Consider this, “The failure to realize the oneness with God is the source of all sorrow.”
We are taught as Disciples of Christ that the Father is many and one, everywhere and nearby, in and about, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent.
Remove your sorrow, your grief, your loneliness, your confusion for God resides in and about you all your days. Be excited on today and on tomorrow for His righteous, He has not forsaken. Joy, rather that everlasting joy with God comes from the realization that “He is…” He is in and about us. He is whatever you need him to be- at this moment or future. So have that “He Is” faith! Loneliness shall never enter your personal realm with Him being the Comforter He is to us all. Afflictions shall not harm you with a Healer and Protector that he continues to be. Paths are ordered and directed with Him as your guide. Don't you fail to realize your position in and with God!
Don’t you just love this song…
“The joy of the Lord is my strength…” (It will keep me pressing with fervent zeal to do all things that Christ has enabled me to do through him)
“The strength of the Lord is my joy…” (For simply put He is able…Period!)
“The joy of the Lord I now receive…” (And by receiving in robust resilient faith, I cannot help but be excited about the future.)
(SO STOP TRIPPING! GOD HAS YOU AND IS IN CONTROL!)
Be blessed.
Be with Him.
Be at Peace.
Be loved.
Your Brother, Your Shoulder, Your Servant,
T. S. Deadwyler
Ethical Vision
My personal reflections and meditations.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 1515
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The Rock in You with You
During this period of supplication, silence, and meditation, I find in my journey a pictorial message I would like to share. After a mild hike through the seclusion I meet a water source. After meditating in the peace of the waves crashing into the shore, I begin to concentrate on a small boulder.
This particular rock is in a peculiar place, for it is almost totally encased by larger boulders that tower above it and seem to focus on. It is "trapped" on three sides-the left, back and right. And if this were not itself a predicament, the face of the small boulder is being hit directly with every crashing wave. God’s message was in this illustration.
As I study the small boulder more, I notice that is sways back and forth with each pressing and receding wave. Studying more intensely, I notice that though it sways with each push and pull, it does not loose its place or footing and stays in the location of where it is situated- surrounded by the larger boulders that seem as a set towering never-ending walls and constantly facing the ever-repeating pounding of the waves.
In Greek the English word “stone” translates to “Petra.” From Petra we derive the name Peter. We know of Peter the dedicated disciple and with the first known name of Simon (which means to hear). So we in turn now have Simon Peter, (the stone that hears) a disciple that would be a "Rock" with Christ. Thus in our sacred canon, Simon Peter’s most dominant spiritual attribute was that of FAITH. We may easily demonstrate this, if we allude to scene at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20). There Jesus asks, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man am? The disciples reply with various answers. Jesus then asks, "But whom say ye that I am?" Fervently Simon Peter answers, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Verses 17-19 state, "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou bind on earth shalt be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
WOW! That’s so awesome!
Peter in the text is the personification of faith and Jesus proclaims that on this faith that he will build up his people/ his church. I would elaborate more on a tangent of building people and church, but that shall be for another time.
God speaks of the blessings that come about from this strong stone-like faith in him and what can be obtained with it. Jesus proclaims,” Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith…ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive.” (Mat 21:21-22) And know that, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” With this in mind, blessings are but a faithful prayer away. But wait! There is also a type of protective order presented in this biblical scene whereby, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.” That would be another shouting part, as Pastor would say.
I shall digress back to the scene of the small stone on the shoreline. The rock, though small, holds tight to its position and shall represent the ideal Christian. Looking upon the image, its size does not determine it strength. Remember that faith even as small as a mustard seed can produce miracles. The Christian should stand steadfastly to its position (its faith, its strength) and face the enemy’s repeated waves of attack. God allows the attacks to take place for he understands the refinement in it. The water itself shall represent the essence of God as the universal solvent, for with enough time he breaks down any and everything. Again, the waves are the enemy’s attacks and they constantly disrupt the peaceful water. Ponder on the fact that there is never a wave that hits a shore line that is like the wave that hit before or after it. This fact carries to every body of water. The Christian is pushed and pulled by the enemy (attacked) yet endures and prepares for the next wave and understands that next shall not be as the last for it could be worst or less than. The faithful Christian has come out victorious from each and every attack and, being more than a conqueror, the face of the same attacker will never come again.
