How many times have you jumped in your car and sped off, only to discover, way down the road in the middle of nowhere, your tank is on empty?
Sucks, doesn’t it?
Right away you get in the lane near the shoulder. You turn off the A/C, roll down the window-you even cut off the radio. You will do anything just to make it to a gas pump. You begin to pray, “Lord, please, just let me make it to a gas station.”
One more mile and your car sputters and dies. You coast to a slow stop onto the shoulder. Now what?
For my Good Friday:
I traveled down the highway, my daughter in the passenger seat, my son in the middle seat. We had the music playing and the air blasting.
We passed an abandoned car. About a half-mile down, we saw a man and his young daughter walking on the shoulder. Their clothes were dirty and torn, and the man carried an old red metal gas can. I tried to pull over to offer help, but with a semi bearing down on me, I couldn’t pullover in time.
I knew the nearest gas station was at least five miles away. And it was hot.
I got off at the next exit and raced back to see if I could catch them. They had walked about another quarter-mile when we stopped them. The man looked relieved.
“Hey, is that your car back there?” I asked.
“Yeah, I just ran out of gas,” he said.
I offered to take him to the gas station and then take him back to his car.
When they got in he never stopped thanking me for stopping.
The man pointed to the girl sitting next to my daughter, who now sat in the middle row, my son way in the back seat. “This is my daughter, Erica” he smiled.
“Hi,” she spoke shyly.
“And I’m Randy.”
After the introductions we merged into traffic.
We pulled up to the pump. He got out and his daughter followed him to the cashier window. As soon as he started pumping the gas into the can I heard the pump cut off.
Over my shoulder I could see the amount he pumped: $0.68.
When they got back in the car I asked him if he needed a few dollars.
“No I’m good, we don’t have that far to go.” He tried to smile.
“Where you headed?” I asked.
When he told me how far, I knew there was no way he was going to make it on just $0.68.
“Look,” I began, “please take this ten dollars, fill up the gas can. I’ll take you back to your car, then I’ll follow you back to this station, then you can get more gas.”
He hesitated at first. I could see the tears in his eyes.
“I don’t know what to say,” he said.
“You don’t have to say anything, just take it,” I said passing him the money.
When we returned to the station he put the remainder of the ten dollars in his gas tank. I tell you, it has been years since I felt anyone express so much gratitude. I will never forget Randy or Erica.
(Note: For Good Fridays, I don’t encourage helping others while putting yourself in danger. As you do your good deeds, make sure you proceed with caution).
When you call someone a pig, in some cases it’s an insult to the pig.
Many people are under the impression that pigs are grubby, nasty, and smelly creatures, that’s true, but not entirely.
A pig doesn’t sweat like humans, so they wallow in the mud for its cooling affects. The mud makes them dirty, but that doesn’t mean they are filthy. In fact, pigs are incredible animals.
How many people do you know can run a ten minute mile? A pig can.
How many of your friends are so loyal to you that their loyalty would put a dog’s devotion to shame. It’s a proven fact that pigs are more loyal than man’s best friend.
What about intelligence? Pigs pass the test on smarts too; they are even smarter than dolphins.
Wait, what do the below pictures have to do with pigs? Let me address that concern now.
Last weekend my family and I went to the movies. The theater auditorium was packed, mostly with senior couples. There wasn’t a kid in sight, except my two.
During the movie the sound of rustling popcorn bags, candy wrappers, and even a cork popping, could be heard. Then began the munching, belching, and hacking and spitting.
When you pay your nine bucks to see a movie, I guess you have the right to eat, drink, and converse as loud as you dare.
However, no one has the right to leave a theater in such squalor as I found when the movie ended and the lights came up.
Yes, sadly in a theater of mostly adults, when the theater emptied it was worse than a pig pen.
In every row there was popcorn scattered about the floor. Empty candy wrappers were left under and on seats. Half-filled soda containers were left bloated in the seat cup holders and empty ones left on the floor. In one row sat an empty wine bottle, with the cork shoved back in. Soiled napkins were everywhere, with all the hacking and spitting, one can only imagine what soiled those napkins.
It’s not a mystery that our younger generation carry on so thoughtlessly. Look at the poor examples we leave for them to follow. As adults we should set the best possible example we can. Thereby, hopefully, the young will emulate our good habits.
So from here on, every one of us, when we sit with strangers in a dark room watching a movie we will:
Consume our goodies quietly.
Keep our conversation to a minimum.
Stay in our seats as much as possible.
Above all, clean up our own mess!
The price of admission is not your down payment on a slave. The people who clean our theaters work hard, very hard. Please don’t make their job any harder. As I tell my children, “Always leave it better than you found it.”
