President Obama made headlines last week when he endorsed and supported homosexual marriages. Aside from the obvious, this is wrong on more levels than I have time or space to discuss.

Before I begin, I would like to reclaim the use of the word, “gay.” Homosexuality is unhappy because it is completely opposed to the Word and the will of God. “Gay” is a word that means “happy,” as in the verse  ”don we now our gay apparel…” from the holiday standard ”Deck the Halls.”

First and foremost, the President has effectively told Black voters that they have nowhere else to turn. No Black person could, in good conscience, vote for a man that says he identifies with Black people because “his ancestors owned slaves.” Now I understand the president cannot “kowtow” to Black voters but a patent snub cannot be dismissed.

Second, while the President has professed to be a Christian, taking the stance he did runs completely contrary to Biblical teaching. While Mr. Obama is, ostensibly, a liberal, his decision to support homosexual marriage has destroyed any possibility of his carrying the evangelical vote which, incidentally, is numerically greater than the homosexual vote.

Now, I could go deep scripturally but the Biblical argument has been clearly framed and proffered; I don’t need to elaborate that case any further.

The issue is not whether it is an abomination or not – sin is sin, and folks want to make homosexuality a sin of greater magnitude. The point, here, is that homosexuals are part of a small cadre of sinners who want their sin to be made legal in the sight of men (along with abortionists and corporate thieves) and now they want it to be accepted by the church.

If homosexuals want civil unions, well, okay…I don’t have to have anything to do with that. When you speak of the institution of marriage – an institution, I might add, ordained by God – it’s a slippery slope approaching the inevitable end of the state forcing the church to sanction and perform nuptials for homosexual couples. Those of you whose ministries receive faith-based-initiative money had better consider this carefully! As for me, I refuse to accept, sanction, or perform homosexual marriages. Period.

Another point to consider: if you make homosexual marriage legal, the public schools will have to teach that it is “right.” Then, other taboos such as pedophilia, bestiality, and polygamy will have to be taken into consideration. After all, they represent “behavioral choice,” as well. As a parent, I am aghast at this possibility; I will be forced to either homeschool or put them in private Christian schools.

Finally, the well-meaning but misguided minority says “live-and-let-live” and “homosexuals have the right to be unhappy in marriage as heterosexual couples.”

To that I have just two words to add: bovine effluvia! And, for the record, godly marriage is blissful, thank you very much!

Paying taxes to a man-sanctioned nation does not grant the right to pollute a God-ordained institution. I’m willing to live-and-let-live if the institution of marriage is left unsullied.

Homosexuals, as a demographic group, earn more, have more entrepreneurs, and greater net worth than much of the nation. And they are free to socialize, cohabitant, and enter into business partnerships without inhibition. The notion of homosexual marriage is an affront to Christian sensibilities and just another milestone on the route to societal decline.

Let me be clear, I love everyone and I pray that all people experience the love of Jesus and the power of His Kingdom. But, as an Ambassador of the Kingdom of God, it is illegal for me to speak anything that contradicts the Word of my King. God wants none to perish, rather that they have everlasting, abundant life in Christ. I pray that homosexuals cease to be conformed to the ways of the world but, instead, are transformed by the renewing of their minds.

 © 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

As a Christian, we are promised tribulation but we are also promised overcoming. Because the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in every believer, we are assured victory. I take umbrage with those who emphasize the suffering, as this leads to Christians leading defeated lives in the earth realm. Jesus gave us authority over all the ability of the enemy; when we exercise that authority, we do not eliminate tribulation and suffering but we certainly mitigate them.

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

God framed the heavens and the earth with His Words. With His Word, He created the spirit of man. By His Word, God made His Word flesh. In His Word is salvation, deliverance, healing, protection, and prosperity. We must conclude, therefore, that God’s Word is powerful. And yet, there is something so nullifying, so negating that even Jesus said renders this Word of no effect.

The traditions of men.

Here’s what Jesus had to say about this:

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (Mark 7:13)

This is a key reason so many Christians are longing for the power of God to be manifest in their lives and churches long to see this power expressed in their services and congregations – the power of God will not overrun the traditions of men.

Notice here I said, “will not,” not “cannot.” You see, God is omnipotent; He can do anything but lie or fail. But God never forces His will on man. He could easily force us to bow down and worship Him; force us to choose Him. Yet, He never does, as that would be contrary to His character. God is the archetypal gentleman!

Back to my point, there are so many churches that are steeped in denominationalism and rooted in tradition that they end up ignoring Scripture. I know that there are many churches that will not permit me to preach in their pulpits because of my long, dreadlocked hair. I know of others that will not permit women to preach to their congregations.  Still more would exclude many a potential guest preacher because of race or culture. These traditions, based upon errant interpretation of Scripture that I have neither time nor space to correct.

(By the way, this exclusion based on tradition cheats many from hearing from anointed preachers and teachers…)

Tradition often paints an inaccurate portrait of the Church and Kingdom Citizens. Mahatma Gandhi once said he’d have become a Christian had he never met one.

What an indictment against the Church!

