Have Not's and The Have's

Have Not's hate the Have's. The Have’s hate the Have Not’s. And nobody is left in the middle. I want the middle but I am finding it a hard place to find. Hey doesn’t Jesus want us to be Have Not’s? Maybe that’s why He has taken from me from a Have... to the middle on my way down to be a Have Not. Don’t hate me my Have friends, I won't take you down with me unless you want to go.
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From JS - I dont think Jesus wants us to be a have not; but rather wants us to give generously on all occaisions; I dont think doing that as have not will not work very well.
September 28 at 1:53pm

My Reply - Bad Theology when I hear the Prosperity Bible Pitch. The Way as Jesus showed us: To Believe Jesus is God(faith), He chooses to save us, saved produces good works, we die, we are resurrected by Jesus who judges us by our works either rewards us or 2nd permanent death occur. Luke 14:27, John 12:25, Mark 8:35, Mat 16:26, Mar 10:25. I don’t think anything Christ talks about being a HAVE in this life! In the eternal life Have all you want if only if you have been saved and have good works.
September 28 at 2:44pm

From GW - HE wants us to focus "not of this world", but of the world of everlasting life. HE does want to bless us here on this earth ("in heaven as it was on earth") just not loose our focus. HE blessed so many in the bible, Solomon, David, Job - unfortunately, look what happens to most - they loose focus on the Word.
September 28 at 3:17pm

From JS - Here's a couple of verses that have meant a lot to me. I'm not a theologian so I would say any theology good or bad, on my part, was inadvertent. I have personal relationship with him that time and time again, I've experienced that he loves me so much and that he is my provision. Each and every time all my needs are met according to his riches. (Philippians 4:19) Jesus Came that we might have life and have it abundantly...John 10:10, 3 Jo 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. and I always encourage people to remember that it is the "Love" of money that is the root of all evil. NOT money itself. And isn't the gift of "giving" one of the spiritual gifts? If it was more noble to be poor financially and to be a "have not" wouldn't we be cursing others when we give to them? Isn't this whole idea of poverty being piety, creating a double bind on all who hear it? I think that's why it's hard to find the middle.
September 28 at 4:09pm

From - GW - Well said Joseph
September 28 at 4:14pm

From JS - Thanks George. What if all the "Haves" loved the "have nots" ? then everybody would be covered. :)
September 28 at 4:40pm

My Reply - Joe, not coming after you but I hear so many people think and especially the churches tell people that if you just follow Christ life will be easier. Then the church gets people into doing Christianity and the hole point to Christ as you put so well it to have relationship with Him. It is that relationship that fuels good works and leads us away from greed, gluttony, pride etc.. those things that rob us from true life in Christ. Yes Yes TWO Commandments Christ said were the most important Love God and Love Each other and the rest would fall in place. Our evil run culture give us the Have and Have Not arena to keep us fighting and not loving.
September 28 at 4:45pm

From GW - Joseph, if all the Haves loved the Have nots this world would be a much better place. The most important commandment given us is to Love. period, no questions, no asterisks, just Love. All I concern myself with every day is this...Do I "HAVE" Christ in my heart and am I sharing HIS love with the "Havenots"?
September 28 at 4:59pm

My Reply -Have Not's Fear not meeting their needs. The Have's Fear not meeting their wants. Philippians 4 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. It is all about Christ
September 29 at 8:43am


From GW - To look at it another way MP. There are really only two groups of people in this world, the Haves and the Have Nots...I agree, but you either Have CHRIST and are saved, or you Have not and are lost...just something to think about.
September 29 at 9:04am

Adultery and Her Glory

To my dismay I see a trend amongst my male friends their (ex)wives are cheating(ed) with their hearts in the pursuit of her own GLORY. WIVES you must understand this that glory is not yours to have it is for Jesus ONLY. Your selfish needs for attention and glorification is destroying families. Luke 23:34
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My Reply -These are good men I speak of loyal, kind, great fathers, providers, and nice guys. The good news for those good women out their on the good side that have experience the same Adultery you will have opportunity to find a good man and have a chance at experiencing a good man. Marriage hard dam hard remember your vows. I don't think they said cheat if your not getting the glory you deserve! I would warn men in the same vain.
September 23 at 2:16pm