What do you think? Leave a comment below, let’s talk.
The rain had picked up quite considerably as we careful made our way down the highway. It was dark, the road barely visible, with cars still driving around us at 70 mph or plus. Suddenly, up ahead, in the far left lane, there was a three car pileup. The lead vehicle a black pickup; behind him a dark green colored sedan, followed by a mid-size car.
The pickup now four car lengths ahead, sat for a moment on the right shoulder, then sped off; the sedan spun out of control and came to rest on the left shoulder; the mid-size car spun around, faced sideways, backed up across four lanes of on-coming traffic and came to rest on the right shoulder.
We were in the middle lane, which afforded us the chance to get over to assist the driver now on the right shoulder.
As I made my way to the car, I prayed the driver would be okay. From the passenger side of the vehicle I peered inside the window. A young, very frighten girl, about eighteen let down the window.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m okay, I spun out and that car hit me,” she said pointing to the green car across the street.
I could see the other car; smoke billowed from under the hood, the driver standing next to it with the door open. It was dark, rainy, and heavy traffic; there was no way I could make it safely across the highway to check on the other driver.
“Is my car messed up?” asked the young girl.
I made a quick inspection of the vehicle, “Your front headlight is busted and you have two large dents in the back.”
“What should I do?” She asked.
“My wife already called the police, just wait here.”
“Are you about to leave?”
“No, we’ll stay with you until the police come.”
“Thank you,” she tried to smile.
She pulled up close to the back of our van.
I went back to my car and we waited.
Through my side-view mirror I could see the young girl on her phone.
Fifteen minutes later a light colored truck pulled up and parked on the left shoulder.
Slowly the young girl backed up and followed the light colored truck.
I looked at my wife, shook my head in disbelief and seconds after she pulled off, the police arrived. The officer asked were we involved in the accident.
“No, sir, a young girl in a dark mid-size vehicle, who just pulled off, following a light truck, the person across the highway, and a black pickup, who fled the scene were the only ones involved.”
The officer checked my van for damage, when he found none he told me I could go.
The inconveniences and the hassles are only a few reasons people don’t want to get involved. However, don’t let a few ingrateful, irresponsible individuals deter you from doing good. As long as we don’t put ourselves or others in danger, we should each help in our own way. The world needs it!
Mother’s Day. A day of overflowing happiness, joyful smiles, breakfast in bed, gorgeous flowers, and lavish meals.
For Desiree, Stephanie, and Carol, their Mother’s Day begins very differently.
Who are these women?
They are mothers living on the street.
So instead of flowers, candy, and, perfume, we formed a list, gathered all the essentials, and loaded backpacks for three homeless mothers. The picture below shows the items purchased:
Toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, nail clippers, soap, Kleenex, poncho, wash cloths, Vaseline, dental floss, lotion, McDonald’s gift card, cough drops, cap, feminine napkins, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, underwear, socks, foot powder, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, aspirin, spoon, can opener, flashlight, Bible, and backpack.
The results were absolutely powerful.
Desiree, the first mother we met, has a daughter and a grandchild, Elijah. She didn’t share how she made it to where she is today, but emphasized how much she loved her grandson. “We should honor our mothers because they are the ones that gave us life.” Originally from Louisiana, Desiree raised four nieces and nephews as well. After she spoke, she took a pause and looked right at me. “None of them care about me today.” Thanking us graciously for her gift, she took one of her water bottles and raised it in the air, reminding us that water is the most wonderful drink of all. Although, she recalls that the well water in Louisiana is a lot tastier than our local water.
Stephanie, our second mother, had a downward glance and a shy smile when we approached her. When we asked if she was a Mother, she put her hand on her stomach. “I’m a mother-to-be,” she smiled. Six months pregnant and not sure what motherhood will bring, she still appears hopeful. What does she want her daughter to remember? “Sometimes, life on the streets is easy, but mostly it’s difficult.” After thanking us for thinking about her, she pulled the hat out of the backpack, put it on her head and walked away. Our hearts warmed knowing we helped in some small way.
When we first saw Carol, she was walking at a fast pace. When asked if she would like to talk, she smiled, her bright blue eyes lit up. “Sure, but I got caught in the rain last night, my pants are still muddy.” She pointed ahead. “I’m going to change at the shelter. I’ll talk with you when I come out.” In the meantime, we searched for others mothers to help; it took us over an hour to locate Carol again. We found her in the park digging through trash cans. “Oh yeah, I remember you. Yes, I would love to talk.”
