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Racism in the Church, part 2

In my last blog, I exposed the roots of racism and placed the greatest responsibility on the church. Addressing racism and eradicating it in our nation and the world is our responsibility. I would like to offer some biblical solutions that we can take—not tomorrow—right now! 

Hate what God hates

I believe God has allowed us to live in this season of time when racism is running rampant and unchecked so we can make a difference. It’s time for believers to get their heads out of the sand and speak up on behalf of God concerning racism. We exist as the body of Christ to represent Him here on earth, true? 

Simply expressed: God hates racism just like he hates lying, divorce, murder, abortion and any other sin. There needs to be a unified church voice that says we hate what God hates, and that is racism. We won’t tolerate it in our lives or our churches. 

Making that statement should bring many believers to the altars of repentance because, unfortunately, racism does exist in the heart of some believers.

Suggested steps to take

Let me suggest some steps we, as the body of Christ, should take:

  1. Each local church should have a service for the specific purpose of repenting for the past sin of racism; sin that the Christian church embraced before and during the years of slavery. Whether we like it or not, the church has a faulty foundation of racism that has been overlooked for years. 
  2. I believe we need to commit ourselves to root out any racism that exists in our churches today by speaking against it from the pulpits. We as believers and church leaders have been quiet too long and now is the time to make our voices heard. We need to remind our flock that racism is a sin and that it will not be tolerated in our churches. We should make our altars available for repentance for those who are convicted by the Holy Spirit. 
  3. As a corporate body, we need to set time during our services to pray against the demonic activity that’s behind racism in our church and nation. Scripture says our battle isn’t fought against flesh and blood, but against demon spirits that work through people who have open doors to racism.
  4. Pastors need to teach and remind their congregants of the history of racism in this nation, and ask the Holy Spirit to impart empathy in our hearts so we would have a greater love for all people—especially for people of color. 
  5. We need to make our congregants aware of open doors in their own lives passed down in their family lineage. We may have unconsciously embraced a belief system of racism. Maybe some of us are unaware of the roots of racism in our lives.

    A good example would be: A father who raises his children with a lifestyle degrading people of color. He passes on the belief that people of color aren’t equal to white people and don’t deserve the same form of justice. As adults, when they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the children carry those same demonic beliefs into their Christian life. They never denounced their generational sin of racism, nor were they even challenged to do so from the pulpit. Too often it isn’t addressed as sinful and against the heart of God. 
  6. The people of God need to stop addressing each other by color and ethnic background. This creates division and separation, rather than unity. God created only one human race and we are all children of the Most High God. Our Father knows and identifies us by our spirit—not our color. We need to see each other through spirit eyes, not carnal eyes that are influenced by Satan. 

Cleansing and outpouring

Just these few things implemented immediately and consistently will cause a cleansing and purification of the body of Christ. And there needs to be a cleansing in the church before there can be a great outpouring of His presence. 

I believe we are about to experience a “Psalm 133 Outpouring” that would touch this nation and every nation across the globe….

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing–Life forevermore.” —Psalm 133:1-3

We are called to be examples of what heaven’s culture looks like to unbelievers. But, before we can see a true breakthrough, racism has to be confronted and dealt with first by you and me—the church of the living God!

Let’s do our part

 If you’re a Pastor reading this, let’s join our hearts together and bring an end to racism by doing our part. If you’re a member of a church, please get this article into the hands of your Pastor and encourage him to confront racism.

Remember, you can be an asset by supporting Christians that take responsibility for ending racism in America. Better yet, join us in prayer for this miracle movement of God to take place in this season. I declare: We will see the end of racism in our lifetime!…

Racism in the Church, part 1

Once again, racism has overtaken the daily headlines in America. The senseless death of another young black man at the hands of a police officer raises the question: Will there ever be a solution to the racial problems in America?

The root of the problem

We have tried to resolve this problem of systemic racism since the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Though we have made some advancements in equality among the races and in dealing with some of its effects, we haven’t really done away with the core problem of racism which is sin. You can cut off the fruit of a tree and still find it growing back again every year. Unless you get to the root of the problem, you’ll never bring a lasting solution. 

Peaceful protests, new legislation, more black police officers, better education and job opportunities for the black community are great suggestions and are things we should institute. But it will never do away with racism until we are willing to face the root issue in our lives, and that is sin. Since it is a spiritual problem, it demands a spiritual solution which absolutely involves the church today.