From CB - I am not sure what Luke 23:34 has to do with your friends’ marriage, you might want to re-think this posting. Luke 23:34 is Jesus talking about those who are persecuting him on the cross and he says "forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing" There might be another scripture verse that deals with Adultery that is better suited. Again I might have misunderstood you above.
September 23 at 3:59pm

My Reply - NO, will not remove this! What I was referring to was "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." This has been my phrase that has helped so much in life. When someone flips me off or runs me off the road on my bike. Instead of getting angry back I pray to God same thing Jesus did on the cross. Forgive the Father for some have yet to deal with their own righteousness. Everyone know adultery is a sin that was too obvious to point out. The point is the she's from the main post know not what they are doing by cheating! Oh the damage they cause it ripples through every one's lives when you destroy a marriage. I have been damaged by it.
September 23 at 4:29pm

From GW - But if we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, and we are filled with the Holy Spirit and someone sins against us by being unfaithful...they are also sinning against our Father. Remember, this body is HIS temple. I do agree that "we" also must forgive them - not continue to put up with it, but forgive them as HE has forgiven us.
September 23 at 5:56pm

My Reply - Amen G! I forgive my ex and I forgive myself for breaking up my family. Divorce is bad and not biblical per New Testament. My heart was hardened now Jesus has called me, softened my heart and given me a heart to see the Kingdom. We must forgive each other no matter what and the cheater must be forgiven for us to open our hearts to love now and in the future. He commands us to Love the Father and Love each other even our enemies. If you spouse cheats forgive them, love them keep them. If they cannot stop/repent then divorce them per Moses.
September 24 at 10:05am


From LS - A sin is a sin in Gods eyes. You can forgive the one who hurt you. But for God to forgive them they must truely repent from that din in all ways. Turn your back on the lover, friends who helped get you there, activities, what ever helped lead you to making the bad CHOICES! Noy mistakes but CHOICES!!!!! God knows what is in your heart & He knows when it is real or just trying to cover your tail. I forgave my cheating husband & because of that I knew God no longer gave me a way out of our marriage, then he did not truely repent & God walked the path right out with me. Love above all! We need to remember if we do not forgive others how do we expect God to forgive us?
October 9 at 11:46pm

It's Not the Thought that Counts

"If there is anything I can do for you or your family just let me know!." I HATE THIS PHRASE. Come on people those words when spoken mean you are not KIND or COMPASSIONATE enough to stop your selfishness to help. Quit patronizing those that need help and just do it. I call this JOCO, I am too busy making my life safe/easy syndrome. Dam, just go hold her hand if can't think of anything else! FaceBook Post

From SM - MP, I would try to do anything for you, but you are hopeless ... !!!! :)
September 18 at 3:40pm

From CC - Is everything ok? If you need anything let us know... We are here for ya. :)
September 18 at 6:47pm

From TJC - MP, you know Shara and I are always there for you guys
September 18 at 9:40pm


My Reply - This is not about me my friends and thank you I know you are there and have been of great help when I needed it. My intent here was to share with you my experience with my sister who is terriably ill. I have noticed those that offer help and those that just give help. Soup kitchen,mentoring young people, coaching, helping at school are acts that we just do with being prompted for details. Just Help was the point. Do anything, most times people in need will not let you know.
September 19 at 6:54am


From CC - Couldn't agree with you more!
September 19 at 9:09am

How Mister Preacher Did You Come Up With That Version?

I don't think those who preach the Prosperity version of the Bible have ever really read it. Joel O. you forgot to read the Gospels of Jesus Christ who was born of a virgin, in a manger, poor, from podunk village, mocked, spat on, beaten, nailed to a tree next to thieves. murdered. Jesus said take up your cross and follow Me. He who loses his life finds it! See video Stop sending checks to Joel Osteen.

