You Gotta Have Faith

Lies. The white lies we tell as kids, the thoughtful lies we tell our loved ones to so-call protect them, the cruel lies we tell in order to destroy others, and the massive lies that can rock a nation (ala the January 6th Insurrection on the Nation's Capitol). It's been a while but Assume "Celi" Suli and I are back with another Faith podcast and she brings a guest - Avi Achumi - and we talk about lies: why we lie, how lies hurt us, hurt others and most importantly, separate us from God.

Endurance - we've had to endure a lot during 2020, no matter what part of the world you're from. COVID-19 attacked us physically, mentally and spiritually. Today, Suli Assumi and I focus on Endurance: why we must endure pain and hardship, what our role is as Christians are regarding pain, and the realization that pain doesn't last - as we endure, we understand that all things come to pass. This podcast is also on Youtube - you can do a search for "You Gotta Have Faith" and you'll find us.

How important is it to forgive? How important is it to hear "I forgive you"? Are those words "I forgive you" healing words, or is it all in the mind? In this first episode of You Gotta Have Faith on Youtube, I examine 1 John 1: 9 (which talks of asking for forgiveness); Ephesians 4: 31-32 (which talks of forgiving someone); and Matthew 6:14-15, which talks about forgiveness as a crucial element of being a Christian. I introduce Assumi Suli, a missionary from Nagaland, India, as my new co-host and she talks about Nagaland, her faith in Christianity and her thoughts on how important it is to forgive and to be forgiven.

This will be our final Faith podcast, until Craig Dickerson settles himself in Fort Worth, Texas. In this episode, we dive into a well known bible verse - if you're a fan of Peter, Paul & Mary (I always thought it was the Byrds), you know the verse. A time to love. A time to hate. A time for peace. We talk about our need for things to happen on our time, when we must be patient and know we're on God's time. We talk on the need to refrain from wanting things to always stay the same. The book of Ecclesiastes talks about weather, about change - change is inevitable and we must adapt to change. We thank everyone for listening and we hope to be back very soon. If you have any thoughts or comments on the show, let us know. Thanks and God bless us all.

Paul is about to die and he writes his last letter to Timothy. It is a letter of letting go, moving on and fighting the good fight. Craig Dickerson is relocating to Texas, so this may be our last show before he leaves. We share Paul's letter to Timothy and talk about people who follow their own desires (verse 3) as oppose to sacrificing their lives for a better cause. Leaving what is comfortable and moving to new horizons and moving to a life of service is a sort of baptism of its own, and Jesus commands us to walk away from our comfort zone to serve him. Letting go is hard - uncomfortable - but it is growth. Are you growing in the Lord? Are you fighting the good fight? I want to give a quick shout out to Storyline Church (www.thisisstoryline.com) a new church renting out the Regal Jack London Cinema to preach the good word every Sunday at 11am. Bring your kids, bring your family and fellowship with wonderful people who are strong in the Lord. Rev. Akeem Smith delivered a great sermon two Sundays ago on David & Goliath and he would love to see you on Sunday.

Trump says jews are traitors if they vote democrat. In Thursday's Washington Post, an article talks about how some evangelicals are taking hold of anti-semitic beliefs (https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/08/22/how-anti-semitic-beliefs-have-quietly-taken-hold-among-some-evangelical-christians/) and how today's politics, especially the words of Trump, are eroding the Christian values Jesus taught us. In today's Faith episode, Craig and I talk about what the true foundation of Christ is: to love each other, to not be dissuaded by the rhetoric of others bounded by hate, and to use Christ's teachings to reach out to all. Paul reinforces this lesson in 1 Corinthians 1: 10 (I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.) and we dive into the deeper meaning of what it is to be together, united despite our differences. Take a listen and let us know what you think.

I mention it every podcast in my preamble, but in this episode, Craig and I drill down on what exactly is Faith? What does faith mean to you and me? What is the difference between belief and faith? Craig and I talk about the christian journey and how important it is to act on your faith and have faith as a foundation for your spiritual life - and how your faith can be a foundation for others. We also want to promote the All Saints Wellness Center. All Saints Episcopal Church is opening its doors to the community, providing services like yoga, massage therapy, Qigong and walking groups. All Saints believe that holiness is rooted in wholeness and the church is invested not only in your spiritual life, but your physical life as well. Check out more details here: https://www.allsaintsneighborhood.org/all-saints-main-street/wellness-center/

What do we define as power? Who are the people who we define as powerful people? Are they the dominant yellers or the gentle ones that keep their cool? On this episode of Faith Craig and I dive into Colossians 3 and revisit Luke 11 to talk about the power of peace and how we can validate our own power through the love of God instead of giving power to others.