The universal solvent continues to allow waves to attack the Christian for he knows that divine refinement is in process. This particular rock is being removed of what is superfluous to itself, smoothed, and cleaned! The rock is being perfected- to resist more waves (fight) and breaks off to create more like it (preach & teach & evangelize)- even in the midst of what it seems to be going constantly going through. Be as this rock, being strong and steadfast in your faith. Be understanding to the fact that that is where your power lies. I challenge your to cultivate to your spiritual faith on this day. Be a faithful follower of the Father.
The saying is that no one wants to die, but everyone wants to go to heaven. Not to be morbid, but the inevitable shall come for all of us. The time may come in your walk where a permitted wave shall grab hold of you. Be not afraid of death for the essence of life is calling you home to be at peace for evermore. You shall be under His ever-nourishing covering in heaven and joined those who were like you on earth. You shall be reunited with family lost from the terrestrial realm. You shall be returned to the Father as reconciliation is his divine order. Rededicate yourself to him on this day. Stay steadfast to your faith, for it is your strength and your center of gravity that allows balance when enemy forces attack. Let him refine you. Let him perfect you.
Be blessed, all that lay eyes on this.
Be with Him.
Be at Peace.
Be loved.
Your Brother, Your Shoulder, Your Servant,
T. S. Deadwyler
Ethical Vision
Saturday, June 28, 2008 @ 2337
This particular rock is in a peculiar place, for it is almost totally encased by larger boulders that tower above it and seem to focus on. It is "trapped" on three sides-the left, back and right. And if this were not itself a predicament, the face of the small boulder is being hit directly with every crashing wave. God’s message was in this illustration.
As I study the small boulder more, I notice that is sways back and forth with each pressing and receding wave. Studying more intensely, I notice that though it sways with each push and pull, it does not loose its place or footing and stays in the location of where it is situated- surrounded by the larger boulders that seem as a set towering never-ending walls and constantly facing the ever-repeating pounding of the waves.
In Greek the English word “stone” translates to “Petra.” From Petra we derive the name Peter. We know of Peter the dedicated disciple and with the first known name of Simon (which means to hear). So we in turn now have Simon Peter, (the stone that hears) a disciple that would be a "Rock" with Christ. Thus in our sacred canon, Simon Peter’s most dominant spiritual attribute was that of FAITH. We may easily demonstrate this, if we allude to scene at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20). There Jesus asks, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man am? The disciples reply with various answers. Jesus then asks, "But whom say ye that I am?" Fervently Simon Peter answers, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Verses 17-19 state, "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou bind on earth shalt be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
WOW! That’s so awesome!
Peter in the text is the personification of faith and Jesus proclaims that on this faith that he will build up his people/ his church. I would elaborate more on a tangent of building people and church, but that shall be for another time.
God speaks of the blessings that come about from this strong stone-like faith in him and what can be obtained with it. Jesus proclaims,” Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith…ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive.” (Mat 21:21-22) And know that, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” With this in mind, blessings are but a faithful prayer away. But wait! There is also a type of protective order presented in this biblical scene whereby, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.” That would be another shouting part, as Pastor would say.
I shall digress back to the scene of the small stone on the shoreline. The rock, though small, holds tight to its position and shall represent the ideal Christian. Looking upon the image, its size does not determine it strength. Remember that faith even as small as a mustard seed can produce miracles. The Christian should stand steadfastly to its position (its faith, its strength) and face the enemy’s repeated waves of attack. God allows the attacks to take place for he understands the refinement in it. The water itself shall represent the essence of God as the universal solvent, for with enough time he breaks down any and everything. Again, the waves are the enemy’s attacks and they constantly disrupt the peaceful water. Ponder on the fact that there is never a wave that hits a shore line that is like the wave that hit before or after it. This fact carries to every body of water. The Christian is pushed and pulled by the enemy (attacked) yet endures and prepares for the next wave and understands that next shall not be as the last for it could be worst or less than. The faithful Christian has come out victorious from each and every attack and, being more than a conqueror, the face of the same attacker will never come again.
