Remember the Reason...

Jesus.

Remember the reason.

Too often, during this season (the Christmas season), we get focused on buying gifts, and who has the best sales, and Christmas parties, and decorations.

Some people go into a funk because of the people that aren't around to celebrate Christmas, whether through distance, breakup, or death.

But, if we would only remember the Reason for this season, if we would remember why there's a CHRISTmas in the first place, if we would remember how God fulfilled his word through the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then we won't get caught up. Materialism, selfishness, depression, and disappointment aren't even comparable to the Reason.

So, friends, enemies, anyone reading this - remember the Reason!!!

Moody...

So... it's been a minute since I've last did a blog.

I've been busy - school, church, daycare planning, and other stuff that I won't mention on this blog; hey, I approach dissemenation of information like this - tell somebody something, but don't tell everybody everything.

Anyways, I've been moody. It's due to relationshp. I was "talking" to somebody, but it seems that my season with that young lady has changed. Honestly, I don't know what to think....
I mean, I'm happy, but it's like.... I have a lot going on in my life - I'm working on this Master of Divinity degree, I'm writing songs again, I'm an Elder in the church, I'm involved with some big projects....

I want to be in love, that's what it is. I want to have a meaningful relationship without all the "extra". But, it seems like I can't meet a woman without a bunch of internal issues, you know? Probably why I've spent most of my life alone. At least, with myself, I know what I'm getting, I can live with myself, and I don't have to deal with a woman constantly keeping me on edge emotionally.

I'll be cool once I go to pray, sleep, and wake up. But, I just had to get this off my chest.

Not GRIPPOS (OH LAWD!!!!)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

FYI - BBQ Grippos are among my favorite chips. I'm SALTY to learn that the factory caught fire and that there may be a shortage of chips in the upcoming days.
What am I gonna do???
Hopefully, Doritos and Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Tomato & Basil Lay's will hold me over until Grippos are up and running again.


Jonathan's 10 Favorite Chips (in no order)
BBQ Grippos
Blazin' Buffalo and Ranch Doritos
Flamin' Hot Cheetos
Grippos Cheese Puffs
Cool Ranch Doritos
Spicy Nacho Doritos
Cheddar and Sour Cream Lays
Tomato and Basil Lays
Flamin' Hot Lays
Sweet Chili Doritos

(You know - maybe this list IS in order....)

Dwayne Tryumf & L Dubzy - Vocals vs Instruments [777 ALBUM OUT NOW ON IT...

O'Dell Owens (Legacy, Part III)

I'm salty that the local "newspaper", The Cincinnati Enquirer, is trying to start some drama over O'Dell Owens. Dr. Owens is the Coroner of Hamilton County, and was recently selected to be the President of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (here's a link to his bio). According to the article, he's currently serving on both capacities until after Election Day. What's newsworthy about that? Why aren't you covering some other news? And why are all these folks throwing shade in the comments section of the at Cincinnati.com???

I personally have admiration for Dr. Owens. That man has come up from humble beginnings in the West End, to getting a medical degree from Yale, and a job at Harvard, to coming back to Cincinnati and making his mark here. Whereas most intelligent, talented people leave this area, this man came back and is out here trying to make a difference. As coroner, he goes around to school and community groups to encourage and empower everyone in the Cincinnati community, especially youth. He uses his position as coroner to promote life and abundant life in a community where people seem to be anti-life at times, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

I feel that The Cincinnati Enquirer put this article out to try to create a scandal around Dr. Owens. He's been one of the few elected officials in the area that hasn't had any scandal/controversy about them. There are many people that have two jobs, and if he's getting two checks for two jobs, then so be it. So what they're both "government" jobs? He's doing two jobs, so he's supposed to get two checks! Most of those ding-a-lings on city council get two checks for two jobs, as being on city council is considered a part-time job and many of them hold positions with private companies (wish I could have a part-time job that pays $66k+ with benefits...). NO ONE is complaining about that situation, but folk want to throw shade over Dr. Owens getting two checks for two jobs??? It's political - Owens is the Democratic Hamiton County Coroner, and the conservative paper (and it's conservative readers) want to throw shade.

