WSSN Stories

Mommie Helen

BOTTOMLINE… Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace J. Allen

Mommie Helen

Re-edited by Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Sunday, January 24 the community lost another pioneer. Dorothy Pryor Rose, known to most as “Mommie Helen”, was the founder and namesake of The Original Mommie Helen’s Bakery. She was renowned by celebrities and locals for her pies and widespread friendship. She was 69-years-old.

A San Bernardino native, Rose was given the inherited the name Mommie Helen from her mother, Helen Williams, who opened the family-ran bakery in 2000 in Colton before it outgrew two locations before moving to San Bernardino in March 2015. Some of Mommie Helen’s renowned customers included Oprah and Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal ordered 250 peach cobblers from the bakery for his wedding. Magic Johnson was also a customer.

“After “Mommie” had a major heart attack in 2003, she shifted to a consulting role and handed ownership to her daughter Tedra Rose, who kept the business open after her mom died Sunday. “She was — she is — a guardian angel, and she’d want someone to always be at the counter,” Tedra said.

A person of strong faith, Pryor Rose was always getting into long conversations with people she’d just met and helping them out whenever she could, although she rarely told others what she’d done, said Tedra Rose.

Scholarships, loans, free baked goods — it added up, Tedra Rose said. To make that charity a bit more organized, a foundation will be created in her name, she said.

Loved ones and community members paid tribute to Mommie Helen this past Tuesday, January 26 at Sunrise Church.

By Ashly Broussard

“Cash rules everything around me, dollar dollar bill y’all”, ( C.R.E.A.M. ) are the popular lyrics to a song by the Wu-Tang Clan. Then there’s the famous saying or quote “ money makes the world go round”.

The saints view of this should differentiate from the secular, but the saints have allowed the secular perspective to cause a worldly transformation inside the Church of Jesus Christ. Am I the only one that notices the urgent declarations from pastors around income tax season? The call isn’t for repentance, but rather more money. Were being taught that being obedient in paying tithes or giving contributions is and act or deed, that’s accepted from God, even if your hearts are not in the right place. Joel 2:13 says ,“ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love; and He relents from doing harm.”

Just recently I came from under a deception of being bribed into giving bigger tithes and offerings in order to expand a part of the church building, where I had fellowshipped. I remember my husband and I wanting to be anonymous in our giving, so we no longer put our names on the tithe and offering envelopes, but instead just threw money into what we thought was going towards the churches building fund, but since then it seems that particular pastor has become an affiliate of everything and has yet to use the money raised to build the project we were raising the money for. I’ve seen the pastor and first lady bring in a Gospel celebrity to perform, open up stores and even salons. All of which cost money.

Its sickening because this time last year, the entire church was involved in raising around $20,000. This was all under the angel of the house proclamation of it being from God. By the middle of the year, the end of tax season, the money raised for the building expansion no longer was being mentioned, but one of the worst things and what I believe to have been an abomination in God’s sight was them allowing a false prophetess to prophesy lies to God’s children. In the beginning of her performance she expressed to those seated in the pews how a woman at a gas station had asked her if she was going to perform. She told us her response to the woman was that she wasn’t apart of a show, but that’s exactly what it was, a spectacle. We were all drawn in when she gave us a story about God using her as a point of contact to deliver her sibling of cancer. Claiming to have supernatural power is one thing, but she then laid hands on a woman diagnosed with cancer and started doing some weird theatrical movements as though she felt the disease exiting that vessel. Then following that she opened up an umbrella at the altar and all the sheep ran and threw money into it. Instead of God’s sheep using discernment or waiting around to see the prophesy fulfilled, they were under the power of this delusional spirit that boldly dealt treacherously in Gods house. In the biblical days false prophets were killed. In fact Micah 3:11 says, “ Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money.”