The universal solvent continues to allow waves to attack the Christian for he knows that divine refinement is in process. This particular rock is being removed of what is superfluous to itself, smoothed, and cleaned! The rock is being perfected- to resist more waves (fight) and breaks off to create more like it (preach & teach & evangelize)- even in the midst of what it seems to be going constantly going through. Be as this rock, being strong and steadfast in your faith. Be understanding to the fact that that is where your power lies. I challenge your to cultivate to your spiritual faith on this day. Be a faithful follower of the Father.
The saying is that no one wants to die, but everyone wants to go to heaven. Not to be morbid, but the inevitable shall come for all of us. The time may come in your walk where a permitted wave shall grab hold of you. Be not afraid of death for the essence of life is calling you home to be at peace for evermore. You shall be under His ever-nourishing covering in heaven and joined those who were like you on earth. You shall be reunited with family lost from the terrestrial realm. You shall be returned to the Father as reconciliation is his divine order. Rededicate yourself to him on this day. Stay steadfast to your faith, for it is your strength and your center of gravity that allows balance when enemy forces attack. Let him refine you. Let him perfect you.
Be blessed, all that lay eyes on this.
Be with Him.
Be at Peace.
Be loved.
Your Brother, Your Shoulder, Your Servant,
T. S. Deadwyler
Ethical Vision
Saturday, June 28, 2008 @ 2337
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Think about it....
Theology...the field of study and analysis that treats of God and of God's attributes and relations to the universe;
Anthropology...the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.
Sociology...the study of human social behavior
Simply stated, your personal theology (who, what, why, where, and how God is) will construct your personal and cultural anthropology (destiny, origin, purpose) which in turns manipulates your sociology and your footprint within it.
Peace and Love,
EV
Anthropology...the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.
Sociology...the study of human social behavior
Simply stated, your personal theology (who, what, why, where, and how God is) will construct your personal and cultural anthropology (destiny, origin, purpose) which in turns manipulates your sociology and your footprint within it.
Peace and Love,
EV
Thursday, April 24, 2008
I am
As I follow the road to the final destination.
Anuk
A vision of knowledge,
Influenced by elder wisdom
Humbly arrogant,
Silently boisterous,
An oxymoron personified,
Organized chaos
Anuk
Environmentally conscience,
Wasting today
Carpe diem, but only after procrastination.
EV
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Excerpts for inspiration and meditation
1Peter 2:
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Friday, April 11, 2008
My thoughts on shadows.
My thoughts on shadows.
In prayers and writings I would always ask that God kept me on his illuminated path-ordering my steps along the way. With this in mind, I imagine seeing God as a light source coming over a horizon. The light source also casts a particular shadow connected to me yet stretching in the opposite direction of the path I am pursuing. If it were possible to obtain snapshot of this moment, there are three things depicted.
The path is my promised and promising future, I stand/ walk as my present day self that is diligently moving toward the light source, and the shadow depicts my past. Shadows are interesting, for it is impossible to rid yourself of them, just as many aspects of our past. The shadow acts a constant reminder of the darkness that is connected to you. It is always there and mimicking your every movement. You cannot run from it, cannot hide from it, or cut it away. But there is hope! Remember that God has illuminated your path and is providing direction and safe ground to walk upon. Not and understand that it is a choice to walk this path or to walk in areas not Yet touched by the Sun/Son and where darkness rests. Take on this scene: As you began your walk, the Sun/Son is just coming upon the horizon (new walk with God). As you continue your day and journey, it seems as if your light source is getting larger and illuminating more of what you did not even see when the journey started (your spiritual cultivation process). At this point, you may actually pick up speed in your walk! But what of the shadow? As the source becomes larger in your view, the shadow becomes denser, darker and maybe even larger. It holds as a constant reminder of your past with its never ending nagging. “You will never get rid of me!” Brothas and Sistas, remember your past is just that and at your resurrection from the water it was never again to be a conquerer of your life. The old will not be in the present nor will it be the future. Stay diligent on the path that God has placed in front of you and watch what happens. Your steadfastness will be rewarded. You will come to a point in the journey where the light source is directly above you, brighter and more glorious than ever. At this point you are aligned with the Sun/Son, which in the spiritual cultivation process is main our goal! Note that this is also the moment where the intense heat may cause some to give up. I implore you to press and keep your promise and as he has kept his. Oh, remember that dense, dark shadow of your past? You will notice now that it is now beneath you, for you have conquered it and placed it to be constantly stomped with every step of progress!
