Happy New Year

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.

 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Matthew 12:25-30

Happy New Year! As the start of this New Year begins I believe that there are some fundamentals of our Christian faith in the word of God that many of us Christians need to exercise in order to see a victorious year. When I visit the scripture out of Matthew 12 starting in verse 25 it presents an image to me of the challenges I receive on a daily basis. In my house there is some division between myself and my love ones. The dividing issues usually align themselves according to the measure of faith between us. There are times when my measure of faith seems greater than those who are around me and therefore there issues and challenges become insignificant to me.  I believe in order for our home to receive the unity and blessing of the spirit of God I need to seek his face concerning the differences. God doesn’t want these differences to exist.  For verse 25 of this passage of scripture which precedes this writing  illustrates the effect of a home or “kingdom” divided against itself. The result of this action is destruction. As a Christian in the discipline of Christ can we continue to exist like that?  The answer is no. I believe that God wants us as Christians to minister the truth and work on the challenges within ourselves in order to be there for our love ones and others we encounter every day. We need to minister to our homes the power of God through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is that simple. He is the only one with the power to take care of every area of our lives. Let’s not get it twisted there is no way we can go into the strong man’s house  and spoil his goods and bind him only the Christ has the power to do so. Unless we champion his virtue in every area of our lives regardless how small it is we will never get the victory.

Men minister to your homes through our Lord Jesus the Christ. Allow the spirit of God to come into your home and cast out those devils which divide us (Matthew 12:28). Amen

Enter In is available at the Imagekind website

Calendar Cover

Enter  by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mathew 7:13,14

The cover for my 2014 calendar. The theme for the calendar is set by the Spirit of God in the image of Christ. Presenting an image for African American males to align themselves in the image of Jesus Christ in order to become better fathers, husbands , brothers, uncle's  and friends. My prayer is that the message of the calendar  will help free and release us from the strongholds  that shackle the way we live our lives.. Just as the scripture give us the image of Jesus Christ as the narrow gate that leads to life it is our job to allow the spirit to lead us through that gate.

Our Daily Bread II

This piece will open my calendar for 2014. Opening the year in the presence and glory of God will set the tone for a blessed year. This is based off the scripture in Matthew 6 starting in verse 6 which says:
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 

Living Water Praise

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

John 7:38

Eighth in my living water series of images Living Water Praise presents the power of the living water of Christ which lives in the hearts and minds of those who live by faith and not by sight. In my own life there are times when streams of living water flows from my heart. During these times my heart encourages the word of God as the root of the stream of living water. It is in the image of Christ that by grace it becomes the flow necessary to usher in the Holy Spirit in the garment of praise.

As African American men in a American culture that assimilates to find issue with us there is good news  for us. The good news is the living water of Christ. It is in that good news that He who created us presents us with the opportunity to drink from the living water. It is in this process that we find great success in living out the glory of God concerning our lives. Through faith the living water becomes such a great life force that it begins to shut off the cycle of fear, hatred, discrimination, death ,poverty and the likes of that separate us from ministering to the lives of our wives , children ,family and community. This day it is necessary for us to choose who we will serve in order for us and our seeds to live. Amen

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God   I Corinthians 4:5

Our Daily Bread

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. '  For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:8 - 15

Second in my series of images denoting the power which resonates as we become knowledgeable of the image of God through His son Jesus the Christ. As Jesus presents the example of the "Lords Prayer" it compels us to meditate daily on the request made before heaven and it's power to free us from the attempts of the evil one and spirit which removes us from the glory of God

Power

Power
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
Matthew 12:28,29

As I was creating this image the scripture out of Matthew 12 came alive in me. At the time I was being challenged with a life situation with the inablility to manage it in my own right. It was a heart challenge that I was unable to rationalize. I was overwhelmed with my flesh as it was dictating to me a response which would have brought death to the whole situation. As I kneeled to pray and asked God to release the challenge from me it felt like a hundred pound weight was lifted from my back. The spirit of God had rested upon me. This image ministers to my moments when I don't have an answer and when I surrender to God the issue it becomes apparant that the Spirit allows me to enter into the strong man's house to bind him concerning the issue. Without surrendering to the Spirit there is no way to enter the strong mans house to bind and rob him of God's glory which was yours in the first place. What the enemy has is already yours by the blood of Jesus. Amen

Image is available at the artist  Imagekind portfolio

Slain

Slain is the image of the sacrafice made by God when He placed on the cross His Son Jesus the Christ.