The Word of God says in 1 Peter 4:18 that the righteous is scarcely saved. One of the worst things that has happened to the church of Jesus Christ is to become worldly rich, instead of spiritually. We as Christians have become overwhelmingly distracted by the deceitfulness of wealth, the word prosperity and gain. Paul spoke about this greed in 1 Timothy 6:5 that a time would come when people think that gain is godliness. The actual buildings have become more important than God, His Kingdom and sheep. Every church isn’t called to be a mega church. For those that God have called to be mega, should be viewed as a vast of souls belonging to God  in those vicinities. Not as the pastor being so deep or real that he should be on TV and pastoring hundreds of thousands. Embarrassingly we feel as though were doing the Will of God in making the sanctuary look like something from a fairy tale, thus 50-75% of the congregation is living on some type of government assistance. This paradox has become the churches modus operandi in robbing God publicly. Christians are mocked because we place ourselves in mock-heroic situations. Jesus’ life clearly illustrates that He wasn’t even considered middle class. ( Luke 9:58 Jesus replied “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.)

The bible says Jesus carried the government on His back, yet were appearing on game shows to put on a spectacle for unbelievers? We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, yet we claim to be glorifying God by worshipping MAMMON; PUBLICLY.  Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. For the LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR. The Bible clearly states that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil, yet we have compromised His Word, and have done everything the Bible says not to do, ALL FOR A LITTLE CASH. Justifying scriptures as though God would really make and exemption, or show partiality or favoritism for one individual. Acts 10:34 God is no respecter of persons. Matthew 21:13 “It is written My house shall be called a house of prayer’, but you are making it a den of robbers.

Excepting tithes and offerings during the services and afterwards having tables and chairs stationed right outside the sanctuary doors, selling CD’s to promote yourselves. If He was angry with buying and selling taking place in the courts of the sanctuary 2,000 + years ago, then most definitely, He would flip over tables and drive out those buying and selling in His house in 2016. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.  Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Acknowledging that we are Christians on TV game shows before and entire audience of unbelievers. Then dancing in the spirit, being slain, falling down and jumping around as though God had part in that. Yes, Proverbs 13:22 says that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous. This doesn’t mean that we go out and make ourselves look ridiculously foolish to impress the world, so that they release their money to us. 2 Corinthians 6:14 What fellowship can light have with darkness?  The reason a lot of Christians aren’t walking in victory in their finances is because were practicing trickery, bribery, extortion, lottery and casting lots. Were becoming weary in waiting on God, and more dependent on the things of the world. Seeing pastors engaging in deceitfulness and still following or investing in them, instead of making a bold stand by speaking up. Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied “ we must obey God rather than men. The world has dramatically transformed the church instead if it being vise versa.

Next, consulting psychics and using pendulums, is going to be permitted inside the same buildings we worship God. Do you really expect God to grant your hearts desires or enlarge your territories, and your not doing anything to distinguish you from the wicked? And why? Because their punishment have not been executed, so you think that you can get away with these crimes too? The fear of the Lord is to hate everything that is evil. Not compromise for a little paper because you don’t want to have to work. The Bible says to work with your hands.  Psalms 90:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:11  If your flipping burgers, flip them with all of your heart, as if you were getting ready to serve Jesus a double-double or quarter ponder. Those of you in janitorial or maintenance, scrub those floors squeaky clean, wax them toilets, and shine those tables as though Jesus were coming into your work place today. Security officers and guards instead of staring into outer space, study your Word and show yourself approved. ( this is currently my occupation and I stay feasting on the Word ) Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not men. Then will the Lord make you most prosperous in all your work.  Deuteronomy 30:9 God will do what He promised. He is not a man that He should lie, for He shall supply our every need. Not mammon, deal or no deal, wheel of fortune, price is right, lets make a deal or who wants to be a millionaire. If He wants to make you a millionaire to further His Kingdom, then He will make you a millionaire. But if its not His Will stop forcing it to happen. Maybe your and individual who every time gets a new job, career or mate, forgets The Lord. And by Him knowing this, He’s waiting for you to learn that He wants to be first in everything: your week, day, finances etc.  Or maybe your and individual who hasn’t cared for or managed the little that He has blessed you with. And Him seeing that you are still irresponsible, He’s maturing you. There’s a reason those of us living paycheck to paycheck are in that predicament. But as our soul prospers everything else around us will prosper.  Matthew 6;33 But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

