Thursday, October 28, 2010

Pride v. Humility

I am about to step on some toes with this one, but here goes.  Most churches that follow the lectionary (big book of assigned daily bible readings) whether they're Episcopal, Anglican Catholic or AME, heard the following passage from Luke chapter 18 for the Gospel reading.

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.  But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.  "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

When we approach God, do we find ourselves as the Pharisee or the Tax Collector?  Let's look a bit further.  The Pharisees were the ruling religious order.  They were the good guys.  The tax collectors exploited and cheated their own people and paid the Roman officials.  As people we have so much to be proud of, our heritage, education, job, family pedigree, spiritual life and church involvement.  All of which would not be possible if it were not for the grace of God.  Some of us tithe, pray every day, study and meditate on the word, and even fast.  But before we pontificate ourselves and trump our accomplishments.  Let us remember the words of the tax collector.  "Lord have mercy on me, a sinner."

As Christians, we are reformed sinners operating under the grace and love of God.  Regardless of your circumstances and accomplishments, you are a product of grace and power divine.  The almighty has bless you and kept you through so much.  But remember the words at the conclusion of the passage, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted."  Sounds somewhat paradoxical?  The challenge for today is to operate in humility as we work to edify the body of Christ,

Peace,
Karsten

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Not Guilty!

The jury finds the defendant to be not guilty of the charges brought before them.  The judge then thanks the jury for their time, bangs the gavel, and adjourns the court.  As a teenager, one of the professions that bounced around my formative mind was an attorney.  We can blame Matlock, Perry Mason and The People's Court.

Do you realize that you are a threat to the kingdom of darkness and evil forces?  That is why the devil is  working so hard to take you out.  Trust me, if he could have taken you out, you would have been gone a long time ago.  Think about it, the accident in which your car was totaled, but you walked away, the infirmity, visit to the hospital and bad doctor's report, the death of a loved one, which still feels like it was just yesterday, and let's not forget the time(s) you thought that you had lost your mind. 

Unlike God, the devil is not an omniscient being, but he has enough limited knowledge to know that God has great things in store for you and your future.  That in turn, will make you a blessing to many generations.  He gets mad at that very thought.  The very fact that you woke up today is a threat to him.  He already has tricks and snares set up to throw you off from your true potential.  But thanks be to God who causes us to triumph in all things, that old devil is a liar and a defeated foe.

Did you know that in Hebrew, satan means accuser?  In the NIV Bible Revelation 12:10 says.  Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  Remember, if you are in Christ, your past won't last.  Satan is the accuser of the brethren (sisters included).  It is his job to prosecute you before the The True and Righteous Judge.  Although satan was cast down from heaven he still has access to God, otherwise, how could he accuse us?  Read the first couple chapters of Job.  Every time you see Job's name, insert your name, and watch the word work. 

As satan is our lead prosecutor, remember that Jesus is our leading defense attorney, he's already paid the debt for us, as we stand before the heavenly court chambers.  The accuser of the brethren may have an airtight case against you, but the blood of Jesus acquits you from all his accusations.  Know that when you are cross examined, the ultimate truth will come forth.  You are a new creature in Christ, embrace your acquittal and rock the world and his kingdom.

Peace,
Karsten

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Got Peace?

Peace is defined as; the state prevailing during the absence of war, harmonious relations; freedom from disputes, the absence of mental stress or anxiety, and the general security of public places.  I hope that you have noticed that each time I close out a blog entry, I always bid you peace.  For today, I want to explore that portion of the definition of peace which says that peace is the absence of mental stress or anxiety.

Look at everything going on in your life right now.  Got Peace?  Think about the drama at work, the crazy children and home in general, church involvement, and trying to squeeze in time to check in on your friends.  Got Peace?  My vocal coach in college always used to tell us to "Let Go and Let God!"  Whatever you have going on in your life, and if your life is as hectic as mine, you have a lot going on, let it go and let God handle it.  You can have peace.  But is it more convenient for us to wallow and complain, rather than accepting the gift of peace that has been bequeathed to us?  Got Peace?  If not, think on the words of the old hymn, "It is well with my soul."

When peace, like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control;
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed his own blood for my soul.