My friends have heard me say that we should “Live on Purpose, but also live On Purpose!” Follow the will of the Son and the blessings will be bestowed. I pray that God continues to illuminate your path all your days.
Be blessed on today,
EV
4/11/08
Living the competent life.
It’s amazing what God moves and says. I have always had a fear of being incompetent in my professional career as some of you have felt maybe as well, but what about being incompetent in your total life? One of the items you are given before the start of any professional position is a job description. Job descriptions describe the essential functions, core competencies, the assigned supervisor, etc so that you know exactly what is expected of you in that particular position.
Most of us are evaluated on our performance by measuring the progress/impact / accomplishment of each bullet point listed on the job description within a certain time period in what is called a work performance review (WPR). Thereafter the WPR comes a performance rating given to you by the supervisor. In my experience the WPR ratings may vary from “exceed expectations” to “unsatisfactory”.
At this point there would be termination papers, corrective action, more training required, or recognition with a possible increase in pay/benefits.
As a Disciple of Christ where would you stand if God conducted work performance review on you today? Would he say that you display the core competencies and/or living a competent life? At this point, you may ask yourself, “What are the core competencies of a Disciple?” We have at least ten bullet points that everyone should have as their minimum qualification on their review and even more in the New Testament. Between that leather or hardback binding is your employee handbook, training manual, and WPR form, and the many job functions of living a competent life.
Be introspective and complete your own WPR or “Works & Prayer Review.” I look at my professional life and understand that the skills and expertise did not come by divine osmosis. I had to study. I had to work. I had to learn some aspects from just being with my mentors. I even had to test my theories to assure their effectiveness!
Remember we should strive not only to be competent in our professions, but in out total lives as well. The same principals apply in living a competent life as in being a competent professional. You must study and meditate on the word. You must conduct good works toward everyone and everything. You must build a personal relationship with Your mentor Jesus Christ. You must pray with faith in your heart and believe those things that are of pure heart will come to pass.
But the Bible has even more for your specialize training and edification. Ever wanted to know how to become a competent father? A competent mother? A competent servant? A competent wife? A competent husband? A competent neighbor?
Remember that this is your manual, your handbook, your guide... your sword and shield.
I write this to implore you to assess yourself before the Father decides and here We find the essentials functions rated at satisfactory or below, pick up your Basic Instructions and prescribe your own corrective action, and your “continuing education classes.” What’s awesome is that you can even suck up to this boss more and not have to worry about it being scene negatively amongst your peers. J As a matter of fact, they may even draw closer to You so that they can begin to receive the favor and treatment that you receive! (An ol’ preacher would have you all shouting right there!)
Praises to the great “I am”!
May you be blessed in the city and in the field.
Peace, Love, and Blessings in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
the manual
As I begin to be more engulfed in ministry and volunteer management, I
understand that ..."he that is greatest amongst you shall be your
servant..." even more. As continue to read and re-read the new testament, I
see that service is themed throughout. This may seem odd to you, but I see
the new testament as a manual for service (a sort of volunteer manual and
program report). It is full of policies, procedures and tasks. It provides
background research, service impact reports, and of course best practices.
Insurance policies, how to complete procurement requests. Just meditate on
it and let me know what you think.
Peace and Blessings,
EV
understand that ..."he that is greatest amongst you shall be your
servant..." even more. As continue to read and re-read the new testament, I
see that service is themed throughout. This may seem odd to you, but I see
the new testament as a manual for service (a sort of volunteer manual and
program report). It is full of policies, procedures and tasks. It provides
background research, service impact reports, and of course best practices.