Carol is a mother of four children, two sons and two daughters. She also has five lovely grandchildren, four girls and one boy. When we asked about her children, she responded with a cheerful smile. “They’re beautiful.” She began to tear up when she mentioned her grandchildren. We understood and were grateful for her sharing.
With heartfelt appreciation, each of the women thanked us and wished my wife a Happy Mother’s Day.
We all have different experiences with our mothers, enjoy what you can and let go of the others.
In an earlier post, I mentioned how much I love surprising people. For our Good Friday, that’s exactly what happened.
A recycling center near our home, recycles paint, oils, all kind of chemicals. These guys work very hard in a hot, reeking, and dangerous environment. And yet, they’re always pleasant when we drop off our recyclables.
A month ago when we dropped off some old paint and light bulbs, I had a light bulb moment myself. I went to that recycle center; a man approaches my window, with clipboard in hand.
“Afternoon sir, just pop the trunk and fill out the top portion.”
“You better check to see if you take all stuff I brought in.”
“If it came from your residence, and it’s chemicals, we take it,” he explained.
“Can you check, to make sure?”
“Yes sir.”
When he opened the rear door to our mini-van, I could see him in the rear-view mirror. He stood puzzled.
“Sir, I don’t understand,” he stood there staring down at the pizzas and sodas. He held his hands up, as if to ask, “What gives?”
“I wanted to buy you guys lunch today.”
A huge smile swept across his face.
Ah, the element of surprise.
He called over some other guys; they too were shocked.
Each man took off his glove and shook my hand and said “Thank you, thank you.”
One asked, “Why did you do this?”
“I wanted to show my appreciation for all the hard work you men do. Your contributions mean a lot to me and this community.”
As I drove out of the facility the men were smiling as they carried their lunch to the break room. A few miles down the road, the image of that moment burned in my mind. I could still see their surprise faces; truly, those are the moments I live for.
Tell us your Good Friday moment in the comments below!
What would you say to your son if you knew you only had a few minutes to live?
Consider this scenario:
You and your family return from a shopping trip at the local market. It’s a good day; everyone is smiling as they carry bags up the creaky steps into a shabby home. As you begin to walk in with the last bag, three men grab you, knocking the bag out of your hand as your nine-year-old son watches. Beating you as they force you in the trunk of their car, shots go off in the mist of the struggle. “We’ll be back for our money!” All three men jump into their car and drive off.
You hear your children crying as your wife runs for help. You are dying; these precious moments could be the last time to say…
“Son, don’t waste your life like I did. Stay away from bad people; if you don’t, they will destroy you. Become wise at all costs. Choose God, not the bottle like I did. Godly wisdom will keep you from evil men. Stay away from fornication and adultery. Find you one woman that loves you, marry her, and be good to her, no matter what. Be honest, don’t lie, don’t steal, keep your heart pure, don’t scheme, or stir up trouble: bad things get you where I am now. Most of all, choose wisdom over money because it’s more valuable than gold. Take care of your mother, help out, be a better man than I ever was…I Love you.
As you hear the sirens in the background, you pass out knowing no matter the outcome, you gave your son good advice, some of which you received too late. Hopefully your son’s life will be better.
Although a dramatic story and not everyone’s situation, the point is to teach your children while they are young, while you are here to guide them. Don’t wait until it is too late. Train your child now and when they grow, even when they are in the middle of some poor decisions, they will remember the wise lessons you taught them.
Fortunately, in the story, the young boy’s father didn’t die, although, his parents soon divorced. However, over the years, he heeded his father’s wise counsel and went on to become a successful writer.
If you are unsure what to say to your sons and daughters use the book of Proverbs. Let God’s word teach them how to stay away from the bad things.
This post is by no means a comparison to this impactful clip, but the line “I could have done more” is a strong reminder how we each can make a difference.
For our Good Friday, I wanted to honor the elderly. I appreciate that within them is so much of our history, wisdom, and their desire to help. My initial plan was to visit a senior citizen home in our neighborhood.
As you know, the best laid plans sometimes change.
Earlier in the week, my daughter and I visited our local video store. As I sat in the car, waiting for her return, an old, beat-up van pulled in next to me.
An older woman and two teenage girls got out of the van. As the woman walked slowly to my car, I could see her puffy, red eyes; it was obvious she had been crying.
“Sir”, she began, “we haven’t eaten in two days. Can you please help us?”
I sat stunned. “Ma’am, I just gave my daughter my last ten dollars. Whatever change she brings back, you are more than welcome to it.”
When my daughter returned, I quickly gave the woman the change: $3.54.
My heart churned. I felt so helpless. “I’m sorry, I wish I had more.”
