Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2016

Why GOP Georgia Senator David Perdue’s Psalm 109: 8 ‘Prayer’ for President Obama Was Wrong!

Hello World,

When is enough enough? A new president of this country will be elected on Nov. 8, but some politicians still feel the need to covertly or not so covertly condemn President Obama. On Friday, Sen. David Perdue of Georgia reportedly began his speech at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s Road to Majority conference by encouraging those in the audience to pray for President Obama by quoting Psalm 109:8 to the laughter of the audience. This verse reads, “May his days be few; May another take his place of leadership.” Citing this verse may seem innocuous until you read the rest of Psalm 109. The chapter is somewhat lengthy, but here are the next two verses. ” May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow^.May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven^[from their ruined homes.”

Whoa! Of course, his words caused a media firestorm once the implication of using this particular verse was scrutinized. In a Daily Beast article written by Betsy Woodruff, she referred to a November 16, 2009 Christian Science Monitor article in which the use of Psalm 109:8 on bumper stickers in reference to President Obama was explored. Perdue addressed the criticism through his spokesperson with the following statement according to Woodruff’s article:

“Senator Perdue said we are called to pray for our country, for our leaders, and for our president. He in no way wishes harm towards our president and everyone in the room understood that. However, we should add the media to our prayer list because they are pushing a narrative to create controversy and that is exactly what the American people are tired of.”

I find it hard to believe that Perdue meant to openly express Psalm 109:8 but not imply the rest of the passage, particularly since this verse has been used to “pray” for Obama since 2009. So no one has bothered to read the rest of the passage since then and realize the rest of the passage is not the most Christian way to pray for those in power? Also, this particular Faith & Freedom Coalition’s Road to Majority conference is not the first time that President Obama has been the butt of jokes at the conference. In 2014, President Obama showed up in the most unlikely way at the The Faith and Freedom Coalition’s Road to Majority Conference. According to TIME Magazine, “small figurines of Obama’s head, first spotted by the Huffington Post‘s Igor Bobic, were placed inside the urinals in the men’s restroom outside the conference hall.” One has to wonder what faith these attendees have if they allowed such a degrading depiction of our nation’s president to be a part of the conference?

Adam Jentleson, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) wisely noted in a tweet that Perdue’s “prayer” is why the Republican party now has to contend with Donald Trump, according to thehill.com. “On stage next, did [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell [R-Ky.] condemn Perdue’s prayer for Obama to die? Of course not. This is why they have Trump.”

Now, I do not think that any political party is above criticism and I don’t believe that God is either a Republican or Democrat, but if you call yourself a Christian, which is above any allegiance to a political party by the way, your behavior should be governed by all of the words of the Bible and not a select few. So here are a few verses for Senator Perdue and others who pray Psalm 109:8 for President Obama, who again will be leaving the presidency in less than a year.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:7-9

And by all means, read the rest of the chapter for context!

Throughout President Obama’s presidency, all manner of dissension and disrespect was sown by certain politicians and Donald Trump is the robust harvest of those seeds!

I don’t know who will be elected on Nov. 8, but here are two more passages that we should consider no matter who God allows to be elected…

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3

“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:3-4

Any thoughts?

Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2016

McGhee Sextuplets Return to TV Tonight With the Premiere of ‘Growing Up McGhee’ on UP! MY INTERVIEW…

Hello World,

The McGhee family first captured the hearts of America after an online photo went viral and the entire family appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011. Soon after, they received a series on OWN. Now the family returns to television in this all-new series for UP TV. Audiences will have a chance to follow this fun-loving family of eight as they embrace life and encounter new firsts – all of which come with unexpected twists and turns when you’re doing them with six five-year-olds. While neither Ro, a minister, nor his wife Mia ever expected their lives to be so hectic, they wouldn’t change a thing.

Ro and Mia tried for 10 years to have children, but they never imagined they would end up having sextuplets! Life was busy enough when taking care of six little ones, but now that their brood is five years old and in kindergarten, they are facing brand new challenges that are throwing them for a loop. Never before have they felt more outnumbered! Diaper changes and feeding schedules have been replaced by sassy opinions and chore charts. “Growing Up McGhee” premieres tonight June 8 at 9p.m. ET.

