xmlns:fb='http://www.facebook.com/2008/fbml'> Thinking Out Loud : 2011

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Walk of Shame

Head Coach of Penn State Joe Paterno fired

The past few days have been very sad to say the least for the Penn State Football program. Mired in scandal and controversy, the news surrounding this case has sent the entire country reeling and rocking. This scandal stinks on some many different levels we find it hard to grasp and really don't know where to begin. When the news broke about the reports of child molestation by a former defensive coach of the Penn State Football program, we were shocked and mortified by it. And, as the horrific details of the story begin to unfold, it seemed very hard for us to believe and even understand.  A 10 yr old boy being sodomized by former defensive coordinator Gerald Sandusky and then Grad Asst ( at the time) Michael Queary walking in on this horrific scene; who after seeing this grotesque display of molestation, called his father and then reported to his boss, now former Penn State Coach- Joe Paterno. How about calling the police? Why not intervene and stop Sandusky from violating this 10yr old in this horrific way. So many questions.

Since the details of this event has come out, countless others have come out as well. And, what is most disturbing is that Joe Paterno; probably the most revered and respected football coach in America, did very little in correcting things, or maybe he believed what he was doing was actually that? No one really knows. But, now this Hall of Fame Coach of this storied program on last night had to begin the walk of shame away from a life that he has known for over 7 decades. Next to Grambling Coach Eddie Robinson, Joe Paterno is the winningest Coach in College Football with 409 wins. Amazing. And, it seemed like he was at a point in his career where he could exit on his on turns. In fact, he was planning to do exactly that, as of early Wednesday, Joe Paterno was going to retire as the Penn State Head Football Coach at season's end. But, amid this current scandal and controversy the Board of Trustees voted on yesterday to fire this head coach immediately as well as the University President Graham Spanier. Two of the universities more powerful men, who used their power and influence to cover a molestation scandal that has rocked us to the core of moral being.  What a sad day for Penn State, what a sad day for America.

I echo the sentiments of my friend and journalist for ESPN, Jemelle Hill (@Jemelehill) in her column this morning that "this is a justified end for Joe Paterno" seemingly harsh words for such a well respected sports figure, and yet very appropriate given all that has come out regarding this scandal and the immense cover-up. How could he let this type of activity go on at a university that he basically run as one of the most powerful mean on campus. This is the lingering question that we may never have the answer for. We initially help Joe Pa; as he was affectionately called, in the highest esteemed, and believed that if confronted with this time of situation, would respond as any right thinking adult would and should. Alert the authorities of this matter, notified the University President of what was going on, confronted Sandusky with the allegations and completely removed this pervert from the university and its student population until this investigation was completed or for good, if found guilty. But, what we discovered was that no such thing was done. In fact, Joe Paterno openingly admitted to having not done enough. He said, "this is a tragedy it is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more." An open admission of guilt on the part of the man who morally participated as a co-conspirator in the perpetuation of another man's evil deeds. Dr. King said, "our lives began to end the day we become silent on things that matter." And, he went on to say, "there comes a time where silence is betrayal." And, in a real sense Joe Paterno betrayed the trust of those young boys with his silence. By not speaking up and out about what was going on at his school, in his football program, was the ultimate betrayal. And, this is why he was forced to take the walk of shame. This is not how we envisioned Joe Paterno's exit from college football; this is not how anyone believed he would leave the game that he loved. And, yet this seems to be a "justified end" for former head coach Joe Paterno.

Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the families of the effected young boys. And, we pray that the all responsible parties are ultimately brought to justice.

Your thoughts?


Pastor Michael S. Nimmons




Thursday, September 22, 2011

I AM TROY DAVIS

Troy Davis
I'm sure you have seen this picture everywhere within the last 24-48hrs. This man-Troy Davis, who was known to some, but it seemed entire world became acquainted with on yesterday as we waited with baited breath for a stay of execution from our nation's highest court. I must admit I didn't know much about Troy Davis before yesterday. I am not an activist by any means, but somehow on yesterday I-like many of you became engaged in this man's life as if he were one of my relatives. His life seem to galvanize an entire generation of young and old, black & white, rich & poor, Democrat, & Republican.I felt just as close to him as those hundreds of people standing outside of the Georgia State Prison hoping and praying for a stay of execution on this man's behalf. The marvelous things about this was how fast the world became acquainted with Troy Davis' plight and how deeply it seemed to effect us all when we heard that his final appeal to the highest court in the nation was denied.

I must admit throughout the day as I was keeping up with what was going on via Twitter & Facebook (mostly Twitter @PSTRNIMMONSTV), I truly believed that at some point we would hear good news that another stay of execution was granted or even that his execution was commuted or absolved, because of a lack of evidence, or because of 7 out of 9 witnesses recanting their testimony or because of no weapon was ever found...you know because of the truth eventually coming out. And, not just because of those facts about the case, but because of the overwhelming support that this man had received not just from the community of his peers, but from the more influential people of our country and even the world. From Nobel Peace Prize Winner-Desmond Tutu, to Pope Benedict XV. Former President Jimmy Carter also weighed in on the fate of this young man, and believed his case deserved a closer look. On twitter, the likes of notables such as Russell Simmons (@UncleRush), Big Boi  of Outkast (@BigBoi), Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian), James Fortune (@MrJamesFortune) and others voice their concerned for the possible execution of what appeared to be an innocent man. How could this unconscionable act be committed in a country founded on the principles of innocent until proven guilty? And, yet it seemed that there was a conscious effort at every level of law enforcement to sign this man's death certificate without any care or concern for the ramifications of killing an innocent man.

After bible class last night I rushed home to watch the developing story on CNN as it continued to unfold. Protesters were outside of the prison in Georgia and outside of the Supreme Court in Washington until the wee hours of the morning in disbelief of what had taken place. My heart went out to Troy Davis' family, again not knowing them, but empathizing and sympathizing with them regarding their unfortunate situation. And, after hearing the mother of the slain police office talked with Anderson Cooper on CNN, my heart was saddened by her cold & seemingly cavalier attitude towards Troy Davis, as much as it was for her son officer MacPhail who was killed that fated day back in 1989. I waited to hear from the Georgia State Corrections spokesperson as they came out and addressed the media and indicated that Troy Davis' time of death was 11:08pm. And, his last words to the family were

"...despite the situation you are in, I'm not the one who personally killed your son, your father, your brother. I am innocent. The incident that happened that night is not my fault. I did not have a gun. All I can ask ... is that you look deeper into this case so that you really can finally see the truth. I ask my family and friends to continue to fight this fight. For those about to take my life, God have mercy on your souls. And may God bless your souls."