She took the money from my hand. “Thank you, thank you,” she repeated.
The woman and her daughters returned to their van. My daughter turned to me. “Daddy, I have a few dollars at home. We can go get it and give it to her before she leaves.”
We raced home. After my wife and son heard about what happened, we rushed back to the video store, hoping to buy them groceries. But the woman was gone. We drove around for an hour trying to find them; we never did.
I felt horrible. Why when moments like this crop up I seem to always be out of pocket? My wife looked over at me. “Don’t beat yourself up; you did the best you could.”
The above clip is humorous, for obvious reasons. However, the untold truth that is preached to the masses is not.
Tithing, according to the Bible, is not a requirement in our day and thus a lie being imposed on the church for the profit of those in spiritual power.
For you to truly understand this misrepresentation, first, let’s examine tithing and its purpose.
Tithe
1. What was the tithe? Tithing means a tenth and was established as an offering to God where the Israelites were required to give the first tenth or 10% of their fruit, grain, herd or flock to God. Leviticus 27:30-33 explains this requirement in detail.
2. What was the tithe’s purpose? The tithes was to support the Levitical priests and their families. When God divided the “Promised Land” for the children of Israel, the tribe of Levi received no allotment. The Levite priests were established through Aaron and his sons. Their responsibility was to offer sacrifices and officiate in the temple. The tithe allowed the priests to manage the temple without concern for food and clothing, allowing them to minister for the people before God. See Numbers 18:20-22.
3. Malachi 3:10, the most misinterpreted verse, “Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my temple,” was a literal call for the Priest to bring food that was filling the streets into the storehouse. Pastors lie to their parishioners by claiming the church is the storehouse and money is the food for the church – Hogwash!
4. What did Malachi mean? Read the entire book and not just one verse to understand the context. The tithe was grains and animal offerings for the priest, however if you look at Nehemiah 13:10-13, the Levis were not receiving the tithe and had returned to the fields to work, resulting in the admonishment in Malachi 3:8 of “Robbing God or deceiving God.” The Israelites in Numbers 18:30 were commanded not only to give their first, but also their best to the Levites and the priests were required to sacrifice the best. Yet for their own personal offering, the priests were stealing from God by keeping the best and gave God the sick and weak animals. This caused curses seen in Malachi 1:14“Cursed be the deceiver, which has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices unto the LORD a corrupt thing.”Malachi 1:7-14.
5. Is tithing a requirement today? No. Absolutely not. Tithing was a command for the tithe (grain or animals) to be paid to the Levites or Priests serving the temple and since there is no temple and no Levitical Priesthood ministering the temple then the tithe is not a requirement.
6. Is Tithing required by the law? Before the Law of Moses, all tithes were voluntary and usually given as spoils of war and as a vow to God for His help. Abraham gave a tenth of his plunder to the High Priest Melchizedek and the rest he gave to the King of Sodom so neither could take credit for his prosperity (see Genesis 14:18-24). When Jesus died on the cross, he was the ultimate sacrifice and the change in the Law. Hebrews 7:12-14 states, “For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well. Yet the one (Jesus) these things are spoken about belongs to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever officiated at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.”
7. How will the church and ministers survive without tithes? The disciples including Peter and Paul did not use biblical tithes for any of their work. Luke 8:3 shows where Jesus and the disciples were supported by the gifts of their followers. Acts 2:42-45: “They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. All who believed were together and held everything in common, and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need.” Paul worked as a tentmaker by trade in Acts 18:3.
Prosperity Message has created a Slot Machine Jesus!
Paying tithes won’t save your life or make you rich, despite what any pastor says. Ephesian 2:8-9 states: “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 shows: “You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed – not by perishable things like silver or gold, but by precious blood like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, namely Christ.”
There are pastors that will tell you outlandish things to rob you of your money God has given you. They encourage that the more you give, the more you get from God, creating the slot machine concept in the ‘New Christian’ faith.
One such pastor is Kenneth Copeland, who claimed that Adam and Eve were thrown out of the garden because they didn’t tithe. Genesis 3: clearly shows they were banished for disobedience – read for yourself.
Another prosperity pastor with odd claims to the tithe is RobertMorris. He claimed people who have problems were cursed for not paying tithes. On May 21, 2011, he offered everyone who tithed to Gateway Church for the remainder of year a money back guarantee with their tithe. If they were not fully satisfied, he would give them their money back. How? If you are giving your tithe to God, and that tithe is God’s money. How can a man promise and decide he will give it back – satisfaction guaranteed? Who is Robert Morris to give it back to you? I also wonder if there will be any refunds given in 2012.