The peace of the Lord always be with you!
Karsten

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Godly Swagger

Urban Dictionary.com defines swagger as: (a) How one presents him or herself to the world. Swagger is shown from how the person handles a situation. It can also be shown in the person's walk.  (b) Swagger is the confidence exuded as a reflection of ones dress, shoe game, and attitude. Suffice it to say that in common ebonics, that swagger is a noun.  "Ay yo mane, I got my serious swagger on today!"

This is one of my favorite 21st Century terms.   It ranks highly with tweet, google and OMG!  However, how we present ourselves to the world and others is very important.  One of the things that was instilled in me from childhood is knowing that I am just as good as, but not better than others.  It was drilled into me to hold my head up, look confident and to not have my pants sagging.  What's your swagger?

Think about it, God wants you to have a swagger that sets you apart in a good way.  After all, you are a part of a holy nation and a royal priesthood.  Swagger goes beyond the outside, clothes, shoes and hairstyles.  It starts on the inside.  Ultimately how you view yourself is how others will see you.  Let go of the self-pity, the If I would haves, and I should haves.  There is only one you.  You may be often immitated but never ever adequately duplicated.  Psalm 139:14 reminds us: "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful."  The world is waiting on you.  Get your godly swagger on!

Peace,
Karsten

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Unresolved?

Well, it's official.  We are now well into the last quarter of 2010.  Friends, anytime you look at the calendar and the duration of the months end in "ber", we're pretty much on the final stretch.  In a little more than two months, we'll be gathered together at Watch Night services, singing Auld Lang Syne or raising champagne flutes.

We are now 42 weeks into 2010, and down to day number 292.  Yeah, it snuck up on me too.  However, my question is; Did you complete those goals that you set back during the last two weeks of December?  Did you lose the weight, exercise more consistently, watch your diet, invest and save more, contribute more, became more loving?  I'm not sure what your goals were for 2010, but we have ten good weeks at least try to squeeze one or two in.

The challenge for today, is think back over 2010 up to this point, take a quick, non self-hating inventory, and make the most of what we have left in 2010.  The race is not given to the swift or the strong, but to the one that endures to the end. 

Peace,
Karsten

Monday, October 18, 2010

Like the dew in the morning...

One of my favorite Judith Christie-McAllister's (First Lady of Praise and Worship) song is "Like the Dew in the Morning."  It just simply says; Like the dew in the morning, gently rest upon my heart.  That is basically the song in the nutshell.

As you start your work week, invite the presence of God to rest on your heart.  We should transition from singing Manic Monday to Like the dew in the morning gently rest upon my heart.  It is my sincere hope that every force that has been working against you, physical and spiritual will succomb to the explosive power of God in your life.  You will have peace at home, work and in all your personal affairs.

As we begin the 42nd week of 2010, let God's presence gently rest in your heart, go before you and fight your battle.  Be still and know that he is God.

Peace,
Karsten

Thursday, October 14, 2010

e x 4 = Your story

Thank God that I was not a math major!  How I got beyond college pre-calculus still baffles me to this day.  But have you ever stopped to share your story with someone?  You know that there is only one you and that your story could very well win someone over to the kingdom.  Let's face it we all have stories, some may be likened to a thriller, drama, comedy, romance or some Saturday afternoon Lifetime special, but they are unique. 

While sitting in bible study tonight, the visiting priest reminded us to share our stories with others.  We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (that's another BLOG entry).  There are four reasons why we should tell our stories, and they do not include self-pontification, bragging rights, superiority or pity.  We should tell our stories for four reasons (e x 4).

We tell our story to educate others, to equip others, to empower others and to encourage others.  In sharing our stories, we educate others about the overall goodness and awesomeness of God in our lives.  Your story when shared with others is vital for the equipping of the saints to do the work of God.  Through your story others may be equipped with an extra dose of faith.  People are empowered to look beyond themselves when they hear that they are not the only that has struggled.  Once we get over ourselves, we can encourage others when we tell our stories.  A little encouragement goes a long way.  Obviously the challenge for today is to tell your story; educate, equip, empower and encourage the saints in love.  What's your story?