However, I don't think it's wise for Dr. Owens to have assumed the responsibilities of those two particular positions simultaneously. I'm wondering how much time he gets to spend on sleep and family, as I'm assuming that each of those positions - Hamilton County Coroner and College President - are VERY time consuming. Even though it's only for a season, it probably would've been wiser to hold off on accepting the Cincinnati State position until he felt comfortable in leaving the Coroner position.


The main reason this article caught my attention is because, with all that's going on in Cincinnati (being the 3rd poorest city in the nation, for example - blog on this is forthcoming), we need to be appreciative of positive people who are willing to use their time and talents to uplift the people and make Cincinnati a better place. Dr. Owens could've probably built a wonderful life for himself in New England, or in any other part of the country, and he would've been celebrated. But he comes back to Cincinnati and has great success in the medical field and in public service, and people want to hate on him.
I'm tired of the miserable people chasing away wonderful people from Cincinnati because of stupid reasons (political affiliation, economics, unwillingness to consider different ideas). I pray that Dr. Owens continue to work hard and not let the Enquirer and others that would like to use his situation to show out dissuade him from continued success.

The Color Purple

Today, I watched The Color Purple.

The Color Purple is one of my favorite movies of all time, as well as one of my favorite books of all time (after The Bible and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings). There are so many reasons why The Color Purple appeals to me - the story, the imagery, the sense of hope, the empowerment, even the pain....

I can identify with Celie; really, I think all of us can identify with Celie in some way - her pain, the feeling of being unloved, the discovery of love, hope. I think it's awesome that she stayed hopeful all those years, despite the pain, mistreatment, disrespect, and fear. And, I love that she finally got the strength to leave "Mister" and have an ending that was far better then her beginning.

I was posting status updates on Facebook the whole time I watched the movie. I'm trippin' that I was crying through most of the movie - I had NEVER cried while watching this movie! I'm blaming it on the fact that I had been awake for over 26 hours, and was back up after a three-hour nap (or, maybe I'm more in touch with my emotions - who knows)


I'll close this post with the words I left on Facebook after the movie went off -

Wow... I forgot how watching The Color Purple can be a real-live experience (I'm blaming all this crying on my sleep deprivation, though!). This movie (and the book) will always be one of my favorites.

A "real-live" experience indeed!

Worldly artists frontin' as Gospel artists...

So, I just heard Canton Jones' new single via Youtube... yeah.



My first impulse was to "go in" on this song. But, I'll keep it calm.
I will say this - I can appreciate Canton Jones' talent, vocal ability, and creativity. I own three of his albums (The Passcode, Love Jones, and Kingdom Business). But, I wasn't feeling that song (and several of his other songs). I understand that he probably bleeped the word "Christian" in the song, but what's the purpose of bleeping words in the first place? And, why are Christians up in the club? Why is he buying out the bar? What's up with riding up in a Bentley? Anyway...

I'll be honest - I don't listen to as much gospel music as I used to because I see so much worldliness in so many of these gospel artists! When I got saved for real, I got saved because I was tired of the world. I saw that the things of the world have no long-term merit, and I desired to pursue Him that had eternal merit. Yet, many of these "gospel" artists want to rep Christ and rep the world at the same time. Braggadocio, swagger, displaying one's riches, talking about one's riches and so forth have NO PLACE IN CHRIST!!! Some of these folk talk more about a Bentley that they don't own than they do about Jesus Christ - it's amazing (and so sad)!
It's getting harder and harder to find some good gospel/Christian music that not trying to sound like the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It's harder and harder to find gospel videos that don't look like something off 106 & Park.
And, I don't have a problem with different forms and styles of music. I like rap (I write raps myself), I like guitars, I like "beats". But, I don't like the world. And, I wish some of these so-called "gospel" artists felt the same way.

Some more examples of what I'm talkin' 'bout:

Eddie Long

I know that the news with Eddie Long broke two weeks ago, but I decided to post a note that I did on Facebook onto this blog. So, here it goes...


So... I decided to do a Facebook note sharing my thoughts about Bishop Eddie Long and the situation with him. I was just gonna post a blog on my blogspot, but since I was on Facebook decided to do a note (I might copy this note and put it on my blog and add some video clips though).