Creflo Dollar, who says if he had his way, all members that didn’t tithe he would have them shot.
Abraham and Jacob
Many prosperity teachers use Genesis 14:18-24 to show that a mandatory tithe was paid by Abraham. Genesis 14:22, But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I raise my hand to the Lord, the Most High God, Creator of heaven and earth, and vow that I will take nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal. That way you can never say, ‘It is I who made Abram rich.’” Abraham gave one hundred-percent of his spoils of war (not his income) on his own accord, not under compulsion, so unlike the greedy preachers of today.
The other Genesis verse they use is Genesis 28:20-22, “Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God is with me and protects me on this journey I am taking and gives me food to eat and clothing to wear, and I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will become my God. Then this stone that I have set up as a sacred stone will be the house of God, and I will surely give you back a tenth of everything you give me.’” Since there was no law requiring Jacob to give a tithe, he no doubt offered it out of his heart in exchange for safe passage.
Giving a tenth was a once in a lifetime event for both Abraham and Jacob. Just because they gave a tenth, does not make it a tithe. The mandatory tithe for the Levite priests came some four hundred years after Abraham. In fact, before the Mosaic Law, the Bible does not record one single event of anyone giving tithes to God on a continual basis.
Giving was Reciprocal
Most preachers know how to collect tithes, but do not acknowledge that under the Law, every three years the priests were to open the storehouses to the needy, and the needy were to eat until they were full. Deuteronomy 14:27-29 says, “As for the Levites in your villages, you must not ignore them, for they have no allotment or inheritance along with you. At the end of every three years you must bring all the tithe of your produce, in that very year, and you must store it up in your villages. Then the Levites (because they have no allotment or inheritance with you), the resident foreigners, the orphans, and the widows of your villages may come and eat their fill so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work you do.” How many times have you seen your church open up their treasury to the needy until they were full?
Resistance to the Lord through Selfishness
Today, there are many wicked pastors who no doubt will continue to fleece the flock. Any pastor that tells his congregation the tithe is mandatory is a crook. Remember the tithe in today’s church is the same as the issue of circumcision in Paul’s day. Titus 1:11: “…who must be silenced because they mislead whole families by teaching for dishonest gain what ought not to be taught.”
Giving Under the New Covenant
However, as Christian how should you give under the New Covenant? This is what the Bible says:
1. “Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.”2 Corinthians 9:7.
2. Don’t be like Ananias and Sapphira; give out of a pure heart. Acts 5:1-11.
3. Remember, don’t just take your pastor or anyone’s word as gold. “But examine all things; hold fast to what is good.”1 Thessalonians 5:21.
4. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not imitate this world, but be transformed by the renovation of your minds, and you shall distinguish what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.”
As you look at the videos below and realize how sad the prosperity gospel has become, keep in mind 2 Corinthians 11:13-15“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.”
Remember,we should read, study and pray for spiritual guidance in all we do!
How forgiving are you? Need to inject some kindness in your heart? Take this test to find out.
1) Your neighbor lets his dog poop on your yard, plays loud music every night, and lets his kids throw rocks at your brand new car. Later, the parents question why you haven’t been waving back lately. Do you unleash the wrath of hell upon them, or smile and pretend nothing is wrong?
2) Your spouse did something to tick you off-twenty years ago. Do you still remember every exact detail?
3) You have unresolved issues in your past. When’s the last time you forgave yourself?
Bitterness is you drinking poison, and expecting someone else to die. I heard this many years ago, but I haven’t always heeded that wise counsel.
For this Good Friday, it was time to change. Our neighbors have always treated my family like an unwanted step-child. After many attempts to connect, we always came up empty. Over the years, I cemented my heart and drank the poison that eventually led to the vicious hope of them dying. But they weren’t dying. I was.
Just like the puppy in the picture, I decided to go with head down to each neighbor and ask if I had offended them in any way. And if I had, “I wanted to apologize for being a jerk.”
Out of the four families, all accepted my apology-except one. The husband in the fourth family, despite his wife’s sincere tears, kept his jaws locked and his eyes aloof.
Right away, the vile drink of hate churned in my stomach. But I remembered the scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:7-Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?
I did feel cheated. I had envisioned everyone would be open and forgiving too. But I would not guzzle down the bitter brew. What I truly realized is forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person’s acceptance. I took my leave. And I vowed in my heart to never let anything or anyone force me down that road again.
Grudges hold too many people hostage. Let your heart be unchained from the weight of bitterness. Tell us your story of forgiveness for this Good Friday in the comments below.
Cop A Squat 