Peace,
Karsten

I wouldn't take nothing for my journey

Have you ever stopped to think about your life's journey?  If not do it now, or after you've finished reading this.  I can remember as an undergraduate, I had my professional life all mapped out.  With my journalism  and Spanish studies, I was going to replace Bryant Gumble on the Today Show, and would like to have been the first male host on "The View."  Could you imagine me with Joy Behar and that blonde chick that I never pay attention to?

Ideally, if I were not teaching Spanish, I would be a professional drummer, bartender or US Ambassador to some exotic Spanish speaking country.  Needless to say, that my plans did not come to fruition, as I had planned.  I have been teaching for almost 13 years, and love every minute of it, well almost every minute.  I am very active in my church and chapel program at my job, and find it difficult to believe that I will soon be going through the nomination process for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church. 

I've lost baggage on my journey, had to switch travel partners and airlines, had to deal with gate keepers at the customs and immigration check points.  I've also had some moments of sitting on the tarmac, and waiting at the gate.  I've missed flights, busses, trains and boats.  Distractions and hindrances have impeded my journey, but they have gotten me in route to my spiritual destination.  Although this destination is not in Studio 1 with Matt, Meredith, Anne and Al.  I'm not even drumming with Sheilia E, or sliding shooters down the bar to my regulars.  But I am well on the path that God has set out for me.  He's traveled the journey before I was even thought about.  He's traveling with me now and will be there to welcome me when I get there.  I would not take nothing for my journey.  It has fortified my character, perfected my faith and led me into my divine purpose.

Peace,
Karsten

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A Hump Day Prayer

Almighty and everloving God,
Thou, who orderest all things and
knowest all things.  We invoke your
presence oh God, as this week passes by
give strength to the weary, patience to the anxious
and joy to those that are depressed and down troddened.

Order our steps in your word, and
grant oh Father those desires of our hearts
both spoken and unspoken as they accord to your
will and divine purpose for our lives.

We ask that your forgiveness, mercy, grace and love
envelope us as we offer them to our fellow man.
Speak to our hearts, awaken our spirits and sustain us
through your holy power.  In Jesus' name,

Amen
KT

God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother
Motto of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Monday, October 11, 2010

Do you know who you are?

Of course you do, or at least I hope so.  I am Karsten, I am African-American, I am a male, I am a teacher, and the list goes on and on.  But that's on the surface and superficial.  It's the obvious.  But do you know who you are?  Do you?  When we look at who were are,  we tend to look at all our relationships and that's good, in fact our interactions with people define who we are.  Let's dig deeper.  In order to know who you are, it is imperative for you to know whose you are.

Do you know who you are?  In your eyes, you may be Karsten, Sarah, Robert, Kimberly, Isaiah or whoever.  But we need to look at whose we are.  We are redeemed.  We are overcomers by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony.  We are not our own.  We have been preserved for this time and this hour to do the work set before us.

When we realize both who and whose we are, we recognize that we are a magnus opus.  We are children of destiny, promise and potential.  Because of who and whose we are our value as an individuals has been restored in Jesus.  We are not who we were, but rather, we are becoming who we were created to be.  Do you know who you are?  Do you know whose you are?  Realizing who and whose you are, bids us to say adieu to depression, codependence, jealousy, greed, bondage to the past, self-hatred, self pity, sickness and anything that is impeding us from reaching our true potential.  You are the salt of the earth, you have been called to be the head and not the tail.  Embrace your awareness of whose and who you are.  Great things will come to pass through you, because of who and whose you are.

Peace,
Karsten

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Your mark on humanity

Have you ever thought about your mark on humanity?  Or better yet, have you thought about the impact of your presence in the lives of others?  While attending a funeral, I heard the eulogist say, that it's not the dates of sunrise and sunset (birth and death), that count, but rather the dash between the two years.  The dash represents the life that the deceased lived.

This really got me to thinking.  The dash, a simple line is representative of one's life.  How you lived, how you treated others and how you were treated by others.  I think that sometimes we forget how closely linked our lives are with the lives of others.  What is your mark on humanity?  What will the dash on your grave marker be?  Will it reflect someone that lived life with passion and gusto?  Will it tell of someone who loved both God and people?  What is your mark on humanity?