The first episode is titled “Going a McGhee a Minute,” which is I was able to watch in advance. Here is the summary: In this all-new series, the McGhee sextuplets are now five years old, and they are forming their own interests, opinions and personalities, which is certainly making life interesting for mom (Mia) and Dad (Ro) who now feel outnumbered! When they go to their first parent/teacher conferences, will the sextuplets get glowing remarks, or are Mia and Ro going to be sent to the principal’s office?

Below is my interview with Ro & Mia McGhee:

When do you find time to be a minister in addition to being a father of sextuplets and a carpet cleaning business owner?

It is because of God that I am a father of sextuplets and a business owner. It is the least I can do for Him for making me who I am today. My faith is priority, teaching my kids about God is essential, so in ministering I’m fulfilling both.

Do you think being married for 10 years before having your children gives you an advantage in parenting multiple children? Please explain.

I can only speak for my situation. Being married for the time we were without kids helped us to build a solid foundation. In this we learned each other, built trust, love and mostly a true friendship. So when the kids came, it just added to what was already there.

The both of you mentioned that your children have stashed items in the craziest places from cookies under a pillow to socks in a freezer. Where is the craziest place you have found something and what did you find?

Bugs in my vehicle. My kids are at a stage where they are fascinated with bugs. So they collect them in a disposable cup. They will bring the cup in the car and watch them crawl out. The most I found was about ten different types of bugs ranging from ants to potato bugs.

Do you have anybody who assists you in taking care of your children other than the children’s grandmother? Why or why not?

We do have a small list of people that we can entrust our children with other then grandma. We choose to keep that list small because we can’t trust just anybody with our children.

Feeding six kids sounds very expensive! How much do you spend on groceries every week? And what is your favorite go-to meal for weeknight dinners?

When you have a big family, you have to be creative. We spend anywhere from $200 to $300 a week on groceries. Our favorite go-to meal is spaghetti with meatballs.

Why do you think keeping the children in kindergarten for another year will help them? Were they disappointed to find out they wouldn’t be promoted to first grade?

I am still a little torn with this, and I want to be completely honest. My kids have made great strides this year, and I cannot penalize them. However, I want what’s best for them. So I am working with the staff at the school for options and guidance. The kids are not aware of being held back as of yet until I work out the details with the school.

When do you get time to spend alone as a couple?

My husband and I go once a year on a just the two of us cruise every January for at least seven days. We have learned that this helps our marriage as well as assists us with being better parents. Also, when the kids get on the school bus sometimes we’ll have a breakfast date or a lunch date together. We’ve learned nurturing our marriage is a must.

Below is a video snippet of what you will see on “Growing Up McGhee” tonight at 9 p.m. on UP TV!

Posted on Sunday, June 5, 2016

Pastor Who Loses 130 Pounds to Save His Wife’s Life To Appear ‘Steve Harvey’ Tomorrow!

Hello World,

Whether it’s the black church or the white church, probably whatever church, we love our potluck dinners! Food and the Bible seem to go together…something about tasting and seeing that the Lord is good :)!

But one pastor was willing to push back from the potluck and lose weight so that his wife could live…When Pastor Hosea Collins of the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California found out that his wife needed a kidney, he immediately volunteered one of his own. Because of his weight, he was deemed an ineligible candidate to help save his wife’s life. Collins went from 352 pounds to 222 pounds for a total loss of 130 pounds, solely by watching what he ate, adhering to Dherbs .com cleanse regimens and continually exercising. At his new weight of 222 pounds, Collins was recently admitted into a kidney swap program. Whether or not he is a match for his wife, he will still donate a kidney and the program will find her a replacement. He has fully turned his life around and plans to continue his weight loss quest to reclaim his high school weight of 200 pounds. The pastor is now devoted to assisting others, helping them find self-fulfillment, or helping them to unlock a God-given purpose. His belief is that every person can use this purpose to make a difference, and that’s exactly what he did.

Tune in to “Steve Harvey” on June 6, 2016, to hear Pastor Hosea Collins’ story as he appears as a guest, along with his wife, Terrekia Collins. “Steve Harvey” airs weekdays. Check local listings or go to http://www.steveharveytv.com/ for time and channel.

Below is a video from the show.

Any thoughts?