Fate

Fate is the first in the series of my painting a day series of images. It is an illustration of  a life desitined to affect a world engulfed in greed , kaos.evil , hatred, envy, strife and ignorance. My perception of how this is matriculated is through a genuine love of God that resonates in the soul of the man.

Proverbs 23:13,14

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.  Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.  Proverbs 23:13, 14

This image was derived through the process of the Rhema (living) word which ministered to me during a recent tragedy concerning a young man whose life was lost as a result no discipline in his life. The scripture out of the book of Proverbs (23:13, 14) sets forth the illustration necessary to save the souls of our young generation. It starts with us the parents and not the Ideas of the media, world, and culture that lure our children into lives with no purpose or direction. Notice this piece of scripture ends denoting death meaning if the love action is not applied death is the result. Now remember even though it mentions death it refers to the soul not the physical but the spiritual. Remember the message from Satan to Adam and eve was that they would not die if they took hold of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It was a lie. That same lie is embedded in our culture and as a result we find our moral and ethical compass dead in its efforts to guide us into our eternity. When our spirit dies there goes our natural. There is no foundation to encourage life and as a result an early departure into eternity.

My prayer is that we stand on the word and image of God through our Lord Jesus the Christ.  Let him become the guidepost that is necessary to encourage life into living if not for our sake at least for the children. Amen

This day I call heaven and earth as a witness against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live Deuteronomy 30:19

Living Water Rain

For the Lamb at the center of the thr one will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Revelation 7:17

This image represents the power of the living water as it is ministered through prayer. It is our prayer life that will produce the result favorable through the precious Lamb who sits on the throne. Amen

Brothers

It is somewhat relational concerning the first fight and the fighting that presents itself in our lives on a continual basis. Lets look at the first fight and find the similarities.

And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? Genesis 4: 2 - 9

Every day of our lives we struggle with the issue that set off Cain. Most of the time it is not in relationship with pleasing our Father in Heaven, but our own selfish motives. We make statements like I can't stand him/her concerning a co worker, relative, neighbor or aquaintance. Usually it is driven by pride as it relates to who is superior. We make comments about those in leadership for instance the current administration in Washington D.C. that is attacked on all sides because it doesn"t live up to a standard raised by the party opposite of the one thats in position. Why can we not encourage our brother in his effort to do well? Where is the harm in expressing love instead of hate or division. In Matthew 7 Jesus kind of hints at the solution to solving this issue. He says,

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7: 4,5

Usually the root of the fighting or issue is one that identifies with self. The very issue we struggle with is usually magnified to a point that it kills the life or opportunity that is presented to make us better. Understand that God did not respect what Cain was offering. To the contrary He respected Abel's. As a result in his blindness and misunderstanding Cain slew his brother.

My prayer is that as we take a look at this fight to get a clear understanding of how to be our brothers keeper. In the end lets not wage war over differences in culture, race, money, status, class,and position. Lets take our example from our God who hung his only begotten on a tree in order to have a relationship with us for an eternity. One that is matriculated in love not hate regardless of our failures.

Amen

Praise

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God…………………..1 Corinthians 4:5

Interesting that the judgment which is given to our Lord Jesus Christ continues to manifest itself in the power and might of men. As self confessed Christians many of us continue to make judgments on the hearts of men that lead us into the shadows of the light available to us. Making assumptions as to who are  genuine followers of our Lord and the motives of men’s hearts continues to plague and rob us of His power. Visiting the statements of our reported leaders and politicians (on the right)it is apparent that some of us as Christians continue to miss his word stated in  1Corinthians 4:5 which illuminate His power concerning men’s hearts.