From JS - Podunk village?! Nazareth had some great foam parties and bustling rave scene during the first century!
September 17 at 11:01pm

From SM - Do people still send checks to preachers? C´mon !!! Bank xfers are so much easier...
September 18 at 1:52pm

From KO - I have always thought there was something fishy about that guy. Not sure I know enough about him. I am with u.
September 18 at 7:34am

From TV - more growth during pain, God talks to me when I am hurting and praying, when things are going along okay i tend to drift and God has to pull me back, right now I am in pain and praising God and it has been amazing, i still hurt but there is a comfort there knowing he is with me
September 23 at 10:18pm

Prosperity Christianity Junk

If you think Christianity is about making you a nice guy or good guy then your sick. The truth makes you good not nice because speaking the truth hurts most of the time. Oh and this Prosperity Christianity thing is the devils way of taking you and me out of the battle stripping us of our passion to fight and defend. Here don't listen to me see what Pastor Mark Driscoll says! How pastors should be preaching! Enjoy the expresso shot. Click Here For Short Video
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From DZ - Hey MP -Thanks for the post. After watching the video, it seems to me that Joel gets some his ideas about victory launched in the right direction, but they aren't targeted, nor refined enough. By trusting Jesus through his grace, he gives us the power over sin through his Spirit. We are new creatures and given a new life (Colossians 3 and Ephesians 4)with the ability to say no to sin because he conquered it through the resurrection. It seems to me this is where Joel's messages need to be strengthened. He needs to bring in more Christ. Another thing that it seems is missing is the idea of God putting trials in our path to test our faith to produce endurance that will lead us to be perfect and complete lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) I have yet to find God saying to us in the Bible that he wants to be comfortable, rather he wants us to be holy. That is he wants us to be perfect and complete ... and he will use any means necessary to make that a reality. Blessings.
September 18 at 12:53am

Don't Go To Church

"If you want your life to go well stay away from Jesus." John Piper, Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Good reason to not go to church or believe. My life has gone to well. FaceBook Status Post


From AS - Yes, but in context this could mean that life is easier in some ways for nonbelievers because they never have to question their choices or examine where their free will leads them astray.
September 12 at 8:19pm


My Reply - My experiences tells me we can get away from not believing or from not questioning our own wills until the big Bang happens in our lives. The bang that signals "i am not really in control after all". When that happens we two methods of living 1. numb up, get addicted drugs, alcohol, sex, sports, tv, shopping etc (takes our mind off of reality and ourselves) 2. Pray to God to save us from destructive(evil) self for Him to open our hearts to understand pain is part of life and is good for our souls growth and that He is in control. For if you know pain, you surely know love. You cannot really love in choice number 1.
September 14 at 5:35pm

From AS - I totally agree that you are closed off from loving fully until you relinquish your false sense of control. All I was really saying is that "stay away from Jesus" is kind of a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that believers know is the way nonbelivers cruise through life thinking of no one but themselves -- they can define their life according to their own precepts and stay away from the things that push them into the pain of self reflection. Narcissists are all about this concept.
September 14 at 10:01pm

My Reply -Do you think they will make a pill for Narcissism? How would it work? Remove our selfishness!! Maybe then we could put it in the drinking water and change the whole world!
September 15 at 9:58am

Old Friends and The Matrix

Right now your feeling... I can see it your eyes.. Do you believe in fate? I don't like the idea that I am not in control. You felt it your entire life that there is something wrong with this world. You were born into a prison. You take the blue...... the story ends you believe whatever you want. Take the red pill and stay in wonderland and I show how deep.. Remember all I am offering is the truth..Follow Me. Jesus/Morp The Movie "The Matrix" FaceBook Status Post
Click Here to Watch the video clip


From CS - So what happens when I take the red and blue with Jack Daniels backer, and I get an erection for more than 4 hours. Who do I call, again.
September 11 at 7:53pm

From DP - hilarious chuck, I can't top it, but I have done that. Don't call your wife or your mom. either call Palitto, Morpheus or johnny knoxville. one of them will think of something.
September 13 at 11:45pm


My Reply - It took you all this long to get me! You are much slower in your old age. In our youth you would not of let me have as much time to hang myself. What are friend for if they wait as long you have to chime in on my craziness? Happy Bday Chuck hope you drink too many strawberry daiquiris and throw up all over your wife and stain her white negligee that you stole from a stripper last week out on 175th Street and 169 hwy.
September 14 at 5:22pm


My Reply - Your wisdom is correct we all take both pills chasing them down with our favored numbing potion to only wake up here and there with a hangover and a minor feeling of guilt. You can call anytime and I will talk you down!(no pun intended)
September 14 at 5:26pm


From CS - Mr. P, How are things going with you? I had to finally chime in, you have to hit bottom before I can bring you back from the depths. I never steal negilgee from strippers,I usually wear it as some sort of hat! Thanks for the bday wishes, off to Norman Ok to watch my sooners play, and spend a few nights on the uncles farm.
September 15 at 8:44pm

Chasing False Dreams

Is this how you want to feel? This is short video excerpt taken from Quarterback Tom Brady after wining his 3th superbowl ring. "There has got to be more than this?"
Watch Video Click Here

There is an answer Tom!