What’s being preached is that money increase or financial increase means the Holy Spirit is with you. This is hypocrisy and financial exploitation. There are rich atheist, evolutionist and those belonging to the illuminati. But riches has become normal in the body of Christ and I don’t think Sheppard’s realize that they have become corrupted.  And besides, seeking His hand is just too traditional for those that are on the pursuit of God. Especially if you can fathom it was His mouth that spoke life into existence, so His face is just as exuberant. Sure spending $10.00 on a slot machine that you can walk away $100,000.00 richer, would be and awesome gain, but I’m here to tell you the Bible says to work with your hands, not gamble or lottery. Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice. What happened to BE STILL AND WAIT ON THE LORD? Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will be richly blessed , but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. And we wonder why we see so many sick among our bothers and sisters in Christ. Proverbs 1:19 such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it. That Strongman or that Spirit of Whoredoms ( love of money, gluttony, spirit soul or body prostitution ) is celebrated among believers. We jump, shout and run around the church building when the pastor says money is coming, but when Salvation is preached people get up and walk out. Why? Because they heard that message to many times before or they feel their saved so that message couldn’t be speaking to them. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

To many Saints of God are backsliding back into bondage of addiction to drugs, sleep, food and etc. because of the Spirit of BONDAGE, because of the Spirit of HEAVINESS, and because of the Spirit of WHOREDOMS.  But I Love God to much to sit back and watch His people perish because of lack of knowledge. JESUS said in Matthew 23 that it is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. If it had not been for The Holy Spirit opening my spiritual eyes to all of this, I would have still been the one who received the seed that fell among the thorns, and I would have still been worried about this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. Running to the church jumping around like and Tasmanian devil every time I heard a pastor mention the word MONEY. Then leaving feeling miserable because I wasn’t taught not to worry about this life. Or to look to The Author and Finisher of my fate to supply my every need. But because we have to seek the approval of others we need more money to change our fleshly appearance with bodily surgeries, and better or more expensive wardrobes. And now because were feeling good about ourselves were no longer content with our spouses. We need a bigger house and a more lavish car to go along with our new lifestyles. Saints of God, with greed comes misery. We heard and read how Judas after accepting the money to betray Jesus, he then threw the money into the temple and hang himself. There is not enough money in this world to buy Salvation or to save your soul. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath. Proverbs 15:16 says it is better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. We see preachers making headlines for being exposed for having sexual relations with members in their congregations.