Anyway, what do I think about the allegations? I think the body of Christ need to pray for Bishop Long, his family, his congregation, the churches/ministries he oversees as bishop, and the accusers. I have an opinion about whether the accusations are true or not, but I don't feel it's important. When the news broke, I was saddened in just thinking about all the souls that would be hurt by these events. I was upset that, as 2 Samuel 12:14 says, this situation gives those enemies of God occasion to blaspheme. But mainly, I was concerned and in prayer for the souls. There's 25,000 members in his church that are affected by this. There are thousands upon thousands that watch his shows on Christian television, that give offerings to his ministry, and who buy his books/CDs/DVDs. I pray for healing and restoration for the saints involved, and that everyone involved enters into a deeper relationship with God.



However, I'm a little attitudinal with the church. Even though I have compassion for Bishop Long and all affected by these accusations, I am not a follower nor a supporter of his ministry. It has nothing to do with the accusations, but rather some of his actions and his false teachings that I've heard. I've heard Bishop Long say that God took a uterus out of Adam when he created woman. According to Genesis 2:21-22, God took a RIB out of Adam's side, and formed woman - NOT A UTERUS. That's not Bible! Where did this man get that from?

And, like most prosperity preachers, I have yet to hear Long preach a balanced message in regards to prosperity. Yes, God can and will prosper His people in all areas (spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, etc.); however, God WILL NOT prosper anyone living in sin. I've never heard a message from Bishop Long dealing with holiness, sin, or righteousness. Perhaps someone who happens to read this note will be able to direct me to one of his messages where he deals with one of the aforementioned subjects.

Also, you're a Bishop, but you're on R&B and Hip-Hop albums, which I believe is deceptive; why would you lend your credibility to artists that are not glorifying God in their music. That Ludacris album that he appeared on wasn't glorifying God, and many justified buying the Ludacris album by saying, "Well, it must be okay because Bishop Long's on it."NOOOOOOOO!!!

And, why would you let rapper T.I. preach in your church? T.I. is not a preacher. T.I., at least in his public persona, isn't glorifying God in his music and in his lifestyle (I mean, how many times has T.I. been arrested since 2000?) So, why would you allow him up before the people, on EASTER SUNDAY??!!! Why would you allow him before the youth?

Also, one could question some of the excesses in his life, materially speaking. I'm not against people being prosperous, and having nice things (the Bible says that those who live of the gospel should eat of the gospel, and that the elder who rules well is worthy of double honor), but I couldn't see having millions of dollars in cars and a private jet when there's people in my congregation that have to ride the bus. I'm just saying...



I've think I'm shown that I'm not a Bishop Eddie Long fan. But the issue I'm having with the church about this whole thing is that it took some accusations about homosexual coercion to get the body at large to wake up, pay attention, pray, and/or ask some questions. Are Christians so spiritually shallow that it takes scandal to check out whether someone whose preaching/teaching a word is "right"? Are Christians so loyal to leaders that we choose to be blind to actions and teaching that aren't in agreement with Scripture? To a degree, these accusations are an indictment on the body of Christ, because they show where we are in relationship with God, and that we'd rather hear "sweet things" and "play church", then be real with God, ourselves, and each other.


In short, not only do Bishop Long, the accusers, and the New Birth family need prayer, but the body of Christ needs prayer for being so clueless. Amen.


*************************************************************************************


I wrote the above on September 24, 2010. Since then, there's been rumors of more young men coming forth, Bishop Long "addressing" his congregation (and looking a hot mess in a lace front wig), and people urging everyone to either pray for the "man-d of Gawd" or calling for him to step down.

I've held back my personal opinion because I felt that the body of Christ needed to examine some other things regarding Bishop Long (particularly dealing with some of his questionable/false teaching). If the church would do as the Bible admonishes (Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth - II Timothy 2:15), then this situation wouldn't have even happened because Bishop Long wouldn't even have been pastoring that flock to even bein a position where that situation occured.

