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)

I have frequently taken the position that God hates religion. I studied this in great detail. I concluded that since there was no religion (or, at least, the conventionally accepted manifestation of it) in the Garden of Eden, it had to be something devised by man and, therefore, rejected by God.

I was totally right. And totally wrong.

The Word  of God says, “let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). For the sake of this discussion, I’d like to modify this to say, “let God be true and ME be a liar!”

I’ve searched multiple translations of scripture and every translation renders the word, “religion,” the same. Now, I know that James was written to Hebrew Christians and that the term “religion” was used as a frame of reference, thus making the passage contextual. However, that word, “religion,” persists.

Therefore, there must be something God is trying to communicate to us here. Whenever you read a “therefore” in scripture – or use “therefore” when rendering a conclusion, you need to find out what the “therefore” is there, for!

Now I can go real deep on this but I will keep it simple as this is material for an upcoming book (shameless plug). Suffice it to say, religion is not your system of belief – rather, correctly applied, it comprises the steps by which individuals or groups express their belief. The problem is that man has permitted the steps by which faith is expressed to become a belief system in and of itself.

True Christianity, then, is not a religion, it is a lifestyle or state of being. It is the overarching principles by which we experience relationship with our Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus.

Expressed another way, you have a relationship with your spouse. The love you share is the overarching principle of your marriage. However, this relationship must be maintained. You have to have “date-nights,” purchase gifts, perform acts of service, be complementary, be kind, listen, etc. Another analogy would be ownership of a car. The car, itself, is the overarching principle. But in the glovebox, there is an owners manual, which contains a service schedule. If you don’t follow the service schedule, the car will not perform as designed and may fall apart well before its designed service-life. In both cases, the maintenance is critical to the survival of the relationship.

With that in mind, pure religion (James 1:27) is what we do to maintain relationship with the Father through Jesus. Mind you, God’s part was finished on the Cross at Calvary. However, we have to walk our part out. Let’s make it clear, though, this doesn’t render Christianity works-based; indeed, that would reduce it to mere religion and defile it.

Pure religion undefiled means operating and walking in love. When you walk in love, you will not allow your  brothers and sisters in Christ – especially the weakest ones – to be destitute or in lack. You will go out of your way not to offend them. You will stand up for and defend them. The will, culture, and intent of the Kingdom of God is grounded and rooted in love and when you operate according to Kingdom principles you demonstrate the kind of religion defined in James 1:27.

That’s love. That’s religion…that proves whom you are in relationship with.

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

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:8-11)

God is a Good God. Furthermore, He is a Great Father! His Word declares that He gives good things to them that ask Him! God is so good that he clothes His children in robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), gives us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), and even opens the door that we can ask anything in Jesus name and He will do it (John 15:7)!

That’s a shouting moment if you catch it!

Unfortunately, there seems to be only a handful of folks that understand this. Religion has so perverted the Word of God to the point where saints of God have erroneously concluded that God is a sadistic, cosmic killjoy that would just as soon smite you with boils and hemorrhoids as bless you. For many, God is a mean-spirited step-father who will use his unlimited power – or worse, the devil – to inflict pain on mankind.

Nothing could be farther from the truth!

Time and space do not permit the recall of every scripture to prove this. However, for the purposes of this discussion, I will hang my hat on just one here (and a couple later):

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Now, in the context of this scripture, you must ask yourself: is sickness, poverty, or oppression part of abundant life? Absolutely not! Do they exist to steal from, kill, or destroy you? Absolutely! Then they must be of the devil.

Got it? Good. If not, keep reading…

I believe the sinful nature of man leads to either hiding from God or self-flagellation. Both are hallmarks of a religious mindset. I proffer that a renewed mind produces righteous-consciousness instead of sin-consciousness and leads us to run to God when we err instead of running from Him.

Jesus said He came to give us abundant life! Abundant life is whole, full, vibrant, and plentiful. Unfortunately many of the Body of Christ didn’t get the memo! Now, Jesus did tell us that we’d have tribulations in this world (John 16:33) but He also said to be of good cheer (be encouraged) because He overcame them.

So, if I’m in Christ, I, too, have overcome the world! That’s Good Gospel News!