He maintained his innocence until he took his last breath. God is the ultimate judge and he is the only one the knows what happened to office MacPhail and who the real culprit is. My prayer is that if the facts of the case are true and Troy Davis was NOT the killer, then whoever pulled the trigger on that fated day some 20yrs ago will be brought to justice.

Johnn Donne-the poet, wrote very poignantly  about the relationship that we all have to one another, "No man is an island entire of himself, every man is apart of the continent apart of the main. If a man dies it diminishes me for I am involved with mankind. So, never send to know for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee." He and Dr. King both would agree on the interdependence of mankind, and how, "we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny," as he once said. What effects one of us ultimately effects us all in some way shape or form. And, I guess the message in this blog is simple, the events of yesterday personally impacted my life and this is no exaggeration. I truly felt like one of my brothers was lost on last evening. I did not have to know Troy Davis personally for his life to have effected me personally. Knowing someone does not always have to be a prerequisite for empathy, but we all were touched in some way by someone that we didn't even know. And, so the question becomes what do we do now? It would seem that we have lost the battle, and Troy Davis was the unfortunate casualty of a system of justice that failed all of us. But, the war on the death penalty, the war on poverty, the war on drugs, the war on violence the war on injustice continues. We mustn't sit idly by and wait for this to happen again, but we must become as Ghandi once said, "...the change that we seek." We have to actively pursue justice in our communities, schools, neighborhoods, churches, local, state and national governments. We mustn't give up the fight until as the Prophet Amos so eloquently put it, "...judgment (justice) rolls down like waters and righteousness, like a mighty stream."


I AM TROY DAVIS! WE ARE TROY DAVIS....AND WE MUSTN'T EVER GIVE UP!


Your Thoughts?


Pastor Michael S.Nimmons
www.MichaelNimmons.com


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A FITTING TRIBUTE...

Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Statue
Aug 28th 2011 marks the 48th Anniversary of one of our nation's most memorable and historic events. This date marks the anniversary of the historic March on Washington lead by slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This march brought over 250,000 people to our nation's capitol, and on this autumn day in August Dr. King would give his most famous address entitled; "I Have A Dream." This stirring address given by Dr. King still rings in the hearts and minds of Americans as a pivotal point not just for the Civil Rights Movement, but a watershed moment for the entire country and maybe even the world.

In just a few days this historic occasion will be marked with what is being celebrated as one of the proudest moments in Black American History. Next to the inauguration of our nation's 1st Black President, this is truly a moment that will never be forgotten. On Sunday, August 28th the world will witness the unveiling of the newest addition to the collection of monuments in Washginton D.C. The MLK Monument will be officially unveiled, towering over 30ft tall, a fitting tribute to a man of monumental character and stature; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Crowds are expected to converge on this site from around the country and the world to witness this historic event. Pres. Barack Obama will be on hand to speak during the official unveiling and dedication of this beautifully sculpted Dr. King Monument. This will truly be a celebratory moment for our nation, as we pay tribute to a man who's tireless dedication to the movement of Civil Rights has brought us to where we are today. It's certainly been a long time coming, and we are extremely proud of what the monument stands for an represents.


This 120 million dollar endeavor was not just met with enthusiasm and excitement by those who were directly and indirectly responsible for its erection, but it was also met with controversey as well. Some groups spoke out against the design, the size, the scupltor and even the granite chosen for the statue. Chinese artist Lei Yixin was chosen to sculpt this enormous statue of this revered icon. And, his choosing was met with much criticisms, not just because of his race but because of his past projects as well. Lei has done scupltors of such leaders as Mao Zedong; who according to Anu Lau; chair of the Human Rights Guild, had one of the most egregious human rights records in the world. Some thought this monument should have done by an African American, after all Dr. King was an African American leader, And, who better to capture his ethnicity, likeness as well as his spirit than an African American. However, from the onsite of this campaign, Harry Johnson, President & CEO of the MLK Memorial Foundation set out to select an "extraordinary" artist to scuplt this monument, inasmuch as Dr. King was an "extraordinary man." 

This project took more than 15yrs to become a reality and even longer than that before it became an official campaign not just by the King family, but by the hundreds of thousands of stake holders that helped to make this dream a reality. This is the only monument dedicated to a non-president and the only African American statue in Washington D.C. The design itself is taken directly from his "I Have A Dream" speech, where he refers to "from the moutain of despair comes a stone of hope." The monument is comprised of three 30 foot stones, two of which are divided at the entrance, where visitors can walk through and see the third stone situated in the middle of this circular garden. And, Dr. King's likeness is carved out of the third stone which is called the "Stone of Hope." And, in this circular garden are 15 notable quotes of Dr. King's hand carved into stone that visitors can read as they take in the breath-taking atmosphere from this historic site.

MLK Monument and the Washington Monument
But, I wonder if Dr. King was asked what he thought of this kind of tribute, what would his thoughts be? What would he have to say about a monument erected on his behalf in our nation's capitol? Would he be appreciative of such a tribute, would he be humbled by the gesture; recognized and celebrated as one of our nations notable leaders. Standing along side men that led this country from our nation's highest office, would he feel that this tribute accurately depicted not just his likeness, but his spirit as a moral leader? Or, would he be compelled by his moral conscious to flee any such self aggrandizement as it may appear to be a sharp contrast to the true essence of the life he tried to live. Would he scoff at the amount of money invested in this endeavor, would he believed it would have been better used for some philanthropic campaign to feed the poor or the clothe the naked? Was this a fulfillment of a desire of his, or would he have thought that he himself was not worthy of such recognition? No one's sure what Dr. King would say about this monument, and I no way am attempting to speak for him by asking these questions. It is a simple consideration of what do we believe Dr. King's wishes would have been if he were alive to see this beautifully crafted monument to himself.

As many of our readers already know, I am a long time admirer and student of Dr. Martin Luther King. While I was not alive to witness his eloquence and splendor in the pulpit or participate in any of the historic marches of his time, he still has impacted my life in a very profound way. I have memorized and internalized many of his speeches as apart of my spiritual curriculum, as he was as much a prophet from God as he was a leader for so many people. I too am very proud of this monument and I celebrate with the rest of the country and world in its symbolism of freedom, justice and equality; moral tenets of which Dr. King stood for.

What are your thoughts on this MLK Memorial? What do you think Dr. King would say about it? How do you think he would feel about it as it relates to the continued struggles of our people? I'm reminded of the poiyant words Dr. King chose to sum up his life's most signicificant accomplishments in his last sermon entitled, "The Drum Major Instinct."

"If I can help somebody
As I pass along
If I can cheer somebody
With a Word or Song
If I can show someobdy
He's traveling wrong
Then my living will not be in a vain"

"If I do my duty
As a Christian ought
If I can bring salvation
To a world once wrought
If I can teach the message
As the Master taught
Then my living will not be in vain."

Truly words to live by!


Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

What a virtual tour of the MLK Memorial

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Lucifer Salute Or Not?



To see commercial click here

Saw this commercial last night for Benefiber. Is this an another example of the Luciferian Salute or not? You be the judge?

Your thoughts?

Pastor Nimmons
www.MichaelNimmons.com

Friday, June 24, 2011

WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON?


Skater Johnny Weir & the Lucifer Salute
Why are we starting to see more of what is quickly becoming known as "The Lucifer Salute." What is really going on? Why does it seem like when you watch a music video, or read a magazine where this occult sign is being made, it always appears like there's more going on than what you actually see? I've always believed that a picture is worth a thousand words, and if this true; what is the photographer trying to show us, what is the artist attempting to say, what are the producers, editors, publisher's and directors trying to tell us? What's really going?

For those who don't know "The Lucifer Salute" is when someone covers their left or right eye, and only one eye is exposed. The one eye exposed is an occult symbol for the "All Seeing Eye." Here are a few examples of this;


Willow Smith
Bono
Some say the "Lucifer Salute" represents a shadowy, mythical organization that is secretly running the country from behind the scenes called the "Illuminati."  There are obviously a lot of answers, and even more questions as to "why" we're seeing this occult symbol so often, but the problem is because there are so many answers; what is fact and what is fiction? 

Pictured at the very top of this blog is Olympic Skater Johnny Weir doing the "Lucifer Salute." What is also interesting about this picture is that in addition to him covering his left eye, there is also what appears to be a lightening bolt over his right eye. This is believed to be another occult symbol, which symbolizes the "lightening" that Lucifer was beheld after being kicked out of heaven. (Isaiah 14:12 / Luke 10:18) Some say it also references the "S" being the first letter of Satan's name.


Above our images of the "Lightening Bolt" and artist "Lady Gaga" sporting the occult symbol very prominently over her left eye.  These disturbing images are becoming more and more the norm as we watch our televisions, go to the movies and read the magazines and newspaper publications of our world. But, why? What is really going on here?

Here's a Revlon Commercial that has been airing since the beginning of this year featuring actress Jessica Alba, and she's doing the Lucifer Salute.  During this 14 second commercial Jessica Alba did the Lucifer Salute a grand total of nine (9) times.  In a commercial which is supposed to be advertising makeup and nail polish, there seems to be something else going on here. However, I'm sure if you were to ask the people at Revlon what was the purpose of Jessica Alba's hand gestures, they would say she was just showing off our nail polish to prospective consumers. My question is, do you believe that?What's really going on?

Here you see a few pictures from the commercial showing Ms. Alba covering her right and left eye in salute of Satan.

Actress Jessica Alba & the Lucifer Salute
The Lucifer Salute
Egyptian Pyramid

Baphomet Image




What is even more interesting about this commercial is what was also included, but you couldn't really see it unless you happened to watch it in slow motion. At the .07 / .08 mark of the commercial you see two women standing along side an Egyptian Pyramid and then you see what appears to be an image of the two-horned goat "Baphomet." Why was this included in a nail polish commercial, and why does it seem like it was snuck in there? What's really going? Is the fashion industry trying to tell us something without actually saying it? Is there a larger message being conveyed here? My answer to these questions is a resounding "YES!"

   
 Watch the Revlon Commercial right here

It is not by coincidence or by happenstance that we are starting to see more and more of these occult symbols sprinkled into popular culture. After all, Satan is the "prince of this world" and this is a way for his servants to pay homage to him over the airwaves of the mass media.  What is interesting to me is the boldness and veracity with which his minions are desiring to give him praise. The instances where these occult signs are used seem so random and abstract, and yet I believe this is done by design as well. While the appearances of these occult signs and symbols may seem random, that is what the handlers of this sinister evil desires for us to believe, when the exact opposite is actually the truth. These occult signs and symbols are not only being integrated into the mass media on purpose, but even the artists that are seen making these gestures are being used on purpose as well. Some even believe that not only are the artist covering their right or left eye in salute of Satan, but they have been brainwashed or a part of some mind control conspiracy that when prompted by their "handlers" they involuntary make these obscene occult gestures. Take a look at the video below and watch what Lady Gaga does in an interview when the interviewer say the word "Lord."

 Watch What Lady Gaga Did during an Interview here

Did you see what she did there, is was almost as if she was programmed to do it. It look so natural and yet so un-natural all at the same time. I know it left the audience as well as the interview scratching their heads wondering what they had just seen. But, as we have said in earlier post dealing with this subject matter ("Signs of the Times", "I Like Cartoons, But..." & "Is This What Passes For Music Nowadays"), we are living in the last of the last days. We-Christians, are very close to the rapture taking place (not as close as Harold Camping may have thought), but close nonetheless. That being said, the closer we get to Jesus Christ return, the more of the occult signs and symbols we are going to see, which should serve as a constant reminder of how close we are to the rapture. We shouldn't get too caught up in the rationale behind these occult signs that we loose sight of own personal salvation. But, we have definitely been warned by Jesus Christ, "...to watch as well as pray." And, there should be a good balance of both going on for us as children of God. Watching as well as praying, we can't get too preoccupied with one that we miss out on the other. Watching more than praying or vice-versa. Because, there are two things I am more certain of today than I've ever been before, this world is deceitfully wicked, and Jesus Christ IS COMING BACK. And, the two go hand-in-hand!

My question to you is are you watching with both eyes or just one? 

Your thoughts?

Pastor Michael S. Nimmons
www.MichaelNimmons.com

Monday, June 13, 2011

The MIS-EDUCATION OF LEBRON JAMES

  
Our readers know I don't spend a lot of time writing about sports and sports figures in this blog. I usually devote this platform to more weightier issues like, religion, politics, as well as other societal issues.  But, I chose to write a few paragraphs about this young man who I believe has been mislead and misguided by the people that surround him, and has caused him to misunderstand what the meaning of a leader truly is. Those of you who follow us on on Twitter @PSTRNIMMONSTV know that I didn't care much for the Miami Heat or Lebron James, not for some of the usual reasons; not my home team, traditional bitter rival of my home team, and the list goes on and on. But, my reasoning for disliking this year's Heat Team and Lebron James, is because they thought they could manufacture GREATNESS. They thought by getting together who they believed to two the best guards in the league alongside an average at best small forward, they could propel their way to an NBA Championship. And, up until the NBA Finals; it seems, the Heat, during the playoffs looked like a formidable opponent and may be even a lock for the NBA Championship. But, once the "Three Amigos" met the the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, it looked like the Heat's fairytale ending was quickly turning into into a terrible nightmare.