And for the record, yes, he did it. I've been hearing about this sort of thing for several years from reliable people. And, about 60 seconds before I learned of this news, I heard God tell me that "Judgement will begin with the church". Actually, I heard God tell me that, and was going to post it on my twitter and facebook accounts. I got on Twitter to post it, and I saw the link from CNN news that Eddie Long had been accused of sexual coercion.
God is tired of the foolishness. Clearly, there is NO accountability among these superstar preachers and so-called Bishops. Even if these were false allegations, Long would be wrong because he didn't have anyone around him to witness to his integrity. I think of all the Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus sent the disciples out in twos, or how Apostle Paul always had a team with him when he was ministering. And, where was Long's wife when all these things were going on? She came out on stage on that Sunday morning after the allegations broke, but she should've been with him on these overnight trips!
And, for all those people who still think that these allegations are an attack from the enemy and that Bishop Long is blameless - receive the truth so that you can be free! There is more than enough erroneous teaching and behavior from Eddie Long apart from the allegations to let the church know that he is not a Truth teacher, but a wolf in sheep's clothing. If anything, folks need to be praying that Eddie Long would forsake the world and start walking in Truth!
What's really sad, though, is that a number of these superstar preachers are about to fall. The church is so enamored with glitter and glitz and ear candy that they can't or don't want to know the real from the fake. It's sad that the unsaved/carnal has more insight on what's really goin' on than the body of Christ, especially those who claim to be filled with the Holy Ghost and operating in spiritual gifts!

Ok, I'm done with this topic. I'll continue to pray for the Body of Christ, for the young men who've brought about the allegations, the New Birth Church Family, Eddie Long's wife, Eddie Long's children. I'll also pray for the superstar preachers and Bishops (including Eddie Long); that they'll get saved for real and stop leading people to hell. Amen.





(I also wanted to link an awesome blog that G. Craige Lewis did on this subject - enjoy )

Off The Dome

I'm thinking about changing the name of my blog to "Off The Dome". Why? Because I've written every blog that I've done spontaneously. I haven't written out an essay, I haven't really planned out my blogs - I just come across a topic that "invokes" me, and I hop on the blog and write whatever comes out. I don't even preview or spell check - I write and hit "publish". I thought about being more intentional in my blogging, but I feel that doing it the way that I've been doing it works best for me.
So... that's what's up.

Rural Tennessee fire sparks conservative ideological debate

So, I was on Facebook and saw a video posting from Mrs. Markena Peavy. She had posted the following video:

http://video.ap.org/?f=KSTOP&pid=5bY8wbbPoqSnV0qSAy9t5N7dEYkEvE3F

I am HOT!!! I mean, that's some PETTY stuff! How could the fire department stand bylet this man's home and possessions burn to the ground over $75!!!??? Is it really that crucial??!!! The fire department was RIGHT THERE - they could've squirted some water on the man's house so that he could at least keep something!!!

They showed NO compassion in the situation! I couldn't, in good conscience, justify letting someone's home burn to the ground when I have the means to help that person. Then, that wack politician got on the video talking about enforcing rules and whatnot.... Ok, rules are important, and following rules are important, but ARE RULES AND $$$ MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE NOW???



I am somewhat relieved to learn that the local governments are working on a solution to this situation, so that this sort of thing doesn't happen in the future. But, this was still a sad thing to happen in America. Surely Jesus is soon to come.

I hate the news...

So, the good news is that I don't have a television in my house. I don't desire a TV. I don't miss TV.
However, I have a laptop, and I have high-speed Internet. And, I can't help but to spend too much time on Facebook and news sites.

Actually, I was in Cincinnati.com and saw something that peeved me to no end. Some 21-year-old "mother" actually videotaped her 2-year-old daughter smoking weed!!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who gives weed (i.e. marijuana) to a toddler??!!!! Well, someone had sense enough to turn in the mother, and now she's facing up to 11 1/2 years in prison.

This is just ridiculous...

Ok... I just wanted to write something for my blog, since it's been a few months since I've posted a blog.

Well, on Mother's Day, my laptop got infected with a virus. It's in the shop now, and I ought to be back up and running by the end of this weekend (and hopefully, I'll get back to some consistency with the blogging).

Lot's of changes. It's been intense, but God has equipped me to endure the "fire" and be purified in the process. Summer is the hottest time of the year, and this summer has been very hot, naturally and spiritually. I'm done some sweating, but I've made it a point to stay hydrated and drink plenly of [living] water and stay shaded. And, I haven't had a heat stroke or a sucka attack.

