"Sharing: A Simple Redemptive Act"

As I strive to raise my little fellas to love and reverence God, memories of the parenting I received often chimes beneath my decisions.  My mom and dad definitely reared us in the old school tradition of: children are to be seen, not heard; because I said so; this is my house, or do as you’re told. Before any civic class I was well versed in authoritarian and monarchy forms of government.

But, mixed or tempered with that hardened old school veneer laid a softer, gentler, humanitarian style of governing. My parents consistently encouraged me to share and often when I lacked the sharing spirit, I received talking to’s on the importance of this benevolent action.  As a child, the gravity of this selfless act escaped me, why give a part of what is mine to someone else? They attempted to explain all the benefits of sharing with others (including but not limited to): honoring God; helping others; providing hope to someone else; and feeling good about myself. Yet, my foolish heart led me to believe accumulation of my own toys; clothes; sporting equipment; and savings from my allowance were most significant.

How could sharing what is mine make me better?

In hindsight, my parents were teaching me how to build community and to be a partner with God. The act of sharing; with true generosity and love for God, brings about an interconnectedness or oneness with others.  When we share, essentially we acknowledge the human worth of all people, we recognize the receiver as one of God's children. 

This simple act; of offering a portion of or all of what one has, is transformative. Most times we will never experience any direct benefit from our actions but to the recipient, the effect is immediate and timely.  Sharing a kind word, giving of money or possessions, offering advice or an opportunity, spending time with someone, sharing in the suffering of another are a few ways we can partner with God and experience oneness with others.

Our willingness to share in many circumstances becomes the answer to prayer.

Sharing (what is mine/yours), a simple act, indeed does make us better! Per usual, I learned my parents were right because I am at my best when I am honoring God, helping others and providing hope to someone else.

In concluding the letter of Hebrews, the author offers both encouragement and admonishment just as my parents did for me in my adolescence:

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with others.

These are the sacrifices that please God”. 

Hebrews 13:16

Each of us can build communities/interconnectedness with others and please God through the simple redemptive act of sharing. But, first we must realize the gravity and importance of this sacred action.

--
Much Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community
Hoover, AL

Our Vision:  A "diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples."

The Greatest Play Ever!!

Watching sports these days is frustrating, whatever happened to letting your skills or the plays you make speak for themselves.  One might argue trash talking is part of sports and I’m apt to agree but does one have to be demonstrative after every play.  This type of bravado has gotten so out of control that players engage in braggadocios acts even when their team is losing.  Their hyperactivity and overzealous celebrations undermine their skills, the sport and the focus on team.  Often, today’s athletes conduct themselves as more important than the game and as larger than life.

Jesus never focused on himself:

He always centered on fulfilling the playbook of God the Father!

In John 2, Jesus completes one of the most significant plays in his short public ministry. Jesus enters the Temple where he witnesses payday lenders, vendors, and other venture capitalist activities. Filled with righteous indignation, v. 15, “Jesus made a whip of small ropes. He used it to make them all leave the House of God along with the sheep and cattle. He pushed the money off the tables and turned the tables over”. Placing himself in danger Jesus does not beat his own chest nor seek attention but defiantly speaks a word of rebuke, v. 16, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”  

Jesus understood his purpose was larger than life and knew he would be misunderstood and rejected by the multitudes.  Yet, he always presented hope and pointed to fulfillment of Old Testament promises. He often perplexed his hearers; however, over 2,000 years later his promises and the truth continues to resonate in the lives of over 2 billion of his followers worldwide (2011 Pew Forum Research). After ridding the Temple of evildoers, Jesus makes a statement which could be construed as braggadocios, v. 19:

“Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up”.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ time were confounded by his words but this statement foreshadowed the greatest play to ever happen in world history. Jesus being the consummate team player follows a game plan that would lead to a Friday filled with violence, disgrace, suffering and his ultimate execution on a cross. He never beat his chest, never exalted himself even his last breaths centered on God and the Kingdom of God. Jesus remained humble always knowing that his journey was about God’s will being done on earth as it is heaven.

Friday was not an end but a beginning!

Sunday morning marked the impossible! In sports another athlete always comes along lending comparison to a former superstar athlete. But, over 2,000 years ago after being crucified, Jesus fulfills his promise: “Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up” completing a play that had never before been accomplished and never will be duplicated. Every Easter Sunday since - thousands, millions, now billions celebrate the greatest play ever – Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was raised from the dead:

His tomb is empty. Jesus is triumphant over death, sin and evil!

