God is a Jealous God

This is without doubt one of the more difficult characteristics of God to understand, but it is nonetheless true. It is a trait clearly and repeatedly seen in biblical history. Exodus 34:14 says that His name is jealous.

The main reason we struggle with the concept is the fact that we typically pair jealousy and envy together. Some even call them twin sisters. However, there is a distinct difference between the two.

Jealousy and envy are similar in that they are both third place emotions. The parties are a lover, the beloved and the rival (animate or inanimate will fit). Jealousy is the lover’s emotion over the beloved, while envy is the lover’s emotion over the rival. The beloved is the issue in jealousy, but is only coincidental in envy. Jealousy moves the lover to prove himself to the beloved (usually with negative actions), but envy is a competition with the rival.

This is why God is not ever called an envious God. He has no rival, He has no competition. He is a jealous God because of His great love for his covenant people. He does not fault the rival; he faults the disregarding, disbelieving, disrespectful recipient of His perfect love.

Give God preeminence over your entire life. He desires and deserves first place.

From Jackson Mississippi

Had a good gospel time with the Parkview CoC. The Minister, Richard Wiggins, and the members took real good care of me while I was there. We had a good time as we spread the good news about Jesus. I believe that this congregation will grow to manifest transforming light in the community of Jackson.

It was my joy to preach the Word to a group that loved the Word. They were even ok with my long-windedness (lol). In fact they were thankful even still. I was shown great generosity every night of the meeting. Special thanks for my special gifts (you know).

A highlight of this meeting came as a personal achievement. I hit an eagle on a par four hole. That's right. Teed off straight down the middle and hit an iron right into the hole. Two shots. Recognize a player. I got the score card signed and attested by William Woods the worthy witness.

Thanks again Jackson. You made the Brooklynite Preacher feel better about preaching. God bless you.

Make a Great Day

I know we’re used to a different statement, but it is high time for a change. When it comes to a good day we need to stop being passive and start taking a more active role.

Since we have been made in the image of God, we have power over time. Of course not on the same level, but we certainly have some semblance of dominion over space, time and energy.

When it comes to the day, which is a small portion of life, we can create it to be good. Normally speaking, we have the power to affect the goodness or the badness of the day. Barring extenuating circumstances, we decide, declare, determine and direct the course and consequences of the day.

Here are four principles of great day making:
1. Set an agenda the night before. Your day deserves planning and prioritizing. In fact, if you do not determine what is success or failure the night before, it’s impossible to have a winning attitude throughout the day.
2. Begin with prayer. Sanctification, glorification with thanksgiving is the absolute best way to start the day. Consecrating the day to the Lord is rewarding as well as respectful.
3. Execute, execute execute. Start achieving what you have purposed. Look at your agenda as a hit list, with each item being a threat to your family, future, finances or faith. Assassinate each priority with extreme prejudice.
4. Honestly evaluate your results at the end of the day. If you missed, don’t say you got it. Calling failure success will only condemn you to a life of content condemnation. If you hit the mark celebrate in some way. Whether to say like God, “It is good”, or congratulate your work towards a good day.

Follow some likeness of these principles and you will make a great day rather than waiting on one to happen. Practice these principles until proficiency comes and you will make a great day become a great life.