We Have Nothing To Lose

Since your future is absolutely secure and since your future is absolutely glorious you are freed not to grasp and crave and scratch after power and money and pleasure on earth you are liberated to love like nobody else loves. You are liberated to be engaged in politics, liberated to be engaged at work, liberated and engage in the neighborhood caring about what the world looks like, feels like, experienced like, whatever happens to you, you are home free. The future being rapped, a hope being set out there that absolutely makes your future certain makes you an absolutely free person who doesn’t need to mount up stuff as thought this were heaven, got have a heavenly house, got to have a heavenly neighborhood, got to have a heavenly car, heavenly cabin, heavenly kids you don’t. Heaven will come soon enough we are here to serve. Unless you become a slave of all men you can’t even be my disciple... Give yourself away to this world and if it cost you I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ it will be worth it. Every cost will be worth it. By John Piper, Pastor, Desiring God Sermon

We as believers who have faith and by the total grace of God have the liberty to live our lives fully engaged with NO FEAR for our future is already secured in Heaven. We are to give our lives away for others at all cost. It was freely given to us therefore we have no investment in it other than to give it away.

As Jesus said in Matthew 6:20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

As Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

So my friends engage don’t be afraid for heaven is really only a few days, months, years away and this short time will be inconsequential to that of eternity. Thank you John Piper for such clarity.

I am Dying In Front of You

Do not worry about me my friends for the things I write/speak about are a glimpse of the battle between my spirit and my flesh. For by the grace of God does my flesh die little by little with each tribulation in my life. Part of me that you know dies right in front of you and I know when some of you see this somehow you feel the pain in your heart too. For when we die to this world we truly live. FaceBook Status Post


From KO - The only real truth we have in this world comes from the Good Book. We try to make up or rationalize our own based on our own wants/ desires yet it never seems to fit what God wants for us! Oh the human condition what an affliction to try and fight everyday! Why do we do that???
September 6 at 11:39pm

The 10 Commandments of Dating

I found this outline of this book online and what a great guide to finding Eve/Adam. I just wish I would have had this when I was in my 20's.

From the book by Ben Young and Dr. Samuel Adams

1. Thou Shalt Get a Life

Unlife: people who have put their life on hold
a. Desperation
b. Dependence
c. Depression and loneliness
d. Detachment
e. Coping with un-Life: Media-Bation

2. Thou Shalt Use Your Brain

Three Drives of Romantic Love (scary!)
1. Emotion-driven dating
2. Hormone-driven dating3. Spirit-driven dating

A Brain is a terrible thing to Waste
1. Balance the Head and the Heart
2. Refrain from physical intimacy
3. Analyze your past relationships
4. Include others in the process
5. Never neglect opportunities to evaluate

3. Thou Shalt Be Equally Yoked

Unequally Yoked Relationships
1. The Missionary Relationship (looking outside the church)
2. The Mother Theresa Relationship (going after broken people)
3. The Exotic Relationship (radically different)
4. The Sugar Daddy Relationship (substantial age difference)
5. The Dennis Rodman Relationship (out of rebellion)

The Equally Yoked Relationship
1. The Spiritual Connection
2. The Physical Connection
3. The Social Connection

4. Thou Shalt Take it Slow

Three reasons:
1. You do not get to know a person in a short period of time.
2. You need time to bond. (1-Scouting Stage, 2-Infatuation Stage, 3-Honeymoon Phase,
4-Reality Bites Stage)3. You protect yourself from getting attached too quickly.