But I’m not done, yet! Jesus said:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:4-7)

Notice how the Lord puts emphasis on abiding in Him. And now for the finishing touch:

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

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)

Today we observe the birthday of a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is clear the nation owes him a debt of gratitude for what his accomplishments in the realm of social justice and equality. However, I would like to speak briefly regarding Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., the man of God.

Dr. King understood something the Body of Christ misses today: that if you want to change the social fabric of a nation, you must first change the hearts and minds of that nation. He understood that what plagued America was a spiritual problem and that it required a spiritual solution.

There were other civil rights pioneers that proffered solutions to racial inequalities. Booker T. Washington believed that social change would follow addressing economic disparities. W.E.B. DuBois believed the path to change lie in education and political empowerment. Rosa Parks and Bayard Rustin thought that embracing socialism was the means to that end. All of these efforts were doomed to fail because they addressed symptoms without treating the root cause.

Dr. King studied the successful employment nonviolent resistance of Mahatma Gandhi in the liberation of India. Mr. Gandhi, in turn, derived his strategy by studying the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus, while a King in command of the heavenly army, withstood insults, beatings and, ultimately, crucifixion without resistance of any kind. As a result, Jesus changed the entire world!

Today, the country (indeed, the world) is plagued with all manner of social ills. In spite of Dr. King’s efforts, racial inequality is still an issue. There are violent political disagreements. Proposed changes to the social order (e.g., homosexual “marriage”) threaten the very fabric of our nation. Hunger, poverty, and physical illness still pose serious problems. But, like Dr. King, we must come to the realization that the root of the problems are spiritual and, likewise, the change must be spiritual.

The reason why the Civil Rights Movement was successful is that it had the Church as its power-base. It was only when the Church and its leadership stepped up and stepped in that the Movement gained traction.  Similarly, it is high time that the Church steps up and asserts itself to impact the world with the will, culture and intent of the Kingdom of God. Dr. King understood the Church was the world’s  spiritual trauma center and rehabilitation facility and sought to engage it to treat and correct social injustice.

Romans 8:19 declares that “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” In other words, the whole world is waiting for God’s people — the church — to stand up and speak out against the ailments of the world. Jesus, Himself, said it best:

For verily I say unto you , That whatsoever you shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that these things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Mark 11:23)

The problem today is that we — the Body of Christ — are reluctant to speak up. But it is when we speak God’s Word to the situations of the day — then standing in faith that we have what we speak — that we begin to see change!

Dr. King was a mighty drum major for justice but, first, he was a mighty man of God. He understood the power of speaking to the mountain. Today, we need to pick up where he left off — see the problem and then SPEAK GOD’S WORD  to the problem!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We are approaching another New Year. Soon, 2011 will be but a memory and 2012 will unfold with promise. The question is, what will you be in this New Year?

The Apostle Paul, in the aforementioned scripture, reveals something that – if caught – will change your life. When we are in Christ, we are something entirely new – a species that, heretofore, did not exist. That means your old nature, along with your old spirit, died with and was reborn with Jesus!

You are no longer a creature of sin, rather, now you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). As a new creature, we obtain a new consciousness – Righteousness Consciousness – and shed our old sin-consciousness!

What does that mean? Whatever a man is actively conscious of, that is what he does. For example, a carpenter spends most of his waking moments thinking of working with wood. An electrician spends his time thinking of wire and switches. A sinner thinks about sinning. But, when you become righteousness-conscious, you are immediately convicted and prompted to repent; that is, to change your mind, not confess your sin!

Which brings me to another mind-renewing point: if you are in Christ, you are no longer a sinner, you are a saint. Change your speech along with your mind!

So, as you go into this New Year, do not set your mind on carnal resolutions that you cannot keep.  Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing (a constant process, not a one-time thing, by the way) of your mind! Set your mind on righteousness and you will assume a posture of righteousness. And this righteousness is not of our own doing, it is part of the finished work of Jesus Christ that is imparted to us in the New Birth!

Receive and appropriate what Jesus has done for you, saint! When you allow this to manifest in your spirit, it will change your life!

© 2011 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)