The greatest play ever was not limited to or for one person or one team; in fact, Jesus made this play for everyone – “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die” (John 3:16).

Share the greatest play ever with someone who has yet to have faith in Him! 

Easter is the play that everyone has opportunity to know, accept and celebrate!!

Much Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: “A diverse community of faith, inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples.”

The Best Prepared and Trained Fighter!

Years ago, I really followed boxing, you know the 'good ol days' of Ali-Holmes, Ali-Norton, Ali-Spinks, Hagler-Leonard, Leonard-Hearns, Hagler-Hearns, Hearns-Duran, Duran-Hagler, Leonard-Duran, Arguello-Pryor, Benitez-Leonard and a host of other fighters and great fights.  I was always filled with awe at the capacity of punishment the human body could endure as the boxers attempted to outpunch and/or knockout their opponents.  Round after round, punch after punch, clenching, ducking, or dancing - each boxer is either in pursuit or retreat, avoiding, or landing punches. Their main goal is to win each round.  

Doesn't that sound like life?

We experience adversities and challenges all of which our body, mind and spirit somehow resiliently absorbs.  Yet, like boxers each of us have varying life skills and levels of tolerance and endurance so each punch (adversity or challenge) affects us differently. Life similar to boxing is about preparation and training, the best boxer doesn't always win the fight; more often it is the best prepared and trained boxer who wins. Those of us familiar with boxing know Marvelous Marvin Hagler should have beat my man Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987. Leonard had never boxed in the middleweight class and that was only his second fight since his 1982 retirement. But Sugar Ray won. 

On that night he was the best prepared and trained fighter!

Everyday we face an adversary, an opponent whose mission every minute of the day is to knock us out. Knowingly or unknowingly we are engaged in a fight, punches are being thrown to weaken us:  to weaken our commitment to Jesus Christ - to weaken our character - to weaken our God-consciousness - to weaken our resolve to living a life debt and drama free.  I Peter 5:8 reveals our enemy and our need to train and prepare:

Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary 

the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour (knockout).

Like Sugar Ray, you and I can beat our opponent. Sugar Ray knew he wouldn't win by fighting a purely physical fight, so he confused Hagler with boxing techniques and with physicality. Neither can we outwit the devil in physical warfare, we must confound it and use spiritual warfare such as: prayer, fasting, solitude, study of scripture, receiving communion, etc. Only through spiritual means are we guaranteed victory in both the physical and spiritual realm. When we use spiritual warfare, we can outpunch, outlast and knockout the attempts of the devil to devour our mind, body and spirit.

As we discipline ourselves through prayer, fasting, solitude, study of scripture, receiving communion, etc. both we and our enemy will discover that while we may not be the best spiritual fighters: 

 At any give time we too can be the best trained and prepared spiritual fighters!  

-- 

Much Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".

"Cross the Line"

"This is where I draw the line" an often stated imperative generally exclaimed after being pressured, pushed, or unjustly punished.  These types of lines are necessary for our well-being. Conversely, other lines exist that we must dare to cross (for the well-being of others and our own). We live in a society where lines of demarcation both invisible and visible are drawn to divide people, communities, cultures, genders, etc. all to the peril of the greater good.

Many are aware of the proverbial other side of the tracks, many have heeded warnings of don't cross the line, don't take the risk! The refusal of confessing Christians to cross the line is detrimental to (fulfilling) and contrary to the message of Jesus Christ. Our unwillingness to cross the line signals our rejection that "God created all humankind in God's image."  Furthermore, neglecting to cross the line is to embrace "the god of this world (satan) who has blinded both the believer and non-believer" (II Corinthians 4:4). Our reluctance to cross the line denies the human worth and human dignity of all.

The line whether visible or invisible has become the god

determining who is significant or insignificant.

Through our avoidance of the line, we are choosing fear and ignorance; thereby,undermining the other – fracturing not only humanity but the Creator who said: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. . . so they can be responsible for the Earth” (Genesis 1:26).

Remaining on our side of the line elevates homogeneity to a celebrated norm.