But, my dislike of Lebron James goes back further than this years playoffs, it goes back further than him joining the Miami Heat and his controversial "Decision" reality TV show. It goes back even further than his 7 years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. For me, it goes back to when I first became acquainted with his high school phenom Lebron James well before he entered the NBA. The pomp and circumstance that seemed to follow this young man even before he was drafted was a bit over the top. I remember hearing how his autographs and other memorabilia was being put on E-Bay and auctioned for hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Yes, I read articles and saw footage on how talented this young man was, and how it appeared as if he was going to take the world by storm. He made the decision to skip college and go straight to the NBA, where his talents would be on display before millions on a regular basis. Lebron was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2004 signing a 90 million contract at the time that would make him the highest paid rookie in NBA history. After that came a long list of endorsements and other incentives that would increase the exposure and public consumption of this growing media juggernaut. But, for me it was always too much to fast for someone as young and immature as he seemed to be. His talent made all of this available, but his youth and immaturity would send him on a collision course of unrivaled proportions if he was not careful. Dubbing himself "King James" really solidified my dislike of this young man, never having accomplished anything on the level he was aspiring to reach. Posters and pictures of him with outstretched arms of on buildings and skyscrapers with the caption "Are You A Witness" suggesting that we are at a pivotal moment in time where we are "witnessing" greatness unfold before our very eyes.


And, so at least from where I was standing it appeared as if this young man was slowly becoming a product of the media and receiving undue accolades and credit when not much was ever done to qualify him for the attention he seemed to have received. And, I believe its one thing for a person to get attention; and for the media to hype you up and to say great things about you, and for that person to shy away from that attention as if to say I'm undeserving of all of this. But, it is something very different with the subject of the media attention embraces and almost embellishes it to the point that it actually becomes sickening. What it demonstrates to me is their inability to handle the spotlight; the inability to handle the attention. Essentially, it was too much to fast. And, in this age of Twitter, Facebook and all of other social networks, a person's stardom can take off much faster in today's time than anytime in history. Subsequently, once the public has embraced you, it then becomes almost a whirlwind of fan-dom that if not checked could easily go to a person's head. And, this is what we are "witnessing" with Lebron James. A talented young man, who got a taste of stardom too fast, when it is usually dolled out in smaller increments; where you see a person's rise to fame happen more slowly and deliberately.  

The people surrounding him are there only to stroke his ginormous size ego and no one ever chastises him or criticizes his actions. And, that's why you constantly see a young man in front of the media who really looks like a little boy. A self proclaimed "King" that really looks like a child searching for his true identity. His own mother; someone that should be there to offer advice, counsel and even discipline, is too busy carousing with former teammates and basking in the glow of this new lifestyle she's privy too, far too busy to give him the help he so desperately needs. In a real sense I feel sorry for him, because if he never finds someone that can really mentor him and counsel him; if never finds someone that he respects and will listen to, his 15 minutes of fame may soon run out. And, in the end what would he have had to show for it. It would have only amounted to nothing more than a wild ride; the equivalent of a 5 minute roller coaster ride they left a person dizzy and disheveled wondering what really happened.

I write this blog not to simply pile on this young man; the media is doing a pretty good job of that, but I write this blog for the millions of fans some of which are little boys who want to one day grow up and be like Lebron James. I caution you in as you pick your heroes, roles models and those you want to pattern yourselves after. Don't get so caught up in the talents and gifts of a person; don't get so blinded by the media hype and attention that they receive that you cannot see their true character. Gifts and talents are a dime a dozen. In fact, the bible says that, "Gifts and callings come without repentance." And, at the end of the day it doesn't matter how gifted you are, but what is most important is how did you handle your gift. Your character is far more important and significant that how gifted you may be. And, unfortunately in this age of "Bling Bling," "MTV" & "BET" all that our youth see is the materialism that comes with being gifted. But, if they look close enough they can also see the character of the talented as well. Unfortunately, for our youth the shine of the "Bling Bling" often times blinds them to the true character of the gifted. I challenge you to look deeper than what you see and read, look deeper than what you hear and are being told about a person. And, make your selection of your role models on more than what they drive, where they live and how much money they have.

I leave you with the words of Dr. King; "The true measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenges and controversy."

Your thoughts?

Pastor Michael S. Nimmons

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Is Saturday Really THE END?



Artist depiction of the End of the World
You can probably call this deja' vu, because this has happened many times before and if history is true to form this recent prediction will go by without any consequence. However, the attention this prediction has caused seems to be continuing to grow. This seems to be yet another elaborate publicity stunt to draw attention to a person, a cause, or even a church that wouldn't normally get noticed under normal circumstances. I remember watching an episode of the "Simpson's" cartoon, which this such scenario was the storyline for this 30 minute cartoon series. During an archeological dig Lisa discovered a cleverly placed artifact of a what appeared to be a the skeletal remains of some sort of angelic being.  This discovery caused a great stir in the little town of Springfield. And, then to add to the discovery the angelic being; after being erected in the middle pf town, mysteriously came to life and made a prophetic declaration that the end of the world was near and gave an exact date and time of which everyone in Springfield feverishly prepared for.  This angelic being instantly became the center of attention in this small town, and people begin to treat it as an angel sent from God to give them this special message of His return.  However, on the day of the prediction; as people anxiously awaited the end of the world, what they found that not only was the angelic being not a real, but it was all apart of an elaborate hoax to get people excited about a new shopping mall opening in town. Wow, what a let down!

And, so it is we are here yet another time because of the prophetic declaration, by a radio evangelist named Harold Camping who has gotten the word out through his radio show and other media outlets about his belief that the world is going to come to end this Saturday, May 21st.  And, in my search for information about this man I ran across a site called "Life's Little Mysteries" that helped me to understand more about this 21st Century Prophet.

They're site stated:
Radio Evangelist - Harold Camping
"The May 21 Judgment Day meme is the brainchild of an 89-year-old radio evangelist named Harold Camping. Using a mathematical system of his own creation to interpret obscure prophecies in the bible, Camping originally predicted Sept. 6, 1994 as Judgment Day, or the day of the "Rapture" when Christian believers will ascend to heaven, leaving the rest of humanity to its deservedly dreary fate. But 1994 came and went relatively uneventfully, and Camping has since reworked his equations in such a way that they now point to a May 21, 2011 Judgment Day. Once the 200 million true Christians (in Camping's estimation) have been whisked away this coming Saturday, he says hell on Earth will ensue and last for 5 months, until Oct. 21, at which point the world will end. Here's the gist of Camping's calculation: He believes Christ was crucified on April 1, 33 A.D., exactly 722,500 days before May 21, 2011. That number, 722,500, is the square of 5 x 10 x 17. In Camping's numerological system, 5 represents atonement, 10 means completeness, and seventeen means heaven. "Five times 10 times 17 is telling you a story," Camping said on his Oakland-based talk show, Family Radio, last year. "It's the story from the time Christ made payment for your sins until you're completely saved."