Our words can be words of inspiration and encouragement, motivating people to live better lives and to be better people. But our words can also destroy - to be vehicles of hatred and oppression. In the wake of very hateful texts and tweets by our President, Craig and I focus on James 3: 5-12 and also listen to the morning prayer of Rev. Patrick Conroy, the Chaplain of the US Congress, who prayed to "cast out all spirits of darkest from this chamber". We focus on the origins of hate speech in America, how to handle hate speech and how to handle ourselves if we fall into the temptation of hate speech. We hope you enjoy this podcast and we encourage you to give feedback. What do you think? Did we miss anything in our assessment of hate speech. Anything you'd like to add? Let us know.

In this episode, Craig and I talk about pressure – the pressure we put on ourselves and the pressure others place on us. It can cause anxiety and depression. Considering a very tense first week of July, I turned to James 1: 2-4, where James implores us to look at our trials as challenges and have faith that you will endure in the end. James is considered by most to be the brother of Jesus (there were many James’ in the bible and scholars aren’t certain who is the James who wrote this letter), and during James’ time (50 CE), the Romans are heavily persecuting Judea and Christian Jews. James’ letter warns us not to resort to violence when we are faced with violence – to not become the very hatred we are faced with. Thoughts on pressure: 1. Generally, the pressure we face comes from others, not ourselves. Are we carrying other people’s crosses? 2. If we do cause our own trials, are we honest with each other to admit our faults? Are we humble and are we committed to changing ourselves (a spiritual baptism)? 3. When others are facing pressure and transfer that pressure to you, can you communicate with that person and focus on what’s REALLY going on? Or do you go either extremes – cower to the pressure, or react in anger, only making the matter worse? 4. Tense situations are mostly finite – they don’t last forever. You will overcome and endure.

In this episode, Craig and I dive into the old Testament and 1 Kings 19: 1-15 – this is the story of Elijah and his fleeing from the wrath of King Ahab – after traveling a very long distance, he comes to Mount Sinai to talk to the Lord. Verse 11 and 12 has Elijah confront winds, fires and earthquakes – but the Lord was with him in “the soft whisper of a voice” (verse 12). In times like these, you will face storms, thunders, boisterous people who will try to shake you – remember that God is with you and that God is peace. Do not be ruffled by the storms in your life. And do not match fire with fire. Find the peace and know that God is with you always.

In this Father's Day episode, Craig and I focus on Ephesians 4: 1-6 and his message for all of us to walk with humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with one another. I take these four points to focus on the redefinition of manhood, a subject we talked about before. We get our templates on what it is to be a man oftentimes from television and the movies – the Teflon man who is impervious to pain and who inflicts pain via justice. Think John Wayne and any action hero. That template gets in the way of our relationships with loved ones, children and our bond with friends. Paul gives us another template – the template Jesus has given us. Humility – the ability to admit weakness and the need to learn; Gentleness - letting go of our rigidity and having compassion for others; Patience – not dictating the “narrative” but listening and trusting that God will take care of things if you let him; and bearing with one another in love – a tricky one, but I interpret it as sacrificing for others – giving your time, helping someone through their suffering, truly bonding with someone, taking away their burden of loneliness and pain. If we are one with God, as Paul says in Ephesians 4:4-6, then we’ll move away from looking at others who are different from us as adversaries and truly be bretheren to each other.

In this episode, Craig and I talk about the pentacost and the Holy Spirit, using Acts 2: 1-21 and John 17: 20-26 as text. Acts 2 introduces the holy spirit, as it blows through the first church, allowing many people of different backgrounds to understand each other, regardless of language. John 17 has Jesus praying to God, hoping all men will be as one as brothers. We touch on the concept of the holy spirit, the isolation and “boxes” that keep us from bonding with one another, and how the holy spirit within you is the culmination of the Christian – the Christian that fully embraces God without resistance.

This week, the women in Alabama were presented with an oppressive law that takes away their ability to choose. Craig, Deb and I are Christians, but we don't believe laws, especially oppressive laws, should be based on one faith. There are many protests and calls for civil disobedience - and my thoughts turn to one man who is no stranger to civil disobedience - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his speech that talks directly on civil disobedience: But If Not. He delivered the speech on November 5, 1967 - the sermon is about King Nebuchanezzar and his oppressive law, ordering all to worship a gold statue. But three boys: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do so, even when facing a fiery furnace. Civil Disobedience is a commitment to conscience - to answer to the laws of a God that loves all men and women. And Freedom - including to choose - is the greatest act of love. Also, something to think of: one may say a christian must obey all laws. I would invite you to think of Jesus as a disruptor - one who willingly challenged the Pharises' and their laws and their interpretation of the Bible. If Jesus can challenge the authorities in his day, we as his children have every right to challenge our authorities. This is Dr. King's message to us. I'm sure this episode will draw controversy and debate - and we welcome it. Please post any thoughts or comments on Facebook or Soundcloud and lets engage in serious talk. The word of God should not be used as a weapon against people who want to live free and have every right to be free. The love of God is strong and wide enough to encompass all of us, with all of our differences.