I have some topics that I'm going to write on once I get my computer back that I think will be good.

Until next time - laton!

Love... (part I)

So, I woke up at 4:20am (EDT) to urinate, and I decided to just do a quick blog on everyone's subject, and one that's been on my mind lately.

I've had some solo thought sessions on various aspects of love over the past 6-7 months - what it is, the different types, and so forth. The main conclusion that I've come to is that 99% of people don't even know what love is.

For one, there's different types of love - the highest love (agape), brotherly love (philio), romance/passion (eros), and affection (storge) (I'm using the greek words for love). And, understanding the opposites of love is very significant in understanding what love is (love vs. hate/indifference/selfishness). But, most of us get our understanding of love from R&B and ballads, romantic comedies, and harlequin novels :(

Well, I'm going back to bed (gotta go to the gym in a few hours - I'll blog about that at a later time, and church biz as well). I will be blogging in more detail on this love matter over the next few weeks, and I'll try to be more organized as I blog on it instead of writing off the dome like I usually do.

Much Love.

Legacy (Part II)

In a way, this blog is a continuation of the thoughts I shared in the blog I did in December dealing with Brian Kelly leaving UC to take the head football coach position at Notre Dame. But this time, it is Bob Huggins who has motivated me to revisit this topic.

I remember when UC first joined the Big East conference back in 2005. I remember many basketball fans and commentators who questioned Huggins' ablility to lead UC to basketball success in this new conference. Well, five years later, after UC hosed Huggins (in my opinion), Huggins is now head coach of a Big East team playing in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament (the ONLY Big East team to make it to the Final Four). I love irony, and the fact that Bob Huggins coached West Virginia to the Final Four - I love it. I can't stand West Virginia, but being in the Final Four is the perfect "middle finger" to everyone that questioned his ability to coach successfully in a "major" conference (gee, I hope that analogy wasn't too bad...).
Anyway, I think it's funny that the one coach that was successful that probably would've stayed, they get rid off; and the other succesful coaches couldn't wait to parlay their success into "bigger/better" opportunities (such as going to Michigan State or Norte Dame). It's funny that someone who was being a trailblazer, UC didn't want him, but they welcomed those who only wanted to make a name for themselves, and left after doing so. I also find it really funny that the UC President who campaigned for Bob Huggins to be gone isn't even in Cincinnati anymore - she jumped ship last year to be the Chancellor of The State University of New York system. Hilarious!!!

It's like there's some type of backwards spirit, or a spirit of poverty over Cincinnati. It's almost as though leadership (whether in government, business, church, or education) is afraid of success, and it's because of this spirit in the atmosphere. I pray God does something, because I'm tired of seeing talented people pack up and leave. I'm tired of having to fight to temptation to just pack up and leave (I promise, if it wasn't for AWF...). Lord, turn this place around!

Mali Music

I enjoy music, and I recently got "hip" to Mali Music. He's been out for a few years, but I'm late (as usual). But, I still thought that I'd share some of his music on this blog.

Anointed House/ The Poet in me

It's my church's seven-year anniversary this month. During this month, we're having all the disciples participate in the service. In addition to singing with the other men in the congregation, I have also been put on the program to recite poetry during two Sundays this month - the 2nd and 3rd Sundays.
Well, I read a poem, "Anointed House" this past Sunday. It's been about seven years since I've recited any poetry (and actually, about 2 1/2 years since I've written any). I wrote "Anointed House" at the top of this year (while fasting); I was glad to be at a church that strives to live by the Bible and be a true representation of Christ. As I thought this thought, lines started to come to me, and I pulled out my paper and my Cristal Bic and just flowed with it.

Of course I'm going to share the poem in the blog. I hope you enjoy!!!