So there you have it,  all of this is the result of one man's fuzzy numbers. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in the Rapture and the "catching away of the saints of God." But, in Matthew 25:13, Jesus says "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour, wherein the Son of man cometh." The Bible also speaks of Jesus Christ coming as a "thief in the night." And, one of the most telling characteristics of a thief is that they don't let you know when they're coming. I have yet to hear about a case of burglary that took place, where the burglar alerted the victims that they were on their way to burglarize the victims homes. This happens for several reasons, one of which the thief wants to catch the victims by surprise. If the victims knew the day and time their home would be burglarized, they would be prepared for the robber when he came to their home. Much in the same way, Jesus Christ return is going to be for the entire world... a SURPRISE! God is too intelligent to allow his coming to be leaked to mankind, and if there is anyone that can keep a secret is God-Himself.  He does leave us clues in the word of God of his coming, "wars and rumors of wars", "father against son, daughter against mother" and vice versa. But, he does not divulge the day nor the hour of His return, because He wants it to be a SURPRISE. However, it will not be a complete surprise for everyone, because His children (believers of Jesus Christ) are instructed to always be prepared or "Be ye also ready." Our constant preparation is a sign to God of our faith and belief in not just His return but His existence as the eternal God of the Universe.

Another important reason for Jesus Christ coming being a secret to mankind is this, God is not going to let the scores of people who have rejected Him off the hook by letting them know of his return so they can get their lives together before His return. Our lives are gifts that He has given to us to use as we chose, some of chosen to live their lives without God in mind whatsoever. They live riotously and without thought for tomorrow, and to those Jesus Christ coming is designed to be a complete SURPRISE. It is those individuals, who live their lives as if Jesus Christ is not coming back anyway, and those are likened to the victims who live their lives as if their home will never be burglarized. They leave the house unlocked; they don't have a security alarm; windows are open, garage door open, they live recklessly and haphazardly  Not only do they conduct themselves as if their home will never be violated, but this is also a sign that they do not appreciate what they have been given. And, it is these types of individuals who abuse the "temple" that is our physical man, with drugs, alcohol, pre-marital sex, and all other kinds of evil things. And, this lack of appreciation of God's gift of life is not going to be rewarded with the date and time of God's return. Conversely, there are others who have chosen to appreciate this gift of life God has given, and everyday live their life in preparation for His return. They are intimately concerned with what God thinks of their lives; am I living according to His will, am I reading His Word, have I recieved His salvation (Acts 2:38), am I in constant communication with him? These are the questions that guides the lives of those who follow Jesus Christ.

My advice to those who are not ready for His return, whether it be this Saturday, next Saturday or Saturday two years from now. You need to get ready and stay ready, because you never know when He's coming back. The only thing that is guaranteed is that HE IS COMING BACK, my question to you is WILL YOU BE READY, OR WILL YOU BE SURPRISED? Which one are you?

Your thoughts?


Pastor Nimmons
www.MichaelNimmons.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Gloves Are OFF!


I must admit that I am personally infuriated with Lady Gaga's latest antics, which seemed to be pointed directly towards God and Christianity. From her controversial song "Born This Way" to a song that supposedly leaked today called, "Judas," it appears that Lady Gaga is sending a clear message to God and even to the church that we are ENEMIES. And, any enemy of God's is an ENEMY of mine. Check out what King David says in Psalms 139:19-22.  And, whenever the world is bold enough to speak out for what they believe in, I believe the church should be just as bold. In fact, Paul declared in Romans 1:16, that I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power unto salvation." So, today I'm an exercising my boldness today to declare unequivocally my allegiance to God and my utter distaste for this song and this artist.


It is obvious that as we are living in the "last of the last days", and the gloves have come off for the music industry, because what was once off limits and sacred is now fair game. There was a time when certain things were off limits and sacred; there was a time when there a mutual understanding between the world and the church to as Dr. King once put it, "disagree without being violently disagreeable." There was sort of a "You stay on your side and we'll stand on our side" mentality. But, today it seems like all of that has changed. From Jay-Z's lyrics in the "Empire State of Mind" to Lady Gaga's latest antics, the music industry is sending the church of God a message on today that the "gloves are off." So, I believe its time for the church to send one back.

And, this message became even clearer when today I was made aware of a song that was leaked this week from Lady Gaga called "Judas." A song that expresses her love for Judas Iscariot; the disciple that betrayed Jesus Christ with a kiss and ultimately turned Him over to the Roman Govt to be crucified.
Here are the lyrics to this song;

"Judas"


Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GaGa
Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GaGa

[Lady Gaga - Verse 1]


When he comes to me, I am ready
I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain
Even after three times, he betrays me
I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
A king with no crown, king with no crown

[Chorus]


I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as


Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GaGa


[Lady Gaga - Verse 2]


I couldn't love a man so purely
Even darkness forgave his crooked way
I've learned love is like a brick, you can
Build a house or sink a dead body
I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
A king with no crown, king with no crown


[Chorus]


I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as


[Bridge]


In the most Biblical sense,
I am beyond repentance
Fame hooker, prostitute wench, vomits her mind
But in the cultural sense
I just speak in future tense
Judas kiss me if offensed,
Or wear ear condom next time
I wanna love you,
But something's pulling me away from you
Jesus is my virtue,
Judas is the demon I cling to
I cling to


[Chorus]


I'm just a Holy fooll, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby


Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as


Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GAGA
Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GAGA

Here it seems like she is attempting to poke fun at what ultimately happened to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. By saying she loves Judas, it seems as if she she's an admirer of what he did. At the very least her lyrics say exactly that. This songs makes an open mockery of the gruesome last days of Jesus Christ, and seeks to romanticize the betrayer. And, to leak the song during one of the most sacred and holiest of weeks of the entire year, makes it even more blasphemous. This obviously is a blatant attempt to steal some of the limelight from Jesus Christ during a week when His greatest sacrifice for mankind is celebrated. The song itself almost serves as Lady Gaga's profane response to the Holy Week Christian's around the world recognize and celebrate.  And, for those that believe that the leaking of this song was coincidental, I think not, this was strategically planned and designed to be released during one of the most celebrated religious season in the entire world. Especially, when the worldwide release of Lady Gaga's newest album, "Born This Way" isn't set to be released until May 23rd. So, this was another blatant attack against the Christian Church. Christians around the world should be thoroughly appalled by this, and this type of nonsense should not be tolerated by the Christian Community. And, I believe if we-as Christians, were more vocal about our disdain for this type of music maybe, just maybe the music industry would think twice about promoting such filth. Of course, this blog may never be seen or read by those who should see it. It may never reach the boardrooms of the record labels across our country that create this kind of music. But, it really doesn't matter to me, just as long as our readers know an understand what I believe and what I stand for. So, as long as there are Jay-Z's and Lady Gaga's out there, there will be a 21st Century "John the Baptist" proclaiming and declaring the way of the Lord. So, yes the gloves are off and we are not going to tolerate this kind of blasphemy of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. I encourage you- our readers to spread this message of truth to counteract this message of filth and degradation. In the end, this is yet another example of the last days that we are living in.