Today, folks stay away from church by the thousands, citing hypocrisy, mean-spiritedness, and other factors – most stemming from tradition. Because tradition renders powerless the Word of God, there are no signs and wonders displayed for the purpose of winning the lost. Traditions of men are what largely keep folks from experiencing the beauty of relationship with the Father through Jesus.

Many churches are so yoked to liturgy that a move of the Holy Spirit is nigh impossible. The stated program must be followed. Proper protocol must be observed. Many believers have been thoroughly convinced that their style of worship, their hymns, their atmosphere is the only way to approach God. Others insist that proper dress is important – men must wear suits to worship and women cannot wear pants, and so forth. Let any of these elements be out of place and congregations that have become reliant, indeed, dependent upon tradition will become non-functional, complementing their dysfunction.

Now, the Bible teaches us that God esteems His Word above His Name (Psalm 138:2). The Pharisees evoked Jesus’ anger by esteeming tradition over the Word and folks today have the audacity to follow in their footsteps. By continuing this folly, the very power, yes, the nature of God is not expressed fully to His children.

Instead of obsessing over meaningless traditions that are devoid of power, we need to focus on the Word of God to the end of manifesting the Greater Works Jesus spoke of in John 14:12. Instead of practicing hollow worship smacking of man’s tradition, we need to go forth and fulfill the Great Commission.

It’s time to put away denominational dogma that hinder winning of the lost and properly discipling the saints. It will be a glorious day in the Kingdom when the yokes of tradition and the bondage of defiled religion are destroyed once and for all.

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

The case of Trayvon Martin is both curious and sad. The opinions on this matter fall into one of two camps: one sees Trayvon as a glaring milestone on the difficult road traveled by Black Americans; the other sees it as a man using the force at his disposal to avoid becoming a statistic of violent crime.

First, let me state emphatically that I abhor the shooting of this innocent youth. Having experienced, firsthand, the business-end of a number of weapons, I can say – without batting an eye – that Skittles and iced tea do not comprise any weapon of which I am aware. I’d like to further state, that as a Black man who is the father of Black sons, I acutely feel the pain of Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton. I cannot fathom the pain of having to bury a child – especially one, that by all accounts was a good kid.

It is because of cases like these that I over-emphasize the importance of flying “the straight-and-narrow” to my sons in all their dealings, both public and private. I teach my kids that God created us all equal in His sight but they must be acutely aware that the world does not see them as God does.

The sad part of this saga is that a human life was depreciated to zero in a relative blink of an eye. Trayvon Martin was arraigned, tried, convicted, and executed by a “yahoo” with a gun and a bad attitude. The human lust for power is one of the basest emotions known to man. And it is because of a twisted understanding of power that Trayvon Martin, and many other young Black men like him, are dying daily.

Genesis, chapter 1, verses 26-28 are what can be called God’s “dominion mandate.” It is here that God gives the charge to His children to rule and reign in the earth as He does in heaven. Unfortunately, due to the introduction of sin, and the perversion of the Word of God by the devil, the misunderstanding of power has led to a burning lust in mankind to rule and reign over one another.

Slavery, racism, homicide, rape, and abortion are all crimes against humanity, perpetrated by those who are desirous of exercising absolute power over another human being. Mankind, blinded by religion and religious teaching, has not been properly introduced to their Creator/King/Father; that is, that they were created to control the environment God created for them.

Lack of understanding of a concept invariably leads to abuse of the concept.

Jesus came to earth not to give us a ticket to heaven, but to restore His earthly Kingdom and to return mankind to its original position of authority in the earth. Jesus said that he came “to seek and to save that which was lost,” not who, whom or they. It is the persistent, errant teaching of what salvation really is that is the source of most of man’s maladies.

Salvation is the “Ellis Island” to the Kingdom of God! It is the door – a means to an end – not the end itself.

Allow me to elaborate: if mankind came to the knowledge that, by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and allowing the Holy Spirit to govern their hearts and minds, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11) abode within them, there would be no need to try to wield power over another human being. Period. Proper teaching of salvation will properly disciple God’s people and lead them into the abundant life promised by our Lord (John 10:10)

Now churches and ministries are out in force to cry out for justice. There are numerous events taking place to raise awareness of Trayvon’s murder and to bring his killer to trial. While this is a noble gesture, I think the Church can do far more every Sunday morning and every Wednesday evening.

Preach the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Re-introduce mankind to their original purpose and design. Teach folks how to represent and re-present the King of Glory to the world. Dispense with religious traditions, doctrine, and dogmas that do not reflect the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the only teaching that will make a difference. Banging the drum of the Old Covenant and traditions of men will not minister healing to this sick and dying world.

Which brings me back to my original point. It shouldn’t have mattered that Trayvon was wearing a “hoodie” on that fateful night. It shouldn’t have mattered what was in his hands. It shouldn’t have mattered what was in his hands. And it shouldn’t have mattered that he was a Black man walking in a gated neighborhood. None of these should have mattered one whit…and, yet, they did.