In our disregard to cross the line we never learn or realize our shared womb, Genesis 2:7, "the LORD God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life's breath into his nostrils. The human came to life". Yes,we are different. Yes, we have cultural distinctions. Yes, we have varied approaches to problem-solving. Yes, the most obvious is our unique hues of black, brown, red, yellow and white. BUT we share the same Father because we were all created by the Divine.  Right? Don’t all Christians begin their most known prayer, ”Our Father who art in heaven?” 

However, we have yet to meet many of our sisters and brothers 

because we refuse to Cross the Line!

In team building or diversity training, there is an exercise named “Cross the Line”. People are divided into two groups and placed on separate sides of a large room facing one another.The facilitator then names an assortment of life events inviting the participant to step forward when it pertains to themselves or someone they know.  With each step forward they cross a line! In my experience either as a participant or leader, everyone discovers they have more in common with their different classmates, coworkers, church members, camp or retreat roommates, etc. then previously thought – Only because they Crossed the Line!

Jesus invites us, no Jesus instructs us to Cross the Line!

Mark 16:15 “You are to go to all the world…”

In James 2:1, the writer warns his audience and today’s Christian community against creating lines (divisions): “My friends, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance (or perceived/created differences)”.

Clearly lines existed in this Christian community and are prevalent in our culture and today’s Christian community. Where do you need to Cross the Line and who do you need to meet: Addicts, Africans, Arabs, Asians, Atheists, Blacks, Christians (outside of your denomination), Democrats, Gays, Healthy folks, Hispanics, Independents, Jews, Muslims, Poor people, Recovering Addicts, Republicans, Sick people, Straights, Wealthy folks, Whites,_______?

WILL YOU CROSS THE LINE. . .

Much Love,

Pastor Singleton

A Clean Heart Is A Free Heart - Mother Teresa

A Clean Heart Is A Free Heart in the words of Mother Teresa

"A clean heart is a free heart. A free heart can love Christ with an undivided love in chastity, convinced that nothing and nobody will separate it from his love. Purity, chastity, and virginity created a special beauty in Mary that attracted God’s attention. He showed his great love for the world by giving Jesus to her.

There is a terrible hunger for love. We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness. We must have the courage to recognize it. The poor you may have right in your own family. 

Find them.

Love them. 

Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart.  Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness.

Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well.

                        The more you have, the more you are occupied, the less you give. 

                   But the less you have the more free you are. Poverty for us is a freedom. 

                                                    It is not mortification, a penance. 

It is joyful freedom. There is no television here, no this, no that. But we are perfectly happy.  I pray that you will understand the words of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Ask yourself “How has he loved me? Do I really love others in the same way?” Unless this love is among us, we can kill ourselves with work and it will only be work, not love. Work without love is slavery.

Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing.

A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace."

Much Love, 
Pastor Singleton

Is the Bible Your Love Language?

Every generation laments the absence of their era’s music, fondly recalling “when music was good”.  We believe our generation provided the best: music, sound and creativity. Moreover, we unequivocally pronounce our era and genre as both King and Queen of esteeming the most profound lyrics.  With a second for nostalgia I remember:

When Countless were the tears Sade helped me cry after a break up;                                 When Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell instilled within a quest for an insurmountable love;

When Luther saaaang hope.

Of course, I could cite many, many more. Yet, the one significant constant of my choice of music was/is: its ability to articulate my range of emotions and offer expression for those very low moments when I was numb, lost and beyond words. Music for me was instrumental in developing my understanding of love and relationships.

.

Music has that unique and universal ability to produce utterances bellowing within; to soothe pangs; to decry and celebrate the sorrows and joys of relationships; to quiet our tumult; to reveal our psychosis; to define love, etc.

My favorite music helped me understand people, relationships and the importance of love. As shared, music was pivotal for my growth in interpersonal skills and relationships but I underestimated a resource of greater value.  The Holy Bible in its basest sense is a recount of love and relationships; in fact, if one seeks to know how to love and how to be loved, the Bible is the authority.

Music about love is good but can’t compare with God the author, 

inspiration and creator of Love!

John Wesley said of the Bible: “We know, ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,’ and is therefore true and right concerning all things”. As we strive toward greater understanding of love, God, each other and developing healthy relationships, the Bible should be our primary reference and guide. Wesley also was quoted saying, “Let me be homo unius libri” (Let me be a man of one book), which meant Scripture was his first and primary source for understanding but not his only source.