The wives’ of pastors having to fight their husbands mistresses. Even how male pastors are engaging in homosexual relations with young men. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having wealth or possessions. Luke 12:48b For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. But when pastors are seeking bigger tithes and offerings, and 50-75% of the congregation is living on government assistance, while they chase after their dreams, this is evil. Its ok to ask for offerings to help expand the building or parking lot, but what’s a disgrace is when the members are out searching for help everywhere else, except the church because their unaware with what the church is really for. Acts 4:32 -36 talks about how believers shared their possessions and their was not a needy person among them. A pastor made a sermon directed to my husband and I, after we gave a woman in need the money she needed to move her and her children from where they lived. He stood in the pulpit the same day I handed her the envelope and said that we are to bring the money straight to the church and then they would distribute it. But from her statements, she had already gone to everybody for help and got denied. If on your way to church you see a homeless family walking the streets, and all you have in your wallet is tithes; do you really assume God would be angry with you from helping out someone in need, and not having money to place in a basket once you arrive to the building? The building is not the Church. You and I are the Church! See we’re being scared half to death and in fear that if we don’t give bigger offerings that what happened to Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 will happen to us. Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. Pastors are bragging about buying their 3^rd, 4^th, or 5^th house, yet homeless saints of God are sitting in the pews crying their eyes out, because they don’t have a place to go. It’s a shame when members are afraid to reach out to the leaders and Sheppard’s to lend a help in hand, because of the fear of being rejected.  Sheep are out there struggling to make ends meet, while we sit back and watch pastors self-indulge. But WOE to him who builds his realm by unjust gain to set his nest on high, to escape the clutches of ruin. The Bible teaches that people who hold onto their possessions are stingy, but God rewards generosity not stinginess. We are being taught to become fanatical in demanding God for what we want.( Like Jacob ) When was the last time you heard a pastor say “ Lord only if it is your will, or if it isn’t your will keep this cup far from me?)” Instead, its give me this, give me that. “ Yes I know I’m a sinner, and I haven’t truly submitted to your will, but until I reap the harvest I feel I deserve, I‘m going to continue doing things my way.’’ Boasting and bragging is the new Church trend. Altar calls sound like this “ Come on down to the altar if you want YOUR MONEY!”, “ What would life be without MONEY?” “ Today’s sermon is on THE MONEY GOD IS SENDING YOU.” “ Money, Money, Money.”

We don’t even go to church for deliverance and healing anymore. Do we even believe in healing and miracles anymore? We want the devil to flee from us but what don’t want to do the first part of that scripture which says “ submit to God”. 1 Timothy 6:6 Godliness with contentment is great gain. But we no longer want to walk by faith and trust God when we have needs. As it is written “the just shall live by faith.” ( Hab 2:4, Heb 10:38, Gal 3:11 ) All we want to know is what it means to have plenty. So we end up accepting bribes or bribing someone out of their possessions. A wake up call for me was when I had a dream of someone giving me $5,000.00. There’s nothing wrong with that right, especially if someone has it like that? It is better to give than receive. But the next day after waking up from that dream, the same guy who claimed to be a Christian tried to bribe me into paying him $50.00 so that he could give me a $ 3,000-5,000 credit loan to a furniture store. His exact words we’re, “ Christian or not… everybody’s hustle is the same”.

I would be a liar if I said I didn’t think about it. But I sinned against God by even thinking about committing such evil. And I remembered that JESUS was tempted 40 days and 40 nights, and not once did He give into temptation. But He resisted the devourer and right after that He walked right into His ministry. So I REPENTED. Then I went into Spiritual Warfare with Satan and his demons because I will practice what I preach. Then when I came across that lukewarm Christian again I proudly told him, secular and saints hustle isn’t the same. There are those of us that follow The Way, and there are those of you that are perverse and are trying to get in thru another way, but Jesus is The Way, The truth, and The life and no man gets to the Father accept by Him. Saints of God if we try and rush God for our blessings, we will end up with and Ishmael just like Abraham and Sarah. All God needs is a yielded vessel. Some one who will do what the Word says, not merely, but with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Please I’m urging you to  chase after Him and His righteousness, not money. Seek justice Saints of God. Don’t be a willing party to the death of your brothers/sisters in Christ. SPEAK UP ! Stop being cowards. Yes the wolves in sheep’s clothing will come after us, but stand firm in your faith and do not waver from The Word of God. Don’t fear what man can do to your flesh but, rather what God will do to your soul. If I would have accepted that bribe, this wide door of opportunity would have never opened up for effective work. But, I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things thru Him who strengthens me. And the same God I serve will meet all the needs of the readers that are blessed by this article, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To Our God and Father be the glory forever and ever Amen.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Love will make you do some crazy things, but honey child, I want you to know that Faith will call you to do some craazzzy things. Faith will call you to believe the impossible is possible! Faith will call you to believe that after all the hell you have gone through and are going through, the best is yet to come! Faith will call you to risk it all, to dare to do the most audacious, most extreme things imaginable! Faith will have people calling you crazy, saying, you’ve lost your mind! The King James Version of the Bible translates the concern of Jesus’ family for him in these words: “He is beside himself.” The old J.B. Phillips New Testament translates it, “People were saying, ‘He must be mad!’” The 1995 Contemporary English Version, said, “When Jesus’ family heard what he was doing, they thought he was crazy and went to get him under control” [Mark 3:19-21].  Imagine that! Jesus considered… Crazy! Gone Mad! Beside Himself!

