVINE APPOINTMENT.

I shared this with the elderly artist and like his photography career “He got the picture”. We laughed and peace entered my spirit. It was as if God was telling me “I’ll take it from here”. I ask that you all pray for this man call him "The artist" God will know who you're talking about;)

My friend God will move you to a place where he can use you. With that said the same way a country chooses a leader to represent them in the UN God chooses us to represent his Kingdom in the world- Go out and Represent God

Jesus Can't Save You? Life Starts When the Church Ends?

There has been a lot of controversy with the rapper by the name of Jay-Z. Some call him the Jigga Man and even Sean Carter, but He would like to refer to himself as "Hova"- Sound familiar? Let me just begin by saying this blog isn't about bashing his name, but simply pointing out some things I don't like about his lyrics on "Empire State of Mind" the track with Alicia Keys.

Since Jay-Z is my favorite rapper I know a lot about his lyrics and how in depth they go, but can we say "TOO FAR" on this track? I'll be playing the devils advocate, but I would like to know what you think.

“Hail Mary to the city you’re a virgin and Jesus can’t save you life starts when the church end”.


The Youth pastor: http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhnPzf17i6XTWDJDAj

goes in on this part of the verse which is expected, but it is to my belief he’s taking the verse "WAY" to Literal. He was on point with his statement until I heard him say- “According to Jay-Z life starts when the church ends so all the big churches you might as well shut it down because life can’t begin until the church ends”. WHAT?? I ride for Christ 110%, but being a fan of rap I also know the language. Metaphors and context make a big difference.


Before this particular verse he's speaking about certain females who are attracted to the lime light, ballers , rappers ect. "A city of sin it's a pity on the whim"..."Don't bite the apple Eve". What he's saying in these verses are actually true. Now fast forward to the "Jesus can't save you". NOW for everyone who thinks I'm agreeing with this statement let me tell you no I'm not- "JESUS can SAVE YOU" The story about Jesus and the Prostitute Luke 7:36 to 7:50. She got saved and there's tons of other testimonies- Like mine for example.

In context of the lyrics Jigga could've meant by the "Life starts when the church ends" verse is, for a lot of people deeply involved in the drug game, prostituting,ect after church it's back to the same lifestyle in a lot of cases. But in a lot of cases That's NOT the case. Jesus shows himself mighty to the broken hearted and those who have given up hope. Just because one goes to church and hears the word of God doesn't mean Jesus isn't working with them because the SEED has been planted. Once the seed has been planted God grows the seed- He is the director of all steps!

So IN CONCLUSION Even if the Jigga Man meant this he is STILL WRONG- He’s wrong because Jesus “CAN SAVE YOU”. And saying these lines LIE about GOD. If Jesus can't save you who can? He's Blatantly denying the fact that Jesus is the one who led them to church in the first place and what God starts as Alpha he finished as Omega. Case Closed.

Moral of the story- Jigga Man "Jesus Can Save You"