As Christians we should not engage the power of God to either condemn a process of leadership for this nation or empower it to subvert a class of people. Listening to those on the right of the political spectrum in the United States who continue to condemn the President and refer to him as “Satan” is not the heart of those who confess Christ. As I understand it God is the one who installs the governing authority. I read this out of the Romans Chapter 13. Here is what it says; “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.” Interesting how the rhetoric from the so called Christian right misses this point. On the contrary it illustrates the opposite. Figure that.

I believe as a Christian man I will continue to look into the Word of God and its power to help me steer clear of the evil presented in this fallen world toward men. My decisions will be motivated in the judgment of Jesus Christ through His word and not in the power of men. Amen

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it…………………………….   Matthew 7:13

The Line

The Line is indicative of the struggle in the African American Community related to jobs. Unemployment in the City of Newark is easily eclipsing 18-25%. If there is a word to describe the plight of black men in this community it is devastation. We are devastated with the lack of opportunities available to those who make an effort to live a decent and free life. Knocking on our doors are the illegal and desperate practices that destroy our communities in every way.How can we manage our lives and our families in this present climate politically and economically? When  we do not honor our commitments concerning our children the first recourse in the courts are incarceration. What will that accomplish ? Nothing. It is a way to incorporate the new found manner  of slavery and  voter suppression that is indicative of the God complex instituted by this society and white men.. It really is an attack on the manhood of the African American male. In this our sons become so deficient that the only way to win is rebel against the established manner of the American psych.. That which presents a illustration  of the African American man as deficient in all  of his affairs.  God help us all. 

Damn

As we go into the fall most of us look at the jobs situation as bleak if not dismal in this country. Unemployment in the City of Newark is at least 25 to 40 % on the surface. Although the national average is considerably lower at 9.1 it still equates to unemployment. Collectively as a whole the nature or our positon in this country concerning umemployment is basically our own doing.
Looking back to the end of the Clinton administration this nation along with the cites enjoyed a modest increase in jobs. During the election of 2000 our nation was hijacked and put under seige by a conserative agenda to dismiss the progressive movement in this country at the expense of the Bush family and there revenge on Saddam H. Our priorties shifted along with the elected officals by way of a criminal move from the Supreme Court. It has not been right since. As a result this nation has not had an increase in jobs for over a decade. The point that I am making is that we the people are responsible for this. If we spend as much time scrutinizing elected officials as much as we do entertainers and reality disfunction on television we would not be at this place.
Looking at poll numbers here recently we find disfavor with our current President. Why? As far as I am concerned he has done more for the rights of the working and middle class in his term than the previous had done during his eight years in office. Understand he is not the perfect answer concerning the jobs situation but the fact of the matter is that he is still President. Those elected officials who have prided themselves with the destruction of the Obama presidency will eventually bring down this nation.  Realizing that a house divded can not stand I understand the President's position to try and mediate this political catastrophe from the middle and as a result he is damned if he do and damned if he don't.
The jobs situation will not get better in this country if we continue to neglect the issue. My hope this evening is that President Obama's plan is one that will get the ball rolling. Nevermind that the Chinese can take 300,000 of there citizens out of poverty to the middle class in the last two years at the expense of the American consumer isn't encouraging. Instead of creating markets for ourselves we spend to much time celebrating celebrity and reality disfunction instead of opportunites for American entreprenures . It is not the President's job to elect officials to the houses of congress that right belongs to the people. Lets become more pro active towards the process and eliminate these harbingers who disquise themselves as representives for the people with leaders who will represent this nation as a whole.

Nick A

Getting in some practice with the Legend Nick Ashford. May he rest in peace. Amen