But, what Lady Gaga unwittingly achieved by planning this sneak attack against Christianity today, is called greater attention to the greatest man that ever lived; the God/Man "Jesus the Christ." What, I believe will ultimately come of Ms. Gaga's sinister plot is God getting the glory out of it all in the end. Because Jesus said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." So, even in what appears to be a strike against Jesus, the plan will still backfire, because God is going to get the glory in the end. I'm reminded of Joseph's poignant words to his brothers, after he revealed to them his identity, and they were reminded of all of the bad things they had done to him. He could have sought revenge, he could have had them killed, but instead he shared these awesome words with them, "...what you meant for evil God meant it for my good to save much people alive." And, that's my message to Lady Gaga, what you meant for evil, God is going to turn this around for HIS ultimate good. You watch and see!

If you missed our interview on MaxExpo Radio last night you can listen to it right here.


Listen to internet radio with Maximum Exposure Mag on Blog Talk Radio

Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

WINNING, REALLY?

Actor, Charlie Sheen

Here recently, actor Charlie Sheen has gotten a little more press than he actually deserves with his series of antics stemming from the fallout of the cancellation of his show "Two & Half Men." His partying and canoodling finally caught up with him, when CBS finally decided to pull the plug on the network's No.1 television program. But, before his show was canceled he conducted several interviews, venting to whomever would listen about CBS and the way he was supposedly treated. And, during one of these venting sessions, he used the word "WINNING" to describe what the ultimate outcome of this standoff would be. This commonly used word, quickly became the catchphrase for many people and even became a trending topic on the popular social network Twitter. However, the use of this word is prima facia evidence of the world basically loving its own, inasmuch as the context in which it is used is to simply pay homage to the decadent, defiant, immoral, lifestyle Charlie Sheen and those like him. This word is not being used to describe the attributes and characteristics one would expect are connected with a term like "Winning,"  like hardwork, determination, courage, ethics, morals, but the exact opposite. Charlie Sheen is a alcoholic, drug abusing, womanizing, millionaire who believes the world evolves around his axis of a career. And, the interesting part about it is that many people have either bought into exactly what Mr. Sheen is selling or at the very least going along for the ride, hence the world loving its own. His so-called reality could not be any further from the truth.

Mr. Sheen does not even understand what the word "Winning" really means, he cannot even fathom what is the proper usage for this term. He uses it as a way to validate his "train wreck of a life". He uses it as a way to reprimand his critics who do not share the same outlook on life. He uses it as a way; I believe, of legitimizing his erratic behavior, not to the world, but to himself. It is true, he has become his own worst enemy, and that my friend is the worst enemy to have. The sad part about his life is that we are watching it unravel right before our eyes and it seems like it might completely come undone before anyone does a thing to help.

But, my point about "Winning" is simple, you don't really know what it means to "WIN" until you know Jesus Christ. You don't really know what it feels like to be  on the "WINNING" team until you've joined the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul says very emphatically, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, all things are past away behold all things have become new. Now that's WINNING! And, membership is INCLUSIVE and EXCLUSIVE at the same time. Because, yes it is open to any and everybody that wants to join, but the benefits of joining are EXCLUSIVE to its members. This kind of "WINNING" is not coincidental'; that's the kind of "WINNING" that is not based on what you have, or your status in life, because in Jeremiah 1:5, God says to the Prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee to be a prophet unto the nations." God essentially was saying to Jeremiah, that I knew about your life even before I created the world and I knew what I wanted you to be before you were even a twinkle in your mother's eye. So, nothing about you is accidental or even coincidental, but God ordained it all from the beginning. That being said, those of us who are in Christ, were "BORN TO WIN." We were "WINNERS" from the very start of things, and our life doesn't have to be on par materially with the likes of Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen or any other Sheen; for that matter, for it to be WINNING. The success of our lives are not measured by what we have, but who we are connected to and therein lies the real definition of WINNING. Peter confirms this in I Peter 2:9, when he declared, "And ye are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation; A Peculiar People that ye should show forth the praises of Him who brought you out of darkeness into this marvelous light." Now that's"WINNING." I was born to "WIN"; I was created to "WIN." "WINNING" is in my DNA; "WINNING" is in my bloodstream, I can't help but "WIN".


Find out how to be a "WINNER"

I hope this blog serves as a reminder to those who maybe having a temporary bout of amnesia. You're experiencing the trials and tribulations of everyday life; the enemy has seem to got you down for the count. But, take this word of encouragement and know that "YOU WERE BORN TO WIN." You cannot be defeated; you will not be defeated. And, to those who maybe a bit misguided, believing that Charlie Sheen is indeed WINNING, because now it seems that his circumstances  have taken a slight turn for the better. CBS wants him back, he's now touring the country celebrating his abnormal behavior, and it looks like he's got the world by the tail. Remember, looks can be deceiving, and while Charlie's situation may have changed, nothing about his character has changed at all. My prayer is that Mr. Sheen experiences the true definition of WINNING before it is everlasting too late.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and we truly hopes he gets the help he so desperately needs!


Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

Thursday, March 31, 2011

GET EMPOWERED!

Hey Everybody!! I know its been a couple weeks since we posted our last blog, but we thought it would be a good idea to post some news that hopefully you can use to get your weekend started off on the right foot. This is a big weekend for a number of reasons; on Friday, April 1st I will be celebrating my 35th Birthday! YAHHH! That's right, I'll be the big 3 5 on tomorrow. Send us a shoutout on Facebook or Twitter @PSTRNIMMONSTV if you get a chance. But, the main reason we decided to write this blog this week is to let you know about a conference that's coming to DETROIT this weekend, and it actually starts TODAY! That's right, it's start TODAY! The International Pentecostal Young People's Union Empowerment Conference starts today and runs through Sat, April 2nd with a whole host of events and activities. You can go to IPYPU.org for all the details.