I am reminded of a song that was sung at my aunt's funeral.  The song reminds us that "Only what you do for Christ will last."  In everything that we hope to accomplish and gain out of this life, it is imperative that we remember in the grand scheme of things, that only what we do for Christ will last. Imagine how different our world would be, if everything we do is done for the overall betterment of society and the glorious manifestation of God?  What will your life's dash story tell?  Remember, only what you do for Christ will last.  What is your mark on humanity?

Peace,
Karsten

Friday, October 8, 2010

Living between

I think that one of the hardest challenges for anyone regardless of religious affiliation, is living between vision and reality.  You may have so many dreams that you want to be manifested in your life, but you're stuck in the reality of your current situations.  How then, do you understand the possibilities of your reality?  I honestly don't think that we realize our true power.  It would probably scare us.  I guess a better question would be:  How do I leave my now and get to my later?

I will answer the question with a question.  How willing are you to move beyond your comfort zone?  We may hate to admit it, but "now" feels good to us.  It is what we know, it is familiar.  But the future, with all its potential and uncertainties can be both promising and fearful, because we are constantly plagued with the "What ifs."  What if I don't get into school?  What if my Master's defense or comps don't go well?  What if I don't get a job?  What if my business fails?  What if I fail? 

What do you believe as it relates to you as a child of God?  Do you believe that God wants you to move beyond where you are now?  Do you believe that there is infinite potential at your disposal?  Do you believe that God wants you to do more than what you are doing at this very moment?  The challenge for today is:  Look beyond where you are.  Keep your eyes on the prize.  You can't plow straight and keep looking back.  There are people in your future who are waiting for you to get from your now to your later, so that you will be a blessing to them and society as a whole.  Take your current reality and navigate the course of your vision.  Remember that you can do all things through Christ, and that you have not been given a spirit of fear.  Believe beyond what you believe, and watch God move in your life.  How big is your God?  How big is your vision?  Think big and unleash your power for excellence.

Peace,
Karsten

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!

Can't you just hear Mrs. Fletcher's voice in the famous tagline from the LifeCall commercial from the 80s and 90s?  I can't tell you how many times I've laughed at that commercial.  At times I would even get my grandmother to pretend to be Mrs. Fletcher, without the falling, of course. 

The scientific law of gravity states that if something goes up, it must come down.  What is it about falling that can be so embarrassing?  Believe me, I have had my fair share of trips, stumbles and ungraceful tumbles.  Just like clockwork, the first thing that I do is turn around to look to see if anyone saw me.  Sometimes I'm lucky enough to have no witnesses and move on, but other times, I've had a live studio audience having an LOL moment at my personal expense.

Have you recently had a fall?  I'm not speaking of some gravitational pull that may have caused you public or private embarrassment, but rather a spiritual distraction.  In life we all have falls, and stumbles along the way as we strive for some form of perfection.  But unlike Mrs. Fletcher in the LifeCall commercial, you may have fallen, but you may certainly get up.  The question is, do you want to get up, or continue to wallow in self-pity and other self-loathing behavior?  If you have had a trip, stumble, or perfectly landed on your sit-down piece, the good news for today is; you can get up.  There is a gospel song that reminds us that at time we may fall down, but we get up.  Your past is your past, and it won't last!  After you've gotten up from your fall, for the love of God, please help Mrs. Fletcher up off the floor.

Peace,
Karsten

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

If you're happy and you know it!

This has to be every preschooler's favorite song.  I know that I LOVED it, and as an adult, I still do.  Let's take a journey back to those care free childhood days.  This is a simple say and do song.  If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!  If you're happy and you know it, stomp your feet!  If you're happy and you know it then you really want to show it, if you're happy and you know it clap your hands!  I just had a mental flashback to Good Hope PreSchool in Winterville, NC of me and my preschool cohorts just going at it and prancing around the classroom.

This then raises a question.  Are you happy?  Let's admit it, if you're not happy, you're probably not going to want to clap your hands, stomp your feet, shout Amen, or in any other way show it.  Simply put, happy is defined as enjoying or demonstrating pleasure.  I know that in our personal walks that we have challenges with ourselves, the spouse, the children, the colleagues and boss.  These are just the players, and not the circumstances and drama that impede our happiness.