You might as well come to terms with it today; when you are sold out to Jesus, not everyone will be happy that you got saved! There will be some people in your family and among your friends that will criticize you for living for Jesus. They will call you a Jesus freak, religious nut, holier than thou, think you better than everybody else, all that and more. Well, ‘Don’t Worry- Be Happy’ because being crazy, and being beside ourselves, God no longer calls us servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, He calls us friends, for everything that He learned from His Father He has made known to us [John 15:15]. And those who would follow him, those who would be his disciples, those who would live as and be the people of the Way, are called and summoned and challenged to be just as crazy as Jesus. I tell you we need some Christians who are as crazy as the Lord. Crazy enough to love like Jesus, to give like Jesus, to forgive like Jesus, to do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God — like Jesus.  So for those of us who would follow him, those of us who would be his disciples, and for those of us who would live as and be the people of the Way, it might come as a shock, but we are called to craziness.

So to the crazy ones like me; The misfits; The rebels; The troublemakers; The ones who see things differently; They can quote us, disagree with us, glorify or vilify us; but what they can’t do is ignore us; because we change things. We push the human race forward. We understand that we are not called to just reasonable faith; we are called to “Radical Faith” in God! The woman with the issue of blood is a good example. (Mark 5:25-34). She said, “If only I could touch the hem of his garment. I will be made whole.” Radical Faith! When the four men (Mark Chapter 2) cared enough about their paralyzed friend to bring him to Jesus, remove the roof tiles so they could lower him down to where Jesus was teaching… faith enough to believe that if they took desperate measures on behalf of their friend THE IMPOSSIBLE WOULD HAPPEN; and, it did! The man received a double miracle – the salvation of his soul and the gift of full deliverance from paralysis. He took up his bed and walked home. Desperate needs demand desperate faith. I want you to know that Biblical Faith is a powerful weapon. Mountains yield to its power. Sin, Satan and sorrow bow before its authority.

I tell you, we need some crazy Christians. Sane, sanitized Christianity is killing us.  We need some crazy Christians like Mary Magdalene. Christian’s crazy enough to believe that God is real and that Jesus lives. Crazy enough to follow the radical way of the Gospel! Crazy enough to believe that the love of God is greater than all the powers of evil and death!  Know that it is ONLY BY FAITH that enables God to work on our behalf. It is ONLY BY FAITH that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8). It is ONLY BY FAITH that all things happen in the life for the child of God. “Radical Faith” – “Real Faith”— “Gone Mad Faith” – “Beside Yourself Faith” – “Bull Dog Faith,” affecting the way you talk to the way you walk. Faith that turns you into a dare devil!  Follow after it and live in it! Walk the walk that you talk! It is a choice and the choice is yours! Take it on… Faith the greatest of God’s gifts to His children!  “Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind up in here, up in here…!”

James L. Mulvihill

By Keith McCarter, B.S., J.D.

During a heated campaign last November for the 7^th Ward City Council Seat of San Bernardino City, James L. Mulvihill, placed first with over 6 percent more votes than the next highest vote getter.  There were five candidates, but yet he received the lion’s share of the votes.  I must say, this was quite impressive.

Some went so far as to blame Mr. Mulvihill for all of the city problems.  This was a bit absurd taking into consideration there are seven council people and one mayor who also has a say in the direction of the city’s agenda, but none the less, some swore up and down that Mr. Mulvihill, who has been sitting in his current council seat for only two  years, was apparently the problem for all the problems of the city which has been developing for well over 15 years.