But, here's a quick run down of some of the highlights that's coming up this weekend. Today at 4:30pm there's going to be a GIGANTIC Youth Rally against Teen Violence & Suicide taking place at Greater Grace Temple and this is going to be the OFFICIAL KICK-OFF for the weekends events. And, then later this evening at 7pm, Bishop Darnell Dixon is the opening speaker for the conference. On Friday, April 1st (my birthday), there's going to be a AM Service featuring Eld. Greg Murrary (Dynamic Speaker), and then a whole host of seminars and activities throughout the day. Friday evening at 7pm, Bishop George "Awesome" Dawson is going to be the speaker, which guarrantees to be a "AWESOME" time in the Lord. And, then around 10:30pm, there's going to be an "AFTER HOURS" CONCERT with artist like The "Ambassador" from CrossMovement Records, Mali Music and much much more! We are going to be up into the WEEEE HOURS of the Morning! And, then rounding out the weekend, on Sat April 2nd, First Lady Crisette Ellis is going to be hosting the "STELLO SISTAHS STEEPIN WITH FIRE" Luncheon, and then on Sat Evening you don't want to miss Bishop Charles Ellis and the In Grace Repatory Ministry as they present an ENCORE PRESENTATION of "And Still I RISE" -an Illustrated Sermon. So there it is, an awesome line-up of speakers, activities and events that you don't want to miss! Registration is only $25.00 for the entire weekend. So go to IPYPU.org now and register or you can register on-site at Greater Grace Temple.

This is definitely going to be a conference that YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS! And, those who are on TWITTER, throughout the weekend we'll be using #IPYPU as a trending topic to discuss the weekends events and activities. So, get your IPHONES, BlackBerries, DROIDS, and other smartphones and lets talk about this POWER-PACKED Conference!

Come celebrate my birthday with me at this year's IPYPU Empowerment Conference and let's GET EMPOWERED Together!


See you there!

Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

HERE WE GO AGAIN!



  2011 Grammy Awards Commercial feat. Eminem

Well I'm back with another music orientated blog that will hopefully continue to shed some light on the evils of this secular music industry that so many have to come to embrace. This post is dedicated to the 2011 Grammy's of which I did not personally see, but saw many tweets and heard comments made about such artist as Lady GaGa, Rhianna, Eminem, Dr. Dre and many others. In addition to comments made about the performances themselves, my attention was drawn to one of the several video commercials that begin airing in late January and the early part of February advertising the upcoming Grammy Awards Show. The above video features Eminem and what appears to be the voice of actor Samuel L. Jackson. Take a minute or so to check out the video as we plan to discuss it in greater detail in this blog.

We note Samuel L. Jackson's narrative over the various images during the commercial. His exacts words were:

"Music is a last chance, 
last hope, the last shot. 
Music is turning demons into demos; 
into multi-platinum monsters. 
Music is battling through the haze, 
the rage and the doubt, 
for yourself, 
for your children, 
for the world. 
Up on it's feet. Hollering!" 

Concluding with Eminem's voice, "I'm not afraid to take a stand"

Here is yet another example of the boldness that our adversary the devil is demonstrating in secular music's latest offering advertising this year Grammy Awards. The lyrics themselves represent a very bold, clear and concise message that is no longer being hidden beneath backward-masked records and other subliminal messages. This latest commercial is telling us very clearly the objectives of the music industry completely and wholeheartedly, "turning demons into demons into multi-platinum monsters." What a very disturbing an alarming message that is being sent not over the back channels of the blogosphere or the Youtube Channels of Christian Activists unmasking the hidden secrets of the industry, but this message was being broadcasts on television networks across the globe. I think it's interesting the commercial's use of the word "demons," especially given how vehemently Hip Hop artists and activists declare that their music is not "demonic." And, that those who criticize the music on this basis are just conspiracy theorist. But, here we have prima facia evidence of its nature being broadcast to billions and billions of people.

"Turning demons into demos," what does that mean? What is a demo? Webster defines a demo as; to show by reasoning, to prove. Demo; short for demonstrate or demonstration, is further defined as the act or process, or means of making evident or proving.  But, what are we proving or making evident? It seems very clear to me that what is being said is that the infiltration of the demonic forces behind music is now moving to the forefront. It is no longer being covered up, but it is now going to become apart of our marketing campaign for the future. And, this is scary, because as we said in earlier blog posts; "Signs of the Times", "Is This What Passes For Music Nowadays" & "A Woman's Worth" that the closer we get to Jesus Christ return the bolder and more public the devil's plan is going to become. And, we are seeing it unfold right before our very eyes. And, Mr. Jackson's narrative continues with suggesting that because of music's new marketing campaign, these "demos" are now "turning into multi-platinum monsters," thusly illustrating the overall mass appeal as well the world's appetite for this brand of music.  The narrative continues to suggests that this brand of music will survive the martyrdom of criticism and controversy, and will eventually overcome for the sake of it's massive following.  It cannot be stopped. Interestingly enough the commercial concludes with the chorus of Eminem's song, "I'm Not Afraid" continuing with the theme of music's uprising. What an interesting way to advertise a music awards show, I wonder who is responsible for such creativity? Well, I bet its got something to do with the demons, but you figure it out for yourself.

Below are two more examples of the boldness that the music industry seems to possess in these last and evil days. During last week's Super Bowl Half Time performance by the "Black Eyed Peas" we noticed several interesting things we wanted to share with you in this blog post. An excerpt of this video is posted below;



One of the first things we noticed during this performance was the arrangement of the stage into a giant "6," with the inside portion of the "6" resembling an "Eye."  Two very key occult symbols used in music videos and other imagery to depict the "Mark of the Beast - 666" as well as the "All Seeing Eye" which we've discussed in some of our earlier blog post as well.  We also notice the futuristic nature of the performance as well. Even though, the Black Eyed Peas have been known for their outlandish and futuristic costumes, this seems to be a continuation of their brand of music. Notice the robotic style of their costumes, this has often been related to the Illuminati agenda of the music industry. The use  of "Auto Tune" and the Robot costumes are apart of a intertwining of Technology and Music, and one that seems to be embraced by a lot of artists in the music industry.  Humans appearing to be more robotic, as well as Robots appearing to be more human. The coupling or pairing of this relationship is done in order to desensitized the masses towards the continued infiltration and eventual control that technology is going to have in the coming years under the Illuminati agenda. Food for thought.

Finally, we wanted to make you aware of yet another example of the musical agenda of the devil in Lady Gaga's newest song and the title track of her newest album; "Born This Way." The lyrics are listed below.






















I WAS BORN THIS WAY
-LADY GAGA

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were Born This Way, baby

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars

She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on 
In the glass of her boudior

There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are'
She said, "Cause he made you perfect babe"
"So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far,
listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't hide yourself in regret, 
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Ooo, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Ooo, there ain't other way
Baby, I was Born-
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't be a drag, be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be!

Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth

In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my mouth

A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (Hey, Hey, Hey)
I love my life, I love this record and 
Mi amore vole fe yah ( Love needs faith)

I'm beautiful in my way,
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I was Born This Way

Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Ooo, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Baby, I was Born-
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't be a drag, be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be!