But as the elect and called of God, is your walk indicative of demonstrated pleasure?  In your office can your colleagues tell that you have joy?  Can your students tell that you have love in your heart for your discipline, and the ones whom you serve?  Can your family members see the zeal that you have for God's kingdom?  Here's an even better question.  Do you share your joy and happiness with others?  Joy, happiness and laughter are all contagious.  Spread a little today, you and the people that you come in contact with will be glad that you did.  If you're happy and you know it, then you really ought to show it, Clap your hands!  Stomp your feet!  Shout Amen!

Peace,
Karsten

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Lord, Help me to hold out!

Do you find yourself playing the waiting game?  What are you waiting on in life?  I know that one of my non-favorite activities is waiting, especially on people.  I'm reminded of this simple song from the old Baptist Church entitled, "Lord, Help me to hold out."  It goes a little like this.  Lord, help me to hold out.  Lord, Help me to hold out, until my change has come!

This song, which is typically sung by the Male Chorus, or more senior saint reminds us of two things.  First, we have to wait and endure, and secondly; our change will come.  I love this song!  In this microwave generation of instantaneous gratification, it makes waiting even the more difficult.  Think about it, most things in our society are the antithesis of patience.  There's fast food, instant messenger, email, text and the list goes on and on.  Sometimes we even try to put God and ministry into this instant miracle category.

Waiting is challenging, but the prophet Isaiah reminds us, that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  Not only will your strength be renewed because the waiting process can be tiring, but you will mount up on wings and soar like an eagle.  Whatever you're waiting for, spouse, job, deliverance from your current job, children's salvation, financial breakthrough, the wayward loved one to do right, or affirmation of your calling into the ministry whether clergy or ordained.  Remember that the Lord will help you to hold out until your change has come, or until you get your blessing or answer.  As you wait, be still and know that he is God.

Peace,
Karsten

Monday, October 4, 2010

I got ya back!

My best friend often tells me that I look as if I am ready to fight at the drop of a dime.  Well, what's wrong with an occasional brawl here and there?  I think that he realizes that when push comes to shove I got his back.  There's nothing like a ride or die friend who will be there with you come hell or high water. 

Thankfully, I've outgrown that fighting stage of my life.  But just as we have friends in the natural who have our backs, there is also a legion of heavenly hosts who have our backs.  When we are in distress, they have our back, in touble and peril, they have our back.  You have a big brother with all the company of heaven and they got yo' back.  Pardon the ebonics.

Remember, when you get tired of fighting and you've fought the good fight of faith, know that Jesus got yo' back.  Stop fighting, the  battle is not yours, but it's the Lord's.  Personally, I can say that his track record is pretty impressive.  He's been better to me, than I've been to myself, and he's got my back!  Be radical and ride or die for Jesus.

Peace,
Karsten

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Speak Up!

In my twitter news feed on Friday, I saw this tweet from Max Lucado, whom I follow.  "Pentecost makes this promise: if you are in Christ, God's spirit will speak through you."  As we transition from the dog days of summer into autumn and the final stretch of Pentecost, the L O N G E S T  season of the church year, it is important to remember what happened to the early church.

God's long promised spirit was poured out on the believers and the church was born.  My rector described this as the second biblically linguistic event.  You know my inner grammarian and linguist was jumping for joy at this comment.  The first biblically linguistic event was when God haulted the progress of the construction of Babel's tower.  Up to that point, everyone spoke the same language and God jumbled up all the dialects and languages, which -- I'm glad he did, because I would probably not be employed as a Spanish teacher today.

But on the day of Pentecost, when the believers were on one accord, God poured his Spirit out on all flesh amd undid what he had done so many years ago when he confused the language.  Pentecost is an international and multicultural event, not only in Acts 2, but in our everyday lives, and it's certainly not restricted to just the church season.  Remember your power.  You are an ordinary person doing extraordinary things for the Kingdom.  Let God use you and let his Spirit flow through you and speak through you.  Speak up!  If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

Peace,
Karsten