Despite the tenor of the Campaign leading up to the November 2015 election, after receiving the highest number of votes, Mr. Mulvihill reached out to those who did not win the election.  Not only did he reach out, but he offered to make at least one of his previous competitors a part of the city‘s political structure by appointing him to the San Bernardino Police Commission.  Now this police commission appointee can continue his interest in making San Bernardino a safe place for us all.  This act of civility shows that Mr. Mulvihill is genuinely concerned about making San Bernardino City better by placing highly qualified and motivated competitors in key positions of the city’s structure.

Mr. Mulvihill appointed Mr. Damon Alexander to the San Bernardino City Police Commission.  Mr Alexander is the first federal law enforcement officer on the commission.

Many say you can measure the success of a person by the depth of his character.  The character of Mr. Mulvihill dictates that his success as councilman shall be predestined.  Now we see that Mr. Mulvihill’s true color is not that of gloating nor selfishness but that of teamwork and a true commitment to the betterment of our city.

Marques Houston

UNITY JAM presented by Involved Records this Friday is WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE!

R&B singer Marques Houston and rapper Knoc Turn’AL will be live this Friday in the Santa Monica at Club Dragon Fly. There will be performances from other talented artists including LUE Productions very own GWAAP FAM; hosted by Comedian Anthony Stone!

Tickets are only $10.00. This will be a red carpet event so please come dressed to impress.  Doors open at 8:30 we hope to see you there. Until next week San Bernardino Strong and L’s! For tickets contact LUE at (909) 567-1000.

By Naomi K. Bonman

In the music world, especially the Hip-Hop, Rap world, we don’t hear about too many female bosses running things. We hear about the Diddy’s, the Jay-Z’s, the Tyrese’s, and the list of top male bosses in the game goes on. But not too many can name or know of that many women bosses in the industry, so whenever I come across one or meet one, I have to salute and give them their props, and recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Toi.

Ms. Toi is back on the scene with her new album I Am A Warrior, brought to you by the production of Mr. Payback of Heat Makaz Production. This dynamic duo has brought together some of the West Coast Greatest emcees such as, “Original Gangsta” featuring E-40 or “Green Like That Green” featuring Ice Cube and Yuk Mouth, even “Don’t Call Me” featuring Lil’ Wayne and the great late Tupac Shakur. I Am A Warrior captures the raw essence of females in Hip-Hop like the first song called “Set It Off” featuring Yo-Yo, Suga T and Sylk E Fyne. This song makes you want to go see the movie again and again with this playing in the background. Other producers who gave great assistance on this incredible album are Mike from Starrlab Productions who did the title song, “I Am a Warrior” that bangs in the club and overseas giving you her hardcore edge through Ms. Toi’s lyrical delivery.

In addition to being an emcee, Ms. Toi is the CEO of G.O. Entertainment, LLC. In the video interview below, Ms. Toi chats on her upcoming projects, how she got started in the industry, and she introduces one of her artists on the label that is ready to take the industry to new heights!

Top left: Jackie Robinson, Courtesy of Hulton Archive Getty Images; Top right: Misty Copeland, Courtesy of Urban Romances, Inc; Bottom left: MERCY STREET’s Aurelia Johnson (Shalita Grant), Courtesy of Antony Platt/PBS; Bottom right: THE BLACK PANTHERS Eldridge Cleaver, Berkeley, Courtesy of Jeffrey Blankfort

PBS is highlighting the African-American experience through content on air on PBS member stations, online through the PBS Black Culture Connection and through a series of community conversations that will engage viewers in an exploration of African-American history and culture. In addition to documentaries airing in February featuring those who helped influence integration and inclusion, throughout 2016 PBS will also feature programs about moments in history that helped shape race relations today. Please visit PBS.org for more information.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Jesus said, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” [Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:15] What part of that do you not understand? Running around like a chicken with your head cut-off!  What’s wrong with you? You are threading on dangerous grounds! Make up your mind! God wants wholehearted dedication or nothing! I tell you, in our foolishness we prove what we treasure the most; delight in the most; and what we desire more than anything. We gather and gather but we become more and more foolish. Time out for foolishness!