She stayed with him, all through the crucifixion. She was present at the tomb. She washed his feet with expensive oil, incurring the wrath of Judas, Jesus' betrayer. She was strong, independent, and full of the love of God. She was Mary Magdeline. In honor of Mother's Day (which is next week, but we'll be taking next week off) we honor all the great women of the Bible - Esther, Rachel, Jochebed (the mother of Moses) and of course Mary, the mother of Christ. For all women, stay strong, stay loving, and continue to anchor us to the word of God.

In this episode, we talk about the rest after the work – and asking for help. In Matthew 11: 28-30, Jesus speaks to us:  “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.  For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” Jesus acknowledges all the hard work John the Baptist has done in preparing people for the coming of Christ – and he knows the persecution John has received because of it. Jesus offers a resting place – he offers to carry your burdens – your cross. You don’t have to carry it on your own anymore. Have you ever felt alone in working hard? Have you ever asked for help or do you try to endure all by yourself? As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

This is a VERY quick podcast with only me talking. I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover for our jewish friends. Death is not a favorable topic, but it's something we inevitably face, usually with a loved one passing away. I think the greatest gift Jesus has given us is the lesson that death is not to be feared - and that if you believe in the spirit, you know your spirit will live on, long after the body passes away. Be uplifted, give love and receive the love others have to give. Remember - Jesus thought enough of you to die for you. Think enough of him to live for him. God bless everyone and Happy Easter.

What is Evil? Is it a demon that conjures hateful and destructive thoughts in people to do bad things? Is it what Freud would call the battle between conscience and desire? Is it the wrath of God? Bad things happen to us all the time and we ask why - and is there a daemonic presence that keeps us from enjoying life? Deb is back with us (Craig and I) and we all explore evil from all angles: the psychological, historical, political and from a christian perspective. We use Jesus' words to the Pharises and his disciples regarding what comes out of us - our internal spiritual life - as opposed to what enters us (outside forces). Though we do need to take care of what we take in our spiritual lives, what we put out in the world defines who we are. The question for me is not what is evil, but how strong is my faith to endure the evils of life. As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.

Coming Home. Holding on to grudges. Dealing with others' glory while you work hard and appear to receive no compensation. These are the topics we focus on as we explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son, told in Luke 15: 11-32. Craig and I explore the three characters in the story - the younger son, who takes his father's wealth, blows it, hits rock bottom then comes home. The Father, that embraces the son instead of scolding him for his past indiscretions. Then there's the older son, who has been dutiful, but refuses to enter the party for the younger son, feeling the younger son didn't deserve the party. There are multiple morals - for the older son, to not focus on what others have and whether it's fair or not, but to focus on your relationship with God; for the father, to embrace those who want to come home and not hold on to old grudges; and for the son, that no matter what you've done in the past and how low you have gone - you can always come home.

We’ve talked in the past on this podcast about pain and endurance – seeing the other side and believing in a better future than being stuck in pessimism. We revisit this as we jump into John 16:20-24, as Jesus teaches his disciples that there will be tears and sorrow, but it will be followed by joy – the key is your belief. It seems, this past two weeks, I’ve been surrounded by death. Our good friend Jeff Thompson died after a long illness; there have been news of suicides as a result of not being able to get over past pain – and today’s political climate has many people in despair. Craig and I look to this scripture and the Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13: 6-9) – what’s interesting about the parable is that it ends ambiguously. Will the fig tree eventually bear fruit? Will it die? We are the fig tree – we can choose to live or die. It depends on your faith and your belief. Not just believing in God. Believing in yourself. Believing in a positive future. If you are feeling depressed and have considered suicide, I urge you to think positive and talk to someone about it. People love you and care for you. The National Suicide Hotline is there for you: 1-800-273-TALK (or 8255). You can also go online: www.suicidepreventionhotline.org . Don’t let the moments of “now” block you from seeing a beautiful future. As always, let us know what you think and feel on this podcast, via on facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@Reg_Clay) and Deb Carriger (@DLCarriger) and we hope you have a blessed week.