Until we as the body of Christ are willing to join together and look into the mirror of God’s word, we will never see racism done away with. It needs to be eradicated first within us, as Christians, before we can affect the world in which we live.

Some of us were raised with the belief (prejudice) that one race is better than the other. Satan, the father of all lies is at work to deceive people’s hearts and minds, but unfortunately the church has not dealt with it. Racism is still found in the church, which is supposed to be the conscience and soul of this nation. And, there are even churches that are prejudiced against each other. I’ve heard it said that the most racist day of the week is Sunday! We have all-black churches, all-white churches and we have mixed churches; yet, even in mixed churches, there can be an undercurrent of prejudice. 

One race: human

There is only one human race, just one. And until we bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus, racism will always exist. Only the love of the Father through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit can help us walk in unconditional love toward one another; where we don’t see color—only God’s gift of life in each other. 

As long as we remain carnal Christians, we will never resolve the racial problem in this world. People are calling for justice, but true justice is something that originates from the heart of God; it’s His idea, not man’s. But, nothing from God is released on this earth unless we surrender all of our heart to Him and allow Him to live through us. 

Repentance in the church

The bottom line is that the church must address this issue with all sincerity and truthfulness by first repenting for its own long-standing racist attitudes. Most of the racism in the past—supporting slavery and killing innocent black people—was supported and even encouraged by the church! Search our history.

We have hidden it under the cover of religious piety, but it’s like filthy rags before the Lord. 

Denominations have black clergy and Hispanic clergy and then just clergy. Too few people of color are found in leadership. In some churches, minorities have a secondary role even if they are more qualified than others. 

We tolerate racist remarks and behavior in our churches, yet hesitate to bring godly correction for fear of losing our caucasian constituents. We don’t support those who are willing to address issues of racial equality and we vote for parties with racist agendas.

It’s time for us as Christian leaders to confront these issues with our own congregations and lead them into the truth about God’s justice. 

Denominations need to come together, putting away our swords and submitting to God’s mandate to “let our light shine before men that they may see our good works.” We should pray together for racial injustice to cease and for the roots of racism to be completely destroyed. 

One enemy: satan

Satan is our enemy, and sin is the vehicle he uses. We are God’s weapon against racism. Therefore, the church needs to teach its people the root causes of racial injustice and the history of racism in our nation. 

The church needs to address these issues with zeal and, once and for all, commit to show the fruits of righteousness in our cities. We need to rally together black, white, Hispanic—all men as one in the name of Jesus!…

Quiet the storm within

If we never receive the healing we need, the past can greatly affect our present and future course. Neglecting and ignoring these past hurts and bad memories creates what I call “hot buttons”. When these buttons are pushed, devastating storms get stirred up and then released!

These hurts and bad memories are often caused by deep rejections and disappointments we have suffered. They fester deep inside us and become like volcanoes, waiting to erupt under the right conditions. These eruptions are devastating to us and to the people around us.

Yet, we are often unaware of the causes of our angry outbursts, fits of rage, hurtful words, sarcasms and sometimes even our violent reactions. It seems out of character so we excuse it away by saying things like: “I’m just having a bad day.” “I wasn’t feeling well at that moment.” “I acted out of character.”

Sometimes we justify inappropriate behavior because we feel unfairly treated. But if we continue to make excuses without dealing with the root to the problem, we just keep the buttons for others to push.

And if the buttons remain, they will destroy our reputations, careers, marriages, family relationships, our walk with God and our personal testimony of God’s greatness!

Inappropriate and violent behavior are always the result of harboring feelings of anger, hatred and rage. They’re sure signs of a storm brewing inside of you that’s ready to be released. The storm is just waiting for someone to push the right “hot button” so it can erupt.

Here is some advice on how you can quiet those storms, assuring yourself and others that you will no longer be a volcano ready to erupt:

  1. Recognize that those feelings of anger, rage, and hatred are a sign of a deeper personal problem. Unfortunately it’s easier to look outside yourself than to look inside. It takes courage to be transparent because it makes us feel vulnerable. But, when we can begin to look at ourselves we will be on our way to getting free and to start quieting the storm inside. There is an absolute connection between what we feel and express when our button is pushed and what has happened in our past.