As we know all healthy relationships are grounded in love; therefore, the knowledge of love should be our pursuit.  And real love is only discovered and learned through God; thus, the Bible is our key.  I John 4:16-17a says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who love, live in God and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect…”

What if everyone began all relationships with an understanding that love begins with how much God loves us 

and our every endeavor was to live for and love like God?

God created us for love and if we are to truly know God’s intention for love, let’s continue our journey by using the Bible as our primary source for understanding. Jesus says in John 14:21, “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them”.

Our best hope to experience love is not remembrances of “when music was good” but in every day opportunities of learning the depths of God’s love for us.  As we read Scripture, we will discover even more than music, Scripture speaks to every circumstance of life.

The story of God and his people begins with and continues with God’s love for us.

If you think your generation's music captured expressions of love best, consider this bible passage written in 900 B.C. (and read the entire book later):

You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride.

You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes,

with a single jewel of your necklace.

Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride.

Your love is better than wine, 

your perfume more fragrant than spices.

Songs of Solomon 4:9-10

As we read and study Scripture, we discover God’s love for us and learn how we are to love God and our neighbor. The Bible is a love story that can transform our life, our relationships, our mind, body and soul. Through Scripture, we will find the ebbs and flows of relationships, we will witness the discord of deceit and the harmony of hope and everything between. Most of all, we will see the love of God at work teaching us and inviting us to do the same.

Questions to Ponder

1. Did you know that love begins with God?
2. How can we know God’s commandments unless we read and study the Bible?
3. Will you commit to making the Bible your primary source of learning and understanding all things?

Much Love,

Pastor Singleton

Over There, Over There, Over There!!

In a few days our oldest son turns six years old; while he still maintains toddler status, I readily admit he and his four year old brother are master teachers.  Sometimes I marvel at their wisdom which confounds their innocence and age.  Moments where their responses belie their infancy causes me to wonder "If they have been here before?" Through their awareness, insights and observations, my little fellas continue to inspire, challenge and encourage me. For instance, they responded with enthusiasm and joy as my wife and I taught them the importance and value of serving others during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

In a Wal-Mart parking lot, they introduced themselves and assisted about forty people with their carts by saying, “Hi may I serve you today by helping you with your cart?” People (mature and young) were gracious and most extended them an opportunity to serve. My surprise sprung from those denying our innocent babies such a learning moment. Still, the master teachers were not deterred nor their spirit dampened.  Upon each acceptance or denial immediately their sights were set on the next opportunity, screaming "Over There, Over There, Over There" (at the top of their lungs) as they pointed to another customer pushing her/his cart toward their cars.

The spirit and heart of a child is inclined to serve and sensitivity

Are we adults so hardened, frustrated and disappointed that our bent toward loving and serving others has become severed? What could otherwise explain our self absorption; our refusal to share the love of Jesus; our disconnection from those known as the Least (the imprisoned, oppressed, poor, suffering, widows, etc.)?

Jesus invites us to have an Over There mentality. Jesus teaches the adults (us) to emulate him, the Master Teacher, by pointing to the children as the model of His love and embodiment of His Kingdom. Not only are we to serve the Least but we are to have an enthusiasm and joy as we are serving.  

The number of birthdays we experience or how long we have been members of a church is not the barometer for our commitment to Jesus.

We discover the degree of our commitment in our faithfulness to Jesus. We realize the measure of our commitment every time we declare Over There to our next opportunity to share and demonstrate Love as Christ taught us.

Jesus challenges, chastises and corrects his disciples (us) as they attempted to legitimize spiritually wayward adult tendencies; as they sought to preempt the master teachers from experiencing the Master’s wisdom and His expectation of us all. In Mark 10:13 – 16, through His rebuke Jesus calls us to serve Him and to scream Over There at every opportunity:

¹³ ”People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.”

1. Perhaps, we need to revisit and embrace our innocence?
2. Perhaps, we are succumbing to being adults and have lost our sense of child-like wonderment to serving and Loving?
3. Perhaps, we need to rededicate ourselves to Over There?
4. Perhaps, our hearts and ears need to hear the stern rebuke of Jesus? 
5. Perhaps, we need to experience our lives in the embrace of Jesus arms?
6. Perhaps, we are to live in the reassurance that His desire is to bless those that are childlike, serving others and continually looking Over There for more opportunities.   

Much Love,
Pastor Singleton