Anointed House

I was glad when they said unto me...
Let us go into the anointed house,
Hands up, Lord, let your anointing douse,
Fall down, rain, in a torrent, outpour,
Overtake me until I want no more
Until I can’t stand and my all fall before you
Where all of me, even my DNA, adore you
Touch every saint, ‘til they cry out “no more” too
And even those who don’t know, so they can’t ignore you.
Lord, we’re in the time, even in the hour,
Where we need to experience you and your power,
Demonstration and manifestation of the Spirit –
We want to see it and feel it, and not just hear it!
Lay, slay, stay displaying wonders and signs,
Undeniable acts guaranteed to blow minds!
I’m in expectation to see what I’ve read about
In full force; I know you’ll remove all doubt
Of your ability,
your creativity,
Your virtuosity,
your exceeding and abundantly
Above what men can ask, think, or imagine,
I’m at a place of faith where I know it’s ‘bout to happen
For anything can happen, and will happen, when you show up
When you blow up,
when you let the Holy Spirit just flow up
In the anointed tabernacle, in the place of oasis,
In the house of worship, in the temple of praises;
It never gets tired, but is always as something new –
We can’t get enough of you, or of all that you do.
Thank you.

(c) Jonathan Daniels

I'm back - growth through fasting.

Ok... so I haven't really written any blogs this year. Well, I did write the one about the wilderness, but I haven't been writing like I've wanted to. For one, I had disconnected my Internet service for a month. For the year 2010 up to the point, I was limited to being on the Internet during thrice-weekly trips to the Library, and the majority of that time was spent on e-mail correspondence and ministry work. (Note: I'm up and running with the home Internet again, so it's all to the good).


But the main thing that I've been up to so far in 2010 would be the 33-day fast that I did from January 3 - February 5; yes - 33 days. I did a total fast, i.e. I only drank bottled water for 33 days - no food, no broth, no vitamins, just water. I couldn't believe it either once I got past the 10th day of the thing. Actually, I believe that God wanted me to do a forty-day fast (kinda like Jesus in the wilderness), but I got sick and cut the fast off with a week to go.
Really, I don't like to talk about fasting. I try to adhere to Matthew 6:16-18 and not openly talk about fasting, at least while I'm fasting. So, I've been pretty mum about it, both on my blog, and even with the people in my life.

The fast was an experience though. God really did do some changes in me in body/soul/spirit. The three biggest changes would be that my appetite changed (I have great difficulty in eating sweets now), I have more physical and mental endurance, and I feel more spiritually sensitive. I could elaborate on each of these three things (as well as some other experiences and revelations I had during my 33-day fast), but I'll perhaps share those things at another time.

The fast was also a time of great spiritual warfare. Of course, the first week of the fast was dealing with the temptation to eat. I mean, everything sounded good (even crackers)! Then, I started getting sick - colds, sore throats, dizziness, and finally, stomach problems (I was vomiting bile and stomach acid).
Also, I was attacked in my finances. As I was temporarily laid off from work, I had to draw unemployment for a few months; however, I didn't receive any unemployment in 2010, due to "system errors" (but I know that it was the devil).

But through it all, God worked with me and on me a great deal. I'm eating healthier, my discipline is a little better, I have more energy, I lost 40 pounds, He showed me revelations in the Bible, and my faith has increased considerably. Yes, fast is good (but not as good as the God that led me to fast in the first place).

Laton!

Wilderness

Happy New Year's!!! Even though New Years was almost a month ago....

God's been doing some work with me, in body/soul/spirit. I've just been trying my best to let Him do His work with me (which is why I haven't really blogged or anything else).
I've entitled this particular blog "Wilderness" because that's how I feel right now. I'm not literally out in the woods or some other isolated place. It's more like mental/emotional/spiritual wilderness. It's as though I'm alone and it's just me and God. He's got me on some "alone" stuff so that he can answer some of my prayers.
In December, I realized that I needed to make some major changes in my life. I was always tired. I felt that I wasn't praying enough. I wanted to yield more to the Spirit of God. I stepped on a scale and learned that I weighed over 300 pounds (wow - I can't believe I put that out there). So, I spent most of the month praying that God would show me what to do to change. And, he's been equipping this month - in the wilderness.
Sometimes, we have to get out of the "mix" of people to hear God and know His will for us. Sometimes, we have to isolate ourselves from the various carnal (and even demonic) opinions and thought patterns and be placed in a situation (i.e. the wilderness) so that those opinions and thought patterns won't flourish. That's what up with JD.

I'm just letting God have his way. I'll surely elaborate on the process in a few weeks.

Laton!