5. Thou Shalt Set Clear Boundaries

How to Stop people from running over you1. Your body belongs to you2. Your emotions belong to you3. Your thoughts belong to you4. Your actions belong to you

6. Thou Shalt Save Sex for Later

Why so many singles are having sex
1. All you need is a condom
2. You've got to have it
3. Sex equals intimacy
4. If you are in love, it's ok
5. You must sample the goods
6. It's just a physical thing
7. Everybody's doing it

How do you save sex for later?
1. Celebrate wholeness
2. Receive forgiveness
3. Set clear boundaries
4. Stay accountable

7. Thou Shalt Not Play House

The real reason people live together
1. Fear
2. Sex
3. Manipulation
4. Immaturity

8. Thou Shalt Fight Fairly

Top four harmful responses to conflict
1.Peace at all costs (avoidance)
2. Win/lose (Defensiveness)
3. You Don't Count (invalidation)
4. All-Out-War (Intensification)

9. Thou Shalt Not Ignore Warning Signs

The seven deadly signs

1. AbuseTypes of abuse
a. Physical abuse (use of size, strength)
b. Verbal abuse (use of words to control)
c. Emotional abuse (use of action/lack of action to control/demean)
d. Sexual abuse (sexual behavior harmful to another)

2. Addictions
3. Infidelity
4. Irresponsibility and immaturity (The Peter Pan)
5. No physical/sexual attraction
6. Emotional baggage
7. Denial

Top five reasons why people ignore red flags
1. It's familiar to them
2. They don't deserve anything better
3. It's better than nothing
4. They have the same problem
5. Fear of the breakup

10. Thou Shalt Choose Wisely

Barriers to discerning true character
1. First-Available syndrome
2. Fooled by the externals
3. Blinded by sex
4. Going too fast

Qualities of character
1. Faithful
2. Honest
3. Committed
4. Forgiving
5. Giving

Living To Out Loud

Ok! I will come down for bit. It is starting to hurt my hands and feet anyway. FaceBook Post

From TA -Nothing like the power of a committed man on a mission! Though I am not on exactly the same page with you, I really am inspired by your passion and commitment to what you believe. The loss ofvision in our world is devastating. When someone like you comes along with a powerful one, matched with a singular personal mission, things get shaken up and we all need more of that. Not the shouting and screaming at each other kind of shaken up that the news media loves to cover, but the soul-ratteling, belief-questioning, growing up kind of shaking up. Keep it up my friend. Blessings.
September 4 at 9:23am

My Reply -I am so far from His way. I am guilty of personal self fulfillment. These messages are me preaching more to myself than to others. Thank you for picking me up. When I write these messages I fear cultures reactions. I fear losing friends. I don't want to shout but the Gospel compels me to share His message. I love the exchange of opinions it pushes me to think and dive deeper into the Way. Sorry for the last post for those about the hands and feet I don't mean to make light of what Jesus did for all of us.
September 4 at 11:08am

From TA- Truth is found in the search. The Gospel - whatever gospel or teaching you chose to follow - is understood by living it, especially the struggle part of it. "Blessed are they that morn, for they shall be comforted." You are a good man, Mike. Carry on.
September 4 at 12:23pm

From FF - I dare to say you can't stop. Once you are awakened to the truth going back is a painful option that is normally a long slow slide to the middle. It is a blessing to be different amongst the masses and a blessing!
September 4 at 8:15pm

From FF - Thanks for sharing your passion via the facebook platform!
September 4 at 8:17pm

A Visit From God

Jesus came to show us the Way to the Father and Not the way to the mall or lake or Vegas. He said take up your cross, lay down your life, and follow Him to Calvary. Where you going fellow Christian? Facebook Status Post


From SM - the problem has always been the middle-man. Know what I mean?
September 4 at 10:48am

From Me -Perfectly put my friend from a far away land. We are pushed to the middle where it is safer and easier. No one gets put on the cross for riding the couch. Our culture is about the middle it makes us not a threat. A threating man is one who is passionate and who is on purpose. Take any great man the masses usually hated him.
September 4 at 11:19am

At War with the Devil

My life wasn't a battle until I became a threat to evil. Now its a full on war. There was a time when I didn't see/feel the war around me. I was numb to it. The veil of culture fooled me into thinking there is no war. This nullified my gifts(weapons) and made me a non-threat to evil. Now that I have been given the eyes to see the ears to hear the truth of how evil runs this world I have no choice but to fight/protect. - Facebook Post