What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)

This is the first post of “What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)”, which will be presented here each Friday.  It is my hope that by keeping you informed of what’s going around the world, it will spark a greater awareness of the need for corporate prayer.  There are so many things that happen across our world each week that it is sometimes easier to just disconnect from it all.  However, we as Christians, have an obligation to pray for those around us because this is what Jesus would do!

I believe that as the body of Christ, it is our responsibility to pray without ceasing.

There are so many people in need of our prayers each and every day, and it is my hope that these posts will develop a community of believers, intercessors and prayer warriors around the globe.

Some of the news may be controversial, but I want everyone to remember that the whole purpose of my sharing it is to elicit prayer.  This is not intended to be a forum to judge but a place where those of us who believe that God is able to do anything but fail will join together and bring about change through prayer.

So here we go:

Student ‘Suspended’ for Saying ‘Bless You’ in Class; Assistant Principal Claims It’s Not ‘Religious Issue’

Let’s just say that my jaw dropped when I read the headline for this news article.  In a nutshell, a 17-year old girl was suspended from a school in Tennessee after telling a classmate “bless you.”  The 17-year old stated that her classmate sneezed and out of courtesy, she said “bless you.”

The school has stated that each teacher has  a right to have rules in their classroom and one of the rules within this particular classroom is that students are not allowed to use the words “bless you.”  The student has been suspended and says she just wants for God to be able to be talked about in school.  She wants for the teacher and the school to know that God is in control and they are not.

I must say that I am in total agreement with the child.  I will take this time to say that many of the problems that we have within our school system today are because God has been taken out of schools.  Yes, that may be a very controversial statement, but it is one that I stand by very firmly.  If anyone tries to build anything without God, it will ultimately fail!

Let’s send up prayers for this student and her family as they deal with this issue.  Also, let’s pray for children all over the nation who are returning to school.  Schools are not the safe havens they once were and we need to pray constantly.  Let’s pray for educators and administrators within the school system; that they make Godly choices and decisions.  Most of all, let’s pray for the entire school system.  We need God back in our schools!

 

Ferguson Pastor: We Need to See Our Community as a Trauma Patient

I am quite sure that by now everyone has heard of the Micheal Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri.  This little town of about 20,000 people has been in the limelight everyday now since the unarmed African American teenage young man was murdered on Saturday August 9th.

Tensions have been very high between police officers and citizens within the community and surrounding areas.  In situations such as these, it is a must that the body of Christ pray continually for the peace and love of God to prevail.  There is nothing good that can come out of continued violence and confusion but more violence and confusion.  God is the author of peace and not of confusion.  I am asking that we, as the body of Christ, intercede for the family of Micheal Brown, the police officers and their families and the city as a whole.  There is much healing that has to take place even after Ferguson, Missouri is no longer headline news.

‘Jimmy’s in Heaven,’ James Foley’s Parents Say at Press Conference for Slain Reporter

If you have not heard the name James Foley on this week, I wanted to bring attention to the tragedy that took place in the middle East on this week.  We all have been bombarded with news of the conflict that has been raging in this region.  Unfortunately, on this week, James Foley (an American journalist) lost his life at the hands of ISIS terrorists.  James Foley was beheaded by terrorists, and they have sent warnings saying that the killing will continue if their demands are not met.

We are praying for our country, our president and the family members of James Foley.  No one should have to experience the type of tragedy that occurred on this week.  Please take time out of your day to speak to God on behalf of James Foley’s family and each and every individual that is involved in this horrible situation.

Donnie McClurkin’s Camdon Music Record Label Provides Artists With New Platform

I had to share this piece of news because Donnie McClurkin is one of my all-time favorite gospel artists.  I love his style, and I just love his ability to usher me into the presence of God.

Well, this was news to me!  Donnie McClurkin has started his own music record label in order to launch new gospel artists in the industry.  He says that he wants to offer new artists something that he did not have when he first began his career.  That something was a place that would build him, empower him and help him to hone his craft.  This is what Donnie McClurkin intends to do with his new label.

He has already signed two individuals to the label, Andrea McClurkin-Mellini (his sister) and Nancy Jackson Johnson.  I, myself, have not heard their work but it is something I will be looking into in the very near future.  I am sure that they will eventually be featured on my Featured Artist of the Week post that will be starting on next Tuesday (plug….lol)!

So, let’s pray for Donnie McClurkin in his new venture and all of the budding gospel artists that are launching their new careers.  I absolutely love gospel music and I know that it has the power to heal, deliver and set free.  I pray that God continue to anoint his vessels of music!

Black Jesus’ and the Measure of One’s Insanity

Let me first make it very clear that I have never personally seen the television series entitled “Black Jesus.”  However, after reading a synopsis of what the show is supposed to be about, I am pretty sure that I have no desire to see it.

I am really disgusted by the idea of someone portraying Jesus as a man who drinks beer and curses.  I really don’t see how that could be funny any way you choose to look at it.

In my opinion, television has taken many things too far and the portrayal of who Jesus Christ is and was is one of those things.  I believe that as Christians we have to be very careful of the type of things that we advocate and support.

I really liked this particular article because it drove home how instead of living up to the standard of Jesus Christ and what He represents, we would rather try to downgrade His image.  I am sure that this has been happening since Jesus Christ walked the face of the earth and will continue to happen until He cracks the sky.

With all of that being said, let’s pray for the entertainment industry.  I constantly think about how my children and other children can potentially be affected by television shows like
“Black Jesus.”  What type of message does it send them about Jesus?  What does it say to them about the type of lifestyle that is acceptable in the eyesight of our Lord and Savior?

 

I would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, comments, etc. concerning the news presented here on this week.  Please also offer suggestions of how I can make this even better for you each week.

Blessings!