Insurance policies, how to complete procurement requests. Just meditate on
it and let me know what you think.
Peace and Blessings,
EV
Reflections on the plight and MLK
I have been (not so) quietly noticing the reincarnation of the Jim Crow fall upon this nation, its minorities, and impoverished (or lets just say those who did not benefit from the Bush Administration's tax cut.) In 2008, we celebrate our drum major for justice and equality and mourn for the same. In preparation for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, I have begun re-reading many of Dr. King's writings, but there is one in particular that strikes me as TIMELESS. The prophetic anointing was on this brother STRONG.
Hopefully you have, but you if you have never had the pleasure of reading Dr. King's letter to his Birmingham "fellow" clergyman, please take the opportunity. As I think about the dissolution of the civil liberties, the several unequal justice cases, and even the attempted economic Blackout (where many African- Americans refused to participate in for whatever reason), I think and allude back to this letter. "...I stand in the middle of two opposing forces in the Negro community. One is a force of complacency, made up in part of Negroes who, as a result of long years of oppression, are so drained of self-respect and a sense of sombodiness that they have adjusted to segregation; and in part of a few middle-class Negroes who, because of a degree of academic and economic security...have become insensitive to the problems of the masses."
He also goes on to state his disappointment with the church and expresses feelings that may be applied to many members of the younger generations that are thirsting for pure-hearted, strong leaders, especially in the area of spiritual cultivation. I do not like to use the term struggle, when it pertains to the African- American and other minority plight. The term invokes in my mind that it is a never ending story, but what word should I use that expresses the cycle of conflicts or battles against the unjust that continue to rise?
I think this should have been on a blog somewhere, for this seems to be a voluble rant. At least I'm at lunch typing this.
I love to share and swap thoughts, views, and opinions, so please do respond after reading.
I have attached the link to the paper as well as other laudable works. <
Peace and Blessings,
Ethical Vision
New Beginnings
I awaken to the calling of my future and new year. Many blessings were bestowed upon us in the former and He has promised to us more in the latter.
The plan for the night was to attend a service and head to a party afterwards. :-/ So many try to attend church on the last day for a fresh start in the new year.
To shorten this blog, let us just say that we were turned away.
We ended up in a local Starbucks (Lord help us!) to feed ourselves on the word of the the omniscient. I started with Isiah then Jeremiah and finished with Phillipians. And this where I will reflect.. Begininning at Phil. 3. Paul says he gave it all up for the walk with God, but I particularly love this at verse 9 where he mentions two types righteousness-one by the law or commandments and the other by faith in God.
He continues with verse 11, "...by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead..."
I love this chapter, for Paul basically says that he understands he must continue to be disciplined in his righteousness (both faith and law), that he..."may lay hold for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." He presses on to follow in the foot steps of Christ.
He states that he forgets his past and reaches forward to those things which are ahead.
(This is simple enough. Do not allow your past be the tether of your life. More so use it as your motivation and catalyst for change if needed.)
Peace and Blessings,
Ethical Vision
The plan for the night was to attend a service and head to a party afterwards. :-/ So many try to attend church on the last day for a fresh start in the new year.
To shorten this blog, let us just say that we were turned away.
We ended up in a local Starbucks (Lord help us!) to feed ourselves on the word of the the omniscient. I started with Isiah then Jeremiah and finished with Phillipians. And this where I will reflect.. Begininning at Phil. 3. Paul says he gave it all up for the walk with God, but I particularly love this at verse 9 where he mentions two types righteousness-one by the law or commandments and the other by faith in God.
He continues with verse 11, "...by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead..."
I love this chapter, for Paul basically says that he understands he must continue to be disciplined in his righteousness (both faith and law), that he..."may lay hold for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." He presses on to follow in the foot steps of Christ.
He states that he forgets his past and reaches forward to those things which are ahead.
(This is simple enough. Do not allow your past be the tether of your life. More so use it as your motivation and catalyst for change if needed.)
Peace and Blessings,
Ethical Vision
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