Don't be drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're lebanese, you're orient
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby, you were Born This Way

No matter gay, straight or bi
Lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born to be brave

I'm beautiful in my own way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

I was Born This Way, hey!
I was Born This Way, hey1
I'm on the right track, baby


In this song, Lady Gaga is now attempting to incorporate Almighty God into her sess pool of sin, which she so proudly promotes in her growing catalog of songs, which also seems to represent in large part the alternative lifestyles of the lesbian and the homosexual. By saying "I was born this way,"  implicitly and explicitly suggest that God is the one responsible for the person that I am and have become. He is responsible for the sinful lifestyle I have embraced. In this song, she says, "don't be a drag, be a queen." Celebrate your debauchery, embrace of your homosexual identity, after all God made you this way.  She says, "I'm beautiful, in my own way. God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track. Cuz I was born this way." This song is an obvious retort to the Christian belief that homosexuality and lesbianism are not a result of a scientific chemical imbalance, or a missing chromosome in the human DNA.  And, that these alternative lifestyles are a direct result of the sin that entered in the world in the Garden of Eden by the disobedience of Adam & Eve. The sin that followed their disobedience towards God is solely responsible for the advent of homosexuality in our world. God's inclusion in the song subsequently makes homosexuality and lesbianism alright with Him and if it is alright with God it should then be alright with everybody else. Not so!  However, we must remember that our thoughts and opinions does not and will not ever change God's Word.  God loves the sinner, but He hates the sin.  He is the only one that is able to differentiate the sin from the sinner and love the homosexual and yet hate homosexuality; love the murderer but hate murder; love the fornicator but hate fornication. These were sins that He went to the cross and died for in order to reconcile mankind back to Himself. And, instead of us embracing Jesus Christ reconciliation, many have chosen to falsely indict Him as being an un-loving and intolerant God because He considers homosexuality a sin. What we must understand is that God's love for the sinner; which includes all forms of sin (i.e. homosexual, murder, fornicator, liar, etc), does not change His perspective on sin. For the Bible says in Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is enternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." So, God loving the sinner will never change the consequence nor the penalty for sin. However, in order to truly benefit from God's love, it would behove us to truly get to know the God that loved us enough to die for us. And, in finding out why He died we will also discover why we should live for Him.  Living for Him means doing everything you can to please Him. Therein lies the recipe for eternal life.

It is our prayer that the contents of this blog are read with both an open heart as well as an open mind. I, like many Christians across the world have love for all of God's children, and that includes those with differing lifestyles and opinions. But, as it is our objective in this blog as well as our ministry - www.michaelnimmons.com, to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we we must continue to speak as an oracle of God and say what thus saith the Lord. I welcome your comments as well as your criticisms. Just know that this blog is not written out of hatred for anyone but the devil; who is the primary adversary of God's people. 

We solicit your prayers as we continue to do God's will!

Be Blessed!

Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

"Hail to the Chief"




Watching the State of the Union Address is one of my favorite things to do as a student of history and lover of the pomp and circumstance that is as much apart of our government as the address-itself. I enjoy watching the spectacle that is the "State of the Union Address;" the attention to detail, the adherence to protocol and tradition that was established centuries ago. I take special pride in watching our country's first African American President-Barack Obama, ascend to the platform of this historic moment and deliver what has become our nation's most popular annual address. It seems just like yesterday that Pres. Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States just two years ago. And, as we are just days away from "Black History Month," where we collectively celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of some of the best and brightest African Americans our country has ever seen, we take pride in moments like this because it seems like  our greatest dreams and aspirations as a people have become a reality.  Watching Pres. Obama walked down the aisle behind such leaders as Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, I'm reminded of the immense struggles of the Civil Rights Movement as well as the greatest leader of the movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr articulate the merits of his dream.

 But, as much pride and optimism we may have in Pres. Obama, our ultimate faith and our trust cannot reside with him or with any man for that manner. Our faith and our trust must be in God and God alone. He is the only one that deserves our faith and utmost devotion. It is easy for us to get caught up in the loftiness of the position that our leaders hold, and the promises they make. But, at the end of the day their word can only go as far as their own humanity will allow. Many of us our guilty of making gods out of men by putting our faith and confidence in them, only to be let down time and time again. When are we going to learn that the wisest man to ever live was right when he wrote in the book of Proverbs the 3rd chapter and verse 5, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding, but in all of your ways acknowledge him. And, he shall direct your path." As wealthy and powerful as King Solomon was, even he understood at a very early age that wisdom must be the principle thing.

King Solomon's story is probably one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible. Here you have a young man becoming the successor to that of his father King David. He already had the loftiness of the position as King, but he realized that if he did not have the wisdom of God, he would ultimately fail. King Solomon was visited by God one evening, and was asked the question that every single person alive would love to hear from God, "what would you have me do for you?" And, Solomon could have asked for any number of things, fame, wealth, posterity, along with a whole host of other things. But, instead Solomon asked God for wisdom. He asked God for wisdom, "to go in and out amongst your people." And, God was so impressed with Solomon's request that not only did he give him what he asked for, but He also gave Solomon what he didnt' asked for as well. In fact, God told Solomon that he was going to be the richest, and most famous King to ever live, simply because he asked for the wisdom of God to handle the loftiness of this position of being King over Israel.

In these times of distress, these times of despair, these difficult days that Dr. King spoke of over 40yrs ago, we must put our utmost faith and trust in the only one truly qualified to be called the "Commander in Chief." Jesus Christ is the only one duly qualified to be the "Head of our lives." And, He should be the one that we defer to in times of plenty as well as in times of need. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to "seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you."  If Jesus Christ is not your "Commander in Chief," if He is not number 1 on your list of priorities, then you must ask yourself who is the leader of your life? Who are you looking to in your times of stress, in your times of despair? Who is leading your life? Is your faith tied to the politicians of this nation that say one thing today and something else tomorrow? If your commitment is tied to someone that has continuously let you down?  Or, maybe you are the one leading your life. "You are the master of your fate, you are the captain of your soul."  If any of this is true, then I can understand why nothing in your life is making any sense. Today, we must elevate our faith to someone that is incapable of failure; to someone that is incapable of error; to someone that is incapable of mistakes; and that someone is our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

We are not saying that Pres. Obama has not sought out the wisdom of God as King Solomon did in the scriptures, we certainly pray that he has. But, the goal of our writing today is to unequivocally proclaim and declare who the real Chief of not just the United States of America is, but the Chief of the entire world is and that is God-Himself. Isaiah said it very clearly and plainly in the 46th chapter of the book that bears his name, "For I am God and there is none else, I am God and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning , and from ancient times those things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure." Our God is the only one that deserves our un-divided attention. Our God is the only one worthy to be proclaimed, "Commander in Chief!" 

God is my Chief, my question to you is simple, is He yours?

Your thoughts?

Be Blessed!

Pastor Nimmons
http://www.michaelnimmons.com/