Start looking inside when the anger begins — not when it has already evolved into rage and is controlling you instead of you controlling it. By looking inside you’ll understand where these storms get their strength. If you get to the root you can get to the fruit.

  1. Stop blame-shifting, because that places the responsibility for your feelings of anger and negative reactions on the person or things that pushed your hot button. Instead, look inside immediately and question why you feel this way. Why did their words cause you such hurt or torment?

I realize this isn’t our natural reaction to feeling hurt and pain, but the Holy Spirit is living in us and He will strengthen us and remind us to think before we talk. We can and must develop the habit of waiting a moment before responding irrationally. That leads me to my next point.

  1. Know that God loves you and wants you free from those storms inside. Many times He actually allows them to erupt in you. Why? Not to condemn you and make you feel bad. No! He wants to deliver the enemy of your soul so you can destroy it before it destroys you. The awareness of God’s love (not condemnation) is a critical step in quieting the storms in your life. God loves you unconditionally with no strings attached. And He is ever-present to help you follow His plans for success.
  1. Finally, forgive yourself and ask others to forgive you for those storms. There is no victory without the cross, meaning you must recognize and truly repent of your sin and acknowledge the price Jesus paid for your forgiveness. Forgiveness disarms our true enemy. Remember we are not fighting against flesh and blood but a spiritual enemy who wants to destroy you and those around you.

Let’s no longer be time bombs ready to explode because our hot buttons were pushed. Jesus quiets the storms of our hearts by healing us of our past hurts and bad memories. So, ask Him right now to come into those places in your heart (memories, feelings) that still hurt. Allow Him to quiet the storms in your life!


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Your purpose will outdistance your mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes in life. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be human. But our mistakes are really not the problem. The problem is that we let our mistakes blind us to our God-given purpose. Then depression sets in, and we lose sight of what God has planned for us. We begin to see ourselves and our future the way the enemy wants us to instead of the way God sees us.

Matthew 6:22 and 23 says that if our heart (imagination) sees nothing but failure and defeat, every aspect of our spiritual, emotional and physical life will be negatively affected.

Proverbs 13:12 puts it this way: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Hopelessness is a negative, devastating force. It always depresses and always makes your spirit sick. That’s important because, as your spirit goes, so goes your whole life!

But depression hides. Many people don’t realize that they are depressed and spiritually sick. Worse yet, they do know it, but instead of treating the root of their depression, they treat the symptoms with solutions that can’t offer permanent relief. We have to deal with the roots to get free from its fruits. Take pointers from someone who was bound by depression and is now set free—me.

 You have God’s nature inside you and, when it flows out, it will change your world.

  1. Stay focused on the reason you’re still here. Fight the temptation to think it’s too late for you. God has kept you for such a time as this! You’re not disqualified from fulfilling His purpose for your life in spite of what you feel, have done or been through. You have God’s nature inside you and, when it flows out, it will change your world.
  1. Get God’s vision up and running again in your thoughts and imagination. It takes courage to believe God’s big plans for you, but start to dream again. God uses your dreams to accomplish His plan. He has not changed his mind about what He wants to do in and through you.
  1. Depression is an enemy that has already been defeated by Jesus. You don’t have to live in hopelessness and despair. And don’t dare accept it as your life sentence.
  1. Your mistakes never disqualify you from God’s purpose. Some people never get over their past failures, and they are consumed by them. God specializes in impossibilities! Dismantle the false boundaries you’ve erected in your mind because of your past. You are never beyond God’s reach.
  1. Finally, place your hope in His promises—not the circumstances or the natural boundaries that surround you. God is not limited by temporary circumstances or even natural law.

Dream BIG. Hopelessness often comes because we have set our sights too low. God’s purposes are incredible! If your dream is attainable by your natural efforts, then it isn’t from God. Why? Because He reaches way beyond the normal and the attainable into the impossible and supernatural!

Break the spirit of depression today by daring to dream BIG. Let hope arise in your heart. Your past mistakes can never cancel God’s awesome purposes for your life. Start living your dream today!…

Unlock God’s blessings every day

If you’re like me, at times you’ve wondered why you haven’t seen more of God’s blessings manifested in your everyday life. Things like healing, peace of heart, freedom from bad memories and even financial blessings seem illusive.