Listen, God is NOT SLACK! We MUST understand that! He WILL PERFORM His good work, and WILL bring His Word to pass! And He says that He does not want ANY of us to perish, but that we should ALL come to REPENTANCE! “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise men, redeeming the time…” [Ephesians 5:16]. The good news for us is that God just didn’t let his people go into sin [2 Chronicles 36:15] He sent messenger after messenger, prophet after prophet, judge after judge, king after king—to warn them. And He is still sending warnings. Let him that has an ear hear what the Spirit is saying. Warning comes before destruction!

You know, I believe that our world has just about reached the limit of God’s mercy and forbearance. Man’s pride and arrogance, his greed and selfishness, his violence and brutality have reached a level which is intolerable. Surely, the end must come soon. God, of course, will not destroy this world without first warning us of the impending doom, which most of us will ignore the warnings, just as they did in Noah’s time. Noah preached to the people for 120 years, trying to warn them of what was going to happen, but none would listen. They mocked and ridiculed as he gave the warning that rain would fall to such an extent that the whole world would be flooded. They laughed and insulted as he constructed the ark which carried him and his family safely through the flood. The people would not believe Noah because it had never rained on the earth before. Rain was an utter impossibility, they said; and the people continued the evil and violence so detestable to God. I want you to know that the decisions you make in this life will have consequences later. I want you to know that the decisions you make in this life will affect not only you but others close to us.

One thing that Joshua wanted to make clear [Joshua 24] to the people of God; there was no room for compromise or divided loyalties!  The Israelites could serve the Lord or they could choose to serve the false gods of Mesopotamia or Canaan; but they couldn’t do both!  Joshua said to the people, “If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you.” Joshua’s message had come from a God who could see in their tents the various idols that they were already keeping in their possession; but in addition He could see into their hearts and know that they were “inclined” in another direction.  Thus they needed the call not only to choose, but a call to commit. Joshua urged them to declare their choice by making anew their covenant with God to serve Him only.  Joshua’s challenge is still a valid one [Joshua 24:14-28]. You need to make up your mind! Choose this day Whom you will serve! You say you want to go to heaven; but you want to live like the world. You can’t do both! Understand that continued faith in God would bring abundant blessings from Him; but rejection of God would bring all the harsh consequences of punishment God has already decreed (Matthew 25:46).

I want you to know that God does not invite us to serve Him “Someday;” the operative word in His invitation is “Today.” I tell you; sometimes we need to be challenged to make a choice!  Sometimes we need to be challenged to make the right choice!  Sometimes we need to be challenged to see the consequences of our choices!  But sometimes we need to be challenged to make the choice now!  Will you make it now?

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life so that you and your descendants might live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

VICTORVILLE, CA- On January 7, recording artist Justified and his Men of Faith in Action rallied up the fathers in the High Desert and had an awesome “Dinner with Dad” event at the Hometown Buffet in Victorville. Several families came out and made a powerful statement for Fatherhood, displaying the power of a father at the dinner table with his children. The promotion of the event definitely grabbed the attention of the community and also brought out the Superintendent of the Victor Valley Unified School District Dr. Ron Williams.

Thanks to the Community Action Partnership (CAP), during the dinner Justified and his team distributed toys and activity books to all the children in attendance. The smiles on the children’s faces was more than worth all the effort that went in to putting an event of this magnitude together. On top of the free giveaways all the children ate for FREE, thanks to Terry Boykins, CEO and Founder of Street Positive.

The Hometown Buffet has agreed to give the first Thursday of every month in 2016 to Justified and Men of Faith in Action to host “Dinner with Dad.” The next “Dinner with Dad” Event will be February 4 at the Victorville Hometown Buffet located at 14689 Valley Center Drive in Victorville.