Moreover, shooting a defenseless child, no matter how you slice, dice, or fry it is wrong. There is no justification for ending Trayvon Martin’s life. I don’t care what is said on the part of the defendant, any chance of justifying this heinous act must range from scarce to none.

That said, until mankind is quickened to the knowledge of God’s love and God’s government – that our desire for power can only be satisfied by operating within the will of He who is the source of all power, these things will continue to matter.

Sadly, none of these words, however powerful will bring Trayvon back. Hopefully, though, these words will raise consciousness to the point where these incidents will be few.

I pray that the peace that passes all understanding rest upon Trayvon’s family in this season of mourning.

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

The church doesn’t have the luxury of discussing and debating history outside the canon of scripture when there are folks who need salvation, deliverance, healing, and prosperity.

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The Church should be an emergency room for the spiritually wounded, a therapeutic outlet for spiritual healing, and a kitchen for the spiritually hungry BEFORE it is a bastion of intellectual debate.

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In other words, FIRST THINGS FIRST! The Church should emulate what Jesus did in His earthly ministry and what the Apostles continued in the first century Church.

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If what you’re discussing doesn’t contribute to making disciples, maturing believers, and multiplying ministries, it should not be a high priority.

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© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head (Luke 9:58). This scripture is frequently abused by folks who rail against what is commonly called the “prosperity gospel.” We must consider the context of that statement. Jesus had nowhere to lay his head…in Samaria! The Samaritans would not receive Him because they felt slighted because Jesus had His face set toward Jerusalem

⁵¹And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, ⁵²And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. ⁵³And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51-53).

The above scripture is usually trotted out to make the case for a poor, homeless, vagabond Jesus. You can similarly make the case that Jesus, Himself, had a house

³⁸Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? ³⁹He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. (John 1:38-39).

Why would Jesus say, “come and see” regarding another man’s property?

We must dispense with the lie that poverty=piety. Paul wrote that we are to have all sufficiency to abound to every good work

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:8)

We cannot abound in poverty! In order to represent the Kingdom and to do Kingdom work, we must be equipped with the means to do so!

Another refuge for the anti-prosperity religious crowd is the rich young ruler, whom Jesus was dealing with the fact he was yoked to his money (money was, in fact, his god), not earthly riches, themselves.

²¹Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.²²And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.²³And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁴And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 10:21-24)

Jesus never commanded anyone to take a vow of poverty or expected anyone to give up anything without compensation. In fact, He promised that there would be abundance in store for those who sacrificed for the Gospel of the Kingdom:

²⁹And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, ³⁰But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Mark 10:29-30, Emphasis mine)

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Some sins are greater than others.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You must uphold the law to keep your salvation.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You are not truly saved unless you go to church.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You must never question your man of God.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Storms, earthquakes, and floods are “acts of God”.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: If you don’t tithe, God will get the money from you in medical bills, repair costs, foreclosure, etc.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Women shouldn’t be allowed to preach or pastor.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Your purpose/gift/talent is revealed to your man of God before it is to you.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You can pray someone into salvation.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: The devil is God’s henchman who does his dirty work.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: The devil is omniscient.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: That the God of the Christians and Jews is the same as the God of the Muslims.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Your denomination is superior to all others.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: It’s not God’s will to heal everyone.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Even though you’re saved, you’re still a sinner.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Miracles ceased with the death of the Apostles.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Poverty=piety.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: A pastor is more anointed than other believers.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: If you spend more time with your kids than in church, God will take them from you. ”

“And you shall KNOW the TRUTH, and the truth shall make you free” John 8:32

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com) 

I find it amazing that folks like to use funerals as an excuse to be boorish, obnoxious, and just plain foolish.

What should be a time of mourning for family and friends and a time of sincerity and respect for everyone else frequently becomes a sad circus of role-players and bit-performers clamoring for the spotlight, and armchair commentators attempting their best “Siskel and Ebert” imitations – dissecting every element of what should be a solemn celebration.

All of this is true when it comes to the funerals of everyday folk; more so in the case of celebrity funerals. Folks who tend to put on a show for their own loved ones will give an Oscar-worthy performance for their beloved celebrities.

The family of Whitney Houston did the right thing, in my opinion, by celebrating her homegoing in their family church. And I’m sure they were attentive to every detail to make the service a celebration of life. They prayerfully selected who would speak and who would sing. And, in deference to her fans, they decided to stream video of the funeral to the world – and, sadly, most of the world didn’t deserve to observe it.

I’ve looked over a wide swath of comments in the various social media outlets and am aghast at some of what I’ve read. With the exception of some really thoughtful, heartfelt remarks, the vast majority of comments range from the cruel to the downright stupid.

What’s truly sad is that much of this commentary comes from so-called Christians. Folks who feign holiness but engage in banal banter and outright gossip. Jesus had a word for these kind of folks: hypocrites.

These folks need to grow up, spiritually and naturally.

All so-called saved folks criticizing the order of service and performances at Whitney Houston’s funeral ought to be ashamed of themselves. When a grieving family is gracious enough to share this time with you, respect the solemnity of the occasion, and stop being a critic!

If you can’t say “Amen,” say “Ouch!”

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)