I want to share a key I’ve discovered that is guaranteed to unlock these blessings— starting today. The word of God tells us, His children, that we have been given the keys to lock or unlock blessing from heaven’s storeroom (Matthew 18:18). You may have locked away your own blessings.

God desires that we release His blessings from His heavenly treasure chests. In spite of what our religious upbringing taught us, we are not waiting for God to release the blessing we so desperately need. He said in Ephesians 1:3 that He has already given us every blessing we need.

So how do we unlock these stored up blessings? Just having the keys is not enough. We must know how to use them to unlock heaven’s treasures.

The Bible describes a few keys, but I want to share the one I call the “master key” and give you steps on its correct use. Without this key, God’s treasure chest will stay locked. The master key to unlock every door holding God’s blessings is the KEY OF FORGIVENESS!

The master key to unlock every door holding God’s blessings is the KEY OF FORGIVENESS!

Use this key and your life will lack nothing. Here is how you start:

Step #1. Determine to forgive others or yourself according to God’s will. The forgiveness that flows out of your life shows the world around you who God really is—a forgiving God.

Remind yourself that God forgave all your sins 2,000 years ago, long before you even existed! In Matthew 6:9-15, God says forgiveness unlocks heaven’s windows so He can pour out His blessings.

Step #2. Turn the key by getting rid of any offense. The moment someone offends you, make sure you’re already in the forgiveness mode. Don’t wait for them to ask forgiveness. Instead, release forgiveness by freeing them from the offense.

Matthew 5:23 and 24 says, when you’re worshipping God, if you remember that someone has something against you, don’t wait for them to make it right. Stop what you’re doing, go and make it right with them first. Notice how different that is than what today’s culture says, which is to wait until they come to you.

Step #3. Turn the key all the way. Search your heart for any past un-forgiveness towards anyone who hurt or disappointed you, or even towards yourself. Confess that holding unforgiveness is a sin. We often overlook this sin because it is so acceptable in the body of Christ. We tend to look at the outward, fleshly sins instead of the inward spiritual sins like resentment.

This master key unlocks the blessings God already purchased for you. By failing to forgive, you keep God’s blessings from being released in your life. Your unforgiveness even hinders other people from forgiving you! Have you been wondering why people stay mad at you? It could be because the heavens are locked up.

Unforgiveness also locks up:

  • God’s divine favor that opens doors of success.
  • God’s wisdom to help you wisely steward the blessings you do have.
  • Healing from sickness like arthritis, cancer, depression, mental illness, etc.
  • Unforgiveness also blocks the body’s natural defenses against new sicknesses that can attack you.

It may seem like this master key is difficult to use. But if you are a child of God, it’s not difficult because God’s nature to forgive is already inside you. But what good is a master key if you never use it?

Right now, make a list of people with whom you are angry or offended. Ask God to forgive you and make a decision to live a life of forgiveness. When you claim the blessings God promised, expect them to begin to flow because you have the master key. Use it! Start unlocking your blessing today!…

Mother’s Day Thoughts

I believe out of all the holidays we celebrate in this nation, there is none more important than Mother’s Day. I miss my own mom terribly and I would love to have another chance to tell her how much she meant to me.

I admit (un-ashamedly) that without having had a mom like mine, I would have never made it to where I am today. And I have been so blessed in my life to be surrounded with women like her.

My wife, the mother of our five children, is not only a great mother but also has been an awesome wife to me for the past fifty-plus years. There are not enough words in the English language to express how truly thankful I am for not just my mom, but also for my wife.

I celebrate all mothers because I know the great price and the personal sacrifices they have made for so many.

But I celebrate all mothers because I know the great price and the personal sacrifices they have made for so many. Motherhood is one of the most thankless jobs in the world. Yet none of us could have life without having a mom.

I want to encourage you mothers who are struggling as widows or have been abandoned by your husband or even by your own children and let you know I appreciate you.

I also want to encourage you “mothers” who never formally became mothers… but every day you are filling in for those who have not understood their gift of motherhood. Thank you for sharing your “mother’s heart” with others. I honor you.

Know today that God is aware of all your pain and quiet suffering over these many years. But He also wants you to know how well pleased He is with you for being a great vessel of love and compassion to the ones He’s placed in your midst.

I say to everyone else: Don’t be sorry later for something you should be doing now. Don’t let this Mother’s Day (and every day) pass without sharing your